Brought to you by: Fishtale Lodge
Steve McCadams'
Kentucky Lake Fishing Report for:
September 13th, 2002
Anglers finally got a reprieve
from the doldrums days of summer this week as cooler conditions arrived
and chased away the hot and humid conditions.
Surface temperatures are falling as north winds have put a little chill
in the air. Earlier this week surface temperatures were in the 82 to 85
degree range but look for a decrease of four to five degrees this
weekend.
Observed lake levels at Kentucky Dam this week were 355.8 and stable at
midweek. Upstream at New Johnsonville the reading was 355.5. Lake levels
are expected to be stable this weekend.
Crappie has improved this week with several fish already moving into the
9 to 13 foot zones. Action there should improve next week with the
cooler conditions too.
Earlier this week I started my days fishing deep ledges and drop-offs in
the main lake. However, fish were scattered on the deep sides of the
ledges in the 16 to 20 foot zones. A few good fish were taken but no
concentration.
At midday I decided to try some stake beds and brush piles with a
vertical presentation of jigs and minnows. Action was good as several
fish were there and eager to bite.
I found the most success with unpainted lead head jigs sporting a sliver
skirt and tipped with either a minnow or Berkley Power Crappie Nibble.
Another color producing was an orange and green pumpkin pepper combo
tube skirt.
There's a lot of fish in the transition pattern already. Although
several fish are just barely reaching the 10-inch minimum length limit,
there's a lot of fun to be had right now and action is much improved
over last week.
Bass activity has also improved with increased action around shallow
gravel banks and aquatic vegetation. Spinnerbaits and jerk baits are
accounting for some good stringers. Several fish are hitting top water
too.
Shallow running Rat-l-Traps in the chrome and black colors were
producing as were jerk baits like rattling Rouges, Bango lures, and
Rebel's Pop-R.
A few bass are relating to structure such as shallow stumps and visible
crappie beds. Working worms and jigs around visible cover is producing
several small fish.
Catfish are still holding up with good reports from anglers working the
main river channel in depths of 25 to 35 foot depths. Nightcrawlers,
leeches and chicken livers have been the baits of choice.
With fall patterns finally getting underway, anglers can expect some
good fishing in the weeks ahead.
Meanwhile, lake levels are such that boaters need to use caution when
making shortcuts across main lake sandbars. At this time of year it's
wise to pay close attention to channel markers.
For The Lake Barkley Report
Click Here
For Other Kentucky Lake Fishing Reports
Click Here
Steve McCadams
is a professional hunting and fishing guide
here in the
Paris Landing area and host of The Outdoor Channel's television series IN-PURSUIT.
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