Monthly Meeting

The monthly meeting of the Paris Landing Tourism League (PLTL) will be held Tuesday, September 10th, at 6 pm at the Senior Center inside the Paris Landing Emergency Complex.

Hope to see you there!

Paris Lakeway Kiwanis Club Arts and Crafts Festival

 This Weekend!

September 7-8

Paris Lakeway Kiwanis Club Arts and Crafts Festival

Paris Landing State Park

For more information: email: donlyme@outlook.com  or Facebook 

 

Come Play With Us!

 

Catfish Still Biting

Kentucky Lake 8-21-24

By Steve McCadams, Professional Guide/Outdoor Writer (stevemc@charter.net)

LATE SUMMER CATFISH BITE STILL UNDERWAY PLUS WHITE BASS ACTIVITY

August is fading fast but the summer catfish bite along the main Tennessee River channel area is holding up well. Cat fishermen continue to score some dandy stringers while stalking the edge of the main channel area in depths of 40 to 50 feet. Whenever there’s current moving it flips the switch for catfish to go on the prowl. Overall, the bite has been consistent whenever TVA is pulling current.

This week the flow has been in the range of 26,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) and that stirred up the schools of threadfin and gizzard shad enough to put a bend in the poles of anglers out there bumping bottom or sometimes fishing suspended around the balls of baitfish.

Cooler weather earlier this week offered another touch of fall. Chilly mornings had anglers donning long sleeve shirts, but it appears the honeymoon with a cool spell will be short lived. While the cool fronts sure feel nice, the northeast winds associated with the cool fronts are not friendly to fishermen. It usually means whitecaps in the big open water areas of Kentucky Lake. The weatherman indicates hot days are returning with highs climbing back to the mid 90’s by early next week. August sometimes tricks anglers with a cool day now and then but it usually holds up to its hot and humid reputation till the very end.

The catfish bite has held up well as of late with most anglers using nightcrawlers for their bait of choice. There are always going to be experiments by cat fishermen trying out various bait presentations ranging from chicken liver to cut bait, shrimp and hot dogs or something unusual. Scores of commercial catfish baits work great too.

Meanwhile, a few reports of schooling white bass have come it as of late. On the calm days some surface activity has been seen along the edges of the main river channel sandbars. Big schools of baitfish meandering along get the attention of these aggressive white bass who chase them out over shallow areas. The shad some to the surface in a last-ditch attempt to flee from the aggressive white bass who put on a feeding frenzy like a pack of wolves in hot pursuit.

Tossing a chrome-colored spoon, white Rooster Tail or any similar lure that mimics a swimming shad will pay dividends. Hitting the peak of a big school of white bass erupting is one of fishing’s finest moments. Action is fast and furious.

From the summer bass bite has come mediocre reports from anglers chasing after what has been a somewhat sluggish attitude for hot August bass outings. Fishing the main lake ledges has produced a few fish at times by anglers tossing big deep diving crankbaits and big Texas rigged worms. However, the overall reports indicate anglers have been slugging it out in the trenches.

Crappie have been somewhat sluggish as well with low numbers of fish taken during the hot spells. The number of anglers has dwindled lately whenever heat waves take over. Most are waiting on cooler weather to get here and stay here.

September days are on the threshold!

Full Moon On The Lake Last Night

 

CATFISH BITE CONTINUES…WHITE BASS INCONSISTENT

 Kentucky Lake 8-14-24

By Steve McCadams, Professional Guide/Outdoor Writer (stevemc@charter.net)

The best bite going for the mid-summer fishing scene here on Kentucky Lake has been catfishing. Both the bite and the weather have been pretty hot! Lake levels continue to fall slowly on the path of TVA’s winter drawdown schedule. Elevation this week has dropped to 357, which is down several inches from last week at this time. Surface temperatures have been in the 86-to-89-degree range.

Nice stringers of channel catfish, along with a few blues, are being caught by a few fishermen who have mastered the deep-water techniques of the Tennessee River. Thanks to a pretty steady flow of current lately through Kentucky Dam moving water has worked in favor of the catfishing scene. Most days TVA has been pulling water in the rate of 33,000 cubic feet per second (cfs). Some days less but holding around that range and that’s enough to stimulate movement of bait fish. When the current is moving it stimulates schools of shad to meander around, feeding on zooplankton throughout the water column.

That scenario within the food chain spells success for cat fishermen out near the main channel banks or humps in deeper depths of 40 to 55 feet. While most anglers choose to bump bottom with a double hook rig---hooks are often tied a couple of feet apart on drop loops---sometimes the fish may be suspended. Closely watching the movement of balls of baitfish, accomplished anglers monitor closely the depth of the bait and adjust their bait presentation accordingly. Sophisticated sonar units even help identify the whereabouts of the larger fish, helping anglers pinpoint their bait presentation.

A lot of the better boxes of fish taken are from those anglers who do just that. They mark the fish on their screens and attempt to put the bait right smack dab in the face of the fish! Productive bait choices always seem to have nightcrawlers on the list. Chicken liver, cut bait, hot dogs dipped in commercial concoctions are but a few of the more popular choices being credited for catches. There are always a few cat fishermen mixing up their own recipes of magic potions. As long as the current keeps flowing the main channel area catfish bite should hold up.

Bass fishing has been sluggish for most. Reports have trickled from anglers targeting the main lake ledges with big deep diving crankbaits, Texas rigged worms, swim baits and some jigging spoons. There have been some anglers finding locating a few isolated schools of base chasing shad while mixed in with some white bass.

White bass (stripes) have been seen busting the surface out in the main lake areas, but sightings of schooling fish have been inconsistent. Those catching a few white bass credit their catches to the use of white Rooster Tails and some silver-colored jigging spoons.

Isolated reports have come in from a few summer crappie anglers working the main lake ledges around depths of 18 to 25 feet. They credit their catch to the use of live minnows in most reports.

National Honeybee Day at The Park

 

Monthly Meeting This Tuesday

The monthly meeting of the Paris Landing Tourism League (PLTL) will be held Tuesday, August 13th, at 6 pm at the Senior Center inside the Paris Landing Emergency Complex.

Hope to see you there!

Beautiful Day!

 

Paris Landing State Park 

Just now  · 

Beautiful day for a picnic at Paris Landing State Park!

CATFISH/WHITE BASS BITE DEPENDENT ON CURRENT

Kentucky Lake 8-8-24

By Steve McCadams, Professional Guide/Outdoor Writer (stevemc@charter.net)

Decent stringers of catfish continue to show up in the creel of mid-summer anglers. Scattered sightings of surface schooling white bass have also been reported but the activity has been inconsistent. Despite hot weather a few anglers are still hitting the lake in the early morning and logging a few hours of fishing but throwing in the towel when a stubborn sun takes over and calls the shots.

Kentucky Lake’s elevation continues to fall slowly and is pretty much on schedule for TVA’s winter drawdown that began July 1. Lake levels this week were in the 357.4 range at Kentucky Dam, which is down a few inches from last week. Surface temperatures reflect the warm weather and are hanging around the 89-to-92-degree range. Some brief periods of cool weather offered a short reprieve from the hot and humid dog days of summer, but the honeymoon was short as August is living up to its hot reputation.

Current out on the main Tennessee River channel has a lot of influence on the midsummer catfish bite. There have been a few decent reports from successful anglers whenever the flow was stimulating the shad schools to move about. Other days a downright sluggish bite was the norm as a lack of current turns off the aggressive bite as balls of baitfish just don’t meander about when stagnant water takes over.

Lately TVA has been pushing some water through Kentucky Dam at a rate of 28,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) and that is enough to produce a decent bite and put ole’ whiskers on the prowl. However, when current fades away so does the bite. Catfish have been taken in the 40-to-50-foot depth range. Some even deeper at times. Watching the sonar screen and monitoring the depths and locations of schooling shad helps locate the catfish, which are usually laying right there with them. Experienced anglers have learned to pinpoint the whereabouts of larger fish too, adjusting their bait and depth presentation right in the face of finicky fish.

Nightcrawlers, cut bait, chicken livers and a host of commercial baits have paid dividends. Unfortunately, the old tried and true bait that is no longer available for most fishermen are catalpa worms.

Scattered reports of surface feeding frenzies from schooling white bass are coming in from across the reservoir. August is usually prime time for these aggressive feeders that tear up the surface once they corral a school of shad and push them over shallow sandbars. Found mostly near the main Tennessee River channel banks that rise up to shallow sandbars, white bass bust the surface on a calm day as they ambush schools of threadfin and gizzard shad. It is indeed one of fishing’s finest hours to be in the midst of a white bass jump, commonly referred to as stripes. These aggressive gamefish put up a fight. Average size is usually in the ¾ to 1-pound range, but they often grow bigger. They all fight.

About the best approach is to cruise the edges of the river channel, keeping a sharp eye out for surface activity. In the mouth of some of the large bays that empty into the main channel are likely spots.

Some bass fishermen are still working the main lake ledges tossing mostly Texas rigged worms, Carolina rigs, swim baits and huge deep diving crankbaits.

Summer crappie have been showing up too but in low numbers. Most successful anglers credit their catches to deep structure in the 18-to-25-foot depth range while using live minnows for bait.

Meteor Shower Skywatch

Paris Landing State Park 

The Perseid meteor shower is Monday night, August 12 to August 13. Join us at Camp Hazlewood for the free celestial show! Registration closes on Friday August 9th.

 

If You Haven't Renewed Your Membership Yet ....

 

PLTL Dues are due every July.

Individual supporter: $25 - Family supporters: $50 - Businesses $100 

Need more information? Please visit our website at:  visitparislanding.com

Make check payable to: PLTL (Paris Landing Tourism League)

Mail to:   160 Shady Hill Drive, Buchanan, TN 38222

Thank You!  Thank You Very Much!

We Can't Do This Without You!

AUGUST HEAT DOMINATES FISHING SCENE

 Kentucky Lake 8-1-24

By Steve McCadams, Professional Guide/Outdoor Writer (stevemc@charter.net)

August is living up to its mid-summer reputation as a hot and humid month. The dog days of summer are here and the extended spell of heat with a forecast of days filled with a three-digit heat index are calling the shots for fishermen. Lake levels this week were in the 337.8 range, which is down a few inches from last week. The reservoir is falling slowly and staying pretty much on schedule for Tennessee Valley Authority’s drawdown. Surface temperatures were in the 88-to-92-degree range. Watercolor is clear.

Kentucky Lake’s fishing scene has been a bit sluggish for most anglers, many of which are dodging the heat altogether while a few die-hard anglers are still slugging it out but hitting the lake in the early morning hours. One improvement has been noted from the catfishing department where increased current out there along the Tennessee River channel has improved the bite. Tennessee Valley Authority increased flows lately through Kentucky Dam. Discharge rates lately have been in the 31,000 to 35,000 cubic feet per second (cfs). That can vary from day to day depending on power demands and rainfall.

Last week some decent stringers were reported by anglers targeting the 45 to 55 depth range. The increase in current stimulated more movement from schools of shad roaming about and feeding on plankton. Once the shad respond to increased current the schools of catfish are right there with them, taking on more interest with increased feeding sprees. The more the shad move around the better the catfish bite.

Meanwhile, bass anglers report a mediocre bite from main lake ledges where most anglers are focusing their efforts in hopes of finding a few schooling bass. Most reports say anglers are slugging it out in the trenches and having to earn bites from finicky fish. There were a few bright spots from some anglers who indicated the fish responded favorably when the main river current increased on sandbars. Tossing big crankbaits and working a big Texas rigged worm in the 9 to 10-inch length gave up a few bites. So did some swim baits worked along the edge of the drop-offs plus slow retrieves of Carolina rigs. Some resorted to jigging spoons as well.

White bass schooling and busting the surface at times seemed to be inconsistent. Anglers were seeing a few but not many big schools were seen on aggressive feeding sprees, but that scenario should improve as August and early September usually produce the best surface feeding frenzies. Those main lake sandbars should see baitfish activity lure the white bass on calm days. It can get real good real quick once the white bass turn on.

Keep a couple rods rigged and ready with a white Rooster Tail or Mepps spinner in a chrome color. Slab spoons will work too. Anything that mimics a shad darting through the water will usually get results. A few scattered mayfly hatches continue to show up out around the main river shorelines and island rims. Some bass and bluegill are always nearby.

Summer crappie continue to be taken by anglers using mostly minnows while working main lake ledges in depths of 18 to 25 feet. Most are using bottom bumping rigs to feel the structure as the fish are holding around deep brush piles, stake beds and stumps. Reports have come in from a few crappie holding in midrange depths of 14 to 15 feet around manmade fish attractors.

With the heat dominating the fishing scene some bass, crappie and white bass fishermen have resorted to night fishing.

Lunch & Learn This Friday

Make a reservation for this Lunch & Learn 731-642-1030 to support the Legacy and Heritage of this distinctive historical and cultural and architectural building's future. E.W.Grove historian David Webb will discuss the merits and the challenges the building presents as a key historical and cultural landmark, on the landscape of time and located on the highest point in West Tennessee.

August 2nd at Noon

614 N. Poplar St., Paris, Tn 38242

Preserving & Purposing E.W. Grove Building

731-642-1030

director@phchc.com; reservations are limited, r.s.v.p soon!

SLIGHTLY LOWER LAKE LEVELS AND COOLER TEMPS FOR ANGLERS

 Kentucky Lake 7-24-24

By Steve McCadams, Professional Guide/Outdoor Writer (stevemc@charter.net)

 Fishermen are turning the page on the calendar as July fades into August. Since last week the Kentucky Lake fishing scene has experienced slightly cooler temperatures and lake levels continue to fall slowly while still pretty much on schedule for TVA’s drawdown. Lake levels at Kentucky Dam were hanging around the 358.2 range but saw a slight fluctuation a few days in the aftermath of some thunderstorms that drenched the region. Some days fishermen had to dig out the raingear. Surface temperatures were staying in the 82-to-86-degree range. Watercolor remains clear.

At midweek a slight increase in discharge rates at Kentucky Dam added a little more current to the Tennessee River channel. TVA had increased it to 26,000 cfs (cubic feet per second) at midweek, which increased some from last week’s sluggish flow.

The summer catfish bite has been somewhat below average the last week or two due to low flows. It should improve as more water pushing through the system usually stimulates the bite. Most cat fishermen lately have reported below average numbers of blue and channel catfish in their daily creel. Usually those stalking the main river channel banks this time of year are drifting slowly with the current while bottom bumping depths of 40 to 50 feet. Lately the catfish bite has been somewhat lethargic. When schools of baitfish are not roaming it curtails the activity of schools of catfish, resulting in a diminished bite. That scenario can vary from day to day once increased current enters the picture.

The summer crappie picture has held up decent for a few veteran anglers which have deep main lake structure in their sights. Depths of 18 to 25 feet have given up a few fish when anglers target that deep structure. Once hot weather kicks in most summer crappie anglers rely on the use of live minnows. However, some choose to tip a jig with a minnow to entice bites from finicky fish. There have been a few fish still lurking around midrange stake beds and brush piles in the 14-foot depth range but most of the better stringers are coming from deeper structures.

Scattered and inconsistent reports of white bass in the jumps have been witnessed out along the edge of the main river channel and adjacent sandbars. The schools of minnows attract the aggressive white bass at times, resulting in surface feeding frenzies when they corral shad and push them out over shallow areas. Anglers can expect the white bass feeding sprees to improve throughout August as lower lake levels and schooling baitfish during the calm dog days of summer reveal the whereabouts of both baitfish and white bass on the prowl.

Still stalking the main lake ledges have been avid summer bass anglers tossing their arsenal of big deep diving crankbaits, swimbaits, Carolina rigs, Texas rigged worms plus some jigging spoons at times. Like the cat fishermen summer bass anglers rely on current to help their cause. Moving water helps put minnows around structure as they seek areas of eddies that form on the down current sides of logs, tree laps and bridge piers. Find the minnows and you’ll find some bass. Without current the schools of baitfish roam, which makes it tough on the shallow water bite.

Those fishing main lake ledges know that deep sandbar irregularities or humps can divert the current just enough to attract schools of baitfish to their locale with bass hot on their trail. Bass anglers are usually glued to the screens of their sonar units attempting to find balls of baitfish activity. Anglers closely monitor the depth of baitfish while watching for bigger fish sightings as the bass attempt an ambush. Lately the bite has been challenging for most summer bass fishermen but that too can change at the drop of a hat once the current picks up.

A few mayfly hatches have been underway with some big hatches occurring around the thunderstorms. Seems fly hatches are triggered by the sudden low-pressure surge of thunderstorms. Both bass fishermen and some pan fishermen who love tossing ultralight tackle can find fast action once low overhangs are discovered. They provide a canopy of shade loaded with a buffet, so bass and bluegill seize the opportunity.

The midsummer dog days are here!

Dues Are Due

 

PLTL Dues are due every July.

Individual supporter: $25 - Family supporters: $50 - Businesses $100 

Need more information? Please visit our website at:  visitparislanding.com

Make check payable to: PLTL (Paris Landing Tourism League)

Mail to:   160 Shady Hill Drive, Buchanan, TN 38222

Thank You!  Thank You Very Much!

We Can't Do This Without You!

COOL SPELL LONG OVERDUE FOR ANGLERS EVERYWHERE

Kentucky Lake 7-17-24

By Steve McCadams, Professional Guide/Outdoor Writer (stevemc@charter.net)

A cool spell that lowered temperatures and humidity the last few days was long overdue for the Kentucky Lake fishing scene. Anglers got a little pep in their step as temperatures were actually forecast to be slightly below average for a few days. Nighttime lows are projected to fall into the upper 60’s a few nights with daytime highs expecting to stay in the upper 80’s for a short period. That sure beats the three-digit heat index that has hung over the entire region for the last few weeks. No doubt the heat has curtailed fishing for most folks so the cool spell should stimulate the fishing scene to some degree.

Lake levels this week have fallen to the 358.4 range at Kentucky Dam, which is down a few inches from last week. That’s still pretty much holding true to TVA’s drawdown schedule. Watercolor remains clear. Surface temperatures reflect the extended hot spell that held a grip for the last several weeks as reading are in the 88-to-92-degree range. Anglers might see a slight change in the surface temps this week. No doubt the lower humidity has already improved out there on the lake, especially when escorted by a light breeze.

Summer crappie fishing is still holding up for those brave enough to battle the heat. It should feel better out there these next few days. Successful anglers credit their catching to fishing live minnows in the 18-to-25-foot depth range. There have been a few positive reports, so the heat has not totally curtailed the fishing scene.

Sluggish current in the main Tennessee River has not stimulated an aggressive summer bite from catfish but that often varies from day to day. The current has a big influence on the movement of baitfish and the overall bite. Some decent stringers were taken by anglers targeting the 40 to 50 depth range. Their baits of choice always seem to be nightcrawlers, chicken livers, cut bait or various commercial concoctions found at the local bait shop.

Scattered sighting of white bass activity has been reported but the surface activity has been inconsistent. A few jumps out along the edge of the main river channel or other main lake sandbars have been seen on calm days. Watch for increased surface activity from schooling white bass in the weeks ahead as lower lake levels in August arrive seems to always offer more chances of finding a feeding frenzy. Keep a white Rooster Tail, chrome colored Little George or Hopkins Spoon tied on and ready.

Scattered reports from bass anglers hitting the main lake ledges have come in. Some have even resorted to night fishing hoping to beat the heat that dominated most of July. Tossing big Texas rigged worms, swim baits, Caroline rigs, deep diving crankbaits or hopping a jig with various trailers added on have produced a few sluggish summer bass. Sometimes both largemouth and white bass will team up on schools of shad out there on the sandbars, pushing them to the surface in their last-ditch effort to escape the onslaught. It’s quick action if you’re within casting distance. Tons of fast fun!

Mayflies are always a part of the summer fishing scene. Their hatches occur throughout the summer months and all the way into early September. Lately some bass fishermen have been targeting the hatches and picking up some activity while tossing topwater lures and Rooster Tail type spinners.

A few bluegill have been feeding on the abundance of mayflies too. Tossing ultralight grubs and beetle spin type lures plus live crickets cast on bobbers has yielded results.

Go 'in Fishing? Better Get Up Early

 Kentucky Lake 7-11-24

By Steve McCadams, Professional Guide/Outdoor Writer (stevemc@charter.net)

SUMMER DAZE REQUIRES ANGLES RISE EARLY

Kentucky Lake fishermen best set the alarm and rise early. In order to beat the heat anglers are rising to the occasion, hitting the water long before the sun rises high in the sky. Wise are the fishermen who launch the boat in the wee hours of the morning and motor to their starting spot early. The summer fishing scene will again hit the three-digit heat index in the days ahead says the weather wizards.

Early morning fishing trips have not been all bad as of late. Some increase in activity has been reported by cat fishermen in addition to crappie and bass anglers. And there are a few reports of scattered sightings of white bass jumps out on main lake sandbars adjacent to the main Tennessee River channel. A slight increase in current the last few days has helped the overall bite somewhat. Tennessee Valley Authority increased discharge rates to over 24,000 cfs (cubic feet per second) at Kentucky Dam but flows have been low as of late.

Lake levels show the elevation to be around 358.7 range. That’s down a few inches from last weekend. Watercolor remains clear. Surface temperatures are in the 88-to-92-degree range.

A sluggish catfish bite should show signs of improvement as increased current will help stimulate additional movement from schools of baitfish. Depths of 45 to 50 feet have been giving up a few fish as have some suspended schools of baitfish/catfish showing up on sonar screens in the 40-foot depth range. Popular bait choices continue to be nightcrawlers, chicken livers, cut-bait, hot dogs marinated in a host of manmade concoctions and several different commercial stink baits.

Some stringers of crappie have been taken by anglers using mostly live minnow presentations on main lake areas. Finding brush piles and stake beds or deep stump rows in the 18-to-25-foot depth range have given up several crappie. There are a few fish still residing in manmade fish attractors located in the 14-foot depth range. Some anglers are using jigs or tipping jigs with minnows to entice bites from finicky fish. Others are resorting to live minnow presentations exclusively.

Mayfly hatches have occurred on a regular basis along the main river shorelines as well as some island rims and backwater bays. Seems the hatches have really emerged whenever a thunderstorm occurs as that seems to trigger this natural phenomenon. Some decent reports by anglers finding bass and bluegill beneath the shady canopies of overhanging willows have come in despite the hot weather.

Bass anglers banging away at main lake ledges have found the bite to be sluggish as of late. Perhaps the increase in current could also help that situation. More schools of shad should begin to move about and feed on plankton as the current increases. The bass bite on the ledges should reflect that and improve. Not all bass are deep as some have been taken around the mayfly hatches. Seems the hatches always bring activity to their whereabouts.

Lunch & Learn at the Heritage Center

 PRESERVING AND PURPOSING E.W. GROVE BUILDING...David Webb, with a love of History and a love of community will tell the compelling story and make the plea for preserving and purposing E.W. Grove for the Legacy and enrichment of the community at home and at large. This building and the legacy that it has created over the years must stand proudly for future generations to revere!

LUNCH & LEARN

AUGUST 2ND-FRIDAY, NOON

HERITAGE CENTER, AT CAVITT PLACE

731-642-1030

director@phchc.com; reservations are limited, r.s.v.p soon!

Annual Membership Drive

Annual Membership Fees Due In July
Click here for an application form.

Individual supporter: $25

Family supporters: $50

Businesses $100 

The PLTL is self-funded.  We  do not receive any grant money or government funding.  The only monies we receive come from membership fees, donations, events we sponsor or help sponsor, and fund raisers.  Your participation and donations are greatly appreciated. 

This past year, membership fees were used to help support Santa's Night Of Lights Holiday Event at Paris Landing State Park, the Annual Ferry STOC Motor Cycle Ride, and to manage our website and Facebook page. We also vended (raised funds) at Piney Campers Fair to help support a silent auction and kayak give a way. We are always on the lookout for more opportunities to help or support.

These events give us more opportunities to pass out information and encourage people to visit Paris Landing and our social media.  During the last 12 months we had more than 78K visitors to our website and another 76k to our Facebook page. 

 Visit http://visitparislanding.blogspot.com/p/about.html   for more information on memberships.

If you have questions please contact:

Email:  visitparislanding@yahoo.com

Sara Jones, President  - Phone 731-819-6362

Click here for an application form.

Please print and mail application to:

160 Shady Hill Drive, Buchanan, TN 38222

Thank you for your support.  

We can’t do this without you.