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.