Fishing Report

 Kentucky Lake 9-12-24

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

ANGLERS/BOATERS AWAIT BACKSIDE OF HURRICANE FRANCINE

All across the region outdoorsmen of all sorts---anglers, pleasure boaters, hunters, hikers, etc. ---are waiting to see what the aftermath of Hurricane Francine will bring to the area. Weathermen across the board are talking high winds, thunderstorms and potential for flooding rains. Seems odd to be talking about flooding as the whole region has been under a drought for quite some time. From one extreme to the other it appears.

Kentucky Lake’s elevation in the Kentucky Dam sector has been around 355.9 and not changing much lately due to a lack of rain. Surface temperatures have cooled a bit and are now around 79 degrees. Watercolor remains clear. Anglers are anticipating a big change these next few days. Heavy rains could see lake levels rise. Thunderstorms and gale winds are reason for concern. Not a good time to be out there on the big lake during potential storm conditions. Meanwhile, the area needs water. Low flows in the Tennessee River lately have greatly diminished current and that’s had a negative impact on the catfish bite to some degree.

The flow in the main channel could change dramatically by early next week if heavy rains drop downpours which is what’s predicted. If that happens the catfish bite may rebound quickly by early next week.

Crappie fishing has been improving. Numbers of fish have increased lately for anglers fishing midrange depths of 8 to 13 feet. Some deeper brush piles in the 16-to-20-foot depth range have produced as well at times. Most anglers credit their catches to vertical fishing jigs, but some are always tipping with minnows to enhance the bite. Now that shad have moved up the crappie have too. Some credit their catches to casting jigs. Others are tossing jigs and minnows beneath slip bobbers as the presentation allows easy depth regulation over shallow structure. The crappie bite should hold up well throughout the fall as long as light winds and stable weather allow anglers for move about on the big lake. Look for stability to return soon.

Bass fishing has been fair for a few attempting to locate smallmouth and some schooling largemouth out on main lake ledges. At times a few bass have been found schooling in the backs of large bays on the eastern side of the lake. Finding big schools of shad is the key. Both white bass and largemouth have been busting the surface at times when they tear holes in the water on a feeding frenzy. Tossing chrome colored Rattle Traps and similar shad-colored crankbaits has been productive. Watch for the presence of gull activity to help you locate the baitfish. Those working the main lake ledges are tossing Carolina rigs, Texas rigged worms, big crankbaits and finesse swim baits trying to trigger strikes from sluggish bass.

Right now, many fishermen are in a “wait and see” mode due to the approaching weather patterns as it could indeed be a game changer for the Kentucky Lake fishing scene. Once Francine has passed through there could be some nice temps and fall fishing conditions ahead.

Fall officially arrives Sunday, September 22nd.