Oct 19, 2026
Oct 18, 2026
Steve McCadams' Fishing Report
Steve McCadams
Cooler Conditions Should Boost Fishing Scene
Report for October 16, 2026
Kentucky Lake’s fishing scene has seen a mixture of weather the last week to ten days. Thanks to an overdue cool spell that descended on the region late last week there has been a nip in the air.
The change was welcomed by area anglers as several days last week were hot and above average as to day time highs.
Surface temperatures have been dropping in the aftermath of the cool front. Late last week readings were hanging on to the 71 degree range. By time you read this the reservoir should be down in the mid 60’s range.
That will perk up the fall fishing scene a bit. A little frost on the pumpkin wouldn’t be all bad.
Lake levels have been low. Elevation dipped down to the 354.7 range earlier this week, the lowest reading thus far since TVA began winter fall drawdown back in the early summer.
Also low have been discharge rates through Kentucky Dam up until this week. Last week TVA was pulling only 14,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) through Kentucky Dam but discharge rates have now increased to over 50,000 cfs.
Heavy rains in the aftermath of the hurricane fell across portions of middle and east Tennessee and that water is now moving through the system.
Last week the region was concerned about the aftermath of hurricane conditions that entered the Gulf and threatened to bring heavy rains to our area. It didn’t happen.
TVA was prepared as lower elevations on a lot of its reservoirs was prepared to absorb a lot of runoff. The agency had ample storage capacity had we gotten flooding rains.
Presently, portions of the region are still a bit thirsty and could use a good soaking rain.
Crappie fishing has been sort of hit and miss for a lot of anglers as of late. Some decent stringers have been taken but the shallow bite has been slow to materialize.
That is in the process of changing as the cool spell will lower surface temperatures across the lake and that should see a few more crappie and bass move toward shallow bays and shorelines.
Schools of shad were already seen roaming backwater bays on those stagnant calm days last week. Large numbers of threadfin shad were roaming about.
Anglers prior to the cool snap were having to back out to deeper main lake ledges, testing depths of 13 to 17 feet at times to corral stubborn crappie. Decent numbers were taken from deeper water by anglers tightlining both jigs and live minnows.
Trouble with the live bait presentations were battling the aggressive yellow bass that devoured live minnows like a school of piranha with a taste of blood. Schooling yellow bass were cleaning the hooks of anglers as fast as they could drop down and attempt to stalk submerged brushpiles and stakebeds.
The schooling yellow bass are a nuisance at times and will eat up your minnow supply quickly.
Best to pick up and move to another spot in a last-ditch effort to preserve the minnow bucket supply. Once they occupy an area they’re like green flies at a picnic.
Crappie fishermen have been trying to locate fish in the shallow areas such as 6 to 9 foot depths. There they discovered big numbers of small fish. Finding a few 10-inch keeper has been challenging in shallow structure.
That scenario should rapidly improve this week so anglers are likely to see an improved bite in the shallow to midrange depths.
Bass fishermen have been slugging it out in the trenches too. It has been tough out there for most.
Some boaters have remained in a summer pattern while attempting to locate some schooling fish on main lake ledges. It has been very challenging at times.
As more shad move up the shallow topwater bite should improve along gravel banks, especially in the early morning and later afternoon lowlight conditions.
Tossing chrome and blue colored Rattle Trap style lures has worked but covering a lot of water has been required. Bass were roaming and in pursuit of shad schools that were out on the main lake sandbars and back in bays as well.
Whenever a little wind was present the bite improved. On those stagnant days when the lake was like a mirror the bite has been sluggish.
Oct 13, 2026
Oct 12, 2026
Monthly Meeting
The monthly meeting of the Paris Landing Tourism League (PLTL) will be held Tuesday, October 13th, at 6 pm at the large pavilion at Paris Landing State Park.
Hope to see you there!Oct 4, 2026
Sep 28, 2026
Blood River Beagle Blowout
The Lake Lodge at Paris Landing was proud to host the guys for The Blood River Beagle Blowout field trial competition this weekend 
A Good time was had by all and we were Blessed with perfect weather
Sep 21, 2026
Chili Cook-Off
Got a killer chili recipe? Just love to make chili? Enter it in our annual chili contest. only $5 to enter, winner gets prizes and their name forever on our chili cookoff trophy!
Sep 18, 2026
Sep 12, 2026
Fishing Scene Awaits Fall's Arrival
Report for September 11, 2026
By Steve McCadams
Kentucky Lake’s fishing scene is anxious for fall’s arrival. The wait will soon be over. Seasons officially transition September 22, which is next Tuesday.
Anglers know that doesn’t automatically mean cooler days will immediately descend. However, just knowing autumn’s arrival is here on the calendar makes it feel better out there on the lake and in the woods.
There’s already that feel in the air. Something special is taking place, one falling leaf at a time.
Lake levels have been hovering around the 356.2 range. Not a lot of change since last week. It has been hot and dry across the TVA valley.
Not much current moving in the main Tennessee River channel lately due to lack of rain. TVA has decreased discharge rates at Kentucky Dam as only 20,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) were passing through the gates.
Water color remains clear. Surface temperatures was holding in the 85 degree range.
It’s high time we had some cool nights creating those early fall foggy mornings.
Every fisherman is yearning for jacket mornings and shirt sleeve afternoons. Bring on the chill and a few goosebumps.
Sluggish current in the main channel has curtailed the bite for catfish this week. A few are being caught but lack of flow diminishes the movement of baitfish. When the schools of shad quit moving in low flows the catfish go lethargic.
The hot and dry conditions haven’t produced runoff so diminished flow means a diminished bite for catfishermen as of late. That will change whenever the current resumes.
A few crappie have been taken in the 11 to 14 foot depth range in early morning and late afternoons when lowlight conditions aid the bite.
Anglers credit their catches to jigs tipped with live minnows. Some are using live minnows exclusively and scoring a few reluctant crappie to bite.
Whenever cloud cover and perhaps some rainy days return watch for the bite to resume. Cooler days will help lower surface temps too, bringing more fish shallow.
The bass bite has also been sluggish due to slow current and a lack of cloud cover on the hot days. In the early morning hours and perhaps late afternoon the bite has been the best. Those bright sunny days when the sun is bearing down and daytime highs are in the mid 90’s has made it tough out there.
A few bass were on shallow gravel banks in early morning hours and just before dark. Tossing topwater and shallow running shad colored crankbaits have accounted for a few bites.
Still targeting the main lake ledges are some boats seeking smallmouth and some schooling largemouth. At times a few schools of white bass are busting the surface and roaming largemouth and smallmouth were running with them.
The white bass corral the shad schools and push them out over shallow sandbars where they blitz to the surface in a last ditch effort to escape.
Tossing a big spoon or a variety of larger crankbaits can pay dividends on larger bass in that scenario.
Hold on; cooler days are coming!
Kentucky Lake’s fishing scene is anxious for fall’s arrival. The wait will soon be over. Seasons officially transition September 22, which is next Tuesday.
Anglers know that doesn’t automatically mean cooler days will immediately descend. However, just knowing autumn’s arrival is here on the calendar makes it feel better out there on the lake and in the woods.
There’s already that feel in the air. Something special is taking place, one falling leaf at a time.
Lake levels have been hovering around the 356.2 range. Not a lot of change since last week. It has been hot and dry across the TVA valley.
Not much current moving in the main Tennessee River channel lately due to lack of rain. TVA has decreased discharge rates at Kentucky Dam as only 20,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) were passing through the gates.
Water color remains clear. Surface temperatures was holding in the 85 degree range.
It’s high time we had some cool nights creating those early fall foggy mornings.
Every fisherman is yearning for jacket mornings and shirt sleeve afternoons. Bring on the chill and a few goosebumps.
Sluggish current in the main channel has curtailed the bite for catfish this week. A few are being caught but lack of flow diminishes the movement of baitfish. When the schools of shad quit moving in low flows the catfish go lethargic.
The hot and dry conditions haven’t produced runoff so diminished flow means a diminished bite for catfishermen as of late. That will change whenever the current resumes.
A few crappie have been taken in the 11 to 14 foot depth range in early morning and late afternoons when lowlight conditions aid the bite.
Anglers credit their catches to jigs tipped with live minnows. Some are using live minnows exclusively and scoring a few reluctant crappie to bite.
Whenever cloud cover and perhaps some rainy days return watch for the bite to resume. Cooler days will help lower surface temps too, bringing more fish shallow.
The bass bite has also been sluggish due to slow current and a lack of cloud cover on the hot days. In the early morning hours and perhaps late afternoon the bite has been the best. Those bright sunny days when the sun is bearing down and daytime highs are in the mid 90’s has made it tough out there.
A few bass were on shallow gravel banks in early morning hours and just before dark. Tossing topwater and shallow running shad colored crankbaits have accounted for a few bites.
Still targeting the main lake ledges are some boats seeking smallmouth and some schooling largemouth. At times a few schools of white bass are busting the surface and roaming largemouth and smallmouth were running with them.
The white bass corral the shad schools and push them out over shallow sandbars where they blitz to the surface in a last ditch effort to escape.
Tossing a big spoon or a variety of larger crankbaits can pay dividends on larger bass in that scenario.
Hold on; cooler days are coming!
Sep 7, 2026
PLTL Monthly Meeting
The monthly meeting of the Paris Landing Tourism League (PLTL) will be held Tuesday, September 8th, at 6 pm at the large pavilion at Paris Landing State Park.
Hope to see you there!
Sep 2, 2026
Glow Over Paris This Saturday
Free admission; balloon rides will be approximately $10 per ride
Time: 5:00 pm till 10:00 pm
Glow Over Paris offers a magical atmosphere for families, photographers, and adventure seekers alike. The event highlights include:
Tethered Balloon Rides: Experience the thrill of flight as you rise above Eiffel Tower Park for a bird’s-eye view of the festivities.
The Evening Glow: As the sun sets, the park will transform into a forest of light. Anchored balloons will create a glowing spectacle against the backdrop of Tennessee’s own Eiffel Tower.
Live Entertainment: Throwback to the music of the 90’s as Saved By The Music: The Ultimate 90’s Experience will take the stage directly in front of the tower.
Food Trucks – enjoy an array of food choices from multiple food trucks.
Aug 31, 2026
Aug 26, 2026
Aug 23, 2026
Vendors Wanted
Looking for vendors for our biggest event of the year. Call to book. We are available daily, 10a-5p. 731-642-6895.
Aug 21, 2026
Our Favorite Bridge
Everyone loves a good painting of our favorite bridge.
To see more visit our Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1YrJz4NcGP/
Aug 20, 2026
New Members
Guilty Pleasures - new hairdos, pedicures, topped off with hand dipped ice cream or another sweet treat.
Hair Art By Samantha on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100054406153573
and
Summer's Sweets & Treats on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577690023345
Aug 18, 2026
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