HOT AND HUMID CONDITIONS DOMINATE FISHING SCENE

Kentucky Lake 9/17/25
By Steve McCadams, Professional Guide/Outdoor Writer (stevemc@charter.net)

HOT AND HUMID CONDITIONS DOMINATE FISHING SCENE

An extended stay of hot and humid weather has dominated the Kentucky Lake fishing scene for the last two weeks. Dog days of summer have hung around until the end as the official transition of seasons occurs on Monday. While the first day of fall will officially arrive Monday on the calendar, out on the lake it looks like more like summer’s grip will be stubborn to let go anytime soon. Daytime highs will remain in the upper 80’s with night cooling to the upper 60’s.

Anglers are yearning for cooler days and lower surface temperatures. Readings lately remain around the 80-degree range. Watercolor is clear as very little rain has fallen across the region lately. Lake levels are in the 355.9 range. Discharge rates at Kentucky Dam have been in the 25,000 cfs (cubic feet per second) range producing a light current. With daytime highs running some ten degrees above normal cooler surface temps are not likely to arrive until a cold front descends, bringing change to the region. The area is very thirsty.

A few catfish have been taken lately out on the edge of the main river channel whenever some current is present. Depths of 35 to 50 feet have produced a few blue and channel catfish which are out there in pursuit of the balls of baitfish. Most fishermen are bumping bottom with a double hook rig armed with nightcrawlers. A few are using commercial stink baits and catching fish while others are trying big minnows or cut shad and bluegill as bait.

Scattered stringers of crappie have been taken but the overall bite as of late has been sluggish for most anglers. Low numbers have been reported across the board the last week or ten days. Normally crappie begin moving up to shallow or midrange depths by early to mid-September but no doubting the negative influence of the high surface temperatures accompanied by hot sunny days and no cloud cover. Even anglers who have mastered the high-tech sonar units say they can see fish around structure but cannot get them to bite. Several fish appear to be residing in the 12-to-15-foot depth range---some even less---but getting them to take a jig or live minnow presentation has been challenging at times.

The sluggish mood of September crappie will change once cooler days and cloud cover return to the fishing scene. That early fall bite is overdue to kick in anytime. Some anglers have attempted casting jigs around stake beds and brush piles in a variety of depths, but the mood of the fish has not been cooperative.

A few white bass have busted the surface at times as they pursue schools of shad out over shallow sandbars near the main channel areas. Several schools of the smaller yellow bass are out there but some of the large white bass are there too.

Bass fishermen are still stalking the main lake ledges tossing swim baits and crankbaits. A few smallmouth have been located at times as have a few small schools of largemouth roaming the sandbars. Anglers fan casting the backs of big bays in search of shad activity have found the bite inconsistent too. It’s high time bass were moving up on gravel banks in the early morning and late afternoon hours when lowlight conditions stimulate midge hatches that result in some topwater feeding sprees. Tossing chrome colored Rattle Traps usually yield both bass and white bass this time of year if baitfish are located.

Both the anglers and fish on Kentucky Lake are tired of enduring the long hot summer conditions. Now that fall has officially arrived (Sept 22nd) let’s have some fall temps to enter the fishing picture!

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.

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.

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.