Kentucky Lake: Water level at Ky Dam - 355.53 Surface Temperature - 53
Lake Barkley: Water level at Barkley Dam - 355.55 Surface Temperature - 53
Both lakes are 1.5 ft over winter pool. Both lakes went up late last week to 2.5 ft over winter pool because of heavy rains. The lakes are being drawn back down now to winter pool. The bass fishing was pretty good earlier in the week but slowed down over the past two days with flat water, high pressure and blue skies. The forecast for the weekend and early next week is above average daytime temperatures and clear to partly cloudy skies. The bite should pick back up this weekend with a shift to some southernly direction winds.
Largemouth Bass: Largemouth Bass are being taken in the creeks and bays as they are feeding on schools of baitfish. These fish are being taken on the flats and along the creek channel banks as well as the primary and secondary points with suspending jerkbaits, spinnerbaits and carolina rigged lizards worked around and under the schools of baitfish. Some schooling bass are being reported and the action is good when one can find some schooling fish, otherwise the bite seems to be scattered with single fish. Watch for flocks of actively feeding gulls for signs of schools of fish pushing the bait to the surface.
Smallmouth Bass: Smallmouth Bass are being taken on the main lake primary and secondary points on suspending jerkbaits and crankbaits. I did receive one report of Smallmouth being taken on shallow main lake flats near stump fields on spinnerbaits early and late in the day but I have not had the chance to confirm this pattern.
Here are some of the productive lures reported this week: Lucky Craft pointer in chartruese shad, Rapala suspending husky jerk in blue/chrome, Hook Some Bass spinnerbaits in blue glimmer, Bandit crankbaits in white and rootbeer and Zoom lizards in watermelon seed and watermelon/purple.
Rockfish (Stripers): Rockfish are being taken on main lake primary and secondary points on suspending jerkbaits. Some Hybrids (Wipers) are also being taken on this pattern.
Crappie: Crappie are being taken by fishing with minnows under bobbers around brushpiles in 6-12 ft of water and by spider rigging minnows over brushpiles along the old creek channels.
Bluegill: I have not had any reports on the Bluegill this week but we did catch a couple of big bluegill this week on suspending jerkbaits on main lake rocky primary and secondary points while bass fishing. This would indicate that there are some good Bluegill to be taken on these points...I would suggest fishing a worm deep under a bobber on these type points.
Sauger: The Sauger reports indicate a good bite right now by fishing with curly tail jigs tipped with large minnows and by fishing large minnows on bottom bouncing rigs along the old river channel near the mouths of creeks in 40-45 ft of water. I personnally talked to guide Malcolm Lane and he tells me that he and his son are getting some nice bags of these tasty fish.
There is still some late fall bass fishing to be had. If you are in need of a guide for some fun bass fishing, tournament preparation, lake familiarization or technique instruction don't hesitate to give me a call or drop me an email. I have days open for booking.
You should be making your plans and reservations for lodging and guides for next year's spring fishing. If you hesitate too long you may not get the date(s) you want. If you would like to discuss when you should book your trip for next spring give me a call and I will explain with you the timeframes for the different spring Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass patterns.
A gift certificate for a guided bass fishing trip on one of the country's top rated bass lakes makes a great Christmas gift for the avid bass angler or for someone wanting to learn how to fish for bass. Contact me for information on how to purchase one of these certificates.
Captain Dave Stewart
www.kentuckylakeguide.com
dave@kentuckylakeguide.com
270-354-5039
"Fish With a Professional"