THESE AREN'T JUST

FISH TALES!
If a picture is worth a
1,000 words...then take
a look at a few of these!

WEATHER
You'll find monthly
average temps and
rainfall for the area as
well as a link to our
local forecast!

FISHING TIPS
We've got a lot and
are glad to share. Take
a look at this week's
fishing tips!

JUST A THOUGHT
Just a few extra things
we thought we might
share!

UPDATE AUGUST 27, 2008

WHITE BASS

May/June/July/August - Tremendous schools of these fish make annual runs to upper reaches of the main tributaries each spring. During summer months, large schools will chase shad and minnows on the surface of the main lakes, look for jumps along the river drops and flats. If you've never fished for White Bass (Stripers) during these summer months you've missed some real action. Novice and pro alike enjoy fishing for these fish which are known for putting up a real fight. Use rooster tails, lead spoons, jigs and top water baits for these aggressive fish.

SMALLMOUTH BASS

February/March - Considered to be the best battler when hooked, this species is found in large concentrations on both lakes. Spring finds good numbers and trophy size fish spawning on rocky shorelines and gravel bottoms. Crawfish type lures, plastic worms, lizards, cranks and spinner baits can all be very effective early.
April/May/June/July/August - Smallmouth can now be found on the main lake, rocky shorelines and along road beds. Use medium to deep diving cranks baits and lizards.
September/October/November - The cool months of fall will bring aggressive Smallmouth into swallow water hitting top water lures.

CATFISH

One of the more popular of the lakes area fish, this species is located in coves, creeks and main lake pockets. They are late spring spawners and will move to the shallow mud banks in April then to rocky shorelines to spawn during May and June. During summer months, fishing is best on the main river channels, especially near sharp bends. Feeding activity of the Catfish will drop off with the cooling of water temperatures in fall, with this species generally staying dormant until early spring.

BLUEGILL

Located all over the lakes, Bluegill spawn in late spring and concentrate in timber and brush during April and May. During the summer, and even in late fall, they can be found near practically every dock and tree, with the bigger of these fish being caught deep. Bluegill will often keep these patterns until as late as December, but will grow sluggish in January and February.

WHITE & BLACK CRAPPIE

February/March - The average size of this species on Kentucky and Barkley lakes is large due to the minimum size limitations and immense forage base found on both lakes. Early spring fishing will find them along drop-offs on the main lake and secondary channels from 18 to 25 feet. These fish can be caught casting curly tail jigs for the more physical fisherman, or by minnow method for a slower fishing pace.
April - An excellent month for Crappie fishing on both lakes, Crappie can be found early in the month schooling in the mouth of bays at 8 to 15 feet. As the lakes warm they will move to drop-offs and creek channels and can generally be found in depths of  6 to 12 feet. Once the water temperature reaches 58 to 68 degrees Crappie will move into even shallower water to spawn. Look for them in depths from 12 inches to 4 to 6 feet depending on the lake levels. Anglers will find both minnows and jigs work well during this extremely active month.
May - Even though the Crappie spawn is nearly over good numbers of these fish can still be caught using jigs and minnows. Look for them along drop-offs and creek channels in depths anywhere from 12 to 15 feet of water.
June/July/August - Summer months on the lakes will find Crappie back on the main lake along channels in   20 to 25 feet of water.
September/October/November - With great fall weather and the lake starting to cool down, Crappie will begin to school up for winter feed. Fish for them in 3 to 15 feet of water using jigs and minnows.

LARGEMOUTH BASS

March - Widely distributed throughout the lakes, this top sport fish is frequently caught in excess of 5 pounds. With the first warming trends of spring, Bass will begin working along banks and main lake points. Crank baits will bring the best results this month.
April/May - Moving into bays and flats Bass will begin to spawn during late April and early May, depending on the lake level and water temperature. Look for them along rip rapped shorelines and behind brush using top water lures and spinner or buzz baits. Flipping can also prove to be a viable method of fishing for Largemouth during the spring spawn.
June - Coming off their beds, Largemouth will begin staging gravel points with stumps, seldom being found in water deeper than 7 feet. Try using pig and jig, worms and lizards.
July/August - Fishing for Bass along the shore early and late this time of year will prove profitable. They are generally found moving onto ledges by mid-morning. Start with spinner and buzz baits early, changing to crank baits, worms or lizards later in the day.
September/October/November - With fall weather bringing warm days and cooler nights, Bass can be found in grass and in the back of bays. Fish the grass working the edges with plastic worms and lizards. Fishing over the grass with buzz baits ad white rats works well as does working bass shallow on ledges with top water lures.

1408 Lake Barkley Drive
Kuttawa, Kentucky 42055
Phone: Malcolm.....270.388.0525

Phone: Lynn...........270-205-5194
Email: malcolmlane@bellsouth.net

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