Kentucky Lake April 26-28

[Javelin_Venom]

Coming down to Kentucky Lake again this year, only this time about a month earlier than usual...April 26-28.  I'll be staying at Big Bear.  Judging from reports of years past, might be hitting the spawn that time of year.  Full moon is the 20th of April so I'm wondering if that will put a big push of em shallow.  Anyone have any advice for that time of year and what that full moon about a week before I get there might do?  As of right now I'm planning on throwing a lipless crank on the flats or first drops in the backs of bays and probably a lizard and/or senko around cover if they appear to be spawning.  Does this sound like something that might be productive?  Any advice would be great, we're gonna hit it hard this year and hopefully pull in some hawgs.  I can't wait to get down there.  Thanks in advance for the help.

[Javelin_Venom]

Don't all respond at once.   ;D

[R520dvx]

I'll be spending about every weekend down there between now and then. I'll try to keep you posted on what's up. It's been takiny 23 to 25 lbs. to win a tournament. This weekend, 15 lb 7 oz didn't even get in the money and they paid 50 places !!   Obviously this may be an awesome year.

[Javelin_Venom]

Thanks.  I'm wondering how the already high water is going to affect the spawn.  I heard a lot of fish are already shallow due to flooded brush, I hope it doesn't scatter the fish too much if the drop the bottom out the lake.  I would deffinitely appreciate an update every now and then if you get out there.  Thanks again.

[SINDBasser]

I fished Barkley yesterday and it's up about 6 feet over summer pool and they have started moving up to the flooded buck brush.

[Javelin_Venom]

How's things looking down there now?  Water temp.?  Level?  Any reports?

[CJ]

Hey man, the lakes are 2 1/2 ft. over summer pool and rising. We are getting alot of rain right now, which will probally run it back up to about 4 ft. over summer pool. The fish are already shallow but scattered for the most part. T-rigging the bushes have been the best pattern, slow fall is key.  

The fish will still be shallow when you are here. I don't know but at sometime the TVA is gonna get the water level back to normal. How they go about it, will determine if the bite get's slow for a few days. If they crack a gate, the water is gonna get muddy. The temps have still been in the low 50s. I expect they will reise and probally be good for more active type presentation by then. Spinnerbaits, shallow running cranks, and flukes. Really, there are so many ways to catch fish on Ky./Barkley.

I'll keep you informed via PM.

CJ

[luckyinkentucky]

Last I heard ... Dave Stewart predicted the spawn for around April 15th.  We'll see!  I'll be there.  

[Javelin_Venom]

Thanks all, I just saw on TVA's website that the water is now 6 feet above summer pool and rising?  How's that effecting things.  I hope it stabalizes some before we get there.  I'm sure my campsite is under water right now.  I'm hoping to catch em shallow, I seem to fair better that way.  Thanks for the updates, keep em coming.

[Javelin_Venom]

How are things looking?  Less than 2 weeks and I'm there.  Can't wait.

[Plastic Worm]

Water is 1 foot below summer pool.  Fish should be spawning.  Grass is starting to grow.  Surface temps near 75 in back of creeks and 68 on main lake.  Watch for topwater bite to get going.

[roadwarrior]

Welcome aboard!

8-)

[SINDBasser]

I fished Ky Lake Monday and Tuesday and the spawn is just getting starting,caught some nice fish that were working their way back in the creek channels and small bays next to deeper water.

P.S. I also managed to catch about a 20 lb cat, a 10 lb buffalo, and several gars so beware of what's on the other end of the line.....lol.

[Javelin_Venom]

Awesome, glad to hear we might hit it right for the shallow bite.  Do a lot of fish spawn in the smaller "pockets" off the main lake that aren't really quite a bay or is it better to go to the backs of the biggger bays like sledd and bear?