Lake Level, Water Temp & Weather Outlook:
 
According to the lake level markings at my dock, the lake is about 1.5 below summer pool which is about normal for this time of year.  The TVA operating plan calls for a gradual increase until the lake level reaches summer pool later this month. 
 
The surface water temp is varying a few degrees depending on what part of the lake you’re at, but generally speaking, the base water temps are in the high 60’s.  In some of the bays, I have seen surface water temps as high as 73 degrees.  Remember, it’s the base water temps in the main lake that move the fish, not necessarily the surface water temps in the bays which can fluctuate daily.  No doubt the warmer water temps are triggering a lot of activity with crappie.  Other species such as bass, bluegill and redear are also responding to the warmer water by becoming increasingly active.
 
The weather has been picture-perfect for some species and a little too good for others. The stable weather has really helped the Bass fishing a great deal.  No wind to speak of for three days has hampered those crappie fishermen who were spider rigging.  It appears that we have a mild cold front headed our way by Saturday but nothing that would slow down the fishing.
 
Weekly Highlights:
 
Vince Marascuilo (left) and Jerry Schatz (right) from Memphis came to Kentucky Lake to catch some bass, and catch them we did!  With the water level stabilized and the weather picture- perfect, the bass were super aggressive and the overall numbers and size were the best I’ve seen all year.  We had two great days of bass fishing, catching Largemouth, Kentucky bass and some Smallmouth.   Vince & Jerry really get along well and have a friendly rivalry when it comes to who catches the biggest fish.  Jerry, even though you’re the one with the law degree, when it comes to fishing in my boat, I like to be the Judge & Jury, and this time Vince’s fish took big bass honors… case closed!  Of course, we won’t mention him hogging the front of the boat for two days …
 
“Sometimes you catch them, sometimes you don’t.”  I had the pleasure of fishing with David & Nancy Vaughn (right) of Wingo, Ky. this week.  These folks were some of the nicest and funniest I’ve been around.  Our morning started out just about right with a smooth ride to one of my favorite crappie holes.  With no wind and the light bite, we decided that minnows on slip bobbers were our best bet, and we immediately caught three good crappie.  Shortly thereafter, Nancy hooked a really nice bass that I estimated around five pounds, only to watch it jump off at the boat.  All of us were sick watching that “picture fish” jump and laugh at us.  Although overall, the fishing was as good as it had been earlier in the week. Watching Nancy master casting a jig on spinning gear was a good trade off.  I could tell she was very proud of herself, and to be honest, I’ve never seen anyone catch on that quickly.  I want to thank David & Nancy for a great day!
 
“Kick’n Bass Big Fish of the Week”
 
Greg and L. J. Shivelbine from Cape Girardeau, Mo and I had quite a morning bass fishing.  Not only did we all catch a bunch of fish, Greg (photo) caught the Kick’n Bass big fish of the week, a 5 lb. 11 oz. Largemouth Bass on a shakeyhead.  Most  fish were caught on 6 feet or less.  Greg’s father, L. J., who is 84 years young, was awesome to be around.  Not only did he match us cast for cast and got in the groove on the largemouth, his dry sense of humor and wit added to the enjoyment of the day.  For those of you with dads who like to fish, I suggest you do what Greg did—load them up in the car and bring them to Kentucky Lake.  You’ll be glad you did, and they will too!
 
 
Fishing Report …
 
Crappie:  Black Crappie are moving to the banks, and we have had several good days catching them on jigs.  With the females spawning, the catch has been off and on at times, but if you find them, it is good…and I mean really good!  As the females come off the beds, be prepared to catch them in 6-8 feet of water closest to the spawning flats.  Trolling jigs or casting curly tails would be a good bet.  White Crappie are beginning to show up more frequently as they too are moving into the shallows to begin their spawning ritual.  I ran into a group of folks from Indianapolis that was having real good success trolling 1/16 oz. curly tails about 7-8 feet deep adjacent to the spawning areas.  That technique would be a good one, especially when there is no wind.  Over the next week I look for crappie fishing to be some of the best this year as the Blacks will be aggressive and the Whites will be in transit to the spawning areas.  Hopefully both species can be caught coming & going.  Sharpen your hooks and come on down!
 
Largemouth Bass:  The overall numbers have been outstanding, and we’ve stumbled upon several schools of really good bass too.  When we found a concentration of good fish, we’ve been cleaning up with shakey heads in green pumpkin and foot ball lead heads with tiny Pac-A-Craws in Alabama craw.  Chunk rock banks mixed with pea gravel with 10 feet of water close by have been the most productive.  The best water depth seems to be 4-6 feet.  Some early spawners are on the beds and more are on the way.  Smallmouth Bass are on the beds and some post-spawn females are being caught in 5-6 feet of water along pea gravel banks closest to spawning coves.  The most productive lures for Smallmouth have been tube jigs, shakey heads and a Smallie Beaver in green pumpkin. 
 
Yellow Bass:  Yellow Bass are still being caught by those who are casting curly tails for crappie, and the size is still real good.
 
Bluegill & Redear:   Although we are not specifically fishing for them, some fairly large Bluegill & Redear are showing up on occasion, which indicates to me that we’re going to have another great season on them very soon.  
 
Other News …
 
WOW! Kick'n Bass Fishing Tips are now on VIDEO!   Each week Kentucky Lake T.V. & Kick'n Bass will feature a fishing tip that will help you become a better angler.  Click on http://www.kentuckylake.tv/fishing/kentucky_lake_fishing.htm for this week's fishing tip from Kentucky Lake T.V. & Kick'n Bass! 
 
 “Turkey Hunters: Check out this great deal.“  My good friends at CCW Outfitters in Marion, one of Kentucky’s Premier Turkey & Deer hunting lodges, has a deal-of-a-lifetime for you last-minute Turkey hunters.  CCW is offering an all-inclusive, semi-guided turkey hunt that includes meals, lodging, field transportation and a 2-Bird Limit…all for only $495.   Spaces are limited and they’ll go fast, so contact Jason or Cassi Purvis at 270-965-9859 for the details and available dates.  While you're at it, check out their website: www.huntccw.com

Guide Service Bookings.   I have just a few days left in April, so if you want to Catch Fish & Have Fun, contact me as soon as possible.  Thanks to those of you who booked a trip this week.  Bookings came in from Illinois, Ohio, Wisconsin, Tennessee & Michigan. 

Book your May & June Bluegill & Redear trips NOW!   Get ready for a great season on these fighting fish.  Ask about our summer Night Fishing Trips!  Send me an email at rk@kicknbass.net or call me at 270-703-6133 and let’s get together.

Tight Lines …