Lake Level, Water Temp & Weather Outlook:
 
According to the lake level gauge at my dock, the lake is within 6 inches of summer pool and on a slow rise to pool level.
 
Early in the week, with some very cool nights, the water temps dropped into the mid 60’s.  Currently the surface water temp is varying a few degrees depending on what part of the lake you’re at, but generally speaking, the surface water temps are creeping up once again into the high 60’s.  On days of extended sunshine, surface water temps in the bays are in the low 70’s late in the day.  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. 
 
The weather this week is more reminiscent of normal April conditions.  Cool at night and warm during the day.  The cool nights have had no ill affect on Bass fishing as far as I can tell. However, with not much wind to speak of for three days it has hampered those crappie fishermen who were spider rigging.  It appears that by the weekend we will have a frontal system that includes rain headed our way.  Either way the temperatures are to remain warm.
 
Weekly Highlights:
 
“Mad Max and the Bass Zone”   Max Pardee (left) from Marion, Ill. came to Kentucky Lake to catch some Smallmouth bass.  The smallmouth on Kentucky lake have a reputation of “being here today and gone tomorrow” hence the name “Ghost Fish”.  Such was the case for Max and I.  The great smallmouth action from the day before was nowhere to be found.  With the smallmouth less than cooperative, we turned our attention to the largemouth and catch them we did!  The largemouth were super aggressive and we caught fish at every stop.  I spent the last thirty minutes of our day sitting on the front deck of my Ranger watching Max catch a decent bass on every cast.  It’s been a while since I’ve seen someone “Be in the zone”  like that.   Max knew exactly why we were here … and he came prepared!  By the way at the end of the day, Max retired the lure he was using, the same lure he used all day … a shakeyhead.
 
“Who said you can’t teach old dogs a new trick”  Ed Krieger and Gus H agen from Tipp City, OH. came to Kentucky Lake to fish for Crappie, Bluegill & Redear.  With a cool foggy morning we nixed our plan to panfish and fished for bass instead.  In four hours time both Ed & Gus had become pretty darn good at catching largemouth bass on a shakeyhead and plan to take that technique back home to their Ohio waters.  We finished off the day with a nice bluegill, redear, catfish and crappie catch.  I can only hope that as I reach my golden years I’m as energetic, full of life and receptive to new ideas as these two were.
 
“Denny is this really you ?”  Imagine my surprise when I answered the phone and on the other end of the line was Hall of Fame and former University of Louisville Basketballl Coach Denny Crum, wanting to go bass fishing on Kentucky Lake no less.  Denny is no stranger to the rod & reel as I found out, having fished all over the world for Trout, Salmon, Peacok bass, etc. but today he and his good friend Doug Wearren from Eddyville just wanted to have fun and catch some bass.  We really couldn’t have asked for a better afternoon as it was calm, overcast and the bass were cooperative.  We caught a lot of bass and the boys seemed to have a really good time.  Listening to Denny and Doug recount their past adventures was very entertaining but what made the biggest impression on me was seeing how deep their friendship ran and how it’s fishing that brings them together.  As I sat ther running the trolling motor I couldn’t have cared less if I caught a fish or not ... being in the boat with one of my heroes, Denny Crum, was plenty good enough for me!

Fishing Report …
 
Crappie:  Black Crappie … Black crappie are either in full spawn mode or coming off the beds with some are being caught on the banks and on the flats.  With the spawn in progress, the catch has been off and on, 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 or spider rigging over brush in the bays.  Trolling jigs or casting curly tails would also be a good bet.  Some White Crappie are beginning their spawning ritual and are being caught anywhere from 4’ -8’ depending on the water clarity.  Staging fish are being caught over brush 10-12 feet deep. Some really huge white crappie are showing up like the one Joe Watson from Divernon, Illinois caught this week (Photo).  Crappie fishing this time of year, while at times lacking in numbers, does brings out the best of the best size-wise.  Over the next week I look for crappie fishing to be fair to good as the Blacks and the Whites will be in transit to and from the spawning areas.   
 
Largemouth Bass:  The overall numbers have been phenomenal.  When we’ve stumbled upon concentrations 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’ of water close by have been the most productive.  Also I’ve seen many large females cruising the flats as well as several very large fish on the bed.  Some early spawners are already off the beds and are being caught on jigs & crank baits on secondary points.  Good fishing is in store for several weeks as these fish work their way out to the ledges. Smallmouth Bass, for the most part, are coming off 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.  We did catch a few this week on off-shore structure but I’m not ready to commit to that pattern just yet.  I feel we’re about a week or so from that pattern to be consistent.  Remember, somebody, somewhere always catches them … Joey Walter of Benton, Ky. (photo)
 
Yellow Bass:  Yellow Bass are still being caught by those whom are casting curly tails for crappie and the size is still real good.
 
Bluegill & Redear:   Early in the week before the cold front they were beginning to congregate and easier to pattern.  The drop in the water temperature had backed them off a bit and the better fishing has been done in the afternoon has the water temps heat up.  Both species are being caught shallow along gentle sloping banks with deep water a cast away.  Try Carolina Rigging for redear by using a split shot and long shank bluegill hook with a red worm.
Use the lightest split shot you can get providing it keeps the worm on the bottom.  As far as artificial baits go, the Shelton’s Bluegill & Redear bug in black & cricket has been producing some really good fish.  The 1/16 oz size works best.  Hint …. Don’t tell anyone but you might want to tip it with a piece of red worm …
 
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 this link http://www.kentuckylake.tv/fishing/kentucky_lake_fishing.htm for this week's fishing tip from Kentucky Lake T.V. & Kick'n Bass! 
 
"Get Your Fishing License online for any State" Avoid all the hassle by going to www.kicknbass.net home page and clicking on the "Fishing License" button and follow the easy instructions.  Pretty Simple!
 
“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
 
“The Anglers Chest” by Doug Tucker is a really entertaining book about a “good ‘ole boy” who shares his fishing stories, memories and humor.  Doug believes Fishing has always been an important part of what makes life worth living.  It’s an easy and good read.  Check it out!

Guide Service Bookings.   I have just a few of days left in May 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 rk@kicknbass.net or call me at 270-703-6133 and let’s get together.

Tight Lines …