April 29th, 2011

Lake Conditions …
 
By now most of you are aware that the lake levels at Barkley & Kentucky are on the rise and are projected to reach historic levels.  Currently the lake level is approximately 6 feet over summer pool.  If you want to keep up to date on the lake situation you can find links to the TVA website at www.explorekentuckylake.com and www.kentuckylake.com  Both sites are posting the latest news releases from the TVA concerning projected lake levels as they come available.
 
Here is the latest update …
Thursday Update: The lake conditions are rapidly changing. TVA now projects Kentucky Lake to reach 373.5' by Wednesday and will hold at that level for a couple of days. This is just 18 inches from the top of Kentucky Dam's gates. This is unprecedented and will surpass last year's near-record stage of 369'. The record is 369.99', and the highest the lake could get before spilling over the gates is 375'.

** Important Notice **

The Lake is Open: As of 4 PM Thursday the 28th the Coast Guard indicated that there were no plans in place at this time to close the lake.
 
Launching Your Boat: Some boat ramps will be usable while others will not.  However the courtesy docks will most likely not be accessible. Make sure you know where the ramp is located and if possible have someone assist you in launching.  Ramps that are usable will be crowded.
 
Safety is the order of the day! Make sure you wear your PFD and use good judgment and always err on the side caution.
 
High Water Fishing …

Even with the rise the fishing has been good.  This is primarily due to a lot of species of fish being in shallow water in post spawn, spawn and pre-spawn modes.  Obviously no one can predict the future but if the past is any indication, last year when the water reached 369.0 we experienced phenomenal Red Ear and Bluegill fishing.  Catfishing was also unbelievable.  I hope a repeat is in order. I know a lot of folks that were here vacationing

Fishing Report
 
Bass Fishing …

 
Brad Bushroe from Temperance, MI. and Brian Clark from Findlay, OH. (Photo) and I had a great morning of bass fishing this week.  After overnight severe storms had pounded the lakes area and dumped over 6 inches of rain, we fished stained water on main lake points and had a blast. The pre-spawn females were staging on chunk rock points and bit for hours and we had a morning of great bass action fishing Shakey Heads with Z-Man Watermelon and Green Pumpkin finesse worms on a PJ’s 3/16 oz bass extractor jig head.  As the lake color went from clear to murky Z-Man Black / Blue Flake was the hot color.  Congratulations guys on a morning of great fishing, especially under challenging weather conditions. 

Largemouth bass are in transition.  A few are locked on beds and preparing to spawn, others are on the way to the spawning flats and are running the creek channels along chunk rock banks in the bays and some are making a move from deep water and are congregating around main lake points at the entrance of the bays.  One location in particular that has produced good numbers of bass for my clients this week is a mini-flat.  A mini-flat is an area where a creek channel swings back and forth from the bank forming an underwater flat.  Shakey Heads with Z-Man Watermelon and Green Pumpkin finesse worms on a PJ’s 3/16 oz bass extractor jig head has produced a lot of bass this week on these areas.  Some other methods and lures are catching a few; Shallow running crank baits in either a shad or crawfish pattern with a slow retrieve has caught a few fish along gravel banks mid-way in the bays and a 3/8 PJ’s jig with a Tiny Paca Craw trailer has been a pretty good back up plan. 
 
Smallmouth Bass are being taken on main lake gravel banks and on secondary points in the bays.  Some of the smallmouth we’ve caught are post-spawn.  Overall the bite has been good.  Best lures have been ZMan finesse worms in Green Pumpkin fished Shakey Head style & Tiny Paca Craws in Alabama Craw and Green Pumpkin & Candy.  Both plastics are fished on a PJ’s 3/16 Bass Extractor Jig.  Best results came when the lure was dragged slowly on the bottom.  
 
As you can see the bass are spread out somewhat and several presentations are productive.   We’ve put in a lot of hours on the water and I’d have to say that bass fishing has been very good.  It’s important to remember you must be willing to try different locations, get in tune with the transition and please practice Catch, Photo and Release. 
 
Sonar Tip of the Week 

The screen shows a school of bass located on a mini-flat where the creek channel made a bend away from the bank and dropped off.  The bass were aggressively feeding and we used a Shakey Head to catch several nice fish.  With out the aid of our electronics, locating these fish would not have been possible. Kick’n Bass can help you get more out of your electronics and become a better fisherman.  To schedule an on the water fishing trip & instruction send an email to rk@kicknbass.net

Experience the Thrill of Bass Fishing at Night!

Last year our clients had a blast fishing at night and caught lots of big fish.  We will begin our night fishing season in May.  The dates available are the 16th, 17th & 18th.  The same lures you used during the day are very productive at night and the best spots during the day can be even better at night.  There is just something about catching a really big bass at night that really turns a fisherman on.  Have the lake all to yourself!
 
For more information on putting together a night fishing trip send an email rk@kicknbass.net or call 270-703-6133.
 

Kick’n Bass & Area Tackle Shops Team Up for Rod & Reel Combos …

For the past two seasons Kick’n Bass clients have been fishing with Shimano Rod & Reel combos. These rods & reels are species specific that have been specially paired for Bluegill & Red Ear, Crappie & Light Bass and Shakey Head fishing for bass. Clients have raved about they way they cast and handle a good fish.  These combos are budget priced and a great value for the angler.  Ask for the Kick’n Bass Combos at Lake area tackle stores and at Malcolm Creek Resort’s on the water tackle shop.  
 
Here’s the scoop on the rod & reels …
 
Kick’n Bass Bluegill & Red Ear Combo – Shimano Clarus CSS 60LA Rod & 500 Sienna Reel
Kick’n Bass Crappie & Bass Combo – Shimano Clarus CSS 60MA Rod & 1000 Sienna Reel
Kick’n Bass Shakey Head Combo – Shimano Clarus CSS 70MA Rod & 1000 Sienna Reel

Dement Brothers capture 5th Place and Big Bass Award in
Jet-A-Marina Annual Classic Bass Tournament

Kenny Dement

My good friends, brothers Kenny and Jerry Dement from Sikeston, Mo., caught a five bass limit that weighed 19 lbs. 14 oz. for a 5th place finish in the Jet-A-Marina Annual Classic bass Tournament held last Saturday. Also the brothers weighed in the days biggest bass, a 6 lb 10 oz Largemouth caught by Jerry to win the Big Bass Cash prize of $1000.  The big bass was caught on a Steel Shad Blade bait in about three feet of water.

Jerry Dement

The Jet-A-Marina Classic is the Lakes largest buddy bass tournament and this year’s field had 312 boats. Thanks to Kerry Clark and all the folks at Jet-A-Marina for putting on such a well run event.    

Catch Fish & Have Fun! Book your 2011 Fishing Trips with Kick’n Bass … NOW!
I have a day or two open in May and June which are prime months for most all species. Send me an email at rk@kicknbass.net or call (270)703-6133 to book a trip.  Thanks!

Tight Lines,