If you’ve read any of my previous reports I touched on how the above normal water levels this fall was a boon to fishing, especially bass.  Even as late as Mid- November the lakes were at summer pool or above and really no matter what species you were after my clients and I experienced some of the most phenomenal fishing ever for this time of year. About Thanksgiving week or the weekend before, TVA started dropping the bottom out of the lakes to get them to winter pool and fishing suffered overall.  Well the drawdown is over and the lakes have returned to their normal levels for this time of year.  
 
As I write this report I can see the big stump in front of my dock which tells me we’re at or very near winter pool.  The good news is stable water conditions bring good fishing.  I was only able to get out on the water a couple of times the past week but during times of reasonable weather & wind crappie fishing has been very good.  While I can‘t boast of any really good catches myself, I do know a couple of veteran spider riggers that put it on the crappie big time and caught some really nice ones at that.  The average size fish looked to be 1/1/2 lbs and were all black crappie.  Most were caught on minnows over submerged cover about 15 feet deep.  So crappie can be caught and the average size is going to be real good but you’re not going to catch them if you stay indoors.
 
I’ve got Sauger fishing on the brain.  I spent one day trolling a Ken’s rig for Stripers and didn’t have much luck, except for the occasional white bass.  The Ken’s rig resembles a spinner bait without the hook and blade.  Instead, a ball bearing swivel is attached where the hook and blade would be.  Monofilament leaders of different lengths are attached to the swivels with the top leader about 30” and the bottom about 18 inches.  A white rooster tail spinner is tied to the top leader and a deep diving crank bait on the bottom.  I snip off the middle hook on the front treble to reduce hang ups and troll at idle speed in the mouth of the bays in 15’ -18’ feet of water.  This rig gets down deep where the fish are less susceptible to inclement weather conditions.  Although we didn’t catch our intended species, Stripers, I was amazed at how many Sauger were caught instead.  The size limit on Sauger is 14” and while we did manage to scratch out a limit, I couldn’t believe how many 12” fish were taken.  Trolling deep divers this time of year goes against conventional wisdom but doing so has proven productive and saved my you know what from a fishless day.  Sauger fishing is a good way to relieve cabin fever and in the months ahead we’ll still have a lot of pleasant days, weather-wise, whereby you can enjoy productive fishing.  If you want to try Sauger fishing give me a call.  You can get the Ken’s rig at the Fisherman’s Friend tackle shop in Lake City.
 
I hear bass fishing has improved somewhat but anglers are being forced to try a lot of different methods to catch fish.  This is normal for this time of year as the bass are transitioning to their winter haunts.  Fishing a shakey head would be a good idea on the ledges and points in the mouth of the bays.  Remember to fish slowly. 
 
By the way I’ve got some new & used Shimano & G Loomis gear for sale.  If interested send me an email at rk@kicknbass.net

If you want to talk fishing or book a trip with Randy Kuhens call him at (270)703-6133 or email him at rk@kicknbass.net