The water level at my dock appears to be about 2 feet above winter pool which is up significantly from last week.  It has been at this level since the big rains of last week.  The surface temp is holding at 42 degrees and the water color in the lake is clear to murky.  TVA has been releasing a tremendous amount of water but not quite at the same rate it’s entering the reservoir, which is creating a slight rise and a great deal of current in the lake.   According to the TVA website, the projection is to draw the lake down even further over the next several days so we’ll have to see if that happens and how it will impact fishing.

I did spend Saturday afternoon fishing for Sauger at the mouth of the canal and had some pretty decent luck on a 1¼ ounce chartruese jig tipped with a minnow.  Fishing could have been a lot better if I hadn’t spent so much of the time fighting the wind and current to stay on the right spot.  The Sauger were about 15 feet deep on a flat bordering the mouth of the canal.   The fish were located on the down stream side and holding in an eddy in the current.  I gave up trying to position the boat in the eddy so I made the decision to drift thru the flat.  Once I came to the eddy, I could keep the jig vertical and on the bottom and they bit pretty good.  Seven good eaters were caught before the wind forced me off the lake.

Monday was wildlife day.  I saw an immature bald eagle cruising our side of Malcolm Creek and the deer were on the prowl.  I even saw a red fox with it’s nose to the ground between the house and the dock so I knew somethings was up, and that “something” was another snow storm.  I awoke Tuesday morning to find 6 inches of the white stuff.  Another dose of Mother nature’s finest.

I haven’t heard any worthwhile reports on crappie or bass.  I’m sure someone somewhere is catching them, they always do.  However, I’m not.  One of my favorite times of the year, fishing jerk baits for bass, is just a few warm days away.  I look for the late winter smallmouth bite to come on any time. 

The good thing about February is, as each day passes, it brings warmer weather and better fishing!

Above average spawns promise excellent bass fishing.

With the arrival of spring, anglers everywhere turn to bass fishing to cure their winter blues. Fortunately for bass fishermen, the largemouth populations at Kentucky Lake & Lake Barkley appear to be in excellent shape.   Fishing opportunities this year should be abundant and whether your goal is size or numbers, this is the place to be!

Kentucky and Barkley each have something for every bass angler.  Both have clear and stained water, deep structure, plenty of shoreline cover, abundant baitfish … and lots and lots of bass!  Over the past several years both lakes have enjoyed very good spawns, but evidently 2007 was the “mother of all spawns”.   While there are plenty of fish in several different year classes, last years catch was dominated by bass that were 12-14 inches long.  I can recall during a five week period last year when you could catch fish all day long throwing a Rat-L-Trap type bait.  Sometimes the bass were so aggressive that you could catch two on the same lure.  

Thinking about last year and all the bass my clients and I caught, really gets me pumped about this upcoming season.  Bass that were spawned in 2007 will be everywhere and a lot of them will be legal keeper size of 15 inches.  This season’s bass fishing has the potential to be one of the best ever!  Book your trip today!   
 
Guide Service Bookings.  I want to thank everyone who booked a trip this week.  Bookings came in from Missouri, Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Kentucky and Maine.  That’s right Maine!  I still have a few days available in March thru May so if you want to Catch Fish & Have Fun, contact me as soon as possible.  Just so you’ll know, whether you fish with me or one of the other guides, it’s best to book your trip as far in advance as possible.  Doing so guarantees a date that best suits you and finding a place to stay won’t be an issue either.  The word is out on Ky. Lake so make your plans now!  Don’t delay!

Canadian Smallmouth Bass Fishing 

For those who want to experience the ultimate in smallmouth bass & walleye fishing and a wilderness adventure, Kick’n Bass Guide Service offers two trips annually to the BWCA & Quetico Park.  The trips are all-inclusive, reasonably priced and a great value.  The planning, guiding, gear, food, etc. is all included in one price.  All you have to bring is your tooth brush, clothes and fishing gear.  These trips have been sold out every year and this year will be no exception.  The late July trip is booked solid and the second trip will be in mid-August
 
August Trip:  I want to thank those of you whom have inquired about the August trip.  Over the past several years, the BWCAW has seen a reduction in total permits and group size. With the above changes, we have seen an increase in solitude for visitors, but a decrease in permit availability.  I know it is still a ways off but planning a trip like this takes a lot of time and permits have to be obtained well in advance.  If you want to experience the North Country’s finest angling and a trip of a lifetime, send an email or call and I’ll fill you in on the details.  The time to book is now!
 
Added Bonus!  Those of you whom accompany me on our Northwoods trips will be featured not only in our weekly fishing report but also a follow up article as well.  Both the report and article, with photos, will be seen on the Kick’n Bass website.  Pretty cool stuff!
 
Fishing License Renewal.   Don’t forget that several state fishing licenses expire at the end of this month so make a note to be sure and renew
 
Website Updates.  Be sure and check out the improvements at www.kicknbass.net.  You now have access to previous fishing reports.  Also there is a page dedicated strictly to Fish Canada and both the Ky. Lake photo album and Fish Canada page has a slide show at the top.  Enjoy!

Bass Wishes!

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