The TVA continues to release more water than is entering the reservoir, which is creating a drop in the water level and a great deal of current in the lake.  Most likely by the time you read this report the lake level will be at winter pool. The surface water temp at the Hancock Biological Station is 40 degrees.  

On Valentines Day I observed a rather large flock of Turkeys and several deer feeding on the earthen part of Kentucky Dam.  The geese and ducks have been very active in Malcolm Creek all week and fed a couple of days on grass and acorns in my back yard.  The inclement weather hasn’t seemed to bother the wildlife much.

Evidently the cold temps haven’t kept some anglers off the water either.  Over the weekend, the Murray State University Bass Anglers held their first club tournament out of Kenlake marina.  The winning sack, by Stephen Barga of Gilbertsville, Ky., included two fish over five pounds caught on a medium diving chartreuse crank bait.  The fish were caught casting gravel points and both big ones were caught within casts of one another.  So the good news is, fish are feeding and are being caught by anglers who decide to get out and wet a line.  Congratulations to Stephen and the MSU Bass Anglers for getting out there and setting an example.

I ran into a couple of crappie fishermen at Fast Eddie’s in Fairdealing yesterday that had a pretty decent crappie catch.  They were somewhat tight lipped about how they caught them but I did manage to find out that they were fishing about 20’ deep over brush with live bait.  I did see one white crappie about 2 ½ pounds and the others looked to be in the 1¼ pound range.  They had about 20 fish and Black Crappie dominated their catch.  The crappies are biting for those anglers who are out there fishing for them.

Today is Thursday.  The weather is very good, it’s clear and the temps are in the mid 40’s with not much wind.  In winters past I’d say that these conditions weren’t much to brag about but with the terribly cold and snowy weather we’ve had the last 3 weeks or so has me appreciating a day like this.  Brandon Hunter & I decided to try our luck bass fishing this afternoon and we caught a bakers dozen on Shakey Heads in about two hours.  Days like this will bring more anglers out and fishing will be on! 
 
Boater Safety.  Jim Hufnagel, the Vessel Safety Examiner for the USCG, came by this morning and performed the USCG Vessel Safety Check on my Ranger boat. The Vessel Safety Check is one of the many services provided by the USCG Auxiliary.  I encourage everyone that owns a boat to have this inspection done.  It’s a courtesy examination of the safety equipment carried or installed on your boat and a free service provided in the interest of public safety.  This inspection is NOT a law enforcement issue and NO citations will be issued.  It is a check to make sure that your boat meets all federal and state requirements.  To get your boat “Safety Checked” or for more information on the Vessel Safety Check program, contact your local U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or U.S. Power Squadron member or visit the Vessel Safety Check website at www.safetyseal.net.  Remember this is a free service provided in the interest of Boating Safety.
 
Guide Service Bookings.   I want to thank everyone who booked a trip this week.  Bookings came in from Missouri, Indiana, Illinois, and Atlanta, Georgia.  That’s right, Atlanta, Georgia!  It’s a pretty good testament of the quality fishing here on Kentucky Lake when someone from Georgia wants’ to come here and fish for bluegill & redear.  There’s some pretty fair bluegill & redear fishing in Georgia but it’s hard to beat Kentucky Lake right now!

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.  I’m hearing the resorts are getting a lot of bookings too so make your plans now!  Don’t delay!

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.

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 the trip is several months away 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 in a follow up article. Both the report and article, with photos, will be seen on the Kick’n Bass website.  Pretty cool stuff!
 
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!
 
Tight Lines …

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