Finally the TVA has shut the gates at the Dam and we’re now returning to a normal generation and release schedule. The surface water temp at the Hancock Biological Station is 42 degrees and the lake is stable at winter pool.

With the crazy weather we experienced in the last week, it was tough to get out and fish much, but we did go a couple of days and caught a few bass.  Saturday & Sunday the temps ranged from the high 50”s to mid 60’s and the parking lots at the boat ramps were overflowing.  Those who fished had decent results.  Unfortunately I was attending the Indianapolis Boat show and was unable to take advantage of the warm weather this weekend but I did receive some info on how fishing turned out.  I received several reports of good bass caught on jerk baits and rattle traps which is an indication that good bass fishing is just around the corner.  One of my favorite times to fish is in early March and with warmer weather coming it looks like the jerk bait bite will be on schedule.  Also I spoke to one of my crappie gurus and while the action was inconsistent he was quick to point out that with the water level now stabilized and the water temps slowly rising the crappie will be more active and easier to catch.  So it looks like we’re on the verge of some pretty good fishing for several species.

Recently I’ve had several calls and emails from folks who wanted to book trips and talk fishing, especially crappie fishing.  In the course of our conversations some questions came up.  The questions centered on late winter–early spring fishing and mostly how to locate fish holding structure and the best methods to catch fish.  It was suggested to include in my report a frequently asked Q & A session on how to locate crappie this time of year and catch them consistently. It seemed like a good idea so, in preparation I picked the brains of several of the best crappie fisherman on the lake and added in my two cents, and this is what we came up with.  I hope you will find value in this information and it will help you catch more fish.

Q. What is the first step in consistently finding crappie this time of year?  Make finding the right spots your first priority in any kind of crappie fishing.  Crappie will be around submerged cover, 15’ or deeper this time of year and it’s important to look for deep water ledges, humps, creek channels or old road beds.  Using a topographical map will help you locate these areas.  Use the map to put yourself in the general area and then use your LCR to actually pinpoint the submerged structure and fish and mark it with a marker buoy. Try various depths until you find the fish and structure.  It’s not as difficult as one would think but make sure you do step one before step two. 

Q.  What is the best bait or lure used to consistently catch crappie?  There are three basic categories, a jig with a trailer, either plastic or marabou, a Jig and minnow and a minnow on a crappie hook.  All will work.  There are so many artificial lures it’s hard to pick one.  Your local bait shop can tell you what their best sellers are.  Jig heads are available in many colors and weights.  A 1/16 ounce is heavy enough to cast and light enough to get thru brush.  A light wire hook will bend and pull free most of the time when you get hung up.  Live bait is best fished vertically using a light wire crappie hook and a lead sinker with or without a bobber.
 
Q.  What is spider rigging?  Crappies aren’t hard to catch, but sometimes they can be hard to find. Spider rigging is one of the best ways to find & catch crappie, especially when they are scattered.  Spider rigging uses multiple poles that extend from the front, sides and sometimes from the back of the boat.  The boat is often trolled very slowly to find schools of crappie.  Also if crappies are tight to the cover the boat can be positioned directly over the fish holding structure and the rigs fished vertically in the cover.  Specific rod holders and rods as well as bait rigs are made for this type of fishing.  Almost any bait or lure can be used with jigs and live minnows being the most popular.  Many crappies have been caught spider rigging especially during the winter and early spring months.  
 
Q.  Can Crappie be caught casting jigs or minnows and what is a slip bobber?  When crappies are active, they will hit bait presented in close proximity to cover. When they are not so active, you may need to get your bait down into the brush to be successful. One of the most effective ways to do this is using a float or bobber when vertical jigging and casting. There are times when crappie will only bite a jig or minnow that is hovering nearly motionless below a bobber or float.  Also there are times when crappie can be caught by casting a jig or minnow retrieved very slowly under a bobber.  One of my favorite ways to catch crappie is to cast a 1/16 ounce curly tail grub and slowly bring it back to the boat without a bobber.  The point is, there are a lot of different ways to fish that involve casting, you just need to match your equipment and technique to the mood of the fish.  Recently, when casting without a float, I have been using 8 lb. yellow Power Pro braid with a 6 pound fluorocarbon leader on my medium action rod and 1000 series reel.  The added sensitivity of the braided line has allowed me to feel some strikes I would have missed with mono.  You may want to try using braid as your main line.

Using a slip bobber is a great way to fish a jig or minnow. A slip bobber is a float that slides freely along the line, can be fished at any depth, and be reeled in all the way without damaging the line. Slip bobbers are not attached directly to the line; instead the line goes through an opening in the bobber and the bobber is limited in movement by a line stop or stop knot. A stop knot is small enough to pass easily through rod guides but too large to pass through the stop bead on the slip bobber. A proper stop knot will resist movement under pressure from the bobber, but can still be adjusted for a different depth setting. The angler using a slip bobber can fish at any depth.   Any medium action rod will do and 6 pound test line is the most popular choice for slip bobber fishing. 

I hope this Q & A session has been of some value to you and thanks to everyone for their questions & input.

Guide Service Bookings.   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.  Thanks to those of you who booked a trip this week.  Bookings came in from Missouri, Indiana, Illinois, Memphis and East Tennessee.  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!  I’ll be glad to recommend a place to stay that is a good value for the dollar and fisherman friendly.  Just shoot me an email or call.

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.  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!

August Trip:  This trip will be up the Maligne River whose spectacular scenery is only eclipsed by the fishing.  Experience some of the best Smallmouth and Walleye fishing in all of Canada.  Fish the “Glory Hole” for trophy smallmouth and the “Aquarium” for walleye.  Send me an email or call and I’ll fill you in on the details!

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