Both lakes are slightly below summer pool and on a slow draw down. Kentucky Dam was generating at an average rate of 33,500 cfs this morning. Barkley Dam was generating at an average rate of 17,600 cfs this morning. In accordance with the TVA River Operating System Schedule, the TVA has started the slow draw down of the lakes to winter pool levels. Barring any unforeseen influx of water, you can expect the lakes to be drawn down about one foot per month now until we reach winter pool levels.
LARGEMOUTH BASS: It has been another week of daily heat indexes over 100 degrees each day with little to no wind except for the occasional pop up heat of the day thunderstorm. This coupled with no current and low oxygen levels has the bass fishing slow and challenging after the early morning bite. The best bite continues to be early in the morning and late in the evening in the shallows where bass are feeding on schools of fry. Some Largemouth are being taken in the creeks and bays during the morning hours and can be taken on top water lures, spinner baits, lipless crank baits and vibrating jigs. The ledge bite continues to be slow and spotty. This weather pattern is forecast to continue through the weekend. If you are going to venture out during the day, make sure you have plenty of water and sports drinks to stay hydrated and don’t forget your sunscreen.
SMALLMOUTH BASS: Smallmouth are slow but a few are being taken on main lake points and on the ledges. These fish are being taken on Carolina rigged creature baits, jigs and swim baits.
Crappie: Summer crappie continue to be sluggish as the bite has been mediocre at best. Several small fish continue to show up for anglers vertical fishing live minnows and some jigs over stakebeds and brushpiles. Depths of 13 to 14 feet have given up several small fish lately. Some loud colored crankbaits such a chartreuse and black have been attracting strikes from finicky crappie that are holding over ledges but suspended in 14 to 16 foot depths.
Bluegill/Red Ears: Bluegill have been taken this week on the edges of some steep banks where overhanging trees holding mayflies are attracting several. Casting slip bobbers armed with crickets has been productive at times. Several mayfly hatches have been occurring this week and more are likely on the way.
Catfish: Some catfishermen are about to put their tackle in a yard sale. Even on days with high current, their catches on both lakes have been very light on traditional bottom bouncing rigs. They have tried most every bait known to man. Success below the dams hasn’t been much better. A few boats are working the main river channel and finding catfish on the prowl. Depths of 30 to 40 feet have produced at times as anglers slowly drift with the current and work the side of the river channel itself. Baits of choice have been chicken liver and night crawlers.
White & Yellow Bass: Guides are seeing almost constant jumps in some large bays on both lakes. The jumps are small and don’t last but just a few seconds but they are a great spot to try in-line spinners, spoons, blade baits and soft-plastic curly tail grubs. Try casting right into the melee and let the bait sink a few feet or even to the bottom before starting a jerking or erratic retrieve. I’ve been releasing almost every white and yellow due to their skinny bodies but as summer progresses and they put the feedbag on, quality will improve.