April 12-18, 2012 Fishing Report for Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley

On April 12, the elevation of Kentucky Lake was 356.3 feet and the surface water temperature was 65 degrees. The elevation of Lake Barkley was 356.3 feet and the surface water temperature was 64 degrees. Summer pool for both lakes is 359 feet and winter pool is 354 feet. (To check daily elevations and projected levels of Kentucky Lake call 1-800-238-2264, lake #33.)

CRAPPIE: Crappie fishing is fair to good on both lakes. Some crappies have been taken on Kentucky Lake using live minnows fished on creek ledges in 15 to 25 feet of water. Brush piles and stump beds have been the most productive. Other crappies are still in shallow water and can be taken by casting green jigs or twister tails near the shore in 2 to 8 feet of water.

BASS: Smallmouth fishing is fair on Kentucky Lake using jigs or crawfish colored crank baits fished at creek mouth or main lake points. Largemouth fishing is good on both lakes using plastic worms in the back half of the creeks. Rocky shore lines and buck brush have been the most productive.

BLUEGILL: Bluegill fishing is fair to good on both lakes using red worms fished on shallow points and pockets inside the creeks in 2 to 6 feet of water.

WHITE BASS: White bass fishing is fair to good on both lakes. Some whites are taken on humps at creek mouths in 8 to 15 feet of water. White Rooster Tails fished near the bottom have been productive.

SAUGER: Sauger fishing is fair on Kentucky Lake using live minnows fished on the bottom in 15 to 25 feet of water at creek mouths.

CATFISH: Catfish fishing is fair to good on both lakes using night crawlers or cut bait fished in 20 to 30 feet of water on the main lake and at creek mouths. Some cats are inside the creeks in shallow pockets.

FISHING TIP: Some good sized bluegill have started to move into pockets inside the creeks in preparation for the spawn. These fish are scattered but can be taken in pockets or at points inside the creeks in fair numbers. Most fish are being taken in 2 to 6 feet of water.

NOTES:

A taped telephone report is available by dialing 270-924-2000. A weather forecast is available by dialing 270-744-6331.

Mention of specific products in this report does not represent an endorsement by the USDA Forest Service.