February 2^nd, 2012

Lake Conditions

Lake Levels … As of this morning both lakes are approximately one foot above winter pool and fluctuating.  Several Gates are open and Kentucky Dam is spilling until further notice.  However, this could change at any time.  Below is up to date and projected lake level forecast.   For additional info on Kentucky Lake visit the TVA website: http://www.tva.gov/lakes/kyh_r.htm

Predicted Data

Water Conditions …

Barkley - main lake is stained but clearing with some creeks more stained than others. The clearer water seems to be on the LBL side.  Overall the water is very fishable.

Kentucky – Some color in the main lake with smaller creeks stained.  Some bays are stained where mud banks are exposed and shallow drains have colored the water due to the recent heavy rains.  Overall the water is very fishable. 

Water Temps …

Surface temps on both lakes are in the high 40’s warming to the low 50’s on sunny afternoons.

FYI … we caught fish yesterday in 51 degree water around 2:30 PM

Weather Outlook

Thursday...Sunny. Highs in the lower 60s. Northeast winds 5 mph.
Thursday Night...Mostly clear. Lows in the lower 40s. East winds 5 to 10 mph.
Friday...Mostly cloudy. A 40 percent chance of showers in the afternoon. Highs in the lower 60s. Southeast winds 10 to 15 mph.
Friday Night...Occasional showers and thunderstorms. Lows in the lower 50s. Southeast winds 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation 90 percent.
Saturday...Occasional showers and a chance of thunderstorms in the morning...Then showers likely in the afternoon. Highs in the lower 60s. Chance of precipitation 80 percent.
Saturday Night...Mostly cloudy with a 30 percent chance of rain. Lows in the mid 40s.
Sunday...Mostly cloudy with a 20 percent chance of rain. Highs in the lower 50s.
Sunday Night...Partly cloudy. A 20 percent chance of rain. Lows in the mid 30s. Highs in the upper 40s.
Monday...Partly cloudy. A 20 percent chance of rain. Lows in the mid 30s. Highs in the upper 40s.
Monday Night...Partly cloudy. Lows in the lower 30s.
Tuesday...Mostly clear. Highs in the upper 40s. Lows in the lower 30s.
Wednesday...Mostly clear. Highs in the upper 40s. Lows in the lower 30s.

Fishing Report …

CURRENT + WARM WATER = GOOD FISHING!  Strong Lake current and the unusually warm weather is spurring late season feeding for most species.  This has changed the location and feeding habits of some species but bass fishing and crappie fishing in particular continues to be uncommonly good for this time of year.  Stripes are suspending in schools over humps in open water.  While Crappie are on many types of cover and locations, when you finds them they’re mostly cooperative.  The better fishing seems to mirror the type of weather were having; good weather brings good fishing and not so good weather equals poor results. Overall we have a lot to be thankful for as fishing is still pretty good for this time of year.  

Bass Fishing … Exceptional!  Bass are being caught in good numbers and size and some are unusually shallow for this time of year.  4 to 6 feet seems to be a good depth especially where current is sweeping across the points.  Several good fish were caught this week including one close to 8 pounds on a SPRO McStick Jerk Bait in Table Rock Shad (Photo)  Alabama type rigs like the locally made Ken’s Barbrella Rig are doing a pretty good number on both Largemouth and Smallmouth too but the better fish seem to be coming on Jerk Baits.  The jerk bait bite seems to be best on calm warm days on the main lake points and at the mouth of the bays.  Secondary points and banks with deep water nearby are holding good numbers of fish too.  Some schools of really nice fish are being found on the first deep hump or ledge in the major creeks.  Find one where two major bays intersect and you can have a really good day!  With the water temps higher than normal and lack of a significant shad kill being major factors, bass fishing is the best I’ve seen in recent memory for this time of year.  I’ve been say’in this for several weeks now but sooner or later old man winter is going to show up and put a damper on things but right bass fishing is on!

Crappie … Some big schools of crappie are suspended over submerged brush in 15-18 feet deep.  Schools of crappie are beginning to suspend in open water over brush in the middle of the bays and slip bobbers with minnows have come into play.  Some good crappie are being caught among lots of non-keeper sized fish.  You just have to go thru several smaller fish until you catch a keeper. Be sure and check out the recent article on Slip Bobber Fishing on crappie.com http://crappie.com/crappie/content/  This technique is a pretty good plan if your regular brush piles have no fish on them.

Stripes are being caught on humps near the deep water flats yo-yoing blade baits especially the Steel Shad.

Sauger … No Report

Sonar Tip of the Week

The HDS 8 shown in the Sonar / Structure Scan split screen mode shows white bass streaking after baitfish.  Your system can be fine tuned to show images like this too!  A properly programmed system will do wonders to enhance your fishing. 

What is Kick’n Bass’ “On the Water Sonar Class”?

Kick’n Bass offers a one on one, hands on, in your boat using your electronics class that will take your understanding and know-how to another level!

IF YOU’RE CONFUSED, FRUSTRATED, AND NEED ANSWERS then Kick’n Bass’ “On the Water Sonar Class” is for YOU!

Read the owner’s manual or watched a DVD and still baffled?  Let’s clear up your Sonar confusion.  Have your unit(s) programmed by someone who depends on the HDS technology daily.  Together we can make your system more user friendly and help you become a better angler.  If you want a one on one, hands on, in your boat, using your electronics, “On the Water Sonar Class” then contact  Kick’n Bass! 

Here’s just some of what Kick’n Bass can do for YOU!

·         Make sure your HDS unit(s) has the correct settings for the type of fishing you do. In most cases the units factory default setting is set for “general use” not specific.

·         Program the individual screens and install the overlay data on the screen that you want. Example: Depth, Water Temp, Time, etc.

·         Arrange the screens so they display what you want them to show and make going from page to page orderly and non-confusing.

·         Eliminate unwanted, non-practical on screen data that clutters your screen and gets in the way of using your unit to its maximum potential.

·         Demo the unit for you to help you be familiar with the screens, commands, etc. so you’ll have a good understanding of how to use the unit and take advantage of its fish finding capabilities.

·         Learn how to assign a waypoint to a fishing hot spot and find it again.

·         If needed, install the most recent updates.

As a bonus Kick’n Bass will help you learn to read an electronic topo map and find “places of interest” that could be potential fishing hot spots.

You’ve Made a Significant Investment in Electronics.  Learn to Use Them to Their Full Potential.

Don’t Wait … NOW is the time to get it done.  Spend this winter using your system and be ready for Spring Fishing!

Call Now! (270)703-6133 or email rk@kicknbass.net

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 That’s right, nobody gets left behind!  Mom, Dad, Grandma and Grandpa and the kids can go too!  Corporate Trips are our specialty! Catch fish from our state of the art fishing machine and have fun doing it!  Crappie, Bass, Bluegill, Redear, Stripes or Catfish … the choice is yours.   Don’t want to fish, rather relax and chill out?  No problem, we can customize your trip.  If you have something special in mind just let us know.  Contact us well in advance for reservations.   
email rk@kicknbass.net

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