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Don Schnuck's Fishing Report

Crazy Weather, Changing Patterns Challenge Anglers

Published on May 8, 2020

Hello to all of our Kentucky Lake fans, and fishing enthusiasts! We hope in these times of uncertainty that each and everyone of you have been able to stay healthy, and continue living a normal life as much as possible.

With reopening the guide business, and things hopefully getting ready to return to normalcy, I am taking advantage of a rainy day to share what I can tell you about my fishing world.

As of today Kentucky Lake is listed as being at 66 degrees with a level of 359.3, and 83,910 cfs being discharged. Barkley Lake is 69 degrees with a level of 359.2, and 49,000 cfs being discharged. By Monday the forecast is for both lakes to be dropped to 358.8, and the discharge on Kentucky Lake being reduced to 59, 070 cfs.

The water clarity of both lakes is very good for fishing in my opinion, with Barkley being somewhat more colored up on the main lake and the outer portions of the bays.

As has been the case all spring it appears the weather will remain on the roller coaster ride we have been seeing. Strong north winds are in the forecast and we are under a frost advisory tonight. The highs are forecast to be in the 60's over the weekend, with lows each night in the 40's.

Monday and Tuesday also look to be cool, and then we are supposed to get some warmer weather the rest of the week, with some increasing rain chances Friday through Sunday. With some stable warm weather, and warm nights the fishing should pick up. I think the fish have been as confused as I have been on some days about what to do.

With the crazy weather, and closing our business during the virus situation I have fished sporadically . One thing I have been able to do without having to satisfy anyone but myself is to try some different tactics, and fish in some different areas that I never have before, or have not frequented for a long time.

I am not going to say I put a whipping on the crappie , but I caught enough to see that I can be successful by using some new methods, and fishing new water. While my numbers were not impressive, the quality of fish was, and I also have been able to catch some short fish which is encouraging. As far as the crappie fishing this spring it all depends on who you talk to. I know a lot of people struggled, but I also know some people who did real well. It is fishing. some days you get the bear, some days the bear gets you.

I have been able as of late to catch some bluegill, catfish, and yellow bass when out exploring. One day I found some bedding bluegill, but only in one area. Most of the fish I have been catching have been dragging worms, and crickets on deep banks with gravel and chunk rock. If you can find some wood cover that seems to be a plus.

If we can get some cooperative weather the bluegill should move in and start their bedding activity. I have not spent anytime scanning for beds , but plan to soon.

Of anyone is planning to visit the lakes area at anytime during the year, you need to come check out the Moors Resort. They offer anything someone who is vacationing would need. A friendly staff, pet friendly cottages, Ralph's Harborview Bar and Grill, full service marina, boat rentals and the list goes on.

Once you arrive you really wont even need to leave the premises. Whether you fish with us or not please come visit the Moor's and the lakes area. There are a lot of things to see and do while you are in this area. I am seeing eagles, and osprey on a daily basis. Nearby Land Between the Lakes is a 170,000 acre outdoor playground with numerous things for people to see and do.

So at some point during the year when you want to get away come visit the Moor's and enjoy some of what our lakes area has to offer.

For anyone out there who would like to give the fishing a try give me a call, text, or email. Chris Hicks 270-331-3519 and chrishicks2418@gmail.com. Don can be reached at 270-559-1366. We would like to get to meet you, spend some time on the water, and hopefully send you home with some fish for the skillet.

I will be out looking for something to put a tug on someones line. Please be sure to keep up with us on our Facebook page as I give fishing updates, and post pictures. You can find it at @big kahuna's Ky Lake. We would appreciate you being a follower, and liking, and sharing our page! Until next time stay safe, and God bless!

Sincerely,

Chris and Don
The Big Kahuna's Guide Service


Don Schnuck's Bio

Better known as the "Big Kahuna," Don Schnuck owns and operates Big Kahuna Guide Service and is based at Moors Resort. Don and his fishing partner Chris Hicks specializes in all types of gamefish and panfish.

Don's fishing report covers Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley.

Don Schnuck & Chris Hicks
rebschnuck@gmail.com
270-559-1366
www.BigKahunaFishingGuide.com

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