April 23,2010

Air Temperature: Low 58°F, High 80°F

Water Temperature: Low 66°F, High 68°F

Water Elevation: 358.6 ft (359 summer pool)

”Crappies rule!” on Kentucky Lake in March and April. My clients and I have experienced some ”world-class” crappie action this past month-and-a-half. But, with May just around the corner, the sun fish (bass and brim) are starting to steal the limelight. There has been a steady increase in bass, bluegill, red ear, and channel cats heading shallow with one thing on their mind...procreation. The weather’s great and the fishing’s better!


BASS

Notes on the Action: Smallmouths are mostly post-spawn and Largemouths are at the peak of their spawn. Getting good numbers and larger fish. (Oh, yeah!!!)

What to Use: Spinner baits, soft jerkbaits, weightless worms, Texas-rigged and Carolina-rigged soft plastics, and jigs are all productive right now. Watermelon, green pumpkin, pumkin, junebug, and red shad are all good colors.

Where to Fish: Gravel points, deeper rocky banks, lay down logs, and submerged crappie brush in 4’ to 10’ water has been best for me.


CRAPPIE

Notes on the Action: The spawn is nearing its end, and the action has slowed. BUT, some good catches of big slabs will be made throughout May.

What to Use: White, black, and chartreuse jigs and minnows.

Where to Fish: Fishing 4’ to 8’ deep along the shoreline is still productive, but getting better action on deep ledges 15’ to 25’ deep.


BLUEGILL & RED EAR

Notes on the Action: Excellent action on big gills and red ears over 1 lb. The spawn has begun!

What to Use: Small jigs tipped with wax worms, night crawlers, red worms, crickets, or your favorite ”brim catcher” will get ´em right now.

Where to Fish: 2’ to 4’ deep on pea gravel bars in bays.


CATFISH

Notes on the Action: Good action being found with the fish preparing to spawn.

What to Use: Night crawlers, minnows, shrimp, leeches, or cut bait.

Where to Fish: 4’ to 6’ deep in bays or rocky banks on the main lake for channel cats. Fish 25’ to 35’ deep at mouths of bays and on main lake for blues.

WHITE BASS

Notes on the Action: Seeing some action.

What to Use: Small inline spinners or minnows.

Where to Fish: Gravel points at the mouths of bays and on the main lake 10’ to 20’ deep.


If I can help get you out on Kentucky Lake for a great fishing experience, call (877) 354-6017. If you’d like to view pictures of past and recent catches, check ´em out at www.captainkirksguideservice.com. See ya’ on the water!!

Capt. Kirk out!!!