Steve McCadams

Kentucky Lake's fishing scene lately has been riding the weather roller coaster. Dramatic changes in weather conditions this past week has seen mild temps change to frigid fishing conditions for a few days only to rebound back to spring-like days for the approaching weekend.

If you don't like the weather just stick around a day or two; it will change!

After bitter cold mornings and bone chilling northwest winds earlier this week a rapid rebound is underway. Temps are forecast to be in the upper 60's to low 70's for several days. Rain chances emerge early next week across the region.

Lake levels are sleeping around the low winter pool level of 354.8, which is normal range for this time of year. Water color is clear. Surface temps are holding on to 57 to 58 degree range. TVA is discharging 37,000 cfs through Kentucky Dam this week.

Last week's crappie, bass and catfish bite was pretty good a few days until the approaching cold front disrupted the nice autumn stability. Once the front blew in Sunday through Tuesday cold conditions dominated the fishing scene and curtailed activity for a few days.

Temps fell to the mid-20's at night in some areas. It was brutal out on the lake for a spell and most anglers tossed in the towel at least temporarily.

A rapid rebound is underway. Anglers are easing back out on the lake and embracing normal fall weather conditions. Mild temps and light winds are back for a spell.

Some decent stringers of crappie have been taken in 13 to 15 foot depths. A few deeper at times as a some fish pulled back during the cold conditions but have already started moving back up a bit.

Decent stringers were reported back in the 7 to 12 foot depths with boaters having to make several stops to accumulate numbers in most cases.

Live minnows have produced but so have assorted jig combos. Tipping with a minnow has improved the bite most days. Anglers continue to experiment with jig skirt colors and leadheads.

A few boats were reporting the catfish bite still underway as TVA had increased current to some degree. Most success stories came from boats working the riverbank in depths of 35 to 45 feet. The late fall catfish bite is often overlooked by anglers on Kentucky Lake.

Bass fishermen targeting gravel banks and rocky points with chrome and shad colored crankbaits scored some pretty good stringers once the bad weather moved out.

A few topwater stories emerged as have others tossing shallowing running crankbaits around visible structure such as exposed crappie beds, stumps, etc…

Others were casting spinnerbaits as well along with jerk baits around structure plus boathouses at times.

It appears decent weather has returned to the region for a few days although raingear may be part of the picture for fishermen beginning early next week.