May 11, 2010 - By Kentucky Lake Guide John Morgan

Angling Adventures
John Morgan
(270) 978-0307
Website - Email

Flooding conditions have been affecting both Kentucky and Barkley lakes since the first of May.  Water levels went up almost 10 feet in just over 6 days.  This turned the water to the color of chocolate milk.  This was the first time in my life that the Coast Guard closed the lake.  For the experienced boater this may have seemed a bit extreme,  but I believe it was necessary to keep those who had not seen the lake like this before safe. 

Fishing has been good for some species and terrible for others.  Muddy water usually kills the crappie bite but almost always turns on the bass and catfish.  I have not been able to catch the shellcracker very good this season.  They were just getting started to bed when all this water came in.  I hope they will bite some when we get rid of a few feet. 

I have caught a lot of bass on my last two trips but not having much luck with the big ones.  A lot of bass are in the shallow cover around the shore.  My best fish have come in or around gravel roads and grass in yards and fields.  I caught a 4-pound largemouth yesterday on a jig around a gazebo.  That's a hard pattern to duplicate. 

Catfish are everywhere.  They love these conditions.  The high water opened up so much new area that is full of food for catfish.  Most will be channel cats but they are a lot of fun to catch. 

Water levels will start to fall quickly tomorrow and go down 3 feet by the weekend.  This will create a lot of current and should stock some bass up in some areas.  The water color will clear as the elevation goes down also.  We should be back on track for some great early summer fishing next week.
 
You don't know if you don't go,
John Morgan
Angling Adventures--Murray, KY
270-436-2810 or 270-978-0307
johndm@wk.net

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