Fishing Report Archives

Hello from the Excel 230 Elite. Summer doesn't  seem to be willing to give up its grip with this latest hot weather spell. Looking at the long range forecast, we may be seeing some relief next week.

My poor boat is showing the results of the hot,stagnant water in many bays on the lake. There is a slimy, sticky film on the surface of the lake that sticks to every surface on the boat. A friend took his boat from Ky Lake to the Gulf last week and fished several days. The Ky Lake scum line was still there after several days of rough salt water.

Crappie are scattered from very shallow in the backs of bays to deep ledges on the main lake. The mid 80s surface temps are mostly responsible for this. The bait fish are not as schooled up as they have been. Part of that may be from many of them having fallen prey to the game fish as well as the rough fish like drum and catfish. 

What I am seeing in my time on the lake as well as conversations with others is this; the fish are very scattered but also very skittish. They are reluctant to chase a lure or bait and distance. In many cases the bait has to be set on their noses with the hope the crappie will respond. I think this will change as the weather begins to cool and the fish begin to gorge themselves again.

The lake levels are at 355.6 this morning. The lack of rain and lack of current have most fish species having to expend energy finding food. Nature teaches us all that it is easier to let our food come to us if possible. Current is the thing that fish use to ambush their prey. No current, no easy prey. That makes our job as fishermen much harder. 

During my trips last week, we caught a wide variety of fish. Some areas had so many catfish and drums we were forced to move. By covering miles of different depths of water, we have been able to have decent catches. The big crappie were scarce. Yellow bass were a constant catch but most were very small. Small bass were very eager to tackle our crankbaits. Some small sauger also got a short boat ride before they were quickly released. 

Be careful out there. Some of the ramps that are deep enough to use have hazards so be sure to keep your motor trimmed up when launching and loading. GPS maps should be used religiously now. Learn how to set your lake level off-set so the depth readings on your chart will be accurate. A foot of water can make the difference in a safe trip and a damaged boat or tragedy.

Welcome to our slice of Heaven.