On March 1, the elevation of Kentucky Lake was 354.6 feet and the surface water temperature was 42 degrees. The elevation of Lake Barkley was 354.6 feet and the surface water temperature was 41 degrees. Summer pool for both lakes is 359 feet and winter pool is 354 feet. (To check daily elevations and projected levels of Kentucky Lake call 1-800-238-2264, lake #33.)

CRAPPIE: Crappie fishing is fair on both lakes. Some crappies have been taken on Kentucky Lake using live minnows fished on creek ledges in 15 to 25 feet of water. Brush piles and stump beds have been the most productive.

BASS: Smallmouth fishing is fair on Kentucky Lake using jigs or crawfish colored crank baits fished at creek mouth or main lake points. Largemouth fishing is good on both lakes using shallow crank baits fished inside the creeks on rocky points and rounds in 1 to 4 feet of water. Jerk bait fishing has also been very productive in these same areas.

WHITE BASS: White bass fishing is fair on both lakes. Some whites are taken inside the creeks near schools of shad. White Rooster Tails or jigging spoons fished near the bottom have been productive.

BLUEGILL: Bluegill fishing is fair on both lakes using red worms fished on shallow rocky points with cover such as brush or stumps inside the creeks in 2 to 6 feet of water.

SAUGER: Sauger fishing is fair on Kentucky Lake using live minnows fished on the bottom in 15 to 25 feet of water at creek mouths.

CATFISH: Catfish fishing is fair on both lakes using night crawlers or cut bait fished in 20 to 30 feet of water on the main lake and at creek mouths.

FISHING TIP: Some good sized bass are being taken inside the creeks on crank baits and jerk baits. The areas in the creeks that will be the best will be where the sun is shining on the water the most. This time of the year that is the north shore of the creeks. The water can be as much as 5 degrees warmer in these areas. This time of the year where the water is the warmest is where the feeding will be the best.

NOTES: A taped telephone report is available by dialing (270) 924-2000. A weather forecast is available by dialing 270-744-6331.

Mention of specific products in this report does not represent an endorsement by the USDA Forest Service.