On May 8, the elevation of Kentucky Lake was 359.6 feet and the surface water temperature was 68 degrees. The elevation of Lake Barkley was 359.6 feet and the surface water temperature was 68 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 to good on both lakes. Some crappie have been taken on Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley using live minnows fished on creek ledges in 15 to 25 feet of water. Brush piles and stump beds have been the most productive. Other crappie are still in shallow water and can be taken by casting green jigs or twister tails near the shore in 2 to 8 feet of water.

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 plastic worms fished on shallow flats at creek mouth points. Good numbers of bass are also being taken inside the creeks in very shallow water near the shore using plastic worms and jigs.

WHITE BASS: White bass fishing is fair to good on both lakes. Some whites are taken on humps at creek mouths in 8 to 15 feet of water. White rooster tails fished near the bottom have been productive.

BLUEGILL: Bluegill fishing is very good on both lakes using red worms or crickets fished inside the creeks in pockets in 2 to 6 feet of water. Good numbers of red eared shell crackers are also being taken in the same areas.

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 to good 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. Some cats are starting to show up inside the creeks in shallow pockets.

FISHING TIP: Some good sized bluegill have moved into pockets inside the creeks and are spawning. Most of these fish are being taken in 2 to 6 feet of water inside the creeks in pockets. Using crickets, red worms or black jigs has been the most productive.

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.