July 15-21, 2010 Fishing Report for Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley

On July 15, the elevation of Kentucky Lake was 359.2 feet and the surface water temperature was 86 degrees. The elevation of Lake Barkley was 359.2 feet and the surface water temperature was 86 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 slow to 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 plastic worms, deep diving crank baits, or jigs fished on main lake ledges in 12 to 20 feet of water.

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. Good numbers of whites are still being taken on the flats in front of Barkley Dam during times of current.

BLUEGILL: Bluegill fishing is fair to good on both lakes using red worms or crickets fished in shaded areas such as boat docks or near willow fly hatches near the shore.

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, minnows, or cut bait fished in 20 to 30 feet of water on the main lake and at creek mouths.

FISHING TIP: Largemouth bass have been active on surface lures fished on the long shallow points of creeks on Kentucky Lake's east bank early in the morning. These fish are feeding on shad and can be seen breaking the surface of the water.

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.