February 2012 Fishing Report for Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley

NOTICE: Due to the closure of Eggner's Ferry Bridge over Kentucky Lake and the Tennessee River, Fenton Campground and Boat Ramp are closed until further notice and the Coast Guard has restricted recreational boating from mile marker 41 to 43 on Kentucky Lake.

On February 1, the elevation of Kentucky Lake was 355.0 feet and the surface water temperature was 49 degrees. The elevation of Lake Barkley was 355.0 feet and the surface water temperature was 46 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 good 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.  Other crappies are being taken on hair jigs fished in brush piles on the main lake in 15 to 20 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 the new Alabama rig fished on deep rocky banks in 8 to 15 feet of water.

BLUEGILL: Bluegill fishing is fair to good on both lakes using red worms fished around brush or rocks in 4 to 10 feet of water.

WHITE BASS: White bass fishing is fair on both lakes. Some whites have been taken inside the creeks in 10 to 15 feet of water. These fish are found around schools of shad and can be taken on white rooster tails or jigging spoons fished near the bottom.

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 40 feet of water on the main lake and at creek mouths.

FISHING TIP: Some good numbers of crappie have been taken on both lakes this winter. Fishing for crappie and bass will remain very good as long as we continue to have warm water temperatures.

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.