Past Lake Condition Reports archive
This page lets you take a look at past conditions and posts to compare water temps and tactics from the last couple of years. check them out and see if they can help you in preparing for future trips.
2-23-19 Water temps are still in the low to mid 50's and continue to rise depending on temps when rain falls in the area. Slow moving baits, a-rigs, blade baits, shallow crankbaits and lipless baits seems to be the most effective baits according to most of my customers right now. The fish are still eating and this can be the best time to catch that fish of the year or lifetime. Stringers in the 20-25# category were winning the few tournaments going on right the past few weeks. Warming trends and incoming weather can trigger the spring bite and looking for the warmest available water is important.
High muddy water is the name of the game right now and baits that make it easier for fish to find them are great options. Look for warmer, current breaks and areas that provide shelter for the bait and the fish right now since we have so much high water. Don't discount fishing shallow or deep and be ready to look around to find those concentrated areas. We are going to continue to have some crazy water levels for a while and hopefully they will end sooner than later.
11-14-18 What a difference a couple of weeks makes. Water temps are in the low 50's now and falling. It is snowing today so that should cool water temps even lower. Start thinking slow moving baits, a-rigs, blade baits, etc. for the fall feed as bass get ready for winter. The fish are still eating and this can be the best time to catch that fish of the year or lifetime. Keep a watch out for that warming trend and incoming weather as those 2 pieces together can really activate those winter bass into feeding.
I look for steeper banks with bait nearby especially with direct sunlight to continue to provide additional warmth to the water. Slowly stair stepping baits into deeper water can be a very successful strategy.
Also, downsizing this time of year can be critical to success.
6-28-17 Water temps are now in the low to mid 80's and fish are moved to their deeper water homes. There are always those fish that stay shallow but the majority have moved to deeper water and beginning to school on ledges, points and humps in the deeper sections of local lakes. Big worms, jigs, crankbaits and swimbaits are beginning are the mainstay and are racking up the tournament wins now, topwaters are good early and late as well. Look for fish and bait on your electronics near drop offs from deep to shallow water and once you find fish switch up baits til you can fire up the school and begin to catch them.
A couple of other great considerations are finding current and night fishing. With the hotter days bass are really looking for cooler more oxygenated water and current is a good source for that. Runoff from rains and dam discharges are great starting places. Looking for those places where current and deeper water collide is the key to the biggest schools and best fish. Night fishing gives a nice little refuge from the summer sun and heat, the fish will pull up shallower as well to take advantage of the cooler temps as well. Throwing spinnerbaits, big worms, and jigs are some of my favorite baits for catching these nocturnal feeders.
6-16-17 Water temps are now reaching the high 70's to low 80's and fish are consistently moving to their deeper water homes. There are always those fish that stay shallow but the majority are moving to deeper water and beginning to school on ledges, points and humps in the deeper sections of local lakes. The MS river is also lowering its levels and beginning to show signs of stabilization and the fishing is reflecting that as well. Big worms, jigs, crankbaits and swimbaits are beginning to come into their own and are racking up the tournament wins now, topwaters are good early and late as well. Look for fish and bait on your electronics near drop offs from deep to shallow water and once you find fish switch up baits til you can fire up the school and begin to catch them.
5-1-17 What a crazy spring we have had. Water temps are still in the high 60's to low 70's and bass are still in all three phases but general thought by most is the biggest part of the fish have spawned and are heading towards the ledges at this point. It will be interesting to see with the recent high water and storms what the fish will do especially with all the lakes receding as fast they are now. Still a good idea to check those post spawn areas and to look for some stragglers as part of your game plan but make sure the deep bite is part of any plan at this point. Have seen lots of good pics of fish this week prior to the fronts and there is several big tournaments coming up soon. St Jude's annual Bass Classic at Sardis will be Sunday May 28th and their is still plenty of time to enter. Check out details at www.stjudebassclassic.com and enter soon. BFL will be holding the May tournament at Pickwick this weekend May 6th.
The best fish seem to be coming from water 6-12' deep on a variety of baits but I am still getting some good reports on shallow fish being caught especially with all the high water. Ned Rigs, Carolina rigs and swimbaits have been prime baits with the shad spawn going on in area lakes.
10-24-16 Water conditions in the midsouth are typically what we would see at this point of the year. Water temps are in the low to mid 70's and fish are moving shallower feeding up for winter and chasing shad in the shallows schooling up and beginning to really give us some of the best fishing of the year. Topwaters, shallow crankbaits and lipless crankbaits have been some of the powerfishing baits to throw. Texas rigged plastics, shakey heads and jigs are the best choices on the higher pressure days once the sun gets up fished under the bait balls on the surface.
The next few weeks should provide us with some great fishing and the opportunity to maybe even catch that lunker of a lifetime as those bass are feeding up and putting on weight for the winter.
4-2-2016 Water temps are staying in high 50's to low 60's and fish are moving shallower and shallower. By next full moon (April 22) if not before we will have a major wave of fish move to spawn especially with TVA lake levels moving to summer pool and the fishes normal spring spawning areas getting water on them. Fish are being reported in all three phases prespawn, spawn, and postspawn and lots of big fish are being caught. I get pics everyday seems like of big fish our customers are catching. Lizards, Jigs, vibrating jigs and lipless crankbaits seem to be bringing in some of the best ones. Small secondary points and channel swings next to spawning flats seem to be the best options for catching good ones.
3-22-2016 Water temps are staying in the high 50's now and fish are steadily moving shallower. Depths of 3-5' are beginning to hold more and more fish. Spinnerbaits and lizards are catching more fish and lipless crankbaits and squarebills are beginning to catch fish as well. The last points and channel swings next to spawning flats are great starting points at this time. Looks for activity to indicate where to start as well, also what kinds of baits to fish.
3-1-2016 Water temps are steadily increasing and the fish are responding by continuing to move shallower. Chatterbaits and jerkbaits are beginning to catch more fish along rocky banks and channel swings. Fish are beginning to move into the bays and out of the main river. The best fish are of course still on the main lake but will be moving soon. The winter has been pretty warm and fish will spawn early this year I think based on current water temps and trends.
1-12-2016 Water temps are still much the same and fish are still being caught in much the same ways. We do have some colder weather coming from the looks of things so the fish may become a little more inactive but tournaments are still taking 20-25# to win in local lakes.
12-11-2015 Water temps are in the mid to low 50's to mid 50's on sunny warmer days. Fish are mostly being caught out deeper and shallower close to deep water as winter begins to set in. Fish are still being caught on carolina rigs, crankbaits, swimbaits, and jigs still but A-rigs are coming into their own and have won several tournmaments lately. The fish are close to deep water ledges and channel swings on the main lakes and around creek mouth ledges as well. As winter sets in and water temps cool fish will continue to move towards their winter haunts. The main key is to find the shad and where fish are ambushing them. Remember the shad are moving now looking for warmer more oxygenated water so if you are on current oriented bodies of water look for those current breaks and concentrate there. Deeper banks with wood or rock cover are beginning to yield show really good fish around drains and channel swings. Good luck and let me know how you do!
1-12-2016 Water temps are still much the same and fish are still being caught in much the same ways. We do have some colder weather coming from the looks of things so the fish may become a little more inactive but tournaments are still taking 20-25# to win in local lakes.
12-11-2015 Water temps are in the mid to low 50's to mid 50's on sunny warmer days. Fish are mostly being caught out deeper and shallower close to deep water as winter begins to set in. Fish are still being caught on carolina rigs, crankbaits, swimbaits, and jigs still but A-rigs are coming into their own and have won several tournmaments lately. The fish are close to deep water ledges and channel swings on the main lakes and around creek mouth ledges as well. As winter sets in and water temps cool fish will continue to move towards their winter haunts. The main key is to find the shad and where fish are ambushing them. Remember the shad are moving now looking for warmer more oxygenated water so if you are on current oriented bodies of water look for those current breaks and concentrate there. Deeper banks with wood or rock cover are beginning to yield show really good fish around drains and channel swings. Good luck and let me know how you do!
8-27-2015 Water temps are in the mid to low 80's with some high 70's early and late in the day. Fish are mostly being caught out deeper and early and late shallow. Beginning to get lots of reports of shallow fish being caught around weeds and bream beds shallow as well. Fish are still being caught on carolina rigs, crankbaits, swimbaits, and jigs still but also on topwater and some shallower baits around schooling fish as well. Had some really good reports of fish being caught on shaky heads as well. The fish are close to deep water ledges and channel swings on the main lakes and around creek mouth ledges as well. As fall continues to move in and water temps cool fish will continue to move to the backs of the creeks shallower as each week goes by. The main key is to find the shad and bait this time of year. Remember the shad are moving now looking for cooler more oxygenated water so if you are on current oriented bodies of water look for those current breaks and concentrate there. Shallow banks with any grass or wood cover are beginning to yield show really good fish too on topwater and shallow crankbaits. Good luck and let me know how you do!
4-03-2015 Water temps are in the mid to high 50's with some low 60's on shallow sunny banks on warm days in the Memphis area so the fish are moving shallow and check out spawning areas with the Full moon really making them want to spawn. Fish are still being caught on a-rigs, jerkbaits and jigs still but beginning to hits crank baits and spinnerbaits with the warming water. Had some really good reports of fish being caught on shaky heads as well. The fish are moving into the creeks and staging on shallower secondary points in the backs of creeks close to spawning areas. Rock banks which will warm faster are really beginning to hold some good fish. The main key is to search out the warmest water you can find this time of year. Remember that rocks, northernmost banks and protected areas this time of year are one of the first warming points for area lakes. On warmer days being take a look a little shallower and colder days hunker down and fish slowly on the deeper edge of where you catch them on warmer days. Shallow banks with any grass or wood cover are beginning to yield show really good fish, remember bass really like laydowns and wood this time of year. Good luck and let me know how you do!
3-17-2015 Water temps are in the low 50's in the Memphis area finally with all of the recent Cold weather and it looks like we will be 2-3 weeks behind normal trends for this time of year. Fish are being caught mostly on a-rigs, jerkbaits and jigs still but with the warming water crank baits and spinnerbaits will begin to come into their own. The fish have begun to move towards the creeks and stage a little shallower on secondary points and main lake points close to spawning areas. Rock banks which will warm faster are really beginning to hold some good fish. The main key is to search out the warmest water you can find this time of year. Remember that rocks, northernmost banks and protected areas this time of year are one of the first warming points for area lakes. A jig, a-rig, swimbaits, jerkbaits and crankbaits along with slow running spineerbaits and chatterbaits will be the primary baits and should be your concentration over the next week or so. On warmer days being take a look a little shallower and colder days hunker down and fish slowly on the deeper edge of where you catch them on warmer days. Ky Lake and Greers Ferry were tough on BFL anglers this weekend but I think we have turned the corner and the fishing is about to be some of the best of the year. Good luck and let me know how you do!
3-03-2015 Water temps are in the low to mid 40's in the Memphis area with all of the recent Cold weather and it looks like we will be 2-3 weeks behind normal trends for the foreseeable future. Fishing has still been tough but tournament weights taking high teens to mid 20's around the norm with local anglers on lakes catching some big stringers mostly on a-rigs, jerkbaits and jigs. The fish will begin to move towards the creeks soon and stage a little shallower when waters begin to warm though main lake areas are still producing the best stringers. The main key is to search out the warmest water you can find this time of year. Remember that rocks this time of year are one of the first warming points for area lakes. A jig, a-rig, swimbaits, jerkbaits and crankbaits along with slow running spineerbaits and chatterbaits will be the primary baits and should be your concentration over the next month or so. On warmer days being take a look a little shallower and colder days hunker down and fish slowly on the deeper edge of where you catch them on warmer days. Secondary points and banks should be good starting points over the next month or so. Good luck and let me know how you do!
12-01-14 Water temps are in the low to mid 50's at this point with all the cooler weather we have been having. Tournament weights have gone up some and the big fish have been feeding up for Winter for the shad movements to shallower water and migration back out to their winter haunts. Shallow squarebills, lipless crank baits, and spinnerbaits have been good choices for covering water and a jerkbait should be coming into its own as well right now. A-rigs are beginning to be seen on the decks of a lot of boats right now too. A jig this time of year can also be your most important part of your arsenal so that along with a carolina rig should be on the deck as well. Look for channel swings and flats closer to deeper water right now and of course keep your eyes open for shad since the fish are following them around. Good luck out there and the lakes have been pretty barren of fisherman so it is a great time to get out there right now especially if you can catch a warming trend prior to a front coming in.
10-28-14 Water temps are in the low 70's and should continue to cool. Bass are in their fall patterns though they are still pretty spread out. As we get closer to Fall the fish will continue to move toward shallower water. Fish can be found deep on ledges but really following the bait based on weather and lake level changes. Ledges are still producing but many fish are being found in transitional areas preparing for the fall feed moving to mouths of creeks and secondary areas towards the back of the creeks. Topwater early and late around schooling fish has been good lately and several tournaments on lakes with grass have been won that way. As fish move shallower lighter weight a-rigs and spinnerbaits will continue to come into play as well. A swim jig and squarebill crankbait are alos very good choices for right now.
9-29-14 Water temps are in the low 80's to high 70's and bass are beginning to fall into fall patterns though they are still pretty spread out. As we get closer to Fall the fish will begin to move toward shallower water. Fish can be found deep on ledges but really following the bait based on weather and lake level changes. Ledges are still producing but many fish are being found in transitional areas preparing for the fall feed moving to mouths of creeks and secondary areas towards the back of the creeks. Jigs, Carolina rigs, spoons and crankbaits have been great choices for ledges and deeper areas. Topwater early and late around schooling fish has been good lately and several tournaments on lakes with grass have been won that way. As fish move shallower lighter weight a-rigs and spinnerbaits will come into play as well.
8-28-14 Water temps are in the mid 80's and pretty spread out and schooling more and more on top. As we get closer to Fall the fish will begin to move toward shallower water. Fish can be found deep on ledges but really
following the bait based on weather and lake level changes. Typical summer patterns are still in effect and water oxygen has leveled out and fish can be caught in variety of methods. Still a lot of fish being caught deeper but reports have been that they are scattered with catching a few fish here then there. Jigs, Carolina rigs, spoons and crankbaits have been great choices. Topwater early and late around schooling fish has been good as well. Night fishing is the preferred method of most fisherman in the area.
8-01-14 Water temps are in the mid 80's and fish have progressed to be scattered shallow and deep as summer has gone on. Fish can be found deep on ledges but really following the bait based on weather and lake level changes. Typical summer patterns are in effect and water oxygen has leveled out and fish can be caught in variety of methods. Night fishing is the preferred method of most fisherman in the area.
6-01-14 Water temps are in the mid to upper 70's now and fish have moved well onto the ledges and are schooled up good in their summer patterns. FLW Rayovac tournament this week on Ky Lake was a fish fest with Randy Haynes winning with 75# for three days. Lots of big stringers were caught and most local tournaments are taking 20# to win or better. Some that might not even get you a top 5 in. Main river ledges with crankbaits, jigs and other style baits are a great starting point. The rivers locally have fell to a point that good stringers are being caught from them too now. Don't overlook topwaters right not either with some good ones beginning to be caught that way as well. Also, night fishing will start being good now as well with it being the best possibility to catch some good fish shallow. Spinnerbaits, plastics and jigs are good options for night fishing.
5-20-14 Water temps are in the low 70's now and the fish are done with the spawn. They are beginning to move out to the ledges and will be out in deeper water in mass soon. Crankbaits, jigs, and big worms are becoming the mainstay of fisherman over the next few weeks. This time of year your electronics are important and will help put you in touch with those schools of fish in deeper water and help you find and pinpoint them. Take note of current flow and how to position on the schools and try different options to see how they want to see the bait. This isn't my specialty but I am going to concentrate on these techniques and learning how to properly fish these deeper schools of fish. Be watching the site for articles as well as my Facebook pages and twitter for updates and articles as the summer goes forward.
5-5-2014 Water temps are in the mid 60's in the midsouth now and fish have moved into shallow pockets and protected areas. Look for protected sandy and gravel bottoms where the fish can build nests and protect
the fry. Fish have been biting pretty good and found lots of spawners at Kentucky Lake this weekend. Fish are in all three spawning phases with some fish still prespawn, some spawning, and some post. Spinnerbaits, jigs, shakeyheads, and topwaters have all been great choices. Follow the water and keep your eyes out for the tell tell signs of spawning fish. Transition areas around spawning flats can be the most consistent areas right now and provide areas to catch pre and post spawn fish. This is a fun time to fish with numbers and size being the most consistent of the year. Have fun and enjoy the great weather we have been having lately.
4-7-2014. Water temps are moving in the right direction and with a full moon coming it is very likely we will see some spawning fish soon. Water temps are in the upper 50's with some 60's in shallow pockets mixed in so I think we will see some big fish spawn in the next week or so during good warming trends. Look for protected sandy and gravel bottoms where the fish can build nests and protect the fry. We usually have warmer water by now but it is warm enough to promote spawning with right moon conditions and weather. Fish have been biting pretty good but these crazy fronts we have been having make it tough to pattern them out well so you have to roll wit the punches a little. Lipless crank baits, spinnerbaits, and jerk baits have been good options lately along with shakey heads and jigs. Good luck and keep after it.
3-18-2014 Water temps are slowly moving up and this weekend I heard about some great weights in tournaments on KY Lake and Pickwick with some big fish over 10# weighed in. Local angler Lance Walker also had a pic of one he caught over 12# out of Pickwick last week. Fish are beginning to be caught shallower in the 4-10' range still on typical early spring baits such as a-rigs, jigs, jerkbaits and tight wiggled crankbaits. Secondary points at the mouths of the creeks and main lake points have been some key areas. Look for the warmest water areas you can find. It is amazing how the fish always know where these are.
3-01-2014 Water temps are in the mid to high 40's in the Memphis area with all of the recent warmer weather. Fishing has been improving with tournament weights taking high teens to mid 20's around here to win most days. With the recent warmer weather this week I think we should see a pick up in the bite and fish beginning to think prespawn and start to move soon with the next full moon especially. The fishing is beginning to move towards the creeks though main lake areas are still producing the best stringers. Some of the best catches reported have been in the first section of creeks just off main lake areas on bars and points. The main key is to search out the warmest water you can find this time of year. Remember that rocks this time of year are one of the first warming points for area lakes. With all the shad kills this winter I think we may see a great fishing year coming up. A jig, a-rig, swimbaits, jerkbaits and crankbaits along with slow running spineerbaits and chatterbaits will be the primary baits and should be your concentration over the next month or so. Warmer days being to look a little shallower and colder days hunker down and fish slowly on the deeper edge of where you catch them on warmer days. Secondary points and banks should be good starting points over the next month or so. Good luck and let me know how you do!
2-20-2014 Water temps are still in the high 30's to low 40's in the Memphis area with all of the recent cold fronts and winter weather. Fishing has been really tough with tournament weights taking low teens around here to win most days. With the recent warmer weather this week I think we should see a pick up in the bite and fish beginning to think prespawn and start to move soon with the next full moon especially. The fishing is still winter patterns towards the fronts of creeks and main lake areas. Some of the best catches reported have been in the first section of creeks just off main lake areas on bars and points. The main key is to follow the shad using your electronics and to concentrate on high percentage areas closer to deep water and the main lake. With all the shad kills this winter I think we may see a great fishing year coming up. A jig, a-rig, swimbaits, jerkbaits and spoons will be the primary baits and should be your concentration over the next month or so. Warmer days look a little shallower (8-14') and colder days hunker down and fish slowly on the deeper edge of where you catch them on warmer days. Good luck and let me know how you do!
12-31-2013 Water temps have cooled into the mid to upper 40's in the Memphis area with all of the recent cold fronts and winter weather. The fishing has set up into winter patterns towards the fronts of creeks and main lake areas. Some of the best catches reported have been in the first section of creeks just off main lake areas on bars and points. The main key is to follow the shad using your electronics and to concentrate on high percentage areas closer to deep water and the main lake. I have been getting a lot of reports of Shad kills on area lakes with the really cold weather we have been having and with some of upcoming fronts and single digit temps I am sure there will be a lot more of them. Still taking 20#+ to win on Pickwick and KY lake right now. A jig, a-rig, swimbaits, jerkbaits and spoons will be the primary baits and should be your concentration over the next month or so. Warmer days look a little shallower (8-14') and colder days hunker down and fish slowly on the deeper edge of where you catch them on warmer days. Good luck and let me know how you do!
11-20-13 Water temps have cooled into the low 60's to upper 50's with in the Memphis area with all of the recent cold fronts and the fishing has been pretty good and is beginning to set up into late fall and winter patterns towards the fronts of creeks and main lake areas. Some of the best catches reported have been in the first section of creeks just off main lake areas on bars and points. The main key is to follow the shad though, the fish are relating to them as they always do in Fall and if
you just find them the fish are not to far behind. It looks like Winter is going to set in on us quickly and I expect winter patterns will set in soon. A jig, a-rig, jerkbaits and spoons will be the primary baits soon. Watch your electronics and look for schools of shad and the bass will be in the area. Warmer days look a little shallower and colder days hunker down and fish slowly. Good luck and let me know how you do.
10-20-13 Water temps have cooled into the low 70's to upper 60's with in the Memphis area with all of the recent cold fronts and the fishing has been pretty good but it has made it tough for guys to pattern fish as their locations and mood has changed daily. Fish are being caught from the backs of the creeks on topwaters and reaction baits out to the ledges doing normal patterns and baits. Some of the best catches reported have been in the first section of creeks just off main lake areas on bars and points. The main key is to follow the shad though, the fish are relating to them as they always do in Fall and if you just find them the fish are not to far behind. 10-14# has been getting a check in most of the area tournaments. The few weeks should be some of the best fishing of the year and the Topwater bite should get tremendous. Pop-r's and walking baits should really come into their own over the next two weeks and there have been a lot of guys catching some good ones already. 10-29-13 Went to Pickwick this weekend and caught a bunch of fish. Not keepers for the most part but a lot of 14" fish on frogs and plastics as well as a spinnerbait in the grass up around Koger Island area of the lake.
8-19-13 Water conditions have been pretty good the last few weeks. Water temps have come down a bit with the cooler
temps and the fishing has been pretty good. The lakes are all at summer pools and the river is a little higher than normal in August but at a good level. There have been a lot of fish caught the last couple of weeks on ledges and shallow in grass on area lakes and some reports of schooling fish in mouths and backs of bays as well. The Mississippi river is still fluctuating a bit with the high water up north coming down but I have had a few good days out of McKellar lately. Water temps are in
the high 70's most places. Ledges are pretty much in full swing though some fish are being caught shallow. The best fish seem to be coming from the 10-20' range with reports as deep as 30'. Fish are being caught on jigs, swimbaits, Carolina rigs, crankbaits and some topwater. Main lake points and secondary points close to main lake areas have been really good, but main lake channels and ledges seem to be the best option. On the river flipping flooded brush has been good
and there is plenty of cover just have to concentrate to the outside or inside depending on rising or falling water conditions.
Have had some really good reports from the night fisherman as well.
7-2-13 Water conditions have been pretty up and down lately with rain to our east and north the last couple of weeks. They have finally stabilized the TVA lakes back to summer pools and maybe will be able to keep them level for a bit irregardless there have been a lot of fish caught the last couple of weeks on ledges and shallow in grass. The Mississippi river has been unusually high for summer and has presented some challenges to area anglers and tournaments and it looks like it may stay high for a while with all the rain they are having up north but I have had a few good days out of McKellar lately. Water temps are in the low to mid 80's. Ledges are pretty much in full swing though some fish are being
caught shallow. The best fish seem to be coming from the 10-20' range with reports as deep as 30'. Fish are being caught on jigs, swimbaits, Carolina rigs, crankbaits and some topwater. Main lake points and secondary points close to main lake areas have been really good, but main lake channels and ledges seem to be the best option. On the river flipping flooded brush has been good and there is plenty of cover just have to concentrate to the outside or inside depending on rising or falling water conditions. Lots of good reports from the night fisherman as well.
7-2-13 Water conditions have pretty well stabilized and are at summer levels or have stabilized there. Water
temps are in the low to mid 80's. Ledges are pretty much in full swing though some fish are being caught shallow. The best fish seem to be coming from the 10-20' range with reports as deep as 30'. Fish are being caught
on jigs, swimbaits, Carolina rigs, crankbaits and some topwater. Main lake points and secondary points close to main
lake areas have been really good, but main lake channels and ledges seem to be the best option. Lots of good reports from the night fisherman as well. Weather has been really reasonable and fish have been cooperating.
5-24-13 Water conditions have pretty well stabilized and are falling back to summer levels or have stabilized
there. Water temps are in the low to mid 70's pretty consistently but should be warming fast over the next couple of weeks. This week I think we will see the last of the bass spawning with this full moon and warming water temps. Ledges and crankbaits seem to have been the ticket for catching pre and post spawn fish. Fish are being caught on jigs,
swimbaits, Carolina rigs, crankbaits and some topwater. Main lake points and secondary points adjacent to spawning areas have been great starting places and channel swings and ledges close to spawning areas as fish are going to move out from prespawn. The fish are really getting through the spawn and have began to move out and there should be some stong ledge
fishing in the next couple of weeks right on schedule. Good reports coming from secondary staging points as well on Shakey heads and Carolina rigs. Great time to wet a line right now!
5-2-13 Water conditions are rising and muddying up with all the new rain the last couple of weeks. Water temps are in the mid 60's pretty consistently. Everstart tournament at Pickwick took 79lbs 11oz for a three day total. Looks like it was pretty much a ledge fishing tournament from all accounts. Ledges and crankbaits seem to have been the ticket for catching prespawn fish. Fish are being caught on jigs, swimbaits, Carolina rigs, crankbaits and some topwater from what I have heard fished in typical spawn areas with cleaner water. Main lake points and secondary points adjacent to spawning areas have been great starting places and channel swings and ledges close to spawning areas as well to catch those prespawn females. Fish in our southernmost regions in Jackson, MS area are pretty well spawned out or spawning. Central and northern areas of the Midsouth they are beginning to spawn and trying hard to get on beds. Lots of buck bass are being caught shallow on flats and breaks close to spawning grounds. With the full moon coming on the 25th we should see a lot of fish move to spawn in the area at the end of the month. Great time to wet a line right now!
4-20-13 Water conditions are rising and muddying up with all the new rain the last couple of weeks. Water temps are in the low to mid 60's pretty consistently. The fish have really begin to start into their spawn patterns and it has been taking some big weights to win most local tournaments but some lower weights on the days these fronts have been coming in during. Fish are being caught on jigs, swimbaits, Carolina rigs, crankbaits and some topwater from what I have heard fished in typical spawn areas with cleaner water. Main lake points and secondary points adjacent to spawning areas have been great starting places and channel swings and ledges close to spawning areas as well to catch those prespawn females. Fish in our southernmost regions in Jackson, MS area are pretty well spawned out or spawning. Central and northern areas of the Midsouth they are beginning to spawn and trying hard to get on beds. Lots of buck bass are being caught shallow on flats and breaks close to spawning grounds. With the full moon coming on the 25th we should see a lot of fish move to spawn in the area at the end of the month. Great time to wet a line right now!
4-4-13 Water conditions have cleared up well. Water temps are in the low to mid 50's pretty consistently. The fish have really begin to start into their prespawn patterns and it has been taking some big weights to win local tournaments. I have missed fishing the last two weekends but I am still getting good fishing reports. I haven't been hearing as much about A-rigs the last week or so and the fish should lay off of them a bit soon. Fish are being caught on jigs, swimbaits, Carolina rigs, crankbaits and jerkbaits from what I have heard fished in typical prespawn areas where you find that water just a little warmer than its surrounding area. Main lake points and secondary points adjacent to spawning areas have been great starting places and channel swings and ledges close to spawning areas as well. The best fish are being caught in 8-12ft range still but more shallow fish have been reported depending on the day. Lots of buck bass are being caught shallow on flats and breaks close to spawning grounds. I believe with the next two weeks warming trend and the full moon coming on the 25th we should see a lot of fish move to spawn in the area at the end of the month. Great time to wet a line right now.
3-25-13 Water conditions have cleared up well. Water temps are in the low 50's pretty consistently. The
fish have really begin to start into their prespawn patterns and it has been taking some big weights to win local tournaments. My club fished Pickwick this weekend and they caught lots of fish, everybody said they caught 20-30 fish each. The new Mississippi minimum of 15" got some of us but it took 15# to win and a pretty 4-3/4# fish took big fish. Pickwick has been taking high 20's up to around 34# to win and Kentucky Lake has been taking 23-27# to win tournaments right now. Fish are being caught on A-rigs, jigs, swimbaits and jerkbaits have been the most prominent lures fished in typical prespawn areas where you find that water just a little warmer than its surrounding area. Main lake points and secondary points adjacent to spawning areas have been great starting places and channel swings and ledges close to spawning areas as well. Fish are being caught deep and shallow depending on the day. Some really big ones are being caught right now.
3-16-13 Water conditions have cleared up well. Water temps are in the upper 40's to low 50's. The fish
have really begin to start into their prespawn patterns and it has been taking some big weights to win local tournaments. Pickwick has been taking high 20's up to around 34# to win and Kentucky Lake has been taking 23-27# to win
tournaments right now. Fish are being caught on A-rigs, jigs, swimbaits and jerkbaits have been the most prominent lures fished in typical prespawn areas where you find that water just a little warmer than its surrounding area. Don't be afraid to look shallow for fish right now, that is the big mistake I have been making lately. Prespawn females are
really beginning to start searching for those nesting areas and are being caught in as little as 2-4' of water lipless crankbaits like red eye shad and rattletraps. Main lake points and secondary points adjacent to spawning areas have been great starting places and channel swings and ledges close to spawning areas as well. Fish are being caught deep and shallow
depending on the day. Some really big ones are being caught right now. I fished the BFL this weekend and there were 3 fish over 10# weighed in at Pickwick.
3-3-13 Water conditions seem to be stained most places right now with all the rain we have been getting. Water
temps are in the upper 40's in the northern half of our area and low 50's in southern areas. The fish have really begin to start into their prespawn patterns and it has been taking some big weights to win local tournaments. Pickwick has been taking high 20's up to around 29# to win and Kentucky Lake has been taking 23-27# to win tournaments right now. Fish are being caught on A-rigs, jigs, swimbaits and jerkbaits have been the most prominent lures fished in typical prespawn areas where you find that water just a little warmer than its surrounding area. Don't be afraid to look shallow for fish right now, that is the big mistake I have been making lately. Prespawn females are really beginning to start searching for those nesting areas and are being caught in as little as 2-4' of water. Main lake points and secondary points adjacent to spawning areas have been great starting places and channel swings and ledges close to spawning areas as well. Fish are being caught deep and shallow depending on the day. Some really big ones are being caught right now. I have heard of several 10# class fish
caught out of Pickwick this year.
2-7-13 Currently lakes are in Winter patterns for the better fish with water temps ranging in the upper 40's Lake levels are back down to noraml most everywhere. KY lake is around 354.5 and Pickwick in the 411 range with water spilling til further notice. Primarily fish are being caught on typical winter patterns on deeper banks in the fronts of coves and main river areas on most days. Moving to the shallower breaks on warmer days around steeper banks. Ledges and points in deeper water are also holding fish for the winter Most of the reports I am getting are that fish are being caught on Alabama rigs, jigs, blade baits, and jerkbaits for the most part. The key is to find those schools near deeper water where shad are schooling and make for easy meals for the bass. Current breaks and deep points are the best places to look for active fish. I have got a
few reports of fish being caught a little shallower in the 8'-10' range on warmer multiple day trends on jigs and jerkbaits.
1-16-13 Currently lakes are in Winter patterns for the better fish with water temps ranging in the mid 40's Lake levels are rising most everywhere with the additional rain and ice we have had lately. KY lake is around 356.5 and Pickwick in the 410 range with water spilling til further notice. Primarily fish are being caught on typical winter patterns on deeper banks in the fronts of coves and main river areas on most days. Moving to the shallower breaks on warmer days around steeper banks. Ledges and points in deeper water are also holding fish for the winter Most of the reports I am getting are that fish are being caught on Alabama rigs, jigs, blade baits, and jerkbaits for the most part. The key is to find those schools near deeper water where shad are schooling and make for easy meals for the bass. Current breaks and deep points are the best places to look for active fish.
12-24-12 Currently lakes are still in full Fall patterns for the better fish with water temps ranging in the low 50's. The fish are still chasing shad in shallower water some feeding up for Winter on warmer days but more along channel ledges and deeper banks. Lake levels are pretty low most everywhere with the drawdowns for Winter. KY lake is around 355.5 and Pickwick in the 409 range. Primarily fish are being caught on typical fall patterns on deeper banks in the fronts of coves and main river areas on most days. Moving to the backs of creeks on warmer days to that last break before the flats or that last steep bank. Ledges and points in deeper water are also holding fish as the water cools. Most of the reports I am getting are that fish are being caught on Alabama rigs, crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and other reflex baits as fish are feeding on schools of shad; when they are not as active carolina rigs, spoons, and blade baits fished under the schools work well. The biggest key right now seems to be to keep moving around and finding those active schools of fish.
11-27-12 Currently lakes are still in full Fall patterns for the better fish with water temps ranging in the mid 50's. The fish are still chasing shad in shallower water nowdays feeding up for Winter on warmer days. Lake levels are pretty low most everywhere with the drawdowns for Winter. KY lake is around 355.5 and Pickwick in the 409-410 range. Primarily fish are being caught on typical fall patterns on deeper banks in the fronts of coves and main river areas on most days. Moving to the backs of creeks on warmer days. Ledges and points in deeper water are also holding fish as the water cools. Most of the reports I am getting are that fish are being caught on Alabama rigs, crankbaits,spinnerbaits, and other reflex baits as fish are feeding on schools of shad; when they are not as active carolina rigs, spoons, and blade baits fished under the schools work well. The biggest key right now seems to be to keep moving around and finding those active schools of fish.
11-7-12 Currently lakes are still in prime summer patterns for the better fish with water temps ranging from low to mid 60's. The fish are really chasing shad in shallower water nowdays feeding up for Winter. This weekends could front and rain should continue to cool the water and keep the fish shallower. Lake levels are pretty low most everywhere with the drawdowns for Winter. KY lake is around 354.8 and Pickwick in the 409-410 range. Primarily fish are being caught on typical fall patterns on deeper banks in the back of coves and main river areas. Ledges and points in deeper water are also holding fish but the majority are doing their shallow fall feed. Most of the reports I am getting are that fish are being caught on Alabama rigs, crankbaits, topwaters, and other reflex baits as fish are feeding on schools of shad; when they are not as active carolina rigs, spoons, and blade baits fished under the schools work well. The biggest key right now seems to be to keep moving around and finding those active schools of fish.
9-7-12 Currently lakes are still in prime summer patterns for the better fish with water temps ranging from low to mid 80's. The fish seem to be more spread out right now I guess due to some bait beginning to head to shallower water. This weekends could front and rain should cool the water a little further and begin to push more fish shallower. Lake levels are still pretty low most everywhere and the TVA lakes which are being pulled down to their winter pools. KY lake is around 356.5 and should drop another half a foot over the next weeks. Primarily fish are being caught on typical summer patterns on ledges and points in deeper water but more and more fish are pulling shallower and spreading out. Most of the reports I am getting are that fish are being caught using jigs, carolina rigs, and shakey heads when they are not as active and on crankbaits, spoons, and blade baits when they are more active. I am getting increased reports of people catching schooling fish at Pickwick and Kentucky Lake mostly in shallower ledges and creek channels near deeper water. There are some fish up shallow feeding on shad and bream being caught on topwaters, spinnerbaits, shallow crankbaits and shakey heads, but the bigger fish are most commonly being caught in deeper water or around grass where available. Most of these schoolers are in the 1-2# class.
8-19-12 Currently lakes are still in prime summer patterns with water temps ranging from low to mid 80's now that we have gotten a little cooler air and rain. Lake levels are still pretty low most everywhere except the TVA lakes which are fed by rains in East TN and North AL, they are mostly right on target for this time of year. Primarily fish are being caught on typical summer patterns on ledges and points in deeper water. Most of the reports I am getting are that fish are being caught using jigs, carolina rigs, and shakey heads when they are not as active and on crankbaits, spoons, and blade baits when they are more active. But I am getting increased reports of people catching schooling fish at Pickwick and Kentucky Lake. There are some fish up shallow feeding on shad and bream being caught on topwaters, spinnerbaits, shallow crankbaits and shakey heads now that oxygen levels have spread throughout the water column, but the bigger fish are most commonly being caught in deeper water or around grass where available.
8-12-12 Currently lakes are still in prime summer patterns with water temps ranging from Mid-80's to Low 90's. Lake levels are still pretty low most everywhere except the TVA lakes which are fed by rains in East TN and North AL, they are mostly right on target for this time of year. Primarily fish are being caught on typical summer patterns on ledges and points in deeper water. Most of the reports I am getting are that fish are being caught using jigs, carolina rigs, and shakey heads when they are not as active and on crankbaits, spoons, and blade baits when they are more active. There are some fish up shallow feeding on shad and bream on topwaters and shakey heads now that oxygen levels have spread throughout the water column, but the bigger fish are most commonly being caught in deeper water or around grass where available.
7-29-12 Not much at all has changed. Water temps are still in the mid 80's on most area lakes are water levels are still low. There are even a few area boat ramps that have closed on MS corp lakes due to the low water levels as well. Mississippi river at Memphis is in negative stages. With little rain in the last few weeks I dont think it will improve any time soon. Kentucky lake had finally come up to summer pool but it is the time of year fro the corp to start pulling it down so it should be back to 358' soon. Their still is a consistent low flow of water going through the TVA lakes though. Area lakes are all in full summer patterns and the fishing has been relatively good considering the current conditions.
6-30-12 Water temps are in the mid 80's on most area lakes are water levels are still low. There are even a few area boat ramps that have closed on MS corp lakes due to the low water levels as well. Mississippi river at Memphis is in negative stages and still falling. With no rain in the last few weeks I dont think it will improve any time soon. Kentucky lake is also still well below summer pool by a foot and a half. Their still is a consistent low flow of water going through the TVA lakes though. Area lakes are all in full summer patterns and the fishing has been relatively good considering the current conditions. Kentucky lake from south of Paris to New Johnsonville has seen a good resurgence of grass with the low clear water we are experiencing. A lot of people are night fishing now especially with the hot weather. I have been getting a few pretty decent reports from area anglers that are night fishing.
5-30-12 Water temps are mostly in the upper 70's and the fish are in Post spawn patterns and quickly moving into their summer haunts and patterns. Most of the best fish are being caught in 10-20' of water on mainlake ledges and points and water levels are still abnormally low for this time of year. Grass is beginning to be found in some area lakes.
5-04-12 Water temps have come back up over the last week or so and we are averaging 68-72 degree temps again. Bass are still being caught in 2-20' of water with our prolonged spring water temps we have had. You can pretty much catch them on any technique you want to. I still haven't been able to get them to commit well to a topwater but everything else has worked. Water levels are still pretty low on area lakes with the lack of rain we have had lately. Most fish seem to still be on lead in and secondary banks, but are also being caught in the backs of creeks and ledges as well. I think the last of the fish that havent spawned, will do so over the next few days with the full moon. After this weekend, I think we will be in full post spawn on the area lakes.
4-24-12 Water temps are still in the upper 60's with the fronts that keep coming thru keeping fish in holding patterns. Most fish are being caught on lead in or secondary banks or shallow water near deeper water in the mouths of the creeks. Water levels are still low in area lakes due to the lack of rain. Hopefully we will get some rain to add water to the l
4-10-12 Water temps have been declining with the colder weather over the last few days. Water temps are still in the upper 60's but there had been a lot of low 70's. I have heard of a lot of bedding fish being caught on area lakes but I am sure they are no where near down. I would expect that with the declining temps a lot of fish will still be in the prespawn secondary areas. I fished Greers Ferry this week and did see a good bit of fry around the banks and caught some males guarding nests but there were still some good females out in secondary areas that haven't spawned yet.
4-3-12 Water temps are in the high 60's and I am getting reports of fish spawning in many area lakes. Water clarities are still good but levels are still very low. The rains we are getting this week should raise water levels all over the midsouth but with the river still being low I don't think they will raise much. I didn't get to fish this weekend but many of my friends had good trips and caught a lot of fish. I have several trips planned over the next few weeks and look forward to giving you those reports.
3-24-12 Water temps are in the high 60's now with shallower water being as warm as 70 degrees. Water levels are still pretty low on most area lakes. Water clarities are really good with only minor lake runoffs from recent rains in the Memphis area. I am hearing about people finding bedding bass already and expect with the next full moon as warm as the water is we should see a big group of fish go up to spawn even with the low water. There were a lot of good limits caught at the Music city BFL this weekend with a 14-4 being the cutoff to get a check on the boaters side.
3-18-12 Water temps are in the high 50's to low 60's and if you look in shallow water on the warmer days you can find some mid to upper 60's. I fished Kentucky and Barkley lakes this weekend and we caught lots of fish. Most of the fish were located on staging banks and points near spawning areas and were caught in 3-7' of water around any available cover or structure. We caught fish on a variety of baits including Alabama rigs, jerkbaits, rattletraps, squarebill crankbaits, and spinnerbaits depending on the daily conditions and cover. 25# won the BFL tournament on Kentucky/Barkley this weekend and it took about 17# to make the Top 10. There were lots of 10-15# limits weighed in.
3-11-12 Water temps are in the mid to high 50's with some low 60 degree water temps to be found in shallow protected areas. Pickwick was hot this weekend with 30# winning the BFL tournament out of JP Coleman and it took 20# to get into the Top 10. Water color in many area lakes is still pretty good and water levels are still around winter pools. Good catches of fish have been reported on many of the usual spring tactics. Jerkbaits, rattletraps, spinnerbaits and jigs have accounted for some very good catches. The Alabama rig has also still been a hot topic lately.
3-4-12 Water temps were in the mid to high 50's this weekend Most places on the lake this weekend I found 54-56 degree water temps. I did find some 58 degree or so temps in protected areas. Lots of good fish were caught at Pickwick though common consensous was that the fishing was a little off the mark from two weeks ago. 26# won the MS Team couples tournament and 18# won my club tournament. Big fish in both tournaments was a little over 6#. Most people were catching fish on jerkbaits like the Megabass Vision 110 and Lucky craft pointer 100 in table rock shad and perch colors. Alabama rigs also were a prevalant site around the lake and the couples tournament was won using that rig is what I was told. Fish are beginning to get into that spring staging pattern holding on secondary points and deeper banks close to spawning areas.
2-26-12 Water temps are still in the low 50's but I did find some 53-54 degree water yesterday at Horseshoe Lake in Arkansas. We got several 3-4 lb. fish in the cypress trees pitching a black and blue jig. I had a couple of fish slap at a spinnerbait but I think they just werent active enough after the front to get it yet. With a week or so of warm weather Horseshoe will be right. The Music city BFL at Lake Guntersville took 24# to win and 17# to place in the top 25 yesterday. I have been getting good reports from Kentucky Lake and Pickwick as well taking 25# or so to win tournaments on those two lakes right now as well. Fish are being caught on main lake points and staging areas on jerkbaits like the Megabass Vision 110 and x-80, Alabama Rigs, Crankbaits, Jigs, and shakee heads.
2-19-12 Water temps had began to warm a bit but with these last couple of cold spells and the cold rain we are getting today they will continue to cool back off. I would also think the runoff from these rains will cloud the water up in some of our area lakes as well. The water temps are still running consistently in the 47-51 degree range but were beginning to see some warmer temps prior to the last week. I did see some good reports from Pickwick and Kentucky lake throwing Alabama Rigs and jerkbaits along main lake points and bluffs. Also, I have heard that a jig and slow rolled spinnerbait have been catching some fish as well.
2-10-12 Water temps are still running in the 47-51 degree area but during our last warm snap there were some huge fish caught at Pickwick on Alabama rigs and Spinnerbaits. Cabin fever is really beginning to hit a lot of fisherman in the area and boat shows have started and people are thinking about fishing again. The lake levels had raised a bit but are back to about their normal winter pools now. It is a good time to go out right now with your electronics and start marking brush piles and ends of those pea gravel points while they are easier to see and locate.
1-20-12 Water temps are still runnig in the 48-52 degree area. With the unseasonable air and weather conditions fishing has been a little unpredictable and reports have varied as to what the fish are biting on. The local river and resevoirs have had a little more water than normal with Pickwick and Ky lake being higher than normal winter pools as well as the TN river.
1-1-12 Area lakes are reporting fairly clear water with 48-52 degree water temps. We are in our typical winter patterns right now with most fish being taken using slwer presentations such as finesse jigs, slow rolled spinnerbaits, carolina and dropshot rigs, spoons, and alabama rigs.
you just find them the fish are not to far behind. It looks like Winter is going to set in on us quickly and I expect winter patterns will set in soon. A jig, a-rig, jerkbaits and spoons will be the primary baits soon. Watch your electronics and look for schools of shad and the bass will be in the area. Warmer days look a little shallower and colder days hunker down and fish slowly. Good luck and let me know how you do.
10-20-13 Water temps have cooled into the low 70's to upper 60's with in the Memphis area with all of the recent cold fronts and the fishing has been pretty good but it has made it tough for guys to pattern fish as their locations and mood has changed daily. Fish are being caught from the backs of the creeks on topwaters and reaction baits out to the ledges doing normal patterns and baits. Some of the best catches reported have been in the first section of creeks just off main lake areas on bars and points. The main key is to follow the shad though, the fish are relating to them as they always do in Fall and if you just find them the fish are not to far behind. 10-14# has been getting a check in most of the area tournaments. The few weeks should be some of the best fishing of the year and the Topwater bite should get tremendous. Pop-r's and walking baits should really come into their own over the next two weeks and there have been a lot of guys catching some good ones already. 10-29-13 Went to Pickwick this weekend and caught a bunch of fish. Not keepers for the most part but a lot of 14" fish on frogs and plastics as well as a spinnerbait in the grass up around Koger Island area of the lake.
8-19-13 Water conditions have been pretty good the last few weeks. Water temps have come down a bit with the cooler
temps and the fishing has been pretty good. The lakes are all at summer pools and the river is a little higher than normal in August but at a good level. There have been a lot of fish caught the last couple of weeks on ledges and shallow in grass on area lakes and some reports of schooling fish in mouths and backs of bays as well. The Mississippi river is still fluctuating a bit with the high water up north coming down but I have had a few good days out of McKellar lately. Water temps are in
the high 70's most places. Ledges are pretty much in full swing though some fish are being caught shallow. The best fish seem to be coming from the 10-20' range with reports as deep as 30'. Fish are being caught on jigs, swimbaits, Carolina rigs, crankbaits and some topwater. Main lake points and secondary points close to main lake areas have been really good, but main lake channels and ledges seem to be the best option. On the river flipping flooded brush has been good
and there is plenty of cover just have to concentrate to the outside or inside depending on rising or falling water conditions.
Have had some really good reports from the night fisherman as well.
7-2-13 Water conditions have been pretty up and down lately with rain to our east and north the last couple of weeks. They have finally stabilized the TVA lakes back to summer pools and maybe will be able to keep them level for a bit irregardless there have been a lot of fish caught the last couple of weeks on ledges and shallow in grass. The Mississippi river has been unusually high for summer and has presented some challenges to area anglers and tournaments and it looks like it may stay high for a while with all the rain they are having up north but I have had a few good days out of McKellar lately. Water temps are in the low to mid 80's. Ledges are pretty much in full swing though some fish are being
caught shallow. The best fish seem to be coming from the 10-20' range with reports as deep as 30'. Fish are being caught on jigs, swimbaits, Carolina rigs, crankbaits and some topwater. Main lake points and secondary points close to main lake areas have been really good, but main lake channels and ledges seem to be the best option. On the river flipping flooded brush has been good and there is plenty of cover just have to concentrate to the outside or inside depending on rising or falling water conditions. Lots of good reports from the night fisherman as well.
7-2-13 Water conditions have pretty well stabilized and are at summer levels or have stabilized there. Water
temps are in the low to mid 80's. Ledges are pretty much in full swing though some fish are being caught shallow. The best fish seem to be coming from the 10-20' range with reports as deep as 30'. Fish are being caught
on jigs, swimbaits, Carolina rigs, crankbaits and some topwater. Main lake points and secondary points close to main
lake areas have been really good, but main lake channels and ledges seem to be the best option. Lots of good reports from the night fisherman as well. Weather has been really reasonable and fish have been cooperating.
5-24-13 Water conditions have pretty well stabilized and are falling back to summer levels or have stabilized
there. Water temps are in the low to mid 70's pretty consistently but should be warming fast over the next couple of weeks. This week I think we will see the last of the bass spawning with this full moon and warming water temps. Ledges and crankbaits seem to have been the ticket for catching pre and post spawn fish. Fish are being caught on jigs,
swimbaits, Carolina rigs, crankbaits and some topwater. Main lake points and secondary points adjacent to spawning areas have been great starting places and channel swings and ledges close to spawning areas as fish are going to move out from prespawn. The fish are really getting through the spawn and have began to move out and there should be some stong ledge
fishing in the next couple of weeks right on schedule. Good reports coming from secondary staging points as well on Shakey heads and Carolina rigs. Great time to wet a line right now!
5-2-13 Water conditions are rising and muddying up with all the new rain the last couple of weeks. Water temps are in the mid 60's pretty consistently. Everstart tournament at Pickwick took 79lbs 11oz for a three day total. Looks like it was pretty much a ledge fishing tournament from all accounts. Ledges and crankbaits seem to have been the ticket for catching prespawn fish. Fish are being caught on jigs, swimbaits, Carolina rigs, crankbaits and some topwater from what I have heard fished in typical spawn areas with cleaner water. Main lake points and secondary points adjacent to spawning areas have been great starting places and channel swings and ledges close to spawning areas as well to catch those prespawn females. Fish in our southernmost regions in Jackson, MS area are pretty well spawned out or spawning. Central and northern areas of the Midsouth they are beginning to spawn and trying hard to get on beds. Lots of buck bass are being caught shallow on flats and breaks close to spawning grounds. With the full moon coming on the 25th we should see a lot of fish move to spawn in the area at the end of the month. Great time to wet a line right now!
4-20-13 Water conditions are rising and muddying up with all the new rain the last couple of weeks. Water temps are in the low to mid 60's pretty consistently. The fish have really begin to start into their spawn patterns and it has been taking some big weights to win most local tournaments but some lower weights on the days these fronts have been coming in during. Fish are being caught on jigs, swimbaits, Carolina rigs, crankbaits and some topwater from what I have heard fished in typical spawn areas with cleaner water. Main lake points and secondary points adjacent to spawning areas have been great starting places and channel swings and ledges close to spawning areas as well to catch those prespawn females. Fish in our southernmost regions in Jackson, MS area are pretty well spawned out or spawning. Central and northern areas of the Midsouth they are beginning to spawn and trying hard to get on beds. Lots of buck bass are being caught shallow on flats and breaks close to spawning grounds. With the full moon coming on the 25th we should see a lot of fish move to spawn in the area at the end of the month. Great time to wet a line right now!
4-4-13 Water conditions have cleared up well. Water temps are in the low to mid 50's pretty consistently. The fish have really begin to start into their prespawn patterns and it has been taking some big weights to win local tournaments. I have missed fishing the last two weekends but I am still getting good fishing reports. I haven't been hearing as much about A-rigs the last week or so and the fish should lay off of them a bit soon. Fish are being caught on jigs, swimbaits, Carolina rigs, crankbaits and jerkbaits from what I have heard fished in typical prespawn areas where you find that water just a little warmer than its surrounding area. Main lake points and secondary points adjacent to spawning areas have been great starting places and channel swings and ledges close to spawning areas as well. The best fish are being caught in 8-12ft range still but more shallow fish have been reported depending on the day. Lots of buck bass are being caught shallow on flats and breaks close to spawning grounds. I believe with the next two weeks warming trend and the full moon coming on the 25th we should see a lot of fish move to spawn in the area at the end of the month. Great time to wet a line right now.
3-25-13 Water conditions have cleared up well. Water temps are in the low 50's pretty consistently. The
fish have really begin to start into their prespawn patterns and it has been taking some big weights to win local tournaments. My club fished Pickwick this weekend and they caught lots of fish, everybody said they caught 20-30 fish each. The new Mississippi minimum of 15" got some of us but it took 15# to win and a pretty 4-3/4# fish took big fish. Pickwick has been taking high 20's up to around 34# to win and Kentucky Lake has been taking 23-27# to win tournaments right now. Fish are being caught on A-rigs, jigs, swimbaits and jerkbaits have been the most prominent lures fished in typical prespawn areas where you find that water just a little warmer than its surrounding area. Main lake points and secondary points adjacent to spawning areas have been great starting places and channel swings and ledges close to spawning areas as well. Fish are being caught deep and shallow depending on the day. Some really big ones are being caught right now.
3-16-13 Water conditions have cleared up well. Water temps are in the upper 40's to low 50's. The fish
have really begin to start into their prespawn patterns and it has been taking some big weights to win local tournaments. Pickwick has been taking high 20's up to around 34# to win and Kentucky Lake has been taking 23-27# to win
tournaments right now. Fish are being caught on A-rigs, jigs, swimbaits and jerkbaits have been the most prominent lures fished in typical prespawn areas where you find that water just a little warmer than its surrounding area. Don't be afraid to look shallow for fish right now, that is the big mistake I have been making lately. Prespawn females are
really beginning to start searching for those nesting areas and are being caught in as little as 2-4' of water lipless crankbaits like red eye shad and rattletraps. Main lake points and secondary points adjacent to spawning areas have been great starting places and channel swings and ledges close to spawning areas as well. Fish are being caught deep and shallow
depending on the day. Some really big ones are being caught right now. I fished the BFL this weekend and there were 3 fish over 10# weighed in at Pickwick.
3-3-13 Water conditions seem to be stained most places right now with all the rain we have been getting. Water
temps are in the upper 40's in the northern half of our area and low 50's in southern areas. The fish have really begin to start into their prespawn patterns and it has been taking some big weights to win local tournaments. Pickwick has been taking high 20's up to around 29# to win and Kentucky Lake has been taking 23-27# to win tournaments right now. Fish are being caught on A-rigs, jigs, swimbaits and jerkbaits have been the most prominent lures fished in typical prespawn areas where you find that water just a little warmer than its surrounding area. Don't be afraid to look shallow for fish right now, that is the big mistake I have been making lately. Prespawn females are really beginning to start searching for those nesting areas and are being caught in as little as 2-4' of water. Main lake points and secondary points adjacent to spawning areas have been great starting places and channel swings and ledges close to spawning areas as well. Fish are being caught deep and shallow depending on the day. Some really big ones are being caught right now. I have heard of several 10# class fish
caught out of Pickwick this year.
2-7-13 Currently lakes are in Winter patterns for the better fish with water temps ranging in the upper 40's Lake levels are back down to noraml most everywhere. KY lake is around 354.5 and Pickwick in the 411 range with water spilling til further notice. Primarily fish are being caught on typical winter patterns on deeper banks in the fronts of coves and main river areas on most days. Moving to the shallower breaks on warmer days around steeper banks. Ledges and points in deeper water are also holding fish for the winter Most of the reports I am getting are that fish are being caught on Alabama rigs, jigs, blade baits, and jerkbaits for the most part. The key is to find those schools near deeper water where shad are schooling and make for easy meals for the bass. Current breaks and deep points are the best places to look for active fish. I have got a
few reports of fish being caught a little shallower in the 8'-10' range on warmer multiple day trends on jigs and jerkbaits.
1-16-13 Currently lakes are in Winter patterns for the better fish with water temps ranging in the mid 40's Lake levels are rising most everywhere with the additional rain and ice we have had lately. KY lake is around 356.5 and Pickwick in the 410 range with water spilling til further notice. Primarily fish are being caught on typical winter patterns on deeper banks in the fronts of coves and main river areas on most days. Moving to the shallower breaks on warmer days around steeper banks. Ledges and points in deeper water are also holding fish for the winter Most of the reports I am getting are that fish are being caught on Alabama rigs, jigs, blade baits, and jerkbaits for the most part. The key is to find those schools near deeper water where shad are schooling and make for easy meals for the bass. Current breaks and deep points are the best places to look for active fish.
12-24-12 Currently lakes are still in full Fall patterns for the better fish with water temps ranging in the low 50's. The fish are still chasing shad in shallower water some feeding up for Winter on warmer days but more along channel ledges and deeper banks. Lake levels are pretty low most everywhere with the drawdowns for Winter. KY lake is around 355.5 and Pickwick in the 409 range. Primarily fish are being caught on typical fall patterns on deeper banks in the fronts of coves and main river areas on most days. Moving to the backs of creeks on warmer days to that last break before the flats or that last steep bank. Ledges and points in deeper water are also holding fish as the water cools. Most of the reports I am getting are that fish are being caught on Alabama rigs, crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and other reflex baits as fish are feeding on schools of shad; when they are not as active carolina rigs, spoons, and blade baits fished under the schools work well. The biggest key right now seems to be to keep moving around and finding those active schools of fish.
11-27-12 Currently lakes are still in full Fall patterns for the better fish with water temps ranging in the mid 50's. The fish are still chasing shad in shallower water nowdays feeding up for Winter on warmer days. Lake levels are pretty low most everywhere with the drawdowns for Winter. KY lake is around 355.5 and Pickwick in the 409-410 range. Primarily fish are being caught on typical fall patterns on deeper banks in the fronts of coves and main river areas on most days. Moving to the backs of creeks on warmer days. Ledges and points in deeper water are also holding fish as the water cools. Most of the reports I am getting are that fish are being caught on Alabama rigs, crankbaits,spinnerbaits, and other reflex baits as fish are feeding on schools of shad; when they are not as active carolina rigs, spoons, and blade baits fished under the schools work well. The biggest key right now seems to be to keep moving around and finding those active schools of fish.
11-7-12 Currently lakes are still in prime summer patterns for the better fish with water temps ranging from low to mid 60's. The fish are really chasing shad in shallower water nowdays feeding up for Winter. This weekends could front and rain should continue to cool the water and keep the fish shallower. Lake levels are pretty low most everywhere with the drawdowns for Winter. KY lake is around 354.8 and Pickwick in the 409-410 range. Primarily fish are being caught on typical fall patterns on deeper banks in the back of coves and main river areas. Ledges and points in deeper water are also holding fish but the majority are doing their shallow fall feed. Most of the reports I am getting are that fish are being caught on Alabama rigs, crankbaits, topwaters, and other reflex baits as fish are feeding on schools of shad; when they are not as active carolina rigs, spoons, and blade baits fished under the schools work well. The biggest key right now seems to be to keep moving around and finding those active schools of fish.
9-7-12 Currently lakes are still in prime summer patterns for the better fish with water temps ranging from low to mid 80's. The fish seem to be more spread out right now I guess due to some bait beginning to head to shallower water. This weekends could front and rain should cool the water a little further and begin to push more fish shallower. Lake levels are still pretty low most everywhere and the TVA lakes which are being pulled down to their winter pools. KY lake is around 356.5 and should drop another half a foot over the next weeks. Primarily fish are being caught on typical summer patterns on ledges and points in deeper water but more and more fish are pulling shallower and spreading out. Most of the reports I am getting are that fish are being caught using jigs, carolina rigs, and shakey heads when they are not as active and on crankbaits, spoons, and blade baits when they are more active. I am getting increased reports of people catching schooling fish at Pickwick and Kentucky Lake mostly in shallower ledges and creek channels near deeper water. There are some fish up shallow feeding on shad and bream being caught on topwaters, spinnerbaits, shallow crankbaits and shakey heads, but the bigger fish are most commonly being caught in deeper water or around grass where available. Most of these schoolers are in the 1-2# class.
8-19-12 Currently lakes are still in prime summer patterns with water temps ranging from low to mid 80's now that we have gotten a little cooler air and rain. Lake levels are still pretty low most everywhere except the TVA lakes which are fed by rains in East TN and North AL, they are mostly right on target for this time of year. Primarily fish are being caught on typical summer patterns on ledges and points in deeper water. Most of the reports I am getting are that fish are being caught using jigs, carolina rigs, and shakey heads when they are not as active and on crankbaits, spoons, and blade baits when they are more active. But I am getting increased reports of people catching schooling fish at Pickwick and Kentucky Lake. There are some fish up shallow feeding on shad and bream being caught on topwaters, spinnerbaits, shallow crankbaits and shakey heads now that oxygen levels have spread throughout the water column, but the bigger fish are most commonly being caught in deeper water or around grass where available.
8-12-12 Currently lakes are still in prime summer patterns with water temps ranging from Mid-80's to Low 90's. Lake levels are still pretty low most everywhere except the TVA lakes which are fed by rains in East TN and North AL, they are mostly right on target for this time of year. Primarily fish are being caught on typical summer patterns on ledges and points in deeper water. Most of the reports I am getting are that fish are being caught using jigs, carolina rigs, and shakey heads when they are not as active and on crankbaits, spoons, and blade baits when they are more active. There are some fish up shallow feeding on shad and bream on topwaters and shakey heads now that oxygen levels have spread throughout the water column, but the bigger fish are most commonly being caught in deeper water or around grass where available.
7-29-12 Not much at all has changed. Water temps are still in the mid 80's on most area lakes are water levels are still low. There are even a few area boat ramps that have closed on MS corp lakes due to the low water levels as well. Mississippi river at Memphis is in negative stages. With little rain in the last few weeks I dont think it will improve any time soon. Kentucky lake had finally come up to summer pool but it is the time of year fro the corp to start pulling it down so it should be back to 358' soon. Their still is a consistent low flow of water going through the TVA lakes though. Area lakes are all in full summer patterns and the fishing has been relatively good considering the current conditions.
6-30-12 Water temps are in the mid 80's on most area lakes are water levels are still low. There are even a few area boat ramps that have closed on MS corp lakes due to the low water levels as well. Mississippi river at Memphis is in negative stages and still falling. With no rain in the last few weeks I dont think it will improve any time soon. Kentucky lake is also still well below summer pool by a foot and a half. Their still is a consistent low flow of water going through the TVA lakes though. Area lakes are all in full summer patterns and the fishing has been relatively good considering the current conditions. Kentucky lake from south of Paris to New Johnsonville has seen a good resurgence of grass with the low clear water we are experiencing. A lot of people are night fishing now especially with the hot weather. I have been getting a few pretty decent reports from area anglers that are night fishing.
5-30-12 Water temps are mostly in the upper 70's and the fish are in Post spawn patterns and quickly moving into their summer haunts and patterns. Most of the best fish are being caught in 10-20' of water on mainlake ledges and points and water levels are still abnormally low for this time of year. Grass is beginning to be found in some area lakes.
5-04-12 Water temps have come back up over the last week or so and we are averaging 68-72 degree temps again. Bass are still being caught in 2-20' of water with our prolonged spring water temps we have had. You can pretty much catch them on any technique you want to. I still haven't been able to get them to commit well to a topwater but everything else has worked. Water levels are still pretty low on area lakes with the lack of rain we have had lately. Most fish seem to still be on lead in and secondary banks, but are also being caught in the backs of creeks and ledges as well. I think the last of the fish that havent spawned, will do so over the next few days with the full moon. After this weekend, I think we will be in full post spawn on the area lakes.
4-24-12 Water temps are still in the upper 60's with the fronts that keep coming thru keeping fish in holding patterns. Most fish are being caught on lead in or secondary banks or shallow water near deeper water in the mouths of the creeks. Water levels are still low in area lakes due to the lack of rain. Hopefully we will get some rain to add water to the l
4-10-12 Water temps have been declining with the colder weather over the last few days. Water temps are still in the upper 60's but there had been a lot of low 70's. I have heard of a lot of bedding fish being caught on area lakes but I am sure they are no where near down. I would expect that with the declining temps a lot of fish will still be in the prespawn secondary areas. I fished Greers Ferry this week and did see a good bit of fry around the banks and caught some males guarding nests but there were still some good females out in secondary areas that haven't spawned yet.
4-3-12 Water temps are in the high 60's and I am getting reports of fish spawning in many area lakes. Water clarities are still good but levels are still very low. The rains we are getting this week should raise water levels all over the midsouth but with the river still being low I don't think they will raise much. I didn't get to fish this weekend but many of my friends had good trips and caught a lot of fish. I have several trips planned over the next few weeks and look forward to giving you those reports.
3-24-12 Water temps are in the high 60's now with shallower water being as warm as 70 degrees. Water levels are still pretty low on most area lakes. Water clarities are really good with only minor lake runoffs from recent rains in the Memphis area. I am hearing about people finding bedding bass already and expect with the next full moon as warm as the water is we should see a big group of fish go up to spawn even with the low water. There were a lot of good limits caught at the Music city BFL this weekend with a 14-4 being the cutoff to get a check on the boaters side.
3-18-12 Water temps are in the high 50's to low 60's and if you look in shallow water on the warmer days you can find some mid to upper 60's. I fished Kentucky and Barkley lakes this weekend and we caught lots of fish. Most of the fish were located on staging banks and points near spawning areas and were caught in 3-7' of water around any available cover or structure. We caught fish on a variety of baits including Alabama rigs, jerkbaits, rattletraps, squarebill crankbaits, and spinnerbaits depending on the daily conditions and cover. 25# won the BFL tournament on Kentucky/Barkley this weekend and it took about 17# to make the Top 10. There were lots of 10-15# limits weighed in.
3-11-12 Water temps are in the mid to high 50's with some low 60 degree water temps to be found in shallow protected areas. Pickwick was hot this weekend with 30# winning the BFL tournament out of JP Coleman and it took 20# to get into the Top 10. Water color in many area lakes is still pretty good and water levels are still around winter pools. Good catches of fish have been reported on many of the usual spring tactics. Jerkbaits, rattletraps, spinnerbaits and jigs have accounted for some very good catches. The Alabama rig has also still been a hot topic lately.
3-4-12 Water temps were in the mid to high 50's this weekend Most places on the lake this weekend I found 54-56 degree water temps. I did find some 58 degree or so temps in protected areas. Lots of good fish were caught at Pickwick though common consensous was that the fishing was a little off the mark from two weeks ago. 26# won the MS Team couples tournament and 18# won my club tournament. Big fish in both tournaments was a little over 6#. Most people were catching fish on jerkbaits like the Megabass Vision 110 and Lucky craft pointer 100 in table rock shad and perch colors. Alabama rigs also were a prevalant site around the lake and the couples tournament was won using that rig is what I was told. Fish are beginning to get into that spring staging pattern holding on secondary points and deeper banks close to spawning areas.
2-26-12 Water temps are still in the low 50's but I did find some 53-54 degree water yesterday at Horseshoe Lake in Arkansas. We got several 3-4 lb. fish in the cypress trees pitching a black and blue jig. I had a couple of fish slap at a spinnerbait but I think they just werent active enough after the front to get it yet. With a week or so of warm weather Horseshoe will be right. The Music city BFL at Lake Guntersville took 24# to win and 17# to place in the top 25 yesterday. I have been getting good reports from Kentucky Lake and Pickwick as well taking 25# or so to win tournaments on those two lakes right now as well. Fish are being caught on main lake points and staging areas on jerkbaits like the Megabass Vision 110 and x-80, Alabama Rigs, Crankbaits, Jigs, and shakee heads.
2-19-12 Water temps had began to warm a bit but with these last couple of cold spells and the cold rain we are getting today they will continue to cool back off. I would also think the runoff from these rains will cloud the water up in some of our area lakes as well. The water temps are still running consistently in the 47-51 degree range but were beginning to see some warmer temps prior to the last week. I did see some good reports from Pickwick and Kentucky lake throwing Alabama Rigs and jerkbaits along main lake points and bluffs. Also, I have heard that a jig and slow rolled spinnerbait have been catching some fish as well.
2-10-12 Water temps are still running in the 47-51 degree area but during our last warm snap there were some huge fish caught at Pickwick on Alabama rigs and Spinnerbaits. Cabin fever is really beginning to hit a lot of fisherman in the area and boat shows have started and people are thinking about fishing again. The lake levels had raised a bit but are back to about their normal winter pools now. It is a good time to go out right now with your electronics and start marking brush piles and ends of those pea gravel points while they are easier to see and locate.
1-20-12 Water temps are still runnig in the 48-52 degree area. With the unseasonable air and weather conditions fishing has been a little unpredictable and reports have varied as to what the fish are biting on. The local river and resevoirs have had a little more water than normal with Pickwick and Ky lake being higher than normal winter pools as well as the TN river.
1-1-12 Area lakes are reporting fairly clear water with 48-52 degree water temps. We are in our typical winter patterns right now with most fish being taken using slwer presentations such as finesse jigs, slow rolled spinnerbaits, carolina and dropshot rigs, spoons, and alabama rigs.