Kentucky and Barkley Fishing reports

[Dave Stewart]

May 17, 2018


Kentucky Lake: Water Level at Kentucky Dam - 359.14 Surface Temperature - 77
Lake Barkley: Water Level at Barkley Dam - 359.10 Surface Temperature - 77

Both lakes are at summer pool. Kentucky Dam was generating at an average rate of 60,500 late this afternoon. Barkley Dam was generating at an average rate of 28,200 this afternoon.

The latest lake levels , current flows and forecasts for all the TVA lakes can be found at

http://www.tva.com/river/lakeinfo/index.htm

.

Current Conditions: Well it has been another week of hot weather and a lot of flat water days. Last week I reported we had some slow days and a few fair days. This week is a mirror of that same pattern. The Largemouth Bass are still in post spawn transition phase and finding any numbers of keeper plus bass has been tough. One can catch a lot of smaller bass on most days though so at least there is some consistent action even if it is not as good on the bigger bass as we would like to have. To paraphrase a number of the FLW Professionals that came across the weigh-in stage this afternoon..."it is tough out there". We did manage a few fish on ledges this week but our best action continues to be on primary and secondary post spawn points.


The weather pattern we have been experiencing over the past couple weeks is forecasted to continue through next week. Hot days and scattered thunderstorms. Some of these storms are severe so keep an eye on the sky for an approaching storm and seek a safe port immediately as these storms do contain high winds and lots of lightning. Bring plenty of water or sports drinks to stay hydrated and don't forget the sun screen.

LARGEMOUTH BASS: Post spawn Largemouth are being taken on creek channel banks and secondary points in the creeks and bays on medium running crank baits, jigs, Carolina and Texas rigged creature baits, tube jigs shaky heads and ned rigs. A few Largemouth are also being taken in the flooded brush and wood in the creeks and bays on jigs and Texas and Florida rigged creature baits. Some largemouth are now being taken on early ledges on deep diving crank baits, swim baits, Texas rigged large worms, jigs and Carolina rigged creature baits. The Largemouth are primarily on post spawn transition and numbers of keepers being taken is slow.

SMALLMOUTH BASS: Smallmouth are being taken on main lake points and secondary points in the mouths of the creeks and bays. These fish are being taken on jigs, tube jigs, Texas and Carolina rigged creature baits. Some Smallmouth have been taken off ledges but like the Largemouth, the ledges are still spotty.

PRODUCTIVE LURES: Some of the productive lures reported this week are Strike King XD6 crank baits in sexy shad and blue/chartreuse, Rapala DT 10 and DT 6 crank baits in shad and bluegill patterns, Bandit 200 and 300 series crankbaits in rootbeer and rootbeer/chartreuse, Charmer 10.5" ribbon tail worms in plum, D&L jigs in Cumberland craw and oops patterns, Charmer 6" lizards and timber pups in watermelon/red. green pumpkin/blue and green pumpkin, Charmer tubes in blue craw, Zman TRD baits on ned rigs in green pumpkin.


Bluegill/Red Ears: Blue gills and Red Ears are now spawning in the shallows. These bluegills are being taken on red worms fished under bobbers. The Red Ears are being taken on split shot rigs baited with small jigs tipped with worms slowly reeled along the bottom. Good catches are being reported.

Channel Catfish: Channel Catfish are now moving up on shallow rocky banks and points on the main lake to spawn. These fish are being taken on night crawlers fished under bobbers. Good catches are being reported.

IF YOU ARE PLANNING ON VISITING OUR LAKES I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THE FOLLOWING BUSINESSES FOR ALL YOUR FISHING AND BOATING NEEDS

Fisherman’s Headquarters is located in Draffenville at the U.S. 68/U.S. 641 triangle, or the Draffenville "Y". FHQ stocks everything an angler could need, from live bait, hooks and bobbers to top of the line tournament bass tackle. More than a "bait and tackle" store, Fisherman’s Headquarters is a true "pro shop", offering advice, training and special order assistance not found online or at the big box retailers. Services even include custom electronics training and installation. The store offers a wide variety of nationally known brands as well as many regional and hard to find items we use on Kentucky and Barkley Lakes. They stock many of the products I rely on daily, such as Charmer Baits, Slong’s lures and Pro Tungsten weights. From bluegill to bass and catfish to crappie, FHQ has you covered! Stop by and visit or phone 270-527-5938.

Jet-A-Marina: If you have a problem with your boat while you are visiting our great fisheries, let me recommend you have the folks in the service department at Jet-a-Marina check it out. These folks have a well known reputation for trying to keep our visitors on the water while they are here if they can possibly do so, especially you tournament anglers. Hopefully you will not need this kind of assistance but if you do, you can find Jet-a-Marina located on U.S. 62 in Calvert City, just a couple of miles north of Kentucky Dam. Jet-a-Marina also has a great showroom for all your boating accessories and check out the new Ranger bass boats too as well as bulk oil at rock bottom prices for your engine. Phone: 270-395-4030.

GUIDE SERVICE:

For those of you that may not be familiar with my service: I am a full time catch and release bass fishing guide. I only guide for bass. I have been guiding for bass full time on these lakes for over 20 years and bass fishing the lakes for over 30 years. I do not go out and fish panfish for 4 or 5 days and then try to guide on bass for one or two days.
No one knows everything the bass are doing but one thing is for sure, if you only fish for bass day in and day out, you will have a lot better idea of what they are doing and also be familiar with all the different techniques it takes to be a successful bass angler.

If you book with my service, you will have me as your guide and you will be guided in the comfort of a late model Z522 Ranger Comanche equipped with Lowrance HDS electronics and top of the line tackle. I provide just for fun bass fishing trips, tournament preparation trips, focused teaching trips and technique instruction. If you are in need of a bass fishing guide give me a call or drop me an email.


Available Dates:

May: Sorry, I am booked up.
June: Sorry, I am booked up.
July: A number of dates still available.


I am also taking reservations also for August, September, October and November.

Captain Dave Stewart
Bass Buster Guide Service
www.kentuckylakeguide.com
dave@kentuckylakeguide.com
270-362-9987
"Fish With A Professional"

[Dave Stewart]

May 30, 2018


Kentucky Lake: Water Level at Kentucky Dam - 359.8 Surface Temperature - 80
Lake Barkley: Water Level at Barkley Dam - 359.4 Surface Temperature - 80


Both lakes are about one foot over summer pool. Kentucky Dam was spilling at an average rate of 101,000 cfs this afternoon. Barkley Dam was generating at an average rate of 29,800 this afternoon.

The latest lake levels , current flows and forecasts for all the TVA lakes can be found at

http://www.tva.com/river/lakeinfo/index.htm

.

Current Conditions: Subtropical depression Alberto passed over the lakes area last night through this morning. We received heavy rains most of the night and this morning. Lake levels rose some with all the rain but the TVA has increased the flow rates to compensate for this influx of water. The present TVA forecast is not calling for a significant rise in the water levels but I advise you to check the TVA site for any updates that may arise. I apologize for not publishing a report last week but between guiding everyday and some pressing personal business I had to deal with after getting off the water I had to forego the report.

More fish have shown up on the ledges since my last report two weeks ago. We have taken some nice fish off the ledges for sure but I am also finding that some of the ledges I have fished for many years have been void of fish so far. I did not get out on the water today as Alberto was overhead and between the heavy downpours and high winds it just was not prudent to be on the water. I was on Barkley yesterday and the water conditions were good but I suspect it will be getting a lot of color to it with all the rain we had last night and this morning. I would expect the backs of many of the creeks and bays on Kentucky have dirty water flowing into them also. Our best bite over the past few days out have been on the ledges with some early morning top water bite in the backs of the creeks and bays before the sun gets up over the trees.

It has been hot here for the most part over the past week and the heat and humidity is forecasted to continue through Sunday. Chances for thunderstorms are in the forecast for tomorrow and Friday. Keep an eye on the sky for these storms. They come up quick and have high winds and nasty cloud to ground lightning. We had to cut two trips short last week due to these storms popping up on us in the early afternoon.

LARGEMOUTH BASS: Largemouth are being taken on the ledges and deep main lake points. These fish are being taken with deep diving crank baits, Carolina rigged creature baits, Texas rigged large worms, jigs, drop shots and swim baits. There are still a number of Largemouth on secondary creek channel points in the creeks and bays although most of these are smaller fish they can provide some fun with an occasional keeper in the mix. These fish can be taken with medium running crank baits, shaky heads, tube jigs and ned rigs.


SMALLMOUTH BASS: Smallmouth are being taken on main lake points and on the ledges. These fish are being taken on Carolina rigged creature baits, jigs and swim baits.


PRODUCTIVE LURES: Bandit 200 and 300 series crankbaits in rootbeer and rootbeer/chartreuse, Strike King XD 6 and XD 10 in sexy shad and blue backchartruese, Rapala DT 16 in parrot, D&L jigs in Cumberland craw and oops patterns, Slong's jigs in mustang, Charmer timber pups on Carolina rig in green pumpkin and watermelon/purple, Charmer 10.5" ribbon tail worm in plum, Big Hammer swim baits in sexy smelt, Charmer tubes in blue cat and green pumpkin/orange and Robo worms on drop shot in mean green.


Bluegill/Red Ears: Blue gills and Red Ears are still being taken shallow in the creeks and bays but reports indicate they are somewhat scattered now. The blue gill are taking crickets under bobbers and the Red Ears are taking red worms on split shot rigs fished on bottom.

Channel Catfish: Channel Catfish being taken on night crawlers fished under bobbers on rocky banks and points.

IF YOU ARE PLANNING ON VISITING OUR LAKES I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THE FOLLOWING BUSINESSES FOR ALL YOUR FISHING AND BOATING NEEDS:

Fisherman’s Headquarters is located in Draffenville at the U.S. 68/U.S. 641 triangle, or the Draffenville "Y". FHQ stocks everything an angler could need, from live bait, hooks and bobbers to top of the line tournament bass tackle. More than a "bait and tackle" store, Fisherman’s Headquarters is a true "pro shop", offering advice, training and special order assistance not found online or at the big box retailers. Services even include custom electronics training and installation. The store offers a wide variety of nationally known brands as well as many regional and hard to find items we use on Kentucky and Barkley Lakes. They stock many of the products I rely on daily, such as Charmer Baits, Slong’s lures and Pro Tungsten weights. From bluegill to bass and catfish to crappie, FHQ has you covered! Stop by and visit or phone 270-527-5938.

Jet-A-Marina: If you have a problem with your boat while you are visiting our great fisheries, let me recommend you have the folks in the service department at Jet-a-Marina check it out. These folks have a well known reputation for trying to keep our visitors on the water while they are here if they can possibly do so, especially you tournament anglers. Hopefully you will not need this kind of assistance but if you do, you can find Jet-a-Marina located on U.S. 62 in Calvert City, just a couple of miles north of Kentucky Dam. Jet-a-Marina also has a great showroom for all your boating accessories and check out the new Ranger bass boats too as well as bulk oil at rock bottom prices for your engine. Phone: 270-395-4030.

GUIDE SERVICE:

For those of you that may not be familiar with my service: I am a full time catch and release bass fishing guide. I only guide for bass. I have been guiding for bass full time on these lakes for over 20 years and bass fishing the lakes for over 30 years. I do not go out and fish panfish for 4 or 5 days and then try to guide on bass for one or two days.

No one knows everything the bass are doing but one thing is for sure, if you only fish for bass day in and day out, you will have a lot better idea of what they are doing and also be familiar with all the different techniques it takes to be a successful bass angler.

If you book with my service, you will have me as your guide and you will be guided in the comfort of a late model Z522 Ranger Comanche equipped with Lowrance HDS electronics and top of the line tackle. I provide just for fun bass fishing trips, tournament preparation trips, focused teaching trips and technique instruction. If you are in need of a bass fishing guide give me a call or drop me an email.


Available Dates:


May: Sorry, I am booked up.
June: Sorry, I am booked up.
July: A number of dates still available.


I am also taking reservations also for August, September, October and November.

Captain Dave Stewart
Bass Buster Guide Service

www.kentuckylakeguide.com
dave@kentuckylakeguide.com
270-362-9987
"Fish With A Professional"

[Dave Stewart]

June 7, 2018


Kentucky Lake: Water Level at Kentucky Dam - 359.18 Surface Temperature - 80
Lake Barkley: Water Level at Barkley Dam - 359.05 Surface Temperature - 80


Both lakes are at summer pool. Kentucky Dam was spilling at an average rate of 89,494 cfs this morning. Lake Barkley was generating at an average rate of 29,400 cfs this morning.

The latest lake levels , current flows and forecasts for all the TVA lakes can be found at

http://www.tva.com/river/lakeinfo/index.htm

.

Current Conditions: We had a reprieve from the above average heat and humidity after the passing of the cold front last weekend which made our fishing a little more pleasant with the lower temperatures and humidity. This reprieve is short lived though as the above average temperatures and higher humidity levels are returning today with the approach of another front that will be passing though the lakes area this weekend.


The bass fishing this week has been up and down on the ledges for numbers of fish but some nice fish were taken by having the patience and confidence to stay on a ledge where the fish were present and work to get some of them to bite. The ledge fish have been pressured so much over the past few weeks with all the big and smaller tournaments that we have had here that they have become more lure wary than one would expect for this time in June. Slower techniques such as Carolina rigs, Texas rigs, jigs, drop shots and swim baits were our best producers this week on the ledges.

LARGEMOUTH BASS: Largemouth are being taken on the ledges and deep main lake points. These fish are being taken with deep diving crank baits, Carolina rigged creature baits, Texas rigged large worms, jigs, drop shots and swim baits. Largemouth are also being taken early and late in the day in the backs of the creeks and bays on top water lures where they are feeding on schools of fry.


SMALLMOUTH BASS: Smallmouth are being taken on main lake points and on the ledges. These fish are being taken on Carolina rigged creature baits, jigs and swim baits.


PRODUCTIVE LURES: Strike King XD 6 and XD 10 in sexy shad and blue back/chartreuse belly, Rapala DT 16 in parrot, D&L jigs in Cumberland craw and oops patterns, Slong's jigs in mustang, Charmer timber pups on Carolina rig in green pumpkin and watermelon/purple, Charmer 10.5" ribbon tail worm in plum on Texas rigs, Big Hammer swim baits in bay smelt and Robo worms on drop shot in mean green.


Bluegill/Red Ears: Blue gills and Red Ears are still being taken shallow in the creeks and bays but reports indicate they are somewhat scattered now. The blue gill are taking crickets under bobbers and the Red Ears are taking red worms on split shot rigs fished on bottom.

Channel Catfish: Channel Catfish being taken on night crawlers fished under bobbers on rocky banks and points.

IF YOU ARE PLANNING ON VISITING OUR LAKES I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THE FOLLOWING BUSINESSES FOR ALL YOUR FISHING AND BOATING NEEDS:

Fisherman’s Headquarters is located in Draffenville at the U.S. 68/U.S. 641 triangle, or the Draffenville "Y". FHQ stocks everything an angler could need, from live bait, hooks and bobbers to top of the line tournament bass tackle. More than a "bait and tackle" store, Fisherman’s Headquarters is a true "pro shop", offering advice, training and special order assistance not found online or at the big box retailers. Services even include custom electronics training and installation. The store offers a wide variety of nationally known brands as well as many regional and hard to find items we use on Kentucky and Barkley Lakes. They stock many of the products I rely on daily, such as Charmer Baits, Slong’s lures and Pro Tungsten weights. From bluegill to bass and catfish to crappie, FHQ has you covered! Stop by and visit or phone 270-527-5938.

Jet-A-Marina: If you have a problem with your boat while you are visiting our great fisheries, let me recommend you have the folks in the service department at Jet-a-Marina check it out. These folks have a well known reputation for trying to keep our visitors on the water while they are here if they can possibly do so, especially you tournament anglers. Hopefully you will not need this kind of assistance but if you do, you can find Jet-a-Marina located on U.S. 62 in Calvert City, just a couple of miles north of Kentucky Dam. Jet-a-Marina also has a great showroom for all your boating accessories and check out the new Ranger bass boats too as well as bulk oil at rock bottom prices for your engine. Phone: 270-395-4030.

GUIDE SERVICE:

For those of you that may not be familiar with my service: I am a full time catch and release bass fishing guide. I only guide for bass. I have been guiding for bass full time on these lakes for over 20 years and bass fishing the lakes for over 30 years. I do not go out and fish panfish for 4 or 5 days and then try to guide on bass for one or two days.

No one knows everything the bass are doing but one thing is for sure, if you only fish for bass day in and day out, you will have a lot better idea of what they are doing and also be familiar with all the different techniques it takes to be a successful bass angler.


If you book with my service, you will have me as your guide and you will be guided in the comfort of a late model Z522 Ranger Comanche equipped with Lowrance HDS electronics and top of the line tackle. I provide just for fun bass fishing trips, tournament preparation trips, focused teaching trips and technique instruction. If you are in need of a bass fishing guide give me a call or drop me an email.


Available Dates:


June: 27th and 28th are now available due to cancellations
July: A number of dates still available.


I am also taking reservations also for August, September, October and November.

Captain Dave Stewart
Bass Buster Guide Service
www.kentuckylakeguide.com
dave@kentuckylakeguide.com
270-362-9987
"Fish With A Professional"

[Dave Stewart]

June 15, 2018


Kentucky Lake: Water Level at Kentucky Dam - 359.63 Surface Temperature - 85
Lake Barkley: Water Level at Barkley Dam - 359.40 Surface Temperature - 85


Both lakes are about one half foot over summer pool. Kentucky Dam was generating at an average rate of 37,425 cfs this morning. Barkley Dam was generating at an average rate of 29,100 cfs this morning.

The latest lake levels , current flows and forecasts for all the TVA lakes can be found at

http://www.tva.com/river/lakeinfo/index.htm

.

Current Conditions: Hot and humid describes the weather here this week and the forecast indicates this weather pattern will continue over the weekend. Heat indexes are topping over 100 degrees right now so make sure you stay hydrated if your headed out on the lakes.


The ledge bite has been slow this past week with little current and low oxygen levels. The best bite has been very early in the morning and late in the evening in shallow water in the creeks and bays where you can catch some bass on top water lures where they are feeding on schools of fry. The mayflies are also hatching right now and some bass can be taken in the creeks and bays on these hatches where white bass and some largemouth mixed in are in the jumps during the morning hours. Top water lures are working on these fish when they are up feeding on the surface.


FLASH: I will not be publishing a report next week. I have been having some pain in one of my legs this past week and a trip to the doctor on Wednesday revealed that I have a blood clot in my right leg and I have been ordered off the water for a week rest and treatment as we try to get this condition resolved.


LARGEMOUTH BASS: Largemouth are being taken on the ledges on the main lakes and around the mouths of the deeper creeks and bays. The ledge bite is slow. These fish are being taken with deep diving crank baits, Carolina rigged creature baits, Texas rigged large worms, jigs, drop shots and swim baits. Largemouth are also being taken early and late in the day in the backs of the creeks and bays on top water lures where they are feeding on schools of fry. Largemouth are also being taken in the creeks and bays during the morning hours where mayfly hatches are occurring. These fish are mixing in with white bass in jumps and can be taken on top water lures.

SMALLMOUTH BASS: Smallmouth are being taken on main lake points and on the ledges. These fish are being taken on Carolina rigged creature baits, jigs and swim baits.


PRODUCTIVE LURES: Strike King XD 6 and XD 10 in sexy shad and blue back/chartreuse belly, Rapala DT 16 in parrot, D&L jigs in Cumberland craw and oops patterns, Slong's jigs in mustang, Charmer timber pups on Carolina rig in green pumpkin and watermelon/purple, Charmer 10.5" ribbon tail worm in plum and green pumpkin on Texas rigs, Big Hammer swim baits in bay smelt and Robo worms on drop shot in mean green. Strike King top water splash bait in white and whopper plopper top water in monkey's butt.


Bluegill/Red Ears: Blue gills and Red Ears are still being taken shallow in the creeks and bays but reports indicate they are somewhat scattered now. The blue gill are taking crickets under bobbers and the Red Ears are taking red worms on split shot rigs fished on bottom. Some bluegills are also being taken around mayfly hatches early in the morning on red worms and crickets under bobbers.

IF YOU ARE PLANNING ON VISITING OUR LAKES I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THE FOLLOWING BUSINESSES FOR ALL YOUR FISHING AND BOATING NEEDS:

Fisherman’s Headquarters is located in Draffenville at the U.S. 68/U.S. 641 triangle, or the Draffenville "Y". FHQ stocks everything an angler could need, from live bait, hooks and bobbers to top of the line tournament bass tackle. More than a "bait and tackle" store, Fisherman’s Headquarters is a true "pro shop", offering advice, training and special order assistance not found online or at the big box retailers. Services even include custom electronics training and installation. The store offers a wide variety of nationally known brands as well as many regional and hard to find items we use on Kentucky and Barkley Lakes. They stock many of the products I rely on daily, such as Charmer Baits, Slong’s lures and Pro Tungsten weights. From bluegill to bass and catfish to crappie, FHQ has you covered! Stop by and visit or phone 270-527-5938.

Jet-A-Marina: If you have a problem with your boat while you are visiting our great fisheries, let me recommend you have the folks in the service department at Jet-a-Marina check it out. These folks have a well known reputation for trying to keep our visitors on the water while they are here if they can possibly do so, especially you tournament anglers. Hopefully you will not need this kind of assistance but if you do, you can find Jet-a-Marina located on U.S. 62 in Calvert City, just a couple of miles north of Kentucky Dam. Jet-a-Marina also has a great showroom for all your boating accessories and check out the new Ranger bass boats too as well as bulk oil at rock bottom prices for your engine. Phone: 270-395-4030.

GUIDE SERVICE:

For those of you that may not be familiar with my service: I am a full time catch and release bass fishing guide. I only guide for bass. I have been guiding for bass full time on these lakes for over 20 years and bass fishing the lakes for over 30 years. I do not go out and fish panfish for 4 or 5 days and then try to guide on bass for one or two days.

No one knows everything the bass are doing but one thing is for sure, if you only fish for bass day in and day out, you will have a lot better idea of what they are doing and also be familiar with all the different techniques it takes to be a successful bass angler.


If you book with my service, you will have me as your guide and you will be guided in the comfort of a late model Z522 Ranger Comanche equipped with Lowrance HDS electronics and top of the line tackle. I provide just for fun bass fishing trips, tournament preparation trips, focused teaching trips and technique instruction. If you are in need of a bass fishing guide give me a call or drop me an email.

Available Dates:

July: A number of dates still available.


I am also taking reservations also for August, September, October and November.


Captain Dave Stewart

Bass Buster Guide Service
www.kentuckylakeguide.com
dave@kentuckylakeguide.com
270-362-9987
"Fish With A Professional"

[Dave Stewart]

June 29, 2018


Kentucky Lake: Water Level at Kentucky Dam - 359.47 Surface Temperature - 85
Lake Barkley: Water Level at Barkley Dam - 359.40 Surface Temperature - 85


Both lakes are about one half foot over summer pool. Kentucky Dam was generating at an average rate of 63,792 cfs this morning. Barkley Dam was generating at an average rate of 33,900 cfs this morning.

The latest lake levels , current flows and forecasts for all the TVA lakes can be found at

http://www.tva.com/river/lakeinfo/index.htm

.

FLASH: THANKS TO ALL OF THE FOLKS THAT CONTACTED ME OFFERING THEIR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS AS WELL AS ASSISTANCE AFTER I ANNOUNCED IN MY LAST REPORT THAT I WAS DIAGNOSED WITH A BLOOD CLOT IN MY LEG AND THAT I WOULD HAVE TO BE OFF THE WATER AND ON BED REST FOR A WHILE. IT IS VERY GRATIFYING TO KNOW THAT THERE ARE STILL SO MANY GOOD AND CARING FOLKS IN THIS WORLD. AS YOU CAN SEE, I WAS CLEARED TO GO BACK ON THE WATER LATE LAST WEEK AND BELIEVE ME I WAS VERY HAPPY TO BE ABLE TO GET BACK IN MY BOAT DOING WHAT I LOVE TO DO!

NOTE: I WILL NOT BE PUBLISHING A REPORT NEXT WEEK AS I WILL BE OUT OF TOWN ON VACATION ALL WEEK WITH MY FAMILY. IF YOU WISH TO MAKE A RESERVATION WITH ME FOR A FUTURE GUIDED TRIP WITH ME, PLEASE DO SO THROUGH MY EMAIL WHICH I WILL BE MONITORING.

CURRENT CONDITIONS: This past week we had typical summer conditions with high humidity and pop up thunderstorms virtually every day. The ledge bite continues to be spotty and slow with the low oxygen levels of the higher than normal water temperatures. The best bite continues to be early in the morning and late in the day in the backs of the creeks and bays on top water lures where bass are feeding on schools of fry. We have also taken some bass around white bass jumps in the creeks and bays on some days with top water lures, lipless crank baits, spinner baits and vibrating jigs. These jumps are short in duration but offer some quick opportunity fishing when they occur.

The weather forecast for the next number of days is calling for daily heat indexes over 100 degrees so make sure you take plenty of water and sport drinks if you are going to venture out on the lakes. Since July 4th falls in the middle of next week, you can expect a higher increase in boat traffic all week so please be courteous to other boaters and drive defensively out there. We have already had way too many boating accidents this year, let's endeavor to make this holiday week accident free.



LARGEMOUTH BASS: Largemouth are being taken on the ledges on the main lakes and around the mouths of the deeper creeks and bays. The ledge bite is slow. These fish are being taken with Carolina rigged creature baits, Texas rigged large worms, jigs, drop shots and swim baits. Largemouth are also being taken early and late in the day in the backs of the creeks and bays on top water lures where they are feeding on schools of fry. Largemouth are also being taken in the creeks and bays during the morning hours on some days where these fish are mixing in with white bass in jumps and can be taken on top water lures, spinner baits, lipless crank baits and vibrating jigs. Largemouth are also being taken in shallow water during the day around wood cover on Texas rigged creature baits and finesse jigs.

SMALLMOUTH BASS: Smallmouth are being taken on main lake points and on the ledges. These fish are being taken on Carolina rigged creature baits, jigs and swim baits.


PRODUCTIVE LURES: D&L jigs in Cumberland craw and oops patterns, Slong's jigs in mustang, Charmer timber pups on Carolina rigs and Texas rigs in green pumpkin and watermelon/purple, Charmer 10.5" ribbon tail worm in plum and green pumpkin on Texas rigs, Big Hammer swim baits in bay smelt and Robo worms on drop shot in mean green. Strike King top water splash bait in white and whopper plopper top water in monkey's butt and Slong's spinner baits in blue glimmer as well as Strike King red eye shads in chrome sexy shad.
.

IF YOU ARE PLANNING ON VISITING OUR LAKES I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THE FOLLOWING BUSINESSES FOR ALL YOUR FISHING AND BOATING NEEDS:

Fisherman’s Headquarters is located in Draffenville at the U.S. 68/U.S. 641 triangle, or the Draffenville "Y". FHQ stocks everything an angler could need, from live bait, hooks and bobbers to top of the line tournament bass tackle. More than a "bait and tackle" store, Fisherman’s Headquarters is a true "pro shop", offering advice, training and special order assistance not found online or at the big box retailers. Services even include custom electronics training and installation. The store offers a wide variety of nationally known brands as well as many regional and hard to find items we use on Kentucky and Barkley Lakes. They stock many of the products I rely on daily, such as Charmer Baits, Slong’s lures and Pro Tungsten weights. From bluegill to bass and catfish to crappie, FHQ has you covered! Stop by and visit or phone 270-527-5938.

Jet-A-Marina: If you have a problem with your boat while you are visiting our great fisheries, let me recommend you have the folks in the service department at Jet-a-Marina check it out. These folks have a well known reputation for trying to keep our visitors on the water while they are here if they can possibly do so, especially you tournament anglers. Hopefully you will not need this kind of assistance but if you do, you can find Jet-a-Marina located on U.S. 62 in Calvert City, just a couple of miles north of Kentucky Dam. Jet-a-Marina also has a great showroom for all your boating accessories and check out the new Ranger bass boats too as well as bulk oil at rock bottom prices for your engine. Phone: 270-395-4030.

GUIDE SERVICE:

For those of you that may not be familiar with my service: I am a full time catch and release bass fishing guide. I only guide for bass. I have been guiding for bass full time on these lakes for over 20 years and bass fishing the lakes for over 30 years. I do not go out and fish panfish for 4 or 5 days and then try to guide on bass for one or two days.


No one knows everything the bass are doing but one thing is for sure, if you only fish for bass day in and day out, you will have a lot better idea of what they are doing and also be familiar with all the different techniques it takes to be a successful bass angler.


If you book with my service, you will have me as your guide and you will be guided in the comfort of a late model Z522 Ranger Comanche equipped with Lowrance HDS electronics and top of the line tackle. I provide just for fun bass fishing trips, tournament preparation trips, focused teaching trips and technique instruction. If you are in need of a bass fishing guide give me a call or drop me an email.


Available Dates:


July: 16, 17, 24, 25, 26, 27, 30, 31


I am also taking reservations also for August, September, October and November.


Captain Dave Stewart
Bass Buster Guide Service

www.kentuckylakeguide.com
dave@kentuckylakeguide.com
270-362-9987
"Fish With A Professional"

[Dave Stewart]

July 12, 2018


Kentucky Lake: Water Level at Kentucky Dam - 358.83 Surface Temperature - 90
Lake Barkley: Water Level at Barkley Dam - 358.65 Surface Temperature - 90


Both lakes are slightly below summer pool and on a slow draw down. Kentucky Dam was generating at an average rate of 33,500 cfs this morning. Barkley Dam was generating at an average rate of 17,600 cfs this morning. In accordance with the TVA River Operating System Schedule, the TVA has started the slow draw down of the lakes to winter pool levels. Barring any unforeseen influx of water, you can expect the lakes to be drawn down about one foot per month now until we reach winter pool levels.

The latest lake levels , current flows and forecasts for all the TVA lakes can be found at

http://www.tva.com/river/lakeinfo/index.htm

ATTENTION BASS CLUBS: I was recently contacted by a representative of Academy Sports Outdoors seeking my assistance to get the word out to all bass clubs in western Kentucky, including organized school clubs that Academy Sports Outdoors is interested in lending support to organized bass clubs in the area. If your club is interested in receiving support for your organization please contact:

Academy Sports Outdoors
Regional Marketing Specialist


Amy Blevins-Morgan
Phone: 520895-5789
C: 281-705-9910
email: amy.morgan @academy.com




CURRENT CONDITIONS: It has been another week of daily heat indexes over 100 degrees each day with little to no wind except for the occasional pop up heat of the day thunderstorm. This coupled with no current and low oxygen levels has the bass fishing slow and challenging after the early morning bite. The best bite continues to be early in the morning and late in the evening in the shallows where bass are feeding on schools of fry. The ledge bite continues to be slow and spotty. This weather pattern is forecasted to continue through the weekend. If you are going to venture out during the day, make sure you have plenty of water and sports drinks to stay hydrated and don't forget your sunscreen.


LARGEMOUTH BASS: Largemouth are being taken on the ledges on the main lakes and around the mouths of the deeper creeks and bays. The ledge bite is slow. These fish are being taken with Carolina rigged creature baits, Texas rigged large worms, jigs, drop shots, shaky heads and swim baits. Largemouth are also being taken early and late in the day in the backs of the creeks and bays on top water lures where they are feeding on schools of fry. Largemouth are also being taken in the creeks and bays during the morning hours on some days where these fish are mixing in with white bass in jumps and can be taken on top water lures, spinner baits, lipless crank baits and vibrating jigs. Largemouth are also being taken in shallow water during the day around wood cover on Texas rigged creature baits and finesse jigs.

SMALLMOUTH BASS: Smallmouth are being taken on main lake points and on the ledges. These fish are being taken on Carolina rigged creature baits, jigs and swim baits.


PRODUCTIVE LURES: D&L jigs in Cumberland craw and oops patterns, Slong's jigs in mustang, Charmer timber pups on Carolina rigs and Texas rigs in green pumpkin and watermelon/purple, Charmer 10.5" ribbon tail and paddle tail worms in plum and green pumpkin on Texas rigs, Big Hammer swim baits in bay smelt and Robo worms on drop shot in mean green. Yamamoto Senko in green pumpkin/black, green pumpkin magic and Charmer Slim Jim in blue craw on shaky heads. Strike King top water splash bait in white and whopper plopper top water in monkey's butt and Slong's spinner baits in blue glimmer as well as Strike King red eye shads in chrome sexy shad.
.

IF YOU ARE PLANNING ON VISITING OUR LAKES I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THE FOLLOWING BUSINESSES FOR ALL YOUR FISHING AND BOATING NEEDS:

Fisherman’s Headquarters is located in Draffenville at the U.S. 68/U.S. 641 triangle, or the Draffenville "Y". FHQ stocks everything an angler could need, from live bait, hooks and bobbers to top of the line tournament bass tackle. More than a "bait and tackle" store, Fisherman’s Headquarters is a true "pro shop", offering advice, training and special order assistance not found online or at the big box retailers. Services even include custom electronics training and installation. The store offers a wide variety of nationally known brands as well as many regional and hard to find items we use on Kentucky and Barkley Lakes. They stock many of the products I rely on daily, such as Charmer Baits, Slong’s lures and Pro Tungsten weights. From bluegill to bass and catfish to crappie, FHQ has you covered! Stop by and visit or phone 270-527-5938.

Jet-A-Marina: If you have a problem with your boat while you are visiting our great fisheries, let me recommend you have the folks in the service department at Jet-a-Marina check it out. These folks have a well known reputation for trying to keep our visitors on the water while they are here if they can possibly do so, especially you tournament anglers. Hopefully you will not need this kind of assistance but if you do, you can find Jet-a-Marina located on U.S. 62 in Calvert City, just a couple of miles north of Kentucky Dam. Jet-a-Marina also has a great showroom for all your boating accessories and check out the new Ranger bass boats too as well as bulk oil at rock bottom prices for your engine. Phone: 270-395-4030.

GUIDE SERVICE:

For those of you that may not be familiar with my service: I am a full time catch and release bass fishing guide. I only guide for bass. I have been guiding for bass full time on these lakes for over 20 years and bass fishing the lakes for over 30 years. I do not go out and fish panfish for 4 or 5 days and then try to guide on bass for one or two days.

No one knows everything the bass are doing but one thing is for sure, if you only fish for bass day in and day out, you will have a lot better idea of what they are doing and also be familiar with all the different techniques it takes to be a successful bass angler.


If you book with my service, you will have me as your guide and you will be guided in the comfort of a late model Z522 Ranger Comanche equipped with Lowrance HDS electronics and top of the line tackle. I provide just for fun bass fishing trips, tournament preparation trips, focused teaching trips and technique instruction. If you are in need of a bass fishing guide give me a call or drop me an email.


Available Dates:


July: 24, 25, 26


I am also taking reservations also for August, September, October and November.

Captain Dave Stewart

Bass Buster Guide Service

www.kentuckylakeguide.com

dave@kentuckylakeguide.com
270-362-9987
"Fish With A Professional"

[Dave Stewart]

July 19, 2018


Kentucky Lake: Water Level at Kentucky Dam - 358.74 Surface Temperature - 90
Lake Barkley: Water Level at Barkley Dam - 358.65 Surface Temperature - 90


Both lakes are about one half foot below summer pool and on a slow draw down. Kentucky Dam was generating at an average rate of 35,000 cfs this afternoon. Barkley Dam was generating at an average rate of 17,400 cfs this afternoon. In accordance with the TVA River Operating System Schedule, the TVA has started the slow draw down of the lakes to winter pool levels. Barring any unforeseen influx of water, you can expect the lakes to be drawn down about one foot per month now until we reach winter pool levels.

The latest lake levels , current flows and forecasts for all the TVA lakes can be found at

http://www.tva.com/river/lakeinfo/index.htm

Current Conditions: The heat wave we have been having over the past few weeks continued into this week with daily heat indexes exceeding 100 degrees. We did get a reprieve from the humidity yesterday and today but the heat will return tomorrow as a front approaches the lakes area. We have been doing half day trips during the early morning hours to avoid the heat of the day. The ledge bite continues to be slow and scattered. The better bite has been early in the morning in the creeks and bays where bass are feeding on schools of fry. We are having better success by going extremely shallow in the backs of the creeks and bays before the sun is up with top water lures and then backing out to fish channel banks and secondary points with wood cover after the early morning top water bite is over.

Although the bite is over all slow for keeper sized and better fish, we are managing to catch a number of short fish with an occasional nice fish mixed in. Our best fish this past week was a nice 6 lb Largemouth on top water early in the morning.

LARGEMOUTH BASS: Largemouth are being taken on the ledges on the main lakes and around the mouths of the deeper creeks and bays. The ledge bite is slow. These fish are being taken with Carolina rigged creature baits, Texas rigged large worms, jigs, drop shots, shaky heads and swim baits. Largemouth are also being taken early and late in the day in the backs of the creeks and bays on top water lures where they are feeding on schools of fry. Largemouth are also being taken in the creeks and bays on channel banks and secondary points, especially those with wood cover. These fish are being taken on spinner baits, shaky heads, Texas rigged creature baits and finesse jigs.

SMALLMOUTH BASS: Smallmouth are being taken on main lake points and on the ledges. These fish are being taken on Carolina rigged creature baits, jigs and swim baits. This bite is slow also.

White Bass: White Bass are being taken by vertically fishing with blade baits and inline spinners along the river channel ledges. White Bass are also being taken around Mayfly hatches early in the morning in the creeks and bays on inline spinners. We have been catching some White Bass also while bass fishing during the early morning hours on top water baits in the shallows in the backs of the creeks and bays before the sun gets up on the water.


PRODUCTIVE LURES: D&L jigs in Cumberland craw and oops patterns, Slong's jigs in mustang, Charmer timber pups on Carolina rigs and Texas rigs in green pumpkin, green pumpkin/blue and watermelon/purple, Charmer 10.5" ribbon tail and paddle tail worms in plum and green pumpkin on Texas rigs, Big Hammer swim baits in bay smelt and Robo worms on drop shot in mean green. Yamamoto Senko in green pumpkin/black, green pumpkin magic and Charmer Slim Jim in blue craw on shaky heads. Strike King top water splash bait in white and whopper plopper top water in monkey's butt and Slong's spinner baits in blue glimmer.
.

IF YOU ARE PLANNING ON VISITING OUR LAKES I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THE FOLLOWING BUSINESSES FOR ALL YOUR FISHING AND BOATING NEEDS:

Fisherman’s Headquarters is located in Draffenville at the U.S. 68/U.S. 641 triangle, or the Draffenville "Y". FHQ stocks everything an angler could need, from live bait, hooks and bobbers to top of the line tournament bass tackle. More than a "bait and tackle" store, Fisherman’s Headquarters is a true "pro shop", offering advice, training and special order assistance not found online or at the big box retailers. Services even include custom electronics training and installation. The store offers a wide variety of nationally known brands as well as many regional and hard to find items we use on Kentucky and Barkley Lakes. They stock many of the products I rely on daily, such as Charmer Baits, Slong’s lures and Pro Tungsten weights. From bluegill to bass and catfish to crappie, FHQ has you covered! Stop by and visit or phone 270-527-5938.

Jet-A-Marina: If you have a problem with your boat while you are visiting our great fisheries, let me recommend you have the folks in the service department at Jet-a-Marina check it out. These folks have a well known reputation for trying to keep our visitors on the water while they are here if they can possibly do so, especially you tournament anglers. Hopefully you will not need this kind of assistance but if you do, you can find Jet-a-Marina located on U.S. 62 in Calvert City, just a couple of miles north of Kentucky Dam. Jet-a-Marina also has a great showroom for all your boating accessories and check out the new Ranger bass boats too as well as bulk oil at rock bottom prices for your engine. Phone: 270-395-4030.

GUIDE SERVICE:

For those of you that may not be familiar with my service: I am a full time catch and release bass fishing guide. I only guide for bass. I have been guiding for bass full time on these lakes for over 20 years and bass fishing the lakes for over 30 years. I do not go out and fish panfish for 4 or 5 days and then try to guide on bass for one or two days.


No one knows everything the bass are doing but one thing is for sure, if you only fish for bass day in and day out, you will have a lot better idea of what they are doing and also be familiar with all the different techniques it takes to be a successful bass angler.


If you book with my service, you will have me as your guide and you will be guided in the comfort of a late model Z522 Ranger Comanche equipped with Lowrance HDS electronics and top of the line tackle. I provide just for fun bass fishing trips, tournament preparation trips, focused teaching trips and technique instruction. If you are in need of a bass fishing guide give me a call or drop me an email.

Available Dates:

July: 25, 26

I am also taking reservations also for August, September, October and November.

Captain Dave Stewart
Bass Buster Guide Service

www.kentuckylakeguide.com

dave@kentuckylakeguide.com
270-362-9987
"Fish With A Professional"

[Dave Stewart]

July 26, 2018


Kentucky Lake: Water Level at Kentucky Dam - 358.12 Surface Temperature - 85
Lake Barkley: Water Level at Barkley Dam - 357.90 Surface Temperature - 85

Both lakes are one foot below summer pool and on a slow draw down. Kentucky Dam was generating at an average rate of 26,900 cfs this afternoon. Barkley Dam was generating at an average rate of 27,000 cfs this afternoon. In accordance with the TVA River Operating System Schedule, the TVA has started the slow draw down of the lakes to winter pool levels. Barring any unforeseen influx of water, you can expect the lakes to be drawn down about one foot per month now until we reach winter pool levels.

The latest lake levels , current flows and forecasts for all the TVA lakes can be found at

http://www.tva.com/river/lakeinfo/index.htm

.
Current Conditions: We finally got a reprieve from the heat wave we had been experiencing for the past few weeks. Daytime highs have been in the upper 80's to around 90 degrees with night time temperatures in the 60's. This cool down dropped the water temperatures about 5 degrees which one would think would have turned the fish on, but the bass bite remains slow. The draw down seems to have slowed up the early morning top water bite in the shallows but there is still some to be had on some mornings. The ledge bite continues to be slow and scattered with a lack of current and wind. The forecast for the weekend is showing a continuation of these lower temperatures and humidity with a front coming through the area early next week which should bring us some much needed rain.

LARGEMOUTH BASS: Largemouth are being taken on the ledges on the main lakes and around the mouths of the deeper creeks and bays. The ledge bite is slow. These fish are being taken with Carolina rigged creature baits, Texas rigged large worms, jigs, drop shots, shaky heads and swim baits. Largemouth are also being taken early and late in the day in the backs of the creeks and bays on top water lures where they are feeding on schools of fry. Largemouth are also being taken in the creeks and bays on channel banks and secondary points, especially those with wood cover. These fish are being taken on spinner baits, shaky heads, Texas rigged creature baits and finesse jigs.

SMALLMOUTH BASS: Smallmouth are being taken on main lake points and on the ledges. These fish are being taken on Carolina rigged creature baits, jigs and swim baits. This bite is slow also.

White Bass: White Bass are being taken by vertically fishing with blade baits and inline spinners along the river channel ledges. White Bass are also being taken around Mayfly hatches early in the morning in the creeks and bays on inline spinners. We have been catching some White Bass also while bass fishing during the early morning hours on top water baits in the shallows in the backs of the creeks and bays before the sun gets up on the water.


PRODUCTIVE LURES: D&L jigs in Cumberland craw and oops patterns, Slong's jigs in mustang, Charmer timber pups on Carolina rigs and Texas rigs in green pumpkin, green pumpkin/blue and watermelon/purple, Charmer 10.5" ribbon tail and paddle tail worms in plum and green pumpkin on Texas rigs, Big Hammer swim baits in bay smelt and Robo worms on drop shot in mean green. Yamamoto Senko in green pumpkin/black, green pumpkin magic and Charmer Slim Jim in blue craw on shaky heads. Strike King top water splash bait in white and whopper plopper top water in monkey's butt and Slong's spinner baits in blue glimmer.
.

IF YOU ARE PLANNING ON VISITING OUR LAKES I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THE FOLLOWING BUSINESSES FOR ALL YOUR FISHING AND BOATING NEEDS:

Fisherman’s Headquarters is located in Draffenville at the U.S. 68/U.S. 641 triangle, or the Draffenville "Y". FHQ stocks everything an angler could need, from live bait, hooks and bobbers to top of the line tournament bass tackle. More than a "bait and tackle" store, Fisherman’s Headquarters is a true "pro shop", offering advice, training and special order assistance not found online or at the big box retailers. Services even include custom electronics training and installation. The store offers a wide variety of nationally known brands as well as many regional and hard to find items we use on Kentucky and Barkley Lakes. They stock many of the products I rely on daily, such as Charmer Baits, Slong’s lures and Pro Tungsten weights. From bluegill to bass and catfish to crappie, FHQ has you covered! Stop by and visit or phone 270-527-5938.

Jet-A-Marina: If you have a problem with your boat while you are visiting our great fisheries, let me recommend you have the folks in the service department at Jet-a-Marina check it out. These folks have a well known reputation for trying to keep our visitors on the water while they are here if they can possibly do so, especially you tournament anglers. Hopefully you will not need this kind of assistance but if you do, you can find Jet-a-Marina located on U.S. 62 in Calvert City, just a couple of miles north of Kentucky Dam. Jet-a-Marina also has a great showroom for all your boating accessories and check out the new Ranger bass boats too as well as bulk oil at rock bottom prices for your engine. Phone: 270-395-4030.

GUIDE SERVICE:


For those of you that may not be familiar with my service: I am a full time catch and release bass fishing guide. I only guide for bass. I have been guiding for bass full time on these lakes for over 20 years and bass fishing the lakes for over 30 years. I do not go out and fish panfish for 4 or 5 days and then try to guide on bass for one or two days.

No one knows everything the bass are doing but one thing is for sure, if you only fish for bass day in and day out, you will have a lot better idea of what they are doing and also be familiar with all the different techniques it takes to be a successful bass angler.


If you book with my service, you will have me as your guide and you will be guided in the comfort of a late model Z522 Ranger Comanche equipped with Lowrance HDS electronics and top of the line tackle. I provide just for fun bass fishing trips, tournament preparation trips, focused teaching trips and technique instruction. If you are in need of a bass fishing guide give me a call or drop me an email.


Available Dates:


August: A number of dates available.


I am also taking reservations also for September, October and November. Now is the time to make your reservations for the fall fishing.

Captain Dave Stewart
Bass Buster Guide Service

www.kentuckylakeguide.com

dave@kentuckylakeguide.com
270-362-9987
"Fish With A Professional"

[Dave Stewart]

August 2, 2018


Kentucky Lake: Water Level at Kentucky Dam - 357.47 Surface Temperature - 84
Lake Barkley: Water Level at Barkley Dam - 357.40 Surface Temperature - 84


Both lakes are one and one half feet below summer pool and on a slow draw down. Kentucky Dam was generating at an average rate of 30,800 cfs this afternoon. Barkley Dam was generating at an average rate of 17,800 cfs this afternoon. In accordance with the TVA River Operating System Schedule, the TVA has started the slow draw down of the lakes to winter pool levels. Barring any unforeseen influx of water, you can expect the lakes to be drawn down about one foot per month now until we reach winter pool levels.

The latest lake levels , current flows and forecasts for all the TVA lakes can be found at

http://www.tva.com/river/lakeinfo/index.htm

Current Conditions: The cooler weather patterns we experienced last week continued into this week with lower day time temperatures in the 80's and low humidity. Most days this week were blue skies and flat water and this certainly did not help in making for a better bite than the slow bite we have been having but it sure has made fishing more pleasant. The heat will be returning starting tomorrow with day time high's in the 90's and higher humidity. Expect this heat wave through at least mid next week.

The bite continues to be slow overall but we are catching a few fish. Today was the first day of the BASS High School National Championship. The results of today's weigh-in reflects the slow bite with 260 team boats out of 337 boats only weighing in 2 fish or less. There were 21 limits weighed in which is better than we have been seeing in some tournaments lately but certainly not that many when you consider there were 337 boats in the tournament. Our best producing pattern this week continued to be going back shallow early with top water lures where some bass are feeding on schools of fry before the sun gets up on the water. The ledge bite continues to be slow and scattered for the most part.

LARGEMOUTH BASS: Largemouth are being taken on the ledges on the main lakes and around the mouths of the deeper creeks and bays. The ledge bite is slow. These fish are being taken with Carolina rigged creature baits, Texas rigged large worms, jigs, drop shots, shaky heads and swim baits. Largemouth are also being taken early and late in the day in the backs of the creeks and bays on top water lures where they are feeding on schools of fry. Largemouth are also being taken in the creeks and bays on channel banks and secondary points, especially those with wood cover. These fish are being taken on spinner baits, shaky heads, Texas rigged creature baits and finesse jigs.

SMALLMOUTH BASS: Smallmouth are being taken on main lake points and on the ledges. These fish are being taken on Carolina rigged creature baits, jigs and swim baits. This bite is slow also.

White Bass: White Bass are being taken by vertically fishing with blade baits and inline spinners along the river channel ledges. White Bass are also being taken around Mayfly hatches early in the morning in the creeks and bays on inline spinners. We have been catching some White Bass also while bass fishing during the early morning hours on top water baits in the shallows in the backs of the creeks and bays before the sun gets up on the water.

PRODUCTIVE LURES: D&L jigs in Cumberland craw and oops patterns, Slong's jigs in mustang, Charmer timber pups on Carolina rigs and Texas rigs in green pumpkin, green pumpkin/blue and watermelon/purple, Charmer 10.5" ribbon tail and paddle tail worms in plum and green pumpkin on Texas rigs, Big Hammer swim baits in bay smelt and Robo worms on drop shot in mean green. Yamamoto Senko in green pumpkin/black, green pumpkin magic and Charmer Slim Jim in blue craw on shaky heads. Strike King top water splash bait in white and whopper plopper top water in monkey's butt and Slong's spinner baits in blue glimmer.
.

IF YOU ARE PLANNING ON VISITING OUR LAKES I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THE FOLLOWING BUSINESSES FOR ALL YOUR FISHING AND BOATING NEEDS

Fisherman’s Headquarters is located in Draffenville at the U.S. 68/U.S. 641 triangle, or the Draffenville "Y". FHQ stocks everything an angler could need, from live bait, hooks and bobbers to top of the line tournament bass tackle. More than a "bait and tackle" store, Fisherman’s Headquarters is a true "pro shop", offering advice, training and special order assistance not found online or at the big box retailers. Services even include custom electronics training and installation. The store offers a wide variety of nationally known brands as well as many regional and hard to find items we use on Kentucky and Barkley Lakes. They stock many of the products I rely on daily, such as Charmer Baits, Slong’s lures and Pro Tungsten weights. From bluegill to bass and catfish to crappie, FHQ has you covered! Stop by and visit or phone 270-527-5938.

Jet-A-Marina: If you have a problem with your boat while you are visiting our great fisheries, let me recommend you have the folks in the service department at Jet-a-Marina check it out. These folks have a well known reputation for trying to keep our visitors on the water while they are here if they can possibly do so, especially you tournament anglers. Hopefully you will not need this kind of assistance but if you do, you can find Jet-a-Marina located on U.S. 62 in Calvert City, just a couple of miles north of Kentucky Dam. Jet-a-Marina also has a great showroom for all your boating accessories and check out the new Ranger bass boats too as well as bulk oil at rock bottom prices for your engine. Phone: 270-395-4030.

GUIDE SERVICE:


For those of you that may not be familiar with my service: I am a full time catch and release bass fishing guide. I only guide for bass. I have been guiding for bass full time on these lakes for over 20 years and bass fishing the lakes for over 30 years. I do not go out and fish panfish for 4 or 5 days and then try to guide on bass for one or two days.


No one knows everything the bass are doing but one thing is for sure, if you only fish for bass day in and day out, you will have a lot better idea of what they are doing and also be familiar with all the different techniques it takes to be a successful bass angler.


If you book with my service, you will have me as your guide and you will be guided in the comfort of a late model Z522 Ranger Comanche equipped with Lowrance HDS electronics and top of the line tackle. I provide just for fun bass fishing trips, tournament preparation trips, focused teaching trips and technique instruction. If you are in need of a bass fishing guide give me a call or drop me an email.


Available Dates:

August: A number of dates available.
I am also taking reservations also for September, October and November. Now is the time to make your reservations for the fall fishing.

Captain Dave Stewart

Bass Buster Guide Service
www.kentuckylakeguide.com
dave@kentuckylakeguide.com
270-362-9987
"Fish With A Professional"

[Dave Stewart]

August 10, 2018


Kentucky Lake: Water Level at Kentucky Dam - 357.54 Surface Temperature - 85
Lake Barkley: Water Level at Barkley Dam - 357.55 Surface Temperature - 85


Both lakes are one and one half feet below summer pool and on a slow draw down. Kentucky Dam was generating at an average rate of 36,500 cfs this morning. Barkley Dam was generating at an average rate of 17,600 cfs this morning. In accordance with the TVA River Operating System Schedule, the TVA has started the slow draw down of the lakes to winter pool levels. Barring any unforeseen influx of water, you can expect the lakes to be drawn down about one foot per month now until we reach winter pool levels.

The latest lake levels , current flows and forecasts for all the TVA lakes can be found at

http://www.tva.com/river/lakeinfo/index.htm

Current Conditions: The early morning shallow water bite on top water lures is still producing the better bite this past week but we are catching some fish on the ledges also. The ledge bite continues to be slow but fish can be taken on the ledges with patience. I am still hearing from a lot of folks that they are fishing all day and only catching one or two fish or none at all. Example: I received a call early this week from an angler that was here with his son and had fished for 2 days without a bass in their boat, wanting to know if I was available to take them out to assist them in figuring out how to catch some bass so that they could enjoy the rest of their fishing vacation. (I have had a number of calls like this over the past few weeks).

I was more than happy to take these good folks out the next day and show them how they could catch some fish both shallow and on the ledges. The most satisfying part of my business has always been teaching clients how to find bass, why we are fishing a certain pattern and using the techniques we are using etc. Certainly there is never any guarantee of how many fish we may catch on any day or how big those fish will be, especially with the slow bass bite we have been experiencing here on the lakes this summer, but no one wants to go out bass fishing and not even get a fish in the boat. We were out for 5 hours that day. Did we catch a large number of fish? No, but my clients did catch some shallow fish early including at 4.5 and a 5 lb fish on top water lures as well as losing a few fish (part of bass fishing). We also fished a ledge with the time we had left and they caught a few fish there and learned how to do it, although we did not catch any really nice fish in the short time we had left after the morning shallow water bite.

Bottom line here is there are bass to be caught right now. We did not use any technique or lure that has not been in my weekly fishing report for the past number of weeks. If you are struggling to get any bites, feel free to give me a call for some advice. I don't mind, I have been giving advice to bass anglers here for many years. I don't pretend to know everything, make unsubstantiated claims of winning hundreds of tournaments nor do I claim to be the best. But, I know enough to have been a successful full time bass guide for 23 years and I don't mind sharing that experience. Advice is free and just a phone call away. (270) 362-9987. Guided trips are not free but if you would like to go out with me, give me a call or drop me an email (dave@kentuckylakeguide.com). I do have some days available.

LARGEMOUTH BASS: Largemouth are being taken on the ledges on the main lakes and around the mouths of the deeper creeks and bays. The ledge bite is slow. These fish are being taken with Carolina rigged creature baits, Texas rigged large worms, jigs, drop shots, shaky heads and swim baits. Largemouth are also being taken early and late in the day in the backs of the creeks and bays on top water lures where they are feeding on schools of fry. Largemouth are also being taken in the creeks and bays on channel banks and secondary points, especially those with wood cover. These fish are being taken on spinner baits, shaky heads, Texas rigged creature baits and finesse jigs.

SMALLMOUTH BASS: Smallmouth are being taken on main lake points and on the ledges. These fish are being taken on Carolina rigged creature baits, jigs and swim baits. This bite is slow also.

White Bass: White Bass are being taken by vertically fishing with blade baits and inline spinners along the river channel ledges. White Bass are also being taken around Mayfly hatches early in the morning in the creeks and bays on inline spinners. We have been catching some White Bass also while bass fishing during the early morning hours on top water baits in the shallows in the backs of the creeks and bays before the sun gets up on the water.


PRODUCTIVE LURES: D&L jigs in Cumberland craw and oops patterns, Slong's jigs in mustang, Charmer timber pups on Carolina rigs and Texas rigs in green pumpkin, green pumpkin/blue and watermelon/purple, Charmer 10.5" ribbon tail and paddle tail worms in plum and green pumpkin on Texas rigs, Big Hammer swim baits in bay smelt and Robo worms on drop shot in mean green. Yamamoto Senko in green pumpkin/black, green pumpkin magic and Charmer Slim Jim in blue craw on shaky heads. Strike King top water splash bait in white and whopper plopper top water in monkey's butt and Slong's spinner baits in blue glimmer.
.

IF YOU ARE PLANNING ON VISITING OUR LAKES I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THE FOLLOWING BUSINESSES FOR ALL YOUR FISHING AND BOATING NEEDS:

Fisherman’s Headquarters is located in Draffenville at the U.S. 68/U.S. 641 triangle, or the Draffenville "Y". FHQ stocks everything an angler could need, from live bait, hooks and bobbers to top of the line tournament bass tackle. More than a "bait and tackle" store, Fisherman’s Headquarters is a true "pro shop", offering advice, training and special order assistance not found online or at the big box retailers. Services even include custom electronics training and installation. The store offers a wide variety of nationally known brands as well as many regional and hard to find items we use on Kentucky and Barkley Lakes. They stock many of the products I rely on daily, such as Charmer Baits, Slong’s lures and Pro Tungsten weights. From bluegill to bass and catfish to crappie, FHQ has you covered! Stop by and visit or phone 270-527-5938.

Jet-A-Marina: If you have a problem with your boat while you are visiting our great fisheries, let me recommend you have the folks in the service department at Jet-a-Marina check it out. These folks have a well known reputation for trying to keep our visitors on the water while they are here if they can possibly do so, especially you tournament anglers. Hopefully you will not need this kind of assistance but if you do, you can find Jet-a-Marina located on U.S. 62 in Calvert City, just a couple of miles north of Kentucky Dam. Jet-a-Marina also has a great showroom for all your boating accessories and check out the new Ranger bass boats too as well as bulk oil at rock bottom prices for your engine. Phone: 270-395-4030.

GUIDE SERVICE:

For those of you that may not be familiar with my service: I am a full time catch and release bass fishing guide. I only guide for bass. I have been guiding for bass full time on these lakes for over 20 years and bass fishing the lakes for over 30 years. I do not go out and fish panfish for 4 or 5 days and then try to guide on bass for one or two days.

No one knows everything the bass are doing but one thing is for sure, if you only fish for bass day in and day out, you will have a lot better idea of what they are doing and also be familiar with all the different techniques it takes to be a successful bass angler.

If you book with my service, you will have me as your guide and you will be guided in the comfort of a late model Z522 Ranger Comanche equipped with Lowrance HDS electronics and top of the line tackle. I provide just for fun bass fishing trips, tournament preparation trips, focused teaching trips and technique instruction. If you are in need of a bass fishing guide give me a call or drop me an email.


Available Dates:


August: Dates available.

I am also taking reservations also for September, October and November. Now is the time to make your reservations for the fall fishing.

Captain Dave Stewart
Bass Buster Guide Service
www.kentuckylakeguide.com
dave@kentuckylakeguide.com
270-362-9987
"Fish With A Professional"

[Dave Stewart]

August 16, 2018


Kentucky Lake: Water Level at Kentucky Dam - 357.21 Surface Temperature - 85
Lake Barkley: Water Level at Barkley Dam - 357.20 Surface Temperature - 85


Both lakes are 2 feet below summer pool and on a slow draw down. Kentucky Dam was generating at an average rate of 33,000 cfs this morning. Barkley Dam was generating at an average rate of 17,600 cfs this morning.

In accordance with the TVA River Operating System Schedule, the TVA has started the slow draw down of the lakes to winter pool levels. Barring any unforeseen influx of water, you can expect the lakes to be drawn down about one foot per month now until we reach winter pool levels. As the lake levels drop boaters should be cautious when navigating the lakes. There are a number of areas where old foundations, stumps, humps and ridges are just waiting to ruin your trip and cause damage to you and your boat. If you are not familiar with the lakes, follow the navigation buoys and be very careful when navigating outside the buoys.

The latest lake levels , current flows and forecasts for all the TVA lakes can be found at

http://www.tva.com/river/lakeinfo/index.htm

Current Conditions: There really has not been any real change in the fishing conditions here since my last report. The early morning shallow water bite where some bass are feeding on schools of fry continues to be the most productive pattern for putting some keeper sized and larger bass in the boat. The numbers have not been great but we have not had any mornings this week without a few keepers sized bass in the boat as well as some smaller fish. Some days are better than others of course. We had one morning this week with a limit of bass anchored by a 7lb and a 5lb fish. The next morning we only had 2 keepers with the largest at 3lbs and a few smaller fish. We fished the ledges this week also but with the same results we have been having and that is a slow and scattered bite with only a few fish.

We have been seeing a good number of schools of fry that have moved to deeper water over the past couple of weeks. The numbers of shallow water fry are depleting in a number of the creeks and bays now as these fry are starting to mature and move deeper but one can still find some back shallow with a little searching. Some of these schools can be found on channel points and banks with wood cover in the creeks and bays as they are migrating to deeper water. The question is: are these shad fry or Asian carp fry? Personally, I believe it is some of both. We will know for sure when the fall transition begins. If they are shad fry they will move back to the shallows during the early part of the transition in large numbers. The fall transition typically begins when the morning water temperatures reach the mid 70's. I have seen years when this happened the first week of September and some years not until early October. Water temperatures key the seasonal migrations, not calendars.

LARGEMOUTH BASS: Largemouth are being taken on the ledges on the main lakes and around the mouths of the deeper creeks and bays. The ledge bite is slow. These fish are being taken with Carolina rigged creature baits, Texas rigged large worms, jigs, drop shots, shaky heads and swim baits. Largemouth are also being taken early and late in the day in the backs of the creeks and bays on top water lures where they are feeding on schools of fry. Largemouth are also being taken in the creeks and bays on channel banks and secondary points, especially those with wood cover. These fish are being taken on spinner baits, shaky heads, Texas rigged creature baits and finesse jigs.

SMALLMOUTH BASS: Smallmouth are being taken on main lake points and on the ledges. These fish are being taken on Carolina rigged creature baits, jigs and swim baits. This bite is slow also.

White Bass: White Bass are being taken by vertically fishing with blade baits and inline spinners along the river channel ledges. White Bass are also being taken around Mayfly hatches early in the morning in the creeks and bays on inline spinners. We have been catching some White Bass also while bass fishing during the early morning hours on top water baits in the shallows in the backs of the creeks and bays before the sun gets up on the water.


PRODUCTIVE LURES: D&L jigs in Cumberland craw and oops patterns, Slong's jigs in mustang, Charmer timber pups on Carolina rigs and Texas rigs in green pumpkin, green pumpkin/blue and watermelon/purple, Big Hammer swim baits in bay smelt and Robo worms on drop shot in mean green. Yamamoto Senko in green pumpkin/black, green pumpkin magic and Charmer Slim Jim in blue craw on shaky heads. Strike King top water splash bait in white and whopper plopper top water in monkey's butt and Slong's spinner baits in blue glimmer.
.

IF YOU ARE PLANNING ON VISITING OUR LAKES I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THE FOLLOWING BUSINESSES FOR ALL YOUR FISHING AND BOATING NEEDS:

Fisherman’s Headquarters is located in Draffenville at the U.S. 68/U.S. 641 triangle, or the Draffenville "Y". FHQ stocks everything an angler could need, from live bait, hooks and bobbers to top of the line tournament bass tackle. More than a "bait and tackle" store, Fisherman’s Headquarters is a true "pro shop", offering advice, training and special order assistance not found online or at the big box retailers. Services even include custom electronics training and installation. The store offers a wide variety of nationally known brands as well as many regional and hard to find items we use on Kentucky and Barkley Lakes. They stock many of the products I rely on daily, such as Charmer Baits, Slong’s lures and Pro Tungsten weights. From bluegill to bass and catfish to crappie, FHQ has you covered! Stop by and visit or phone 270-527-5938.

Jet-A-Marina: If you have a problem with your boat while you are visiting our great fisheries, let me recommend you have the folks in the service department at Jet-a-Marina check it out. These folks have a well known reputation for trying to keep our visitors on the water while they are here if they can possibly do so, especially you tournament anglers. Hopefully you will not need this kind of assistance but if you do, you can find Jet-a-Marina located on U.S. 62 in Calvert City, just a couple of miles north of Kentucky Dam. Jet-a-Marina also has a great showroom for all your boating accessories and check out the new Ranger bass boats too as well as bulk oil at rock bottom prices for your engine. Phone: 270-395-4030.


GUIDE SERVICE:

For those of you that may not be familiar with my service: I am a full time catch and release bass fishing guide. I only guide for bass. I have been guiding for bass full time on these lakes for over 20 years and bass fishing the lakes for over 30 years. I do not go out and fish panfish for 4 or 5 days and then try to guide on bass for one or two days.


No one knows everything the bass are doing but one thing is for sure, if you only fish for bass day in and day out, you will have a lot better idea of what they are doing and also be familiar with all the different techniques it takes to be a successful bass angler.

If you book with my service, you will have me as your guide and you will be guided in the comfort of a late model Z522 Ranger Comanche equipped with Lowrance HDS electronics and top of the line tackle. I provide just for fun bass fishing trips, tournament preparation trips, focused teaching trips and technique instruction. If you are in need of a bass fishing guide give me a call or drop me an email.


Available Dates:


August: Dates available.

I am also taking reservations also for September, October and November. Now is the time to make your reservations for the fall fishing.

Captain Dave Stewart
Bass Buster Guide Service
www.kentuckylakeguide.com
dave@kentuckylakeguide.com
270-362-9987
"Fish With A Professional"

[Dave Stewart]

August 24, 2018


Kentucky Lake: Water Level at Kentucky Dam - 356.67 Surface Temperature - 82
Lake Barkley: Water Level at Barkley Dam - 356.60 Surface Temperature - 82


Both lakes are two and one half feet below summer pool. Kentucky Dam was generating at an average rate of 32,800 cfs this afternoon. Barkley Dam was generating at an average rate of 18,000 cfs this afternoon.

In accordance with the TVA River Operating System Schedule, the TVA has started the slow draw down of the lakes to winter pool levels. Barring any unforeseen influx of water, you can expect the lakes to be drawn down about one foot per month now until we reach winter pool levels. As the lake levels drop boaters should be cautious when navigating the lakes. There are a number of areas where old foundations, stumps, humps and ridges are just waiting to ruin your trip and cause damage to you and your boat. If you are not familiar with the lakes, follow the navigation buoys and be very careful when navigating outside the buoys.

The latest lake levels , current flows and forecasts for all the TVA lakes can be found at

http://www.tva.com/river/lakeinfo/index.htm

.

Current Conditions: The good news is that we had some fall type weather the past few days and the cooler nights dropped the water temperatures to present levels. I was only able to get out on the water 2 days this week due to teaching classes and a doctors appointment. We had good cloud cover this morning and this combined with the higher oxygen levels as a result of the cooler water turned the bass on and we had a good morning fishing both shallow early and on secondary points in the creeks and bays with top water and spinner baits. The bass were actively chasing the schools of fry.

The bad news is the heat is coming back with day time temperatures in the 90's and heat indexes around 100 some days. But forecasts can change so I am hoping for the best but I do know this is the time of the year when the water temperatures do tend to fluctuate up and down and the fishing can be good for a day or two and then get tough again.

LARGEMOUTH BASS: Largemouth are being taken on the ledges on the main lakes and around the mouths of the deeper creeks and bays. The ledge bite is slow. These fish are being taken with Carolina rigged creature baits, Texas rigged large worms, jigs, drop shots, shaky heads and swim baits. Largemouth are also being taken early and late in the day in the backs of the creeks and bays on top water lures where they are feeding on schools of fry. Largemouth are also being taken in the creeks and bays on channel banks and secondary points, especially those with wood cover. These fish are being taken on spinner baits, top water lures, shaky heads, Texas rigged creature baits and finesse jigs.

SMALLMOUTH BASS: Smallmouth are being taken on main lake points and on the ledges. These fish are being taken early in the morning on top water lures and later in the day on Carolina rigged creature baits, jigs and tubes. This bite is slow also.

White Bass: White Bass are being taken by vertically fishing with blade baits and inline spinners along the river channel ledges. We have been catching some White Bass also while bass fishing during the early morning hours on top water baits in the shallows in the backs of the creeks and bays before the sun gets up on the water.


PRODUCTIVE LURES: D&L jigs in Cumberland craw and oops patterns, Slong's jigs in mustang, Charmer timber pups on Carolina rigs and Texas rigs in green pumpkin, green pumpkin/blue and watermelon/purple, Big Hammer swim baits in bay smelt and Robo worms on drop shot in mean green. Yamamoto Senko in green pumpkin/black, green pumpkin magic and Charmer Slim Jim in blue craw on shaky heads. Charmer tubes rigged stupid style in smoke/purple and blue cat, Strike King top water splash bait in white and Lucky Craft Sammy in ghost pearl lemon and Slong's spinner baits in blue glimmer.
.

IF YOU ARE PLANNING ON VISITING OUR LAKES I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THE FOLLOWING BUSINESSES FOR ALL YOUR FISHING AND BOATING NEEDS:

Fisherman’s Headquarters is located in Draffenville at the U.S. 68/U.S. 641 triangle, or the Draffenville "Y". FHQ stocks everything an angler could need, from live bait, hooks and bobbers to top of the line tournament bass tackle. More than a "bait and tackle" store, Fisherman’s Headquarters is a true "pro shop", offering advice, training and special order assistance not found online or at the big box retailers. Services even include custom electronics training and installation. The store offers a wide variety of nationally known brands as well as many regional and hard to find items we use on Kentucky and Barkley Lakes. They stock many of the products I rely on daily, such as Charmer Baits, Slong’s lures and Pro Tungsten weights. From bluegill to bass and catfish to crappie, FHQ has you covered! Stop by and visit or phone 270-527-5938.

Jet-A-Marina: If you have a problem with your boat while you are visiting our great fisheries, let me recommend you have the folks in the service department at Jet-a-Marina check it out. These folks have a well known reputation for trying to keep our visitors on the water while they are here if they can possibly do so, especially you tournament anglers. Hopefully you will not need this kind of assistance but if you do, you can find Jet-a-Marina located on U.S. 62 in Calvert City, just a couple of miles north of Kentucky Dam. Jet-a-Marina also has a great showroom for all your boating accessories and check out the new Ranger bass boats too as well as bulk oil at rock bottom prices for your engine. Phone: 270-395-4030.

GUIDE SERVICE:

For those of you that may not be familiar with my service: I am a full time catch and release bass fishing guide. I only guide for bass. I have been guiding for bass full time on these lakes for over 20 years and bass fishing the lakes for over 30 years. I do not go out and fish panfish for 4 or 5 days and then try to guide on bass for one or two days.


No one knows everything the bass are doing but one thing is for sure, if you only fish for bass day in and day out, you will have a lot better idea of what they are doing and also be familiar with all the different techniques it takes to be a successful bass angler.


If you book with my service, you will have me as your guide and you will be guided in the comfort of a late model Z522 Ranger Comanche equipped with Lowrance HDS electronics and top of the line tackle. I provide just for fun bass fishing trips, tournament preparation trips, focused teaching trips and technique instruction. If you are in need of a bass fishing guide give me a call or drop me an email.


Available Dates:


August: Dates available.


I am also taking reservations also for September, October and November. Now is the time to make your reservations for the fall fishing.

Captain Dave Stewart
Bass Buster Guide Service
www.kentuckylakeguide.com
dave@kentuckylakeguide.com
270-362-9987
"Fish With A Professional"

[Dave Stewart]

August 30, 2018


Kentucky Lake: Water Level at Kentucky Dam - 356.31 Surface Temperature - 83
Lake Barkley: Water Level at Barkley Dam - 356.25 Surface Temperature - 83


Both lakes are 3 feet below summer pool. Kentucky Dam was generating at an average rate of 28,600 cfs this morning. Barkley Dam was generating at an average rate of 18,200 cfs this morning. As the lake levels drop boaters should be cautious when navigating the lakes. There are a number of areas where old foundations, stumps, humps and ridges are just waiting to ruin your trip and cause damage to you and your boat. If you are not familiar with the lakes, follow the navigation buoys and be very careful when navigating outside the buoys. The latest lake levels , current flows and forecasts for all the TVA lakes can be found at http://www.tva.com/river/lakeinfo/index.htm.

Current Conditions: The deep summer heat returned to the lakes area this week with heat indexes around 100 degrees every day. The bass fishing has been hit and miss this week with most days being slow although we have not had any days without a few fish in the boat. The early morning top water bite I have been reporting in the shallows diminished this week as most of the fry schools we were fishing have now moved deeper. There is some early morning top water bite on secondary points and creek channel banks as well as on main lake points where these fry have moved but it is hit and miss and not as many numbers being taken as there were when the fry were extremely shallow. We did catch a few fish on the ledges this week but the bite there still remains slow for the most part. Finesse baits such a the ned rig and finesse jigs fished on points and channel banks were the most consistent pattern for us this week.

LARGEMOUTH BASS: Largemouth are being taken on the ledges on the main lakes and around the mouths of the deeper creeks and bays. The ledge bite is slow. These fish are being taken with Carolina rigged creature baits, Texas rigged large worms, jigs, drop shots, shaky heads and swim baits. Largemouth are also being taken in the creeks and bays on channel banks and secondary points, especially those with wood cover. These fish are being taken on spinner baits, top water lures, shaky heads, ned rigs, Texas rigged creature baits and finesse jigs.

SMALLMOUTH BASS: Smallmouth are being taken on main lake points and on the ledges. These fish are being taken early in the morning on top water lures and later in the day on Carolina rigged creature baits, jigs and tubes. This bite is slow also.

White Bass: White Bass are being taken by vertically fishing with blade baits and inline spinners along the river channel ledges. We have been catching some White Bass also while bass fishing during the early morning hours on top water baits in the shallows in the backs of the creeks and bays before the sun gets up on the water.


PRODUCTIVE LURES: D&L jigs in Cumberland craw and oops patterns, Slong's jigs in mustang, Charmer timber pups on Carolina rigs and Texas rigs in green pumpkin, green pumpkin/blue and watermelon/purple, Big Hammer swim baits in bay smelt and Robo worms on drop shot in mean green. Zman TRD in green pumpkin on ned rig, Yamamoto Senko in green pumpkin/black, green pumpkin magic and Charmer Slim Jim in blue craw on shaky heads. Charmer tubes rigged stupid style in smoke/purple and blue cat, Strike King top water splash bait in white and Lucky Craft Sammy in ghost pearl lemon and Slong's spinner baits in blue glimmer.

IF YOU ARE PLANNING ON VISITING OUR LAKES I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THE FOLLOWING BUSINESSES FOR ALL YOUR FISHING AND BOATING NEEDS:

Fisherman’s Headquarters is located in Draffenville at the U.S. 68/U.S. 641 triangle, or the Draffenville "Y". FHQ stocks everything an angler could need, from live bait, hooks and bobbers to top of the line tournament bass tackle. More than a "bait and tackle" store, Fisherman’s Headquarters is a true "pro shop", offering advice, training and special order assistance not found online or at the big box retailers. Services even include custom electronics training and installation. The store offers a wide variety of nationally known brands as well as many regional and hard to find items we use on Kentucky and Barkley Lakes. They stock many of the products I rely on daily, such as Charmer Baits, Slong’s lures and Pro Tungsten weights. From bluegill to bass and catfish to crappie, FHQ has you covered! Stop by and visit or phone 270-527-5938.

Jet-A-Marina: If you have a problem with your boat while you are visiting our great fisheries, let me recommend you have the folks in the service department at Jet-a-Marina check it out. These folks have a well known reputation for trying to keep our visitors on the water while they are here if they can possibly do so, especially you tournament anglers. Hopefully you will not need this kind of assistance but if you do, you can find Jet-a-Marina located on U.S. 62 in Calvert City, just a couple of miles north of Kentucky Dam. Jet-a-Marina also has a great showroom for all your boating accessories and check out the new Ranger bass boats too as well as bulk oil at rock bottom prices for your engine. Phone: 270-395-4030.


GUIDE SERVICE:


For those of you that may not be familiar with my service: I am a full time catch and release bass fishing guide. I only guide for bass. I have been guiding for bass full time on these lakes for over 20 years and bass fishing the lakes for over 30 years. I do not go out and fish panfish for 4 or 5 days and then try to guide on bass for one or two days.


No one knows everything the bass are doing but one thing is for sure, if you only fish for bass day in and day out, you will have a lot better idea of what they are doing and also be familiar with all the different techniques it takes to be a successful bass angler.



If you book with my service, you will have me as your guide and you will be guided in the comfort of a late model Z522 Ranger Comanche equipped with Lowrance HDS electronics and top of the line tackle. I provide just for fun bass fishing trips, tournament preparation trips, focused teaching trips and technique instruction. If you are in need of a bass fishing guide give me a call or drop me an email.


Available Dates:


I have dates available in September, October and November. Now is the time to make your reservations for the fall fishing.

Captain Dave Stewart
Bass Buster Guide Service
www.kentuckylakeguide.com
dave@kentuckylakeguide.com
270-362-9987
"Fish With A Professional"

[Dave Stewart]

September 13, 2018


Kentucky Lake: Water Level at Kentucky Dam - 355.94 Surface Temperature - 80
Lake Barkley: Water Level at Barkley Dam 355.75 Surface Temperature - 80


Both lakes are 3 feet below summer pool The TVA is forecasting a rise of one foot in the lake levels over the next couple days due to expected run off from heavy rains expected up river from the remnants of hurricane Florence. Kentucky Dam was generating at an average rate of 32,600 cfs this afternoon. Barkley Dam was generating at an average rate of 25,200 cfs this afternoon. As the lake levels drop boaters should be cautious when navigating the lakes. There are a number of areas where old foundations, stumps, humps and ridges are just waiting to ruin your trip and cause damage to you and your boat. If you are not familiar with the lakes, follow the navigation buoys and be very careful when navigating outside the buoys. The latest lake levels , current flows and forecasts for all the TVA lakes can be found at

http://www.tva.com/river/lakeinfo/index.htm

Current Conditions: The water temperatures have dropped over the past few days as we had cooler post frontal days and lots of cloud cover. The sun showed back up today with some higher air temperatures and the warming trend is expected to last though the weekend at least at this time with lots of sunshine.

The bass bite picked up during the cooler days with the cloud cover and we took a number of fish with most of them being short fish but also with occasional nice keeper. Our best bite this week was fishing top water baits on rock river channel banks early in the morning and then moving to rocky channel points where ned rigs, shaky heads and finesse jigs were taking fish. The fish we caught were feeding on schools of the fry that I had mentioned were moving to deeper water in my last report 2 weeks ago. We did fish a few ledges over the past week and took a few fish but the bite there was more scattered and slower.

LARGEMOUTH BASS: Largemouth are being taken on the ledges on the main lakes and around the mouths of the deeper creeks and bays. The ledge bite is slow. These fish are being taken with Carolina rigged creature baits, Texas rigged large worms, jigs, drop shots, shaky heads and swim baits. Largemouth are also being taken on rocky river channel banks and points. These fish are taking top water lures early in the morning and ned rigs, shaky heads and finesse jigs during the day. Largemouth are also being taken in the creeks and bays on channel banks and secondary points, especially those with wood cover. These fish are being taken on shaky heads, ned rigs, Texas rigged creature baits and finesse jigs.

SMALLMOUTH BASS: We caught a number of Smallmouth on the early morning top water bite and later finesse lures bite on rocky main river channel banks and points as mentioned above. Most of these fish were short fish but a lot of fun.

White Bass: White Bass are being taken by vertically fishing with blade baits and inline spinners along the river channel ledges.


PRODUCTIVE LURES: D&L jigs in Cumberland craw and oops patterns, Slong's jigs in mustang, Charmer timber pups on Carolina rigs, shaky heads and Texas rigs in green pumpkin, green pumpkin/blue and watermelon/purple, Big Hammer swim baits in bay smelt and Robo worms on drop shot in mean green. Zman TRD in green pumpkin on ned rig, Yamamoto Senko in green pumpkin/black, green pumpkin magic and Charmer Slim Jim in blue craw on shaky heads. Strike King top water splash bait in white and Lucky Craft Sammy in ghost pearl lemon.
.

IF YOU ARE PLANNING ON VISITING OUR LAKES I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THE FOLLOWING BUSINESSES FOR ALL YOUR FISHING AND BOATING NEEDS:

Fisherman’s Headquarters is located in Draffenville at the U.S. 68/U.S. 641 triangle, or the Draffenville "Y". FHQ stocks everything an angler could need, from live bait, hooks and bobbers to top of the line tournament bass tackle. More than a "bait and tackle" store, Fisherman’s Headquarters is a true "pro shop", offering advice, training and special order assistance not found online or at the big box retailers. Services even include custom electronics training and installation. The store offers a wide variety of nationally known brands as well as many regional and hard to find items we use on Kentucky and Barkley Lakes. They stock many of the products I rely on daily, such as Charmer Baits, Slong’s lures and Pro Tungsten weights. From bluegill to bass and catfish to crappie, FHQ has you covered! Stop by and visit or phone 270-527-5938.

Jet-A-Marina: If you have a problem with your boat while you are visiting our great fisheries, let me recommend you have the folks in the service department at Jet-a-Marina check it out. These folks have a well known reputation for trying to keep our visitors on the water while they are here if they can possibly do so, especially you tournament anglers. Hopefully you will not need this kind of assistance but if you do, you can find Jet-a-Marina located on U.S. 62 in Calvert City, just a couple of miles north of Kentucky Dam. Jet-a-Marina also has a great showroom for all your boating accessories and check out the new Ranger bass boats too as well as bulk oil at rock bottom prices for your engine. Phone: 270-395-4030.

GUIDE SERVICE:

For those of you that may not be familiar with my service: I am a full time catch and release bass fishing guide. I only guide for bass. I have been guiding for bass full time on these lakes for over 20 years and bass fishing the lakes for over 30 years. I do not go out and fish panfish for 4 or 5 days and then try to guide on bass for one or two days.


No one knows everything the bass are doing but one thing is for sure, if you only fish for bass day in and day out, you will have a lot better idea of what they are doing and also be familiar with all the different techniques it takes to be a successful bass angler.


If you book with my service, you will have me as your guide and you will be guided in the comfort of a late model Z522 Ranger Comanche equipped with Lowrance HDS electronics and top of the line tackle. I provide just for fun bass fishing trips, tournament preparation trips, focused teaching trips and technique instruction. If you are in need of a bass fishing guide give me a call or drop me an email.


Available Dates:

I still have some dates available in September, October and November. Now is the time to make your reservations for the fall fishin

Captain Dave Stewart
Bass Buster Guide Service
www.kentuckylakeguide.com
dave@kentuckylakeguide.com
270-362-9987
"Fish With A Professional"