Thread: Spring Crappie run Ky Lkae

Water level can effect water temperature, and the growth rate of aquatic vegatation also.

And the big fish will often follow the bait fish.

I have caught tons of crappie in the spring out by some of the KY Lake bridges, when current was being pulled. The baitfish were out under the bridges, and I loaded my boat with crappie, and Bass.

On days current was not being pulled, you couldn't buy a bass, or crappie in these same places.


When I fished in the Triton Owners tournament a few years ago(Bass fishing), I met Harold Knight, of Knight and Hale, and one of his favorite tricks is to fish under bridges in the spring when current is being pulled he has done well in many tournaments by doing this, and so have I, on KY Lake and on lakes in several other states.

But everyone should just do what works for them IMO.

Originally Posted by Kentucky Lake

Water level can effect water temperature, and the growth rate of aquatic vegatation also.

And the big fish will often follow the bait fish.

I have caught tons of crappie in the spring out by some of the KY Lake bridges, when current was being pulled. The baitfish were out under the bridges, and I loaded my boat with crappie, and Bass.

Say what?

I think the original question was should he wait for the water level to come up to summer pool before visiting the lakes And that answer is no, it really doesn't matter what the lake level is. There are going to be active crappie (somewhere)at all levels of the lake. If you are even a little versitle, you should be able to catch crappie weather the lake is at summer pool or not.

I try to get down there sometime in the first couple of weeks in April. Depending on how much rain we've had the lake level can be almost anywhere. In the last few years alone it's been above summer pool and receding due to recent floods or stable at winter pool or rising slightly in other years. It didn't matter, we've caught fish at every level. I have to say that under the different circumstances, the fish were in different areas or were relating to different cover. We usually just keep moving around until we put together some kind of pattern.
A few years back (maybe 5 or 6) we came down and a major cold front came through. I think there were 50-60 mile winds and the temps fell into the 20's. I got to say it was miserable. We still found fish. What made it tough wasn't the cold front, it was the wind. We still found active fish. We just couldn't hold the boat to catch them.
The only condition I'm not in love with is rising cold muddy water. If you fish the LBL side of the lake you can avoid that most of the time.

Originally Posted by Kentucky Lake

Water level can effect water temperature, and the growth rate of aquatic vegatation also.

And the big fish will often follow the bait fish.

I have caught tons of crappie in the spring out by some of the KY Lake bridges, when current was being pulled. The baitfish were out under the bridges, and I loaded my boat with crappie, and Bass.

On days current was not being pulled, you couldn't buy a bass, or crappie in these same places.


When I fished in the Triton Owners tournament a few years ago(Bass fishing), I met Harold Knight, of Knight and Hale, and one of his favorite tricks is to fish under bridges in the spring when current is being pulled he has done well in many tournaments by doing this, and so have I, on KY Lake and on lakes in several other states.

But everyone should just do what works for them IMO.

OK. Just so we're clear... Is your advise to the original question to wait untill the water comes up to summer pool. No bioligy lesson or comment on the cause & effect of current, sun, rain, snow, clouds, illegal imigration, etc... Just a yes or no.

Originally Posted by Joey Briggs

Hey,wiskers come join are crappie club we fish yearround?

Where yall fish out of Joey? I might hook up with you guys & learn something. I know you 7 Your boy wear'um out.

KY lake has plenty of fish in it, so come down when you please, I am sure you will have a good time.

I live about 15 miles form KY Lake so I will be fishing every day I can.


Good Luck to you.

Originally Posted by Kentucky Lake

KY lake has plenty of fish in it, so come down when you please, I am sure you will have a good time.
I live about 15 miles form KY Lake so I will be fishing every day I can.
Good Luck to you.

I think this means water level doesn't matter.
I live 300 miles from the lake and will be fishing every day I can also. Unfortunately I will only be a Ky Lake for 4 or 5 of those days.

Originally Posted by crappiemax

i think this means water level doesn't matter.

yup! :D

No, it just means I got tired of debating over this issue.


I will probably fish around 40 or more days on KY Lake this spring/ Summer. I am also going down to Lake Guntersville, in Alabama to do some Bass fishing.