Thread: Barkley trip?

It's hard to say, it all depends on the weather. If weather is pretty close to normal, you can catch some of the biggest fish of the year the last week of March and the first couple of days of April. For me, the best bite usually occurs in early April till about the 10-12th of the month. A cold snap & whether or not it's a full moon can make a difference if the spawn is early or late. Regardless, you should still be able to catch some fish but it's hard to know about the quality. One year one thing, the next you may get the same bite two weeks earlier or later.
A few years ago, water temp was 58 and then it turned hot. Water temps got up to 67 degrees and the fish moved up and fishing was great. A couple of days later, another cold front came thru and pushed temps back close to mid 50's again with high winds. Couldn't buy a bite.
One year planned a vacation at KY Lake and the bite was just beginning. Sure enough, a week later (when I was back at work of course) I heard they were killing them at Jonathan Creek.

I'd say this year you picked a really good week to go down there and get them in the shallows. I think this winter weather will hold on a little longer than the last couple years. The year before last the crappie spawned really early. Last year I don't think it hit 60 degrees and held until March 22. This is around johnathon creek in the shallow water. However, I camped down there the first three weeks of March last year in the pre spawn and killed them every day in deeper water. I caught a 2 pound 10 ounce crappie in the shallows last year at the end of March. They were just getting ready to come in. What I do is keep an eye on Barkley and ky lake water temp page and when it stays around 60-62 for about a week it's time. But, the second week in April is usually a good time to go down there for crappie.

Thanks guys Can't wait!!

Hey Indy, I'm headed down the first week of April for crappie and the first week of May for redear. I can't wait, fishing should be really good for your trip and my trips.