Mid September on Ky Lake ?

My normal September vacation is a trip to West Virginia and creek fishing for smallmouth bass. However, last year with the drought, the bear activity around the cabins has my wife almost to nervous to go again this year. Bears were in the garbage most nights. Also while evening fishing, we've seen an increase in bear activity with bears entering the water while we're wading about 40% of the time. Myself, I could just grab a can of bear spray and go fishing. However, my wife is alot more reluctant.

Since we may have to find a new vacation spot, and Ky Lake is my favorite spot on earth, I was wondering what the fishing would be like at Ky Lake in mid September. I like fishing for most species so it doesn't have to be just crappies but they will definitly be getting some attention.

thanks in advance for any replys, Crappiemax

Hey Max,
Most of the time the fish are still in the summer pattern here on Ky Lake. in mid September. It's still pretty warm but the days are alot nicer on the lake because boat traffic has calmed down quit a bit. I strictly crappie fish and I don't get back on the water till mid November but maybe some of the other guys on here could help you with the other species of fish. What you have to watch is the water temp. Keep an eye on this web site..http://www.murraystate.edu/qacd/cos/hbs/wq.cfm..or check out The #1 source for the Lake's Area and watch the guide reports and lake conditions. Hope this helps.

September has always been a tougher month for me to catch good fish. Anymore it's has hot in September as it is in July. Finding the dinks on KY/Lake usually isn't a problem. I think the bigger fish are still holding out pretty deep.

Saying this, I too will be trying them out come September but will probably be trolling crankbaits for them while hoping for a cold front, some cloud cover or a breeze.

I kind of figured it was going to be hot. That's what I like about WV, as I head up into the mountains, I can feel the heat and humidity stay behind. It's a nice break. Since the kids moved out a few years ago we always take a Sept. vacation and the lack of crowds is nice. When I return, I get pretty heavy into the hunt mode with bow season opening in a few weeks.

I guess it's really up to the little woman.

I have had luck as early as late August fishing brushpiles 10'-15', though it is usually a little later. September can be good, as in everything else it is hit and miss. Dropoffs can be consistent, 20'-30'. I always like the stable weather and water this time of year, fewer skiers also.

Well I can't say about Sept. but we go to Ky lake every fall in late Oct. We have found that to be some of our best trips down there. We have been in April, May, and Oct. and if only can make one trip it will be Oct. We get lots of fish in April but there are lots, LOTS of boats to contend with. In Oct. we are lucky to see 3-4 boats out there. Weather is just right usually. We seem to catch bigger crappie in the fall. We also like eatin them pesky little yellow bass. Not big but good eatin.
No water lice (jet skis) that time of the year either.

Head north my friend to Lake Erie. KY Lake is my favorite lake also but I think you will do much better up north for smallies. Head to Kellys Island off Port Clinton or even better to Pelee Island on the Candian side. I go every July 4th and have gone a time or two in the early fall. We do great. My 13 year old put a 5lb 1 ounce in the boat and we caught four others over 4lbs. Almost all are over 3lbs. Just a thought but it would be just as close for you I believe.

Jigboy,
I used to do Kelley's Island every spring for smallies and eyes. We always went the week before Memorial Day. The last few trips it was pretty rough weather and that lake can get mean. Kelley's Is is a good place as you can always launch on the lee side of the island and can at least get some fishing in no matter which way the wind blows. I took my wife there a few years ago, in September. Whenever a good chop came up on the water, she was petrified. (she scares easy) I'm not sure I could get her back in my boat again on Lake Erie even with a gun in my hand.

In fact' I had some Erie walleye for dinner tonight. My partner was there a few week ago and was catching limits of eyes most days. They were also catching some nice perch but I couldn't talk him into a few bags of fillets. He did make a point to call me everyday at work to let me know how good they were doing. He just had to rub it in.

It would be a great option for me, but it makes her too nervous.

My biggest smallies I have caught have come from Ky Lake. I have never made it to Pelee Island (yet) but it is on my to do list.

crappies&shrooms,
I tell myself every year to spend more time on the water in fall and less time in the trees. More stable weather, the lake to yourself, quite (no lice or ski's). It all sounds good but then I say, maybe next year. So much to do.....so little time!