Kentucky Lake Crappie Fishing?
Hello,
I would like to take a trip in early spring for some good crappie fishing. I live in Pennsylvania, and have been thinking of going to Kentucky Lake. I figured I'd ask the guys who live there. Who offers the best packages, (room, bait, and such, as well as boat rentals?) as I'll not tow my boat, and may even fly. Just looking for some good advice. What is about the best month for a trip in that area? Any help would be appreciated, as I have to turn in my vacation by the 16th of Jan. I don't think I need a guide, as I do ok here in pa. Thanks Don
I'd come a little earlier than that
Quote:
Originally Posted by
JKeeney20
I know a few crappie pro's that go every year to KY lake for their monster slabs. I asked them the same questions and they all said go around the 2nd-3rd week of April. So thats when I'm heading down. ABout the lodging,etc...not real sure who is cheapest, sorry
I've been fish'n Ky. Lake (North end) for about 40 years now. 20/25 years ago... Yep 2nd week of april would work. But... now days with the black crappie take'n over, you're gonna be a day late & a $ short and miss'n out on some good fish'n. Spawn is whinding down these days by 3rd week of April for sure. I would look at the last 2 weeks of March/1st week of April at the latest. Really depends on how you like to fish though. And the weather plays a major part. 2008 was kinda screwed up. High water & one cold front after another.
Just my 2 cents. Go to KentuckyLake.com - Your Source for all your Kentucky Lake, Lake Barkley & Land Between the Lakes needs! and sign into the forum. Post your question to Oldguide. He guides and can give you some good info on lodging, fish'n and such.
If you haven't already .......
Quote:
Originally Posted by
DJD3
Thanks for the info guys, I'll be checking back, as much info on fishing a new lake is very helpful. I'll check the links and post to Oldguide. Thanks Don.
it would be a good idea to read thru this entire study (all three sections) :Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources - Kentucky Lake - Crappie Movement Study .... if nothing else, it will confirm what these other members are saying. But, more importantly, it will give you a better understanding of the situation these lakes are now in, and what that means to the anglers of today. It could also influence where you decided to lodge, since you would obviously want to be staying at a facility that was as close to the area you intended to fish, as possible.
I can tell you about all the trips I made to KY/Barkley Lakes ... 20 to 30 years ago ... and how I slayed'em in the last week of April, fishing the dam ends of both lakes. But, times have changed, and these dates and the methods I used back then ... probably won't insure your success would equal mine.
If I were you, I'd hope for a "normal" Spring weather & water condition scenario .... but, be prepared for it to be anything BUT normal ;)
The reason I say this is, the last two Springs have been anything but normal. I usually go to E. Tenn & fish Watts Bar during mid April .. expecting the Black Crappie to be moving to the beds, and schooling under the deeper water docks ... with the White Crappie following suit, a couple of weeks or so later. Seeing as how the weather hasn't been following a normal pattern, during that timeframe ... the past two Springs have found me targeting White Crappie, on submerged brush in 10-12ft of water, and actively spawning :eek: And it would appear that I missed the Black Crappie movement, completely. Not that I have anything against catching White Crappie :D ... but, it does reflect on how the two species differ in their spawning habits, as far as timing and the conditions needed by them to get them actively moving shallow.
Hope you have a safe and productive trip ... and take lots of pics ;) to share with the members of this board/site.
.. luck2ya ... cp :cool: