The following columns provide information on some of the better sites to fish for each species. For a more complete list of water bodies where each species can be found click here and then select the species that you are interested in under “Search for water bodies for species”.
Spring Columns:
By Lee McClellan
FRANKFORT, Ky.
Anglers in Kentucky often learned to fish by wading the abundant streams that course over the surface of our state. Many of these streams flow over a rocky bottom and hold substantial populations of smallmouth bass.
By Lee McClellan
FRANKFORT, Ky.
The air temperatures will flirt with 80 degrees this week and the white bass are running sporadically in the headwaters of Taylorsville Lake. Water temperatures range from the mid-to-high 50s on lake across Kentucky and the temperature spike this week should get white bass running into the headwaters of Nolin River Lake, Herrington Lake, Fishtrap Lake, Green River Lake and Cave Run lakes.
By Lee McClellan
FRANKFORT, Ky.
The temperatures rose to the high 70s last weekend and dropped into the low 50s earlier this week again in the 70s this coming weekend. The up and down nature of spring weather can cause consternation among anglers when planning fishing trips. Concerns about the weather is one of three things to consider before heading out to the water this spring.
By Lee McClellan
FRANKFORT, Ky.
Spring has sprung all across Kentucky. Air temperatures nipped at 80 degrees earlier this week and water temperatures are over 60 degrees on many lakes.Black crappie are moving along rocky banks now in lakes that have them.
By Lee McClellan
FRANKFORT, Ky.
It was roughly a year ago on Good Friday when Evarts resident Mark Ward went fishing after work with his wife and daughter at 6-acre Highsplint Lake in Harlan County.
By Lee McClellan
FRANKFORT, Ky.
It is just about the time of year when the big “bull” redear sunfish move shallow to spawn, sending a shiver of excitement through many Kentucky anglers.
By Lee McClellan
FRANKFORT, Ky.
One of the age-old quandaries concerning fishing is finding somewhere to go and catch fish. Over the past several years, the staff of the Fisheries Division of the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources upgraded a Kentucky angler’s ability to find productive waters by using by the department’s website at www.fw.ky.gov.
By Lee McClellan
FRANKFORT, Ky.
A vehicle with a couple of kayaks on the roof with fishing poles visible through the back window is an increasingly common sight on Kentucky highways.
By Kevin Kelly
FRANKFORT, Ky.
The summer temperatures predicted for the upcoming Memorial Day holiday weekend bring the perfect environment for taking some kids fishing. If they like the experience, how do you keep the fishing momentum going throughout the summer?
By Lee McClellan
FRANKFORT, Ky.
The gorgeous weather combined with warming, but tolerable, temperatures make June one of the best months to be outside. The wonderful weather drives hordes of largemouth bass anglers to waters across Kentucky, filled with anticipation of catching a couple of five pounders.
By Lee McClellan
FRANKFORT, Ky.
Water temperatures are 75 degrees in Kentucky Lake in west Kentucky and the same at Lake Cumberland in southeast Kentucky and the hot weather in the forecast will increase those temperatures, sending channel catfish to rocky banks in reservoirs to spawn. June is one of the most productive months to fish for them.
By Lee McClellan
FRANKFORT, Ky.
Largemouth bass are one of the most popular sport fish in Kentucky. Two of Kentucky’s excellent state resort parks, Barren River Lake State Resort and Lake Barkley State Resort Park, lie on two of the best largemouth bass lakes in our state.
By Lee McClellan
FRANKFORT, Ky.
The dog days of summer slow everything down. The heat and humidity along with the long days make outside work sweaty and arduous as June gives way to July. The weather forecast calls for temperatures of 90 degrees and above this coming weekend.
Quick-strike Rig Construction
Note to Muskie Anglers: When using Live Bait, please Use a Quick-strike Rig to reduce catch-and-release muskie mortality
The basic rig construction consists of a 24-inch length of uncoated bronze stranded wire, 20 to 50 lb. test, a heavy duty rear treble hook, and a smaller front treble or optional single front hook. The front hook should contain shrinkable tubing around the shank so it will slide on the wire making it adjustable. A strong black swivel should be attached on the opposite end of the whole rig. An optional small spinner blade should be added in front of the front hook making it legal for use in states where a multiple hook rig is illegal. The whole thing can be assembled by using either crimp-on sleeves or twisting the wire to make a good connection. You can easily make your own rigs or they can be purchased from most Musky tackle outlets.
Information courtesy Musky America at Musky.com. For more information see: http://www.musky.com/Features/strike.htm