Lake levels have stabilized somewhat, even with the added rainfall in our area. Lake levels at New Johnsonville on Sunday were at 354.5 ft, with TVA predicting the water to remain stable this week. Flow rates are slowly dropping as well, with early week flows still in the 70,000 cfs range, but falling off as the week continues to just below 50,000 cfs, and expect them to continue to diminish as the weekend approaches. Water temps are still in the low to mid 70’s. Boaters are reminded that with the lower water levels, to take care and operate in the navigational channels between the red and green buoys, as shallow water areas are now common, and running aground is and can be an issue to unfamiliar boaters.
Fishing activity continues to be slow, as water temps remain warm, and numerous bait fish are present, making easy prey for the fish. Bass fishermen continue to beat the shorelines with rock cover around wooden docks in search of fish, and coming up with some, but not catching large fish. Most are fishing shad presentations fished around the wood cover on the rocky banks. Crappie continue to be found in the mid-depth ranges between 10-15 ft, but continue to be on the move, and many stops need to be fished to come up with a mess. As the water temps continue to fall, expect the fishing to improve. Catfish have been a good fishing opportunity for fishermen to get some action in, as many fish have moved back out along the river drops. Look in water around the 25-30 ft mark for large schools of eater sized fish. Night crawlers and liver fished just off the bottom are producing coolers full of fish.
Hunting seasons are coming on strong, with deer archery open and Humphreys Co. having just over 30 checked in so far. The juvenile deer season will be at the end of the month, October 30-31st. The second early goose season also is open, ending on October 19th. Shotgun turkey season is open through October 19th as well, and limits are 1 bearded turkey/county. There hasn’t been a Hunter ed class set up as of yet, but the on-line class is still available for free through the TWRA’s web site TnWildlife.org