Humphreys Co. Outdoor Report for Nov. 13th

Published Nov 14, 10:09am

Lake levels at New Johnsonville remain stable, with average levels at 354.5ft. We still have a ½ foot to drop, usually TVA will have the lake at winter pool by mid-November.  Surface temperatures saw an increase last week, with average surface temps nearing 70 degrees, but with the return of winter weather surface temperatures have responded and are expected to be falling back into the 60’s, and if the cool weather sets in, expect the water to continue to cool.  Flow rates have remained in the low to mid 20,000cfs levels, TVA is predicting the average flow to remain at this level this week.

With all the stability we experienced over the last few weeks, fishing has improved. Expect things to change now that winter has arrived. Last week we saw some good catches of bass being taken in shallow water, with many fishermen are targeting schools of shad in the shallows where bass are ‘busting’ or chasing the plentiful shad. Topwater action has been the ‘go to’ pattern, or using some baits which mimic the shad. Some better sized bass have been coming off of the shallow river flats close to deeper water, but always where shad are present. Crappie fishermen haven't found any consistent pattern in our area, although some crappie fishermen have been coming up with a few around the Paris Landing area in water depths of around 10-15ft. With the stable flow and weather we had last week, many crappie stayed out around the river channel, but hopefully we will see a return of the fish to the bays as the water cools. Catfishermen have found plentiful small eater sized fish, most have been finding them along and out in the middle of the river; use your electronics to find larger schools of cats, and drop nightcrawlers or liver baits to the level you see them holding at.  Last week the larger fish seem to have been taken by night fishermen, more than likely due to the bright nights. No word on Sauger yet, but usually we start seeing a few show up at creek mouths in mid to lake Novermber.

TWRA news; we now have one week of the muzzleloader season behind us, and as of last Friday Humphreys Co. has had 130 deer checked in, of which, 55 were Bucks, the rest either does or anterless males. The statewide total for the muzzleloader season is now at 9,535 deer. So far the total deer harvest for all the seasons in Humphreys Co. stands at 362 deer, with the statewide total at 30,664 deer. The top Co. for the state is Montgomery Co. with 861 deer harvested. Big game gun season will begin on November 19th and will continue through January 8th of next year. The limits are still one (1) antlered deer/ day not to exceed two (2) for the season. Hunters may harvest up to three (3) anterless deer/day. For more information on any of the hunts, pick up a current hunting/trapping guide or call TWRA during normal business hours at 1-800-372-3928.

The 2022 Hunts Outdoor Trail finished up last week, with Joey Rumsey and Pat Robinson taking the win with a 2 day total of 33.82lbs.  Eric Hensley and Graidon Hensley took 2nd place with 29.71 lbs.  3rd went to Jammy McCloud and Barry Arnold with 18.92 lbs.  Graiden Hensley had big fish for the event with a 7.09 lb largemouth.

Pat Robinson and Joey Rumsey win the Hunt’s Outdoor trail with a 2 day total weight of 33.82lbs