Lake levels have stabilized, with levels predicted to be at 359ft by Wednesday. Surface water temperatures are now in the mid-60’s, with an average of 65 degrees on Friday. Average flows have slowed up as well, with predicted averages between 20 and 30,000 cfs. The DO levels remain good, with current levels at 10.34 mg/L with a pH level of 7.69. The Duck and Buffalo did see a slight rise, but have now begun to fall again.
Fishing seems to have moved shallow, with most crappie and bass now on bed. With the combination of warm water and rising water levels, the conditions are right for the spawning phase to begin. Most reports still show good catches in the shallows, of crappie, but some are also being found in the moderate depths of 8–12 feet; these could be crappies that have already spawned, or haven’t moved in yet to spawn. Bass seem to be on bed as well, with many being taken by fishermen using spinnerbaits and other baits fished around the shallows with “yellow top’ weeds. Catfish are also being found in the shallows, not necessarily spawning, but more than likely looking for an easy meal with all the other fish spawning. Both bluegill and some shellcrackers have been caught in the shallows also, I don’t believe these fish are ready to spawn just yet, as both bluegill and shellcrackers won’t spawn until average water temperatures reach and stay in the 70’s or above. Most likely they are also looking for easy meals, both from eggs of other fish, and the newly flooded areas providing food.
The only TWRA news is the turkey totals, and fishermen are reminded that due to rising costs to print guides, the TWRA will combine all the guides each year into one, including the fishing/hunting/waterfowl/trapping guides. If anyone needs to see current fishing regulations, a digital version is available online at TNWildlife.org. The turkey season has been going well, with Humphreys Co. harvesting (as of last Thursday) 261 turkeys! The juvenile hunt had an additional 39 turkeys harvested. The Top County for the state so far is Maury, with 474 birds harvested. The statewide total is now at 14,443 turkeys. For those trappers out there, the Fur Harvesters Auction Inc. had an auction back in March, and here are how some items did; Beaver-$35.57 with nearly all beaver sold. Castoreum-grade1-$60/lb, grade2-$50/lb, grade3-$30/lb. Otter-$32.65 for grade 1, with grade 2 not selling. Muskrat-$2.14. Red fox-$16.64. Raccoon-$7.90. Coyote-$12.11. Bobcat-$73.35.
Upcoming events; Worlds largest fish fry April 20–28th at Paris Tn Henry Co. fairgrounds at 219 Tyson Ave. Tennessee City Fire Dept. The annual fish fry on April 27th starts at 12 p.m. all you can eat. $15/adult $6 for children 12 and under. Hickman County Bass Club on April 27th at Cuba Landing Marina, 5:30 a.m.–3 p.m. (Nathan Clinard 931-623-2021). Cumberland River Catman’s Association on April 27th at Old Hickory Lake (Neville Watkins, 931-216-7174). Twin Oaks Bowhunters “Tennessee Classic” on May 3-5th. 41 targets-entry fee $30, youth-$15. (Pappy 615-456-6961). ABA division 40 on May 5th at Birdsong (Eddie Scott 931-622-5273). 37th annual Charles Harper Memorial Busch Tournament on May 4th at Spring Creek/Mousetail Landing State Park (731-845-7212). West Tennessee Crappie Trail on May 4th on Kentucky lake. USA Bassin Danville division on May 5th at Danville (Zachary Cobb, 931-801-8520). Tennessee Mad Catters on May 5th. At Cheatham Dam, 7 a.m.–3 p.m. US Fish and Wildlife “family Spring Fling Festival” on May 11th at TNWildlife refuge visitor center, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. (731-642-2091).USA Bassin New Johnsonville division on May 25th at NewJohnsonville ramp 6am-3pm (Jammy McCloud 931-209-7795).
Steven Summer Jr. with his recently caught “Personal Best” blue catfish, taken on the Tennessee River last week at 80.48 pounds.
