Lake levels have remained somewhat stable this past week, levels were at 357.8ft on Friday, with TVA predicting a slight rise by Wednesday. Of course, the weatherman is predicting rain this week, and this could change the levels TVA is predicting. Flows have dropped off as the lakes rise, with averages around 28,000cfs over the last weekend. The surface water temps moved into the low 60’s mid week, but we did see a considerable cool down Thursday and Friday, which I’m sure dropped the water temps back into the 50’s, but we should see some warmer days, and more importantly nights, which will push the surface temps back into the 60’s. The DO level on Kentucky Lake was at 10.88mg/L with a pH of 7.68. The Duck River saw a slight rise last week, but came down to 3.5ft on Sunday, but with the rain predicted, expect the Duck and Buffalo to come back up. The Cumberland at Dover was at 58.07ft, and at 29ft at Clarksville. Cheatham Dam was discharging 22,500 cfs.
The wind again seemed to be the limiting factor for most fishermen, with winds on most days exceeding 25mph, it sure makes it difficult to get on the water where fishermen need to be. Early last week through mid week, many bass and Crappie moved shallow, towards their spawning areas. Some had already set up shop, and began to spawn. Once committed, the fish held their ground, even with the cold weather, but many that were just thinking about spawning moved back out slightly, and will wait for the water to warm back into the low to mid 60’s. Fishermen are finding some good numbers of channel catfish in the shallows. As the crappie, bass and bluegill move shallow, the channel cats move with them, looking to rob eggs out of the nests. Fishing nightcrawlers and other catfish baits on floats around cover, including; stakebeds, logs, and rocks have been producing some good eaters. Trout were stocked in local waters the last week of March, and we will have another stocking at the end of April. Both Hurricane and Tumbling Creeks in Humphreys Co. were stocked, as well as Whiteoak and Hurricane Creeks in Houston Co. If fishing for or keeping trout, an additional license (type 022) is required for those 16-64 years old, unless possessing a sportsman license.
I’ll have the harvest report for the juvenile turkey hunt, which was on April 6-7th. Next week, and the regular spring turkey hunt will begin on April 13th and continue through May 26th. Limits are; one (1) bearded turkey/day not to exceed two (2) for the spring season. Only one of the two may be a “jake.” A Jake is defined as a bearded turkey with; a beard less than 6”, spurs less than ½” long, and the center tail feathers are longer than the outside tail feathers. More information can be found on pages 36-37 of this last years hunting/trapping guide.
I’ve been seeing many reports of Morels being found across the area, and it seems they finally have made their springtime appearance! Mushroom hunters, as well as turkey hunters, should take precaution when heading out into the woods, with the abundance of acorns this last winter, the rodent population will be high and this tends to elevate the tick population. I recommend an insecticide with the active ingredient “permethrin.” This insecticide will kill ticks and chiggers, unlike some of the others with “Deet”, which only repel insects. Permethrin products can be purchased at CO-OP, Warmart and other stores. The insecticide is sprayed on clothes, and allowed to dry, giving protection for a few washes.
I have also gotten many reports of the hummingbirds showing up in our area, and its time to put up the feeders. An easy recipe for making “hummingbird nectar” is by using a 4 to 1 mixture of water and sugar. Boil 4 cups of water, and add 1 cup of sugar while still hot, to aid in dissolving the sugar, as well as boiling will kill any fungus or bacteria that may be in the mixture. Don’t add any red dye to the mixture, as the dye may harm the hummingbirds. Also clean with bleach between each filling, as fungus and bacteria may grow on the feeders and could harm the birds.
April events; the worlds largest fish fry will begin on April 20-28th at Paris (731-644-1143), USA BASSIN New Johnsonville division on April 13th at the New Johnsonville Boat Ramp 7am-3pm (Jammy McCloud 209-7795), ABA Division 40 on April 13th at Birdsong Resort (Eddie Scott 622-5273), Tennessee River Rendezvous on April 12-13th at Hwy 69 Ashley Rd Saltillo Tn. 38370, free for everone, and will have various war re-enactments, Native American art, etc. USA BASSIN Danville Division on April 14th at Danville 5:15am-3pm (Robert Semier 931-802-3858), Cast-N-Blast at Paris Landing Bass Tournament and Turkey Hunt, more information can be found by calling 901-493-4065. TWRA Boater Ed Class on Apri 20th at Buffalo ridge refuge 1pm-5pm, Miranda Garner (629-201-0140). Perry Co bass club bass tournament on April 21st at NewJohnsonville 6:30am-3pm. Veterans Crappie tournament at Paris landing State Park on April 27th. Registration on Fri. April 26th at the Paris National Guard Armory or at launch site (must have a veteran on the boat). Cumberland River Catman’s Association on April 27th on Old Hickory Lake (Neville Watkins (931-980-5153).