Kentucky Lake levels saw a rise last week, but are now on the fall back towards winter pool. Levels at New Johnsonville on January 19th were at 356ft, and are predicted to be at or near 354.5ft by Wednesday, January 24th. The flow rates have been between 50-80,000cfs, due to TVA trying to keep the water levels close to winter pool levels, as well as producing the needed electricity that has been keeping us warm during this cold spell. Water surface temperatures last week were in the low to mid 40’s, but with the snow and extreme cold weather we’ve had, as of Friday, most areas on the lake are now in the mid to upper 30’s. The DO levels are at 15mg/L with a pH level at 8.02. Other area rivers saw a rise last week, but are now heading back to normal. The Cumberland River at Clarksville was at 26ft, falling to 25ft by Wednesday the 24th. The Duck is predicted to be at just over 3ft and the Buffalo at 4ft by Wednesday.
No fishing report this week; with the cold weather, snow and poor overall conditions, most fishermen have wisely stayed off the water. Also many areas on the lake have seen ice conditions, especially around the shallow areas near ramps and bays, which would force many to “break ice” in attempts to get out. The Duck hunters have been braving the cold weather, in hopes a few ducks might be “coaxed” into range, and therefore keeping some ramps free of ice. By the time many read this, warmer weather will be upon us, hopefully allowing for a better fishing report next week.
The Duck hunters did see a significant number of Ducks move into our area, and many hunters have reported some good days. Most of the waterfowl across the US are now along the Mississippi River from the confluence of the Ohio River, south towards the coast. Reelfoot and areas in West Tn did see a good number of ducks and geese move into their area. Waterfowl season ends for the most part, on January 31st. Deer season totals are in, and here are some of the totals for the 23/24 deer season; Benton-1,457, Dickson-2,182, Hickman-1,846, Houston-868, Humphreys-1,918, Perry-1,155 with the statewide total for the season at 151,036, which was 10,713 deer less than last years total. The top harvesting Co. for the state was Giles, with 3,854 deer. Here in Humphreys Co. we saw 620 deer less than last years total, with 1,034 antlered deer, and 884 anterless deer, for the total of 1,918 deer.
As winter fades and spring approaches, I will once again have “events” like fishing tournaments and any other outdoor activities, the only ones I’m aware of close at hand, are; Tn Federal Wildlife Refuge “Waterfowl/ Bald Eagle” tour at the Duck River Bottoms on Saturday, February 3rd beginning at 12pm. The TWRA has a few upcoming events of interest, including a “Trapper Training Camp” on February 23rd, pre-registration is required by visiting TnWildlife.org and looking under the “Events” tab, for the event #(50377). TWRA also has many other “virtual” zoom events which are available to interested individuals, such as; squirrel hunting, White bass fishing, Crappie fishing, antler shed hunting, etc. These events are free to anyone, and can be viewed by going to the “Events” page at TWRAs web-site; TnWildlife.org.