Lake levels on last Friday were at 357ft, with TVA predicting a fall to the Mid 354ft level by mid week. Flow rates were strong, averaging just over 100,000cfs, but TVA will reduce flow once lake levels reach winter pool levels. Average water surface temperatures were holding in the upper 50’s on most days, but we have seen some cool mornings, and temps haven’t moved much this past week. The DO levels are at 11.44mg/L and the pH level is at 7.5. both the Duck and Buffalo Rivers saw a good rise after last weeks rain, with the Duck around 3ft this past Monday, the Buffalo is now at 5ft. The Cumberland River at Dover was at 57ft on Friday, and at 27ft in Clarksville. The Corp of Engineers did shut off Cheatham Dam for a bit last week, but expect flows to average around 20,000cfs this week.
Fishing has been fair this week. I’d expect it to be better, but the wind seems to be the biggest issue with most fishermen, making it hard to fish areas where the fish are. Spring is the time of warming weather, but with the change in temperatures, the wind will often be quite strong. The Crappie did move back out slightly deeper with the cool weather last week. Most are holding on drops and old creek channels in depths of 12-14ft, but look for the fish to move shallow as water temperatures climb into the 60’s. Look for crappie in 6-10ft of water once water temperatures get and hold in the 60’s, with crappie moving into spawning areas once water stabilizes into the low to mid 60’s. Normal spawning time for our area for crappie is mid to late April, but we seem to be a little ahead of schedule with the water temperatures. Bass fishermen have continued to find fish deep and shallow, with the key being the presence of baitfish in the area. Most all baits have been working, including; jerk baits, Texas rigged worms, swim baits, etc. Some good sized largemouth and smallmouth bass have been taken this week, with the smallmouth more than likely on bed, as smallmouth bass will spawn once water temperatures reach 55-60 degrees. The Largemouth bass will spawn on an average water temperature of 68 degrees. Trout are still being taken in area creeks that have been stocked, with another stocking occurring this week. Local creeks being stockked include; Hurricane Creek at Loretta Lynns Ranch, Tumbling Creek between Hwy 13 and Hwy 230, and White Oak creek in Houston County at Rainbow and Magnolia bridges. Fishermen are reminded to check and make sure your fishing license is valid, as the license year is one year from date of purchase. Licenses can be purchased online at TnWildlife.org and also using the free TWRA app, available on both the “play store” and “apple store”. I haven’t heard from anyone on how the “bottoms” have been, but if fishing for crappie this early, often the fish will be quite shallow, even in the bushes, and if water is flowing around the many culverts, sometimes the fish will congregate in these areas.
A few individuals have found some Morel mushrooms, but most have just started appearing in warmer areas, but with the “mayapples” and bluebells coming up, it is time for them to make their appearance this spring. In TWRA news, the turkey season is still a few weeks off, with the juvenile hunt on the weekend of April 6-7th. And the regular spring season starting on April 13th. The Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission meet at Buffalo Ridge Refuge in the lower part of Humphreys County. This past Thursday and Friday, and they went over changes to WMA areas and the furbearer seasons dates. The commission will vote on the proposed regulations at the April 18th meeting in Johnson City. The TWRA also discussed updates on the Buffalo Ridge Shooting Range project and future education facility in our county.
Upcoming events; Tennessee Mad Catters on April 7th out of Guices Creek 7am-3pm, Perry County Bass Club on April 7th at Spring Creek 6:30-3pm, Tn National Wildlife Refuge will be having a “Solar Eclipse Event” on April 8th at the Refuge Visitor Center at Springville from 12:30pm-3pm. (731-642-2091), the News-Democrat will host a “Readers Choice” Event on April 9th at Samuel’s on the Square, starting at 5pm, with free food, refreshments, prizes, etc. ABA division 40 on April 13th at Birdsong (931-622-5273 or 615-922-0775), Tennessee River Rendezvous on April 12-13th Hwy 69, 215 Ashley Rd. Saltillo Tenn. 38370, there will be; flint knapping demos, Native American, Mountain Men, Revolutionary War re-enactments and the event is free for everyone. USA Bassin New Johnsonville Division on April 13th from 7am-3pm at the New Johnsonville boat ramp (Jammy McCloud 931-209-779). Clarksville Bass Club event on April 20th at Guntersville lake. The “Cast and Blast” event at Paris Landing on April 20th , contact 901-493-4065. Boater Education Class on April 20th from 1pm-5pm at the Buffalo Ridge Refuge, per-register at Tnwildlife.org at the “events” page, or contact Miranda Garner at 629-201-0140. Veterans Crappie Tournament on April 27th at Paris Landing State Park, register Friday night or at launch at first light. Hickman County Bass Club on April 27th at Cuba Landing Marina, 5:30am-3pm.
A new world record paddle fish caught on “lake of the Ozarks” in Missouri that weighed a whopping 164 pounds and 13 ounces ( the Tn record is 149 lbs)