Area Lake levels saw a couple foot rise this past week, due to the rain. Levels on Kentucky Lake at New Johnsonville on Friday, were at 357.6ft, but are predicted to start falling some this week. Flow rates have drastically increased, with flow rates between 120,000-155,000 cfs, I do expect TVA to maintain this flow until we get back closer to normal winter pool levels. Wintertime is when we often see significant amount of rainfall, and TVA keeps the reservoirs at a lower level to “store” extra precipitation to help alleviate possible flooding in the Tn river system. Normally TVA will not start raising the lake back to summer pool until the month of April. The average surface water temperature has been around 40 degrees, and the pH level is at 7.98. The Duck River also saw a rise this week, with the Duck cresting on last Tuesday at 15ft, and as of Monday, is at just over 7 ft. The Cumberland River at Clarksville was at 33.2ft on last Thursday.
For the most part, hunting seasons are over for many people, although many small game seasons will continue through the end of this month, and many may not be aware that squirrel will continue until March 15th. There have been a few individuals trying their luck at “predator” hunting. Hunting varmints like coyote, skunk, fox and bobcats is a great hunting opportunity to get some late season hunting in, and with the breeding season taking place this time of year for coyotes and skunks, they are moving around more, making for easier targets. Anyone who is planing to sell pelts and hides is reminded to contact TWRA to obtain the required CITES tags for bobcat and otter. The tags are free, and are required for any Bobcat or Otter that leaves the state, including for taxidermy purposes. We don’t have many “light geese” in our area this time of year, but if any show up, waterfowl hunters should be aware that the Light Goose conservation season is open through the end of March, this season allows hunters to harvest blue, snow and ross’s geese with unplugged shotguns, use electronic calls, and hunt 30 minutes after official sunset. More information can be found on page 15 of the hunting guide.
Many fishermen have been taking advantage of the good weather we’ve been experiencing. I’m hearing about many crappie fishermen heading out in water depths of 12-20ft deep, fishing creek drops and humps just out of the strong current, and coming up with some good catches. It seems slow moving baits have been producing the best catches, like using minnows fished on slip-floats. Jigs have been producing, although it seems the slower the bait moves, the better the bite. Before the rain last week, causing the river to rise and excessive current to enter the picture, there were some Sauger fishermen finding some fish. Most were taken just below Pickwick Dam, although a few fishermen have been having success on the Cumberland River. Although I’ve seen some catches of bass on social media, I haven’t heard where and how. The bass should be moving along creek drops and humps just off the river this time of year, and as water warms, they should begin the “pre-spawn” phase, moving towards spawning areas this next month. The first trout stocking will be happening in a couple weeks, and over the next three months, TWRA will be stocking area creeks at the end of Febuary, March and April.
Upcoming events of interest include; TWRA elk application period through Feb 28th, visit TnWildlife.org on how to apply. Trapper training camp on Friday Feb 23rd, as of last Wednesday, there were still 40 seats available. ABA division 40 bass tournament on Feb 24 at Lucas Harbor. The Pre-historic American Artifact show is on Feb 25 at the Gallatin Civic Center. As we get closer to others, I will post them ahead of time, as many of the fishing events won't start until March.