KENTUCKY & BARKLEY LAKES FISHING REPORT
By Dave Stewart

KENTUCKY & BARKLEY REPORTS FOR MARCH 01, 2012

Kentucky Lake: Water Level at Kentucky Dam - 355.41
Surface Temperature - 53 Degrees.
Lake Barkley: Water Level at Barkley Dam - 355.50
Surface Temperature - 53 Degrees.

Both lakes are about one and one half feet over winter pool and there has been little fluctuation in water levels over the past week. Kentucky Dam has been pulling around 60,000 cfs over the past few days and the forecast shows about the same for the weekend. Barkley Dam has been pulling at 47,700 cfs over the past number of days and this is expected to continue over the weekend.  The latest lake levels and current flows for all the TVA lakes can be found at www.tva.com/river/lakeinfo/index.htm .
 
We had a nasty frontal passage on Wednesday morning which brought severe thunderstorms and tornados thru the lakes area and the region. Please take a moment and say a prayer for all the families that lost loved ones due to these storms as well as those that lost their homes. Be alert tomorrow as another round of these type storms are in the forecast. We are in that time of the season for strong storms so please make sure you check the forecast before you venture on the lakes. 

The weather otherwise this past week has been beautiful and the fishing has been good. It is great to be back on the water now and to start my new season with such nice weather as we had Monday, Tuesday and today is such a blessing. The Largemouth and Smallmouth have been active this week and from the reports I have received, so have the Crappie. If you have not been out yet this season, let me tell you first hand, you need to take a break and get out to enjoy some of this spring weather we are having. The forecast for the weekend and through Monday is for post frontal conditions with highs in the low to mid 50's and north quadrant winds. Next week is looking good with a return to daytime highs in the 60's and southerly winds beginning on Tuesday.

Largemouth Bass: Largemouth are being taken on main lake points as well as secondary points and channel banks in the mouths of the creeks and bays. These staging fish are being taken on Alabama and Tennessee rigs, suspending jerkbaits and jigs. Largemouth are also being taken in the back halves of the creeks and bays on warmer days as they are starting to cruise the shallows. These shallow fish are being taken on suspending jerkbaits, lipless crankbaits and shallow running crankbaits. The bite was good for us this week, especially around the mouths of the creeks and bays. 

Smallmouth Bass: Smallmouth are being taken on main lake points and secondary points and channel banks in the creeks and bays. These fish are being taken on Alabama and Tennessee rigs, suspending jerkbaits, medium running crankbaits and jigs. 

Some of the productive lures this week have been: Waterdog Retriever rigs with Big Hammer 4" Swimbaits in pearl, Bag 5 Lures Suspending Jerkbaits in Aurora Black and Pearl Ayu, Lucky Craft Pointers in Aurora Black, Bag 5 Custom Painted Crankbaits in crawfish patterns, Spro Little John in spring craw, Rapala Shad Rap in original crawdad, Strike King red eye shad in crawfish and blue/chrome, Slong's Jigs in phantom with matching Net Baits Paca Chunk Trailer.
 
Crappie: Crappie are being taken over staging brush piles in 7-12 ft of water in the creeks on small jigs and minnows. Crappie are also being taken over brush in 15-20 ft of water along old creek channels on the main lake by vertically jigging with small tube jigs tipped with Crappie nibbles. It won't be long before the Black Crappie move up to spawning banks, so if you want some Crappie action, don't wait too late to plan your trip to the lakes for the Black Crappie spawn. 

FLASH: The following was announcement concerning Fenton Ramp was released by the Forestry Department: Beginning Thursday, March 01, The Land Between The Lakes (LBL) National Recreation Area will temporarily open the Fenton Camping Area and Boat Ramp and US68 / KY80 west of the Woodlands Trace National Scenic Byway. The area was closed due to the partial collapse of the Eggner’s Ferry Bridge. Barricades will block access to the bridge. You are responsible for your own safety; please stay away from any closed areas. Use extreme caution while boating, as there could be debris in the water. The entire area may be closed in the future depending on response to the damaged bridge
 
ATTENTION TOURNAMENT ANGLERS: A new unique tournament series featuring two-man teams competing on Kentucky Lake against teams from their own states is coming to town this season. The Midwest Team Challenge will feature six qualifying tournaments during the season and a no entry fee fall classic. Each qualifying tournament will only have teams that are from the state that particular tournament has designated. Here is a schedule of the tournaments and locations:
 
March 31 Indiana Division - Moors Resort & Marina.
April 14 Ohio Division - Kentucky Dam Marina.
May 19 Missouri Division - Moors Resort & Marina.
July 28 Tennessee Division - Kenlake Marina.
August 4 Kentucky Division - Kentucky Dam Marina.
August 11 Illinois Division - Kentucky Dam Marina

The top finishing 25 teams from each qualifier move on to the two day, no entry fee fall championship where the top prize will be a fully equipped Ranger bass boat powered by a Mercury outboard valued at over $45,000.
For more information and entry forms contact John Parks at Fisherman's Headquarters at 270-527-5938 or the Marshall County Department of Tourism at 800-467-7145.
 
If you are coming to the lakes area to enjoy our great fishing, let me recommend you stop and spend some time in one or both of the area's top bait and tackle shops:
 
The Cabin Bait and Tackle is located in Kuttawa on U.S. 62 about one mile west of the I-24/U.S. 62 interchange. The Cabin Bait and Tackle has a great selection of the latest in rods, reels, lures for you bass anglers and also a great selection of tackle for the panfish anglers to include live bait. The Cabin also has a great delicatessen where you can get that early morning breakfast sandwich or enjoy a delicious lunch. Phone: 270-388-6440
 
Fisherman's Headquarters is located in Draffenville at the U.S. 68/U.S. 641 triangle. Fisherman's Headquarters also boasts a great selection of the latest in rods, reels and lures for the bass anglers and now has a really good selection of Crappie fishing tackle featuring Wally Marshall "Mr Crappie" rods, reels, lures and line as well as live baits. Phone: 270-527-5938.

Jet-A-Marina: If you have a problem with your boat while you are visiting our great fisheries, let me recommend you have the folks in the service department at Jet-a-Marina check it out. These folks have a well known reputation for trying to keep our visitors on the water while they are here if they can possibly do so, especially you tournament anglers. Hopefully you will not need this kind of assistance but if you do, you can find Jet-a-Marina located on U.S. 62 in Calvert City, just a couple of miles north of Kentucky Dam. Jet-a-Marina also has a great showroom for all your boating accessories and check out the new Ranger and Stratos bass boats too as well as bulk oil at rock bottom prices for your engine. Phone: 270-395-4030.

FLASH: We have a new boat! Bass Buster Guide Service has put a new Ranger Z522 into service this spring! I am sure my clients will love this boat. It is undoubtedly the "Cadillac" of Bass Boats. Enjoy the comfort of a 22ft Ranger equipped with all the comforts of the Ranger Comanche series as well as the latest in electronics (two 10" Lowrance sonar screens with side/down scan) to enhance your bass fishing experience. 

GUIDE SERVICE: For those of you that may not be familiar with my service: I am a full time catch and release bass fishing guide. I only guide for bass. If you want a panfish guide, I would be happy to recommend one but if you want bass, that is what I do. If you book with my service, you will have me as your guide. I provide just for fun bass fishing trips, tournament preparation trips, focused teaching trips and technique instruction. If you are in need of a bass fishing guide, give me a call or drop me an email. Book your dates now for 2012 season. Don't wait too late or you may not get the dates you want as I am getting a lot of bookings right now for the coming season.

 

Captain Dave Stewart
Bass Buster Guide Service
www.kentuckylakeguide.com
dave@kentuckylakeguide.com
Phone: 270-362-9987
"Fish With a Professional"

KENTUCKY & BARKLEY REPORTS FOR FEBRUARY 17, 2012

Kentucky Lake: Water Level at Kentucky Dam - 355.86
Surface Temperature - 46 Degrees.
Lake Barkley: Water Level at Barkley Dam - 355.86
Surface Temperature - 46 Degrees.

Both lakes are about two feet over winter pool on a slow drawdown. Kentucky Dam has been spilling at an average rate of 62,000 cfs for the past week and Barkley Dam has been spilling at an average rate of 50,000 cfs over the past week. The latest lake levels and current flows for all the TVA lakes can be found at www.tva.com/river/lakeinfo/index.htm .

We had a taste of winter here in the lakes area late last week and over the weekend with a nasty arctic cold front. This blast of winter weather dropped the water temperatures from 52 degrees to 45 degrees in three days. This nasty weather kept anglers off the lakes for the most part last weekend and earlier this week but the weather has settled down once again and we have been experiencing more of the milder weather these past few days that has been the trademark of this warmer winter we have been having. Water temperatures have stabilized now in the mid 40's and we should see the water temperatures slowly rebound if the present forecast for next week holds true. The forecast for Saturday is for highs in the mid 50's. Sunday's highs will drop into the mid 40's with some colder north winds but the day time highs are forecasted to rebound on Monday with a high temperature of 51 in the forecast. Next week's forecast looks very good with daytime highs in the mid to upper 50's with a slight chance of rain showers on Tuesday. Looks like a great week coming up to be on the water.

Of course anglers reported the Bass and Crappie fishing slowed down with the drop in water temperatures associated with the arctic frontal passage late last week and earlier this week. Reports received over the past two days indicated the bite has improved a little bit but still not as good as we have had over the past number of weeks. I expect the bite will recover over the near future with the warming water and more stable weather which is in the forecast.

Largemouth Bass: Largemouth are being taken on main lake points and ledges on Alabama rigs, jigs and suspending jerkbaits. The jerkbait bite increased this past week in favor of the suspending fish although the Alabama rig and jigs were still producing fish near the bottom around cover.

Smallmouth Bass: Smallmouth are being taken on main lake points and ledges on suspending jerkbaits, slow rolled crankbaits and jigs. The better bite this past week for Smallmouth was also reported to be on suspending jerkbaits.

Some of the productive lures reported this week are: Lucky Craft Pointers in table rock shad, clown and aurora black. Smithwick Rogue in black back/chrome side/orange belly, Rapala Shadrap in original crawdad and black/silver and D&L Jigs in "oops' pattern and Cumberland Craw.

Crappie: Crappie are being taken over deep brush piles near old creek channels on the main lake and in the bays in 15-20 ft of water by spider rigging small jigs tipped with small minnows and crappie nibbles.

Attention Tournament Anglers:
A new unique tournament series featuring two-man teams competing on Kentucky Lake against teams from their own states is coming to town this season. The Midwest Team Challenge will feature six qualifying tournaments during the season and a no entry fee fall classic. Each qualifying tournament will only have teams that are from the state that particular tournament has designated.

Here is a schedule of the tournaments and locations:
March 31 IndianaDivision Moors Resort & Marina.
April 14  Ohio Division Kentucky Dam Marina.
May 19  Missouri Division Moors Resort & Marina.
July 28  Tennessee Division Kenlake Marina.
August 04  Kentucky Division Kentucky Dam Marina.
August 11  Illinois Division Kentucky Dam Marina.

The top finishing 25 teams from each qualifier move on to the two day, no entry fee fall championship where the top prize will be a fully equipped Ranger bass boat powered by a Mercury outboard valued at over $45,000.
For more information and entry forms contact John Parks at Fisherman's Headquarters at 270-5276-5938 or Marshall Co. Tourism at 800-467-7145

If you are coming to the lakes area to enjoy our great fishing, let me recommend you stop and spend some time in one or both of the area's top bait and tackle shops:

The Cabin Bait and Tackle is located in Kuttawa on U.S. 62 about one mile west of the I-24/U.S. 62 interchange. The Cabin Bait and Tackle has a great selection of the latest in rods, reels, lures for you bass anglers and also a great selection of tackle for the panfish anglers to include live bait. The Cabin also has a great delicatessen where you can get that early morning breakfast sandwich or enjoy a delicious lunch. The Cabin Bait and Tackle - Phone: 270-388-6440

Fisherman's Headquarters: Is located in Draffenville at theU.S. 68/U.S. 641 triangle. Fisherman's Headquarters also boasts a great selection of the latest in rods, reels and lures for the bass anglers and now has a really good selection of Crappie fishing tackle featuring Wally Marshall "Mr Crappie" rods, reels, lures and line as well as live baits. Fisherman’s Headquarters - Phone: 270-395-4030

Jet-A-Marina: If you have a problem with your boat while you are visiting our great fisheries, let me recommend you have the folks in the service department at Jet-a-Marina check it out. These folks have a well known reputation for trying to keep our visitors on the water while they are here if they can possibly do so, especially you tournament anglers. Hopefully you will not need this kind of assistance but if you do, you can find Jet-a-Marina located on U.S. 62 in Calvert City, just a couple of miles north of Kentucky Dam. Jet-a-Marina also has a great showroom for all your boating accessories and check out the new Ranger and Stratos bass boats too as well as bulk oil at rock bottom prices for your engine. Jet-A-Marine - Phone: 270-395-4030

WINTER CLASSES: ELIMINATING WATER - Learn how to eliminate water to find the bass.
We have had another great winter teaching folks from around the country how to eliminate water to find the highest percentage spots that will hold more bass, more often. Again the demand for this class has been very high and I am sorry I could not accommodate some folks due to being booked up this month and last month. I have decided to offer a couple of these classes during the first week of March for anyone that wanted the class this winter but was unable to get in. Contact me to get one of the dates available the first week of March. Do not delay as I expect these dates will go quick.

FLASH: We have a new boat!! Bass Buster Guide Service will be putting a new Ranger Z522 into service this spring!
I am sure my clients will love this boat. It is undoubtedly the "Cadillac" of Bass Boats. Enjoy the comfort of a 22ft Ranger equipped with all the comforts of the Ranger Comanche series as well as the latest in electronics (two 10" Lowrance sonar screens with side scan) to enhance your bass fishing experience.

GUIDE SERVICE: For those of you that may not be familiar with my service: I am a full time catch and release bass fishing guide. I only guide for bass. If you want a panfish guide, I would be happy to recommend one but if you want bass, that is what I do. If you book with my service, you will have me as your guide. I provide just for fun bass fishing trips, tournament preparation trips, focused teaching trips and technique instruction. If you are in need of a bass fishing guide, give me a call or drop me an email. Book your dates now for 2012 season. Don't wait too late or you may not get the dates you want as I am getting a lot of bookings right now for the coming season.

Captain Dave Stewart
Bass Buster Guide Service
www.kentuckylakeguide.com
dave@kentuckylakeguide.com
Phone: 270-362-9987
"Fish With a Professional"

KENTUCKY & BARKLEY REPORTS FOR FEBRUARY 03, 2012

Kentucky Lake: Water Level at Kentucky Dam - 355.40
Surface Temperature - 51 Degrees.
Lake Barkley: Water Level at Barkley Dam - 355.10
Surface Temperature - 51 Degrees.

Both lakes are one foot over winter pool. Lake Barkley is stained with some heavy stain in some of the creeks. Kentucky Lake has light stain but a few of the creeks are stained. Both dams are spilling water. Kentucky has been spilling at rates around 180,000 cfs over the past few days. Lake Barkley has been spilling at rates around 55,000-70,000 cfs over the past few days. The latest lake levels and current flows for all the TVA lakes can be found at: www.tva.com/river/lakeinfo/index.htm .

The weather forecast for today is a high of 64 with a chance of late showers. Rain will be coming in to the area tonight and up to one inch of rain is in the forecast for Saturday. Saturday's high is forecasted at 57 and Sunday is forecasted a high of 52 as a front will pass through the area sometime Saturday. The weather next week looks good with daytime high's in the low to mid 50's and sunshine. Daytime temperatures in the 60's and water temperatures in the 50's...sounds a lot like mid March than it does the first week of February. This is the kind of weather we have been having this week and the fish are loving it as much as we are. The bass have been enjoying late fall water temperatures all winter and they have not quit feeding so they are looking more like footballs than fish. I certainly expect we are going to see some really big catches this spring when the females get ripe with eggs for the spawn. If you have not planned your fishing trip yet for this spring, you better get started because if you wait too long you won't be able to get accommodations or guides if the big fish bite I expect to happen this spring comes about. Heck, folks are already catching more numbers of large fish than is normal for this time of year. 

Largemouth Bass: Largemouth are being taken on primary points and ledges on the main lakes as well as on secondary points and channel banks in the mouths of the creeks and bays on Alabama rigs, swim baits, suspending jerkbaits and jigs. The Alabama rig continues to be the dominate technique with some very good catches being reported.

Smallmouth Bass: Smallmouth are being taken on the same patterns, lures and techniques as the Largemouth Bass. 

Productive lures reported this week were: Net Baits BK Swimbaits in pearl and blue pearl and Big Hammer Swim Baits in pearl and sexy smelt fished on Alabamarigs. Lucky Craft Pointers in aurora black, clown and table rock shad, D&L Jigs in Cumberlandcraw and "oops" patterns as  well as some reports of unspecified brand jigs in natural brown colors. 

Crappie:  Crappie anglers are reporting numbers of fish by spider rigging over deep brush on the main lake ledges in the 15-20 ft depth range.  Small jigs and minnows have been the baits of choice. I have received a few reports of minnows under bobbers working in the 8-15 foot range over brush also on warmer afternoons. 

HAPPENINGS THIS WEEKEND:

Fisherman's Headquarters will be resuming it's "Cure for Cabin Fever" seminar series this Saturday, February 4th at 1:00 p.m. Part III in the series "HD Sonar:Friend or Foe" will be presented by John Parks. This segment will cover the use of GPS to consistently and accurately return to your previously located secret spots. By mixing technology with some "old school" common sense, you will be able to find things more efficiently than ever before. Fisherman's Headquarters is located on the triangle at the intersection of U.S. 68 and U.S. 641 in Draffenville. Fisherman's Headquarters is also stocking up daily on all the new lures and tackle as well as old favorites for the oncoming season. Fisherman's Headquarters - Phone:  270-527-5983

The Cabin Bait and Tackle: Although the Cabin Bait and Tackle is back open now and has a great selection of new lures coming in daily. Go by and welcome Bill Smith the new store manager that has relocated here to the lakes area and check out all the great fishing tackle. The Cabin Bait and Tackle is located in Kuttawa about one mile west of the I-24/U.S. 62 interchange. The Cabin Bait and Tackle - Phone:  270-388-6440

Jet-A-Marina: If you have a problem with your boat while you are visiting our great fisheries, let me recommend you have the folks in the service department at Jet-a-Marina check it out. These folks have a well known reputation for trying to keep our visitors on the water while they are here if they can possibly do so, especially you tournament anglers. Hopefully you will not need this kind of assistance but if you do, you can find Jet-a-Marina located on U.S. 62 in Calvert City, just a couple of miles north of Kentucky Dam. Jet-a-Marina also has a great showroom for all your boating accessories and check out the new Ranger and Stratos bass boats too as well as bulk oil at rock bottom prices for your engine. Jet-A-Marina - Phone:  270-395-4030

IMPORTANT NOTE - Bass Buster Guide Service has a new phone number: 270-362-9987.

Happily, my wife and I bought a new home we have been wanting but sadly we were not able to keep our old phone number so please make note of the number change above to contact me to book your trips and classes or to just talk fishing. Talking fishing is always a welcome phone call at my house.

FLASH: We have a new boat! Bass Buster Guide Service will be putting a new Ranger Z522 into service this spring! I am sure my clients will love this boat. It is undoubtedly the "Cadillac" of Bass Boats. Enjoy the comfort of a 22ft Ranger equipped with all the comforts of the Ranger Comanche series as well as the latest in electronics ( two 10" Lowrance sonar screens with side scan) to enhance your bass fishing experience. 

WINTERCLASS: ELIMINATING WATER - Learn how to eliminate water to find the bass.
I have been teaching a class on how to eliminate water to find the highest percentage fishing spots that will hold more bass, more often for a number of years now. This is a very popular class with my clients and the feedback has been very good from those that have taken the class, both tournament anglers and just for fun bass anglers. I will be offering this class during the months of January and February. These classes are limited to one or two people so that you can have one on one type instruction which provides for a much better learning environment by learning one on one with someone that fishes for bass every day for a living.
One thing is for sure, you can't consistently catch bass unless you know how to find them whether you are fishing ledges, banks, points or shallow flats. You can have all the current electronics available in your boat and all the finest rods/reels and lures, but if you do not have a working knowledge of what makes a spot have the highest percentage chance of holding more bass, more often, you can spend a lot of wasted time searching for fish with a lure and/or your electronics. I developed the information you will receive in this class over many years of study and observations and in fact this is the system I use every day to put my clients on bass whether I am on Kentucky Lake or Lake Barkley. The information you will learn in this class will also apply to other lakes and rivers.

Here is a sample of the typical feedback I receive from clients that have taken this class:

Dave...Harry and I took your "Eliminating Water" class in January of 2010, and it has helped both of us like you wouldn't believe! - J. Harris.

In the past 3 tourney's I have managed to get a limit on 3 separate lakes. OldHickory, Barkley, and Barren. Managed a 3rd place finish Sunday on Barkley with a 6lb kicker. I have a lot more confidence when I hit the water now. I no longer pull the old "that bank looks good, lets waste a few hours here". Thanks Dave -  M. King.

Well worth the money - and probably the most valuable thing I have purchased in the terms of fishing.  - K. Stephens.

That class is without a doubt the best money I've spent on fishing in my life. - D. Page.

Book a class: Just drop me an email or call me and we will get you set up for a class this winter. There are still a few dates available in February but available dates are dwindling so if you want the class this winter, you need to book now!Prices: 150.00 for one person or 200.00 for two people.

GUIDE SERVICE: For those of you that may not be familiar with my service. I am a full time catch and release bass fishing guide. I only guide for bass. If you want a panfish guide, I would be happy to recommend one but if you want bass, that is what I do. If you book with my service, you will have me as your guide. I provide just for fun bass fishing trips, tournament preparation trips, focused teaching trips and technique instruction. If you are in need of a bass fishing guide, give me a call or drop me an email. Book your dates now for 2012 season. Don't wait too late or you may not get the dates you want as I am getting a lot of bookings right now for the coming season.

Captain Dave Stewart
Bass Buster Guide Service
www.kentuckylakeguide.com
dave@kentuckylakeguide.com
Phone: 270-362-9987
"Fish With a Professional"

KENTUCKY & BARKLEY REPORTS FOR JANUARY 19, 2012

Kentucky Lake: Water Level at Kentucky Dam - 355.05
Surface Temperature - 46 Degrees.
Lake Barkley: Water Level at Barkley Dam - 355.20
Surface Temperature - 46 Degrees.

Both lakes are one foot over winter pool. Both dams are spilling water due to heavy rains upriver coming thru the lakes. KentuckyLakehas been spilling water at an average rate of around 126,00 cfs over the past few days. LakeBarkleyhas been spilling water at an average rate of around 59,000 cfs over the past few days. The latest lake levels and flow for all the TVA lakes can be found at: www.tva.com/river/lakeinfo/index.htm

Well here we are into the third week of January and we are still experiencing the milder late fall weather patterns which have been the benchmark all winter here. Of course this milder weather has continued to keep the Bass and Crappie more active than we normally expect this time of year and anglers continue to report good catches of both species. The current weather forecast reflects that this milder weather will continue through the weekend and into next week. A weak cold front is passing through the lakes area today and the forecast for tomorrow and Saturday is a slight cooling trend with highs in the mid to upper 40's with low's in the mid to upper 30's. A chance of showers if forecasted for both days. The weather is forecasted to rebound on Sunday with high's in the 50's and low's in the upper 30's. This milder weather pattern is in the forecast through the coming week. Of course this is January and this time of year forecasts can change rapidly so be sure to check the latest forecast before you venture on the lakes.

If you are going on the lakes this weekend to enjoy some of the good fishing being reported, take care and be aware of the fact that our water temperatures are in the range for hypothermic conditions so be prepared for this with a survival kit in your boat consisting of a protected set of dry clothes, dry soup and fire starter. Don't forget that cell phone and remember, keep the cell phone in a protected waterproof bag also, they don't work real well after they get soaked. Let someone know the location of where you will be launching and fishing and let them know when you expect to return. Winter fishing can be a lot of fun, but it can be a really bad experience if you are not prepared for the possibility of getting wet and or stranded on the water.

The Alabama rig continues to dominate the reports from bass anglers on the lakes with some reports of Largemouth and Smallmouth also being taken on suspending jerkbaits, single swim baits and jigs. Crappie anglers are still reporting catches of good numbers of fish and although most of the numbers are reportedly just below keeper size, a person can get a good mess of keeper sized Crappie and larger over the course of the day.

Largemouth Bass: Largemouth are being taken on primary points and ledges on the main lakes on Alabama rigs, swim baits, suspending jerkbaits and jigs. The Alabama rig continues to be the dominate technique with some very good catches being reported.

Smallmouth Bass: Smallmouth are being taken on the same patterns, lures and techniques as the Largemouth Bass.

Productive lures reported this week were: Net Baits BK Swimbaits in pearl and blue pearl and Big Hammer Swim Baits in pearl and sexy smelt fished on Alabama rigs. Lucky Craft Pointers in aurora black, clown and table rock shad, D&L Jigs in Cumberland craw and "oops" patterns as well as some reports of unspecified brand jigs in natural brown colors.

Crappie: Crappie anglers are reporting numbers of fish by spider rigging over deep brush on the main lake ledges in the 15-20 ft depth range. Small jigs and minnows have been the baits of choice. I have received a few reports of minnows under bobbers working in the 10-15 foot range over brush also on warmer afternoons.

WEST KENTUCKY BOAT SHOW - MURRAY KENTUCKY.

The West Kentucky Boat Show will be located at the CFSB Center in Murray Kentucky.
Show Dates are January 20 thru January 22.
The hours for the show are as follows:
Friday, Jan 20: 4:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Saturday, Jan 21 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, Jan 22 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

This year promises to be a great show with some great seminars and attractions. A special treat for the Crappie enthusiasts will be guest speaker Wally Marshall otherwise known as "Mr Crappie" in the world of Crappie fishing. He will be giving seminars at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, January 20th and 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 21st. His seminar is titled "Advanced Crappie Fishing & Jigging Techniques".

Another great attraction to the show this year will be the FLW OUTDOORS Fantasy Fishing Simulator. This innovative Ranger Boat Simulator mimics the action and feel of being out on the water. And you’ll get to experience the excitement of tournament fishing as well as the exhilaration that comes from piloting a Ranger Boat across open waters at high speeds. Folks of all ages are invited to come take a ride!

John Parks will also be back this year with another great seminar on HD Sonar. John's seminar this year is titled: "HD Sonar - The Good, The Bad & The Ugly - Learn to make it work for you".
John's Seminar will be at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, January 21st.

FLW Tour professional Bass anglers Dan Morehead and Terry Bolton will be giving a seminar on Saturday morning January 21st at 11:00 a.m. titled "Winning Bass Fishing Strategies". On Sunday, January 22nd at 12:30 p.m., Terry Bolton will be joined by another FLW Tour professional, Ramie Colson for a seminar entitiled "Bass Fishing Techniques".

As you can see, there will a number of great opportunities to sit in on some great seminars during all the days of the show. I will also be at the show again this year for a couple of seminars on Bass Fishing. The title of my seminar this year will be: "Bass Fishing Forum". I will be doing something a little different this year at the show than in the past. I will be addressing some of the most often asked questions I get each season from my clients as well as folks that call or email me through out the year with questions. I will also open the floor to the audience for you to ask me the questions you would like to have me address about Bass Fishing. So get your questions ready and bring them to the show with you. If per chance I get more questions than I have scheduled time, I will make myself available immediately after the seminar to answer any questions you have that were not asked during the seminar time. My seminar times this year are: 5:30 p.m. on Friday, January 20th and 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 21st. I hope to see a number of my old friends there as well as make some new friends.
In addition to all the other great events going on at the show, Fisherman's Headquarters Tackle Shop will have a booth at the show where they will have some great show specials including the lowest prices on new sonar equipment of the year. My old friend Charlie Hardin will also be at the show with a booth with his very popular Charmer Baits. Charlie will have some of his new line of Lizards at the show so be sure to stop by and be the first to get these new lures for the up coming spring bite, not to mention all the other great Bass producing line of Charmer Baits.
Jet-A-Marine will also be at the show with some of their new line of Ranger and Stratos boats for you to check out and I am sure they will have some show special prices.
Admission and Parking are FREE at the show so bring the whole family! You can find more information about the show at www.westkyboatshow.com

IMPORTANT NOTE: Bass Buster Guide Service has a new phone number: 270-362-9987.

Happily, my wife and I bought a new home we have been wanting but sadly we were not able to keep our old phone number so please make note of the number change above to contact me to book your trips and classes or to just talk fishing. Talking fishing is always a welcome phone call at my house.

WINTER CLASSES: ELIMINATING WATER - Learn how to eliminate water to find the bass.
I have been teaching a class on how to eliminate water to find the highest percentage fishing spots that will hold more bass, more often for a number of years now. This is a very popular class with my clients and the feedback has been very good from those that have taken the class, both tournament anglers and just for fun bass anglers. I will be offering this class during the months of January and February. These classes are limited to one or two people so that you can have one on one type instruction which provides for a much better learning environment by learning one on one with someone that fishes for bass every day for a living.
One thing is for sure, you can't consistently catch bass unless you know how to find them whether you are fishing ledges, banks, points or shallow flats. You can have all the current electronics available in your boat and all the finest rods, reels and lures, but if you do not have a working knowledge of what makes a spot have the highest percentage chance of holding more bass, more often, you can spend a lot of wasted time searching for fish with a lure and or your electronics. I developed the information you will receive in this class over many years of study and observations and in fact this is the system I use every day to put my clients on bass whether I am on Kentucky Lake or Lake Barkley. The information you will learn in this class will also apply to other lakes and rivers.

Here is a sample of the typical feedback I receive from clients that have taken this class:

Dave...Harry and I took your "Eliminating Water" class in January of 2010, and it has helped both of us like you wouldn't believe! - J. Harris

In the past 3 tourney's I have managed to get a limit on 3 separate lakes. OldHickory, Barkley, and Barren. Managed a 3rd place finish Sunday on Barkley with a 6lb kicker. I have a lot more confidence when I hit the water now. I no longer pull the old "that bank looks good, lets waste a few hours here". Thanks Dave - M. King

Well worth the money - and probably the most valuable thing I have purchased in the terms of fishing. - K. Stephens

That class is without a doubt the best money I've spent on fishing in my life. - D. Page

Book a class: Just drop me an email or call me and we will get you set up for a class this winter. There are still some dates are available in January and February but available dates are being taken daily right now, so don't wait or you may not be able to get this class this year.
Prices:150.00 for one person or 200.00 for two people.

GUIDE SERVICE: For those of you that may not be familiar with my service: I am a full time catch and release bass fishing guide. I only guide for bass. If you want a panfish guide, I would be happy to recommend one but if you want bass, that is what I do. If you book with my service, you will have me as your guide. I provide just for fun bass fishing trips, tournament preparation trips, focused teaching trips and technique instruction. If you are in need of a bass fishing guide, give me a call or drop me an email. Book your dates now for 2012 season. Don't wait too late or you may not get the dates you want as I am getting a lot of bookings right now for the coming season.

Captain Dave Stewart
Bass Buster Guide Service
www.kentuckylakeguide.com
dave@kentuckylakeguide.com
Phone: 270-362-9987
"Fish With a Professional"

KENTUCKY & BARKLEY REPORTS FOR JANUARY 06, 2012

Kentucky Lake: Water Level at Kentucky Dam - 354.34
Surface Temperature - 48 Degrees.
Lake Barkley: Water Level at Barkley Dam - 354.40
Surface Temperature - 48 Degrees.

Both lakes are just a few inches over winter pool. KentuckyLakeis spilling at a rate of 96,000 cfs at 8:00 a.m. this morning and LakeBarkleyis spilling at a rate of 56,000 cfs per second. The latest lake levels and flow for all the TVA lakes can be found at: www.tva.com/river/lakeinfo/index.htm

The New Year was ushered in with temperatures more like April than January but the winds were less than favorable with high winds that signaled the approach of a nasty cold front which came through the area early this week bringing with it a day or two of more seasonable cold temperatures with highs around the freezing mark. The weather settled down the past few days though and once again we have been having more of the spring like temperatures that we have been experiencing so far this winter. Today's high is forecasted in the 60's with southerly winds. Another cold front will be passing through the area late this evening, but this front is not forecasted to be nearly as bad as the one we had earlier this week. The current forecast is calling for daytime highs in the low to mid 50's with night time low's in the low to mid 30's through the weekend and mid next week. Winds are currently forecasted to be northerly around 10 mph through the weekend and mid next week. The next cold front is currently forecasted to hit the lakes area around mid week. Of course this time of year the weather forecast can change rapidly so anyone venturing on the water needs to check the latest wind and weather forecast.
If you are going on the lakes this weekend to enjoy some of the good fishing being reported, take care and be aware of the fact that our water temperatures are in the range for hypothermic conditions so be prepared for this with a survival kit in your boat consisting of a protected set of dry clothes, dry soup and fire starter. Don't forget that cell phone and remember, keep the cell phone in a protected waterproof bag also, they don't work real well after they get soaked. Let someone know where you will be launching and fishing and let them know when you expect to return. Winter fishing can be a lot of fun, but it can be a really bad experience if you are not prepared for the possibility of getting wet and/or stranded on the water.

The Alabama rig continues to dominate the reports from bass anglers on the lakes with some reports of Largemouth and Smallmouth also being taken on suspending jerkbaits and jigs. Crappie anglers are still reporting catches of good numbers of fish and although most of the numbers are reportedly just below keeper size, a person can get a good mess of keeper sized Crappie and larger over the course of the day.

Largemouth Bass: Largemouth are being taken on primary points and ledges on the main lakes on Alabama rigs, suspending jerkbaits and jigs. The Alabama rig continues to be the dominate technique with some very good catches being reported.

Smallmouth Bass: Smallmouth are being taken on the same patterns, lures and techniques as the Largemouth Bass.

Productive lures reported this week were: Net Baits BK Swimbaits in pearl and blue pearl and Big Hammer Swim Baits in pearl and sexy smelt fished on Alabama rigs. Lucky Craft Pointers in aurora black clown and table rock shad, D&L Jigs in Cumberland craw and "oops" patterns.
 
Crappie: Crappie anglers are reporting numbers of fish by spider rigging over deep brush on the main lake ledges in the 15-25 ft depth range. Small jigs and minnows have been the baits of choice. I have received a few reports of minnows under bobbers working in the 10-15 foot range over brush also on warmer afternoons.

HAPPENINGS THIS WEEKEND:
JET-A-MARINA OPEN HOUSE: Jet-a-Marina will be holding their annual winter open house tomorrow, January 7th from 8:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. The guest speaker this year will be professional bass angler Brent Ehler. Brent will be available also for meet and greet and to answer all your questions. The new 2012 line of boats will be on display as well as their last year's demo boats and stock of used boats. There will be special pricing on all inventory during the open house tomorrow. If that is not enough to get your attention, check this out: Jet-a-Marina will have literally a "boat load" of lures and tackle at the open house for 50% off marked price. This is inventory left over from the closing of the Clarksville store so they are not "junk" bargain bin lures you might expect at these prices...so tomorrow would be a good time to stock up on some good bargains on tackle at Jet-a-Marina. Jet-a-Marina is located in Calvert City on U.S. 62 just a couple miles from the I-24/U.S. 62 junction (I-24 exit 27).

FISHERMAN'S HEADQUARTERS SONAR SEMINAR: John Parks will be continuing his very popular sonar seminar series tomorrow, January 7th beginning at 2:30 p.m. at Fisherman's Headquarters tackle shop. This seminar is titled: HD SONAR: Friend or Foe Part II - Taking the confusion out of sidescan. You will also be able to get a look at the new Lowrance Generation 2 HDS and Structure Map. Fisherman's Headquarters now has these new units...so come take a look at the next step in HDS technology as well as get instruction from one of the top experts in HD Sonar for free!! Fisherman's Headquarters is located in Draffenville at the U.S. 68/U.S. 641 triangle.

Note: Fisherman's Headquarters is only about a 10 minute drive or less from Jet-a-Marina via the Purchase Parkway....Get off at Exit 47 (Draffenville Exit and go east on U.S. 68). What a way to spend a Saturday: Great Open House at Jet-a-Marina with new boats, speakers, great bargains on tackle and then top it off with a class on HD Sonar at Fisherman's Headquarters...and it is all for FREE!!!

COMING ATTRACTION - WEST KENTUCKY BOAT SHOW - MURRAY KENTUCKY.
The West Kentucky Boat Show will be located at the CFSB Center in Murray Kentucky.
Show Dates are January 20 thru 22.
The hours for the show are as follows:
Friday, Jan 20:  4:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Saturday, Jan 21:  10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, Jan 22:  11:00 a.m. - 4:00 a.m.

This year promises to be a great show with some great seminars and attractions. A special treat for the Crappie enthusiasts will be guest speaker Wally Marshall otherwise known as "Mr Crappie" in the world of Crappie fishing. He will be giving seminars at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, January 20th and 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 21st. His seminar is titled "Advanced Crappie Fishing & Jigging Techniques".

Another great attraction to the show this year will be the FLW OUTDOORS Fantasy Fishing Simulator. This innovative Ranger Boat Simulator mimics the action and feel of being out on the water. And you’ll get to experience the excitement of tournament fishing as well as the exhilaration that comes from piloting a Ranger Boat across open waters at high speeds. Folks of all ages are invited to come take a ride!

John Parks will also be back this year with another great seminar on HD Sonar. John's seminar this year is titled: "HD Sonar - The Good, The Bad & The Ugly - Learn to make it work for you". John's Seminar will be at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, January the 21st.

I will also be at the show again this year for a couple of seminars on Bass Fishing. The title of my seminar this year will be: "Bass Fishing Forum" I will be doing something a little different this year at the show than in the past. I will be addressing some of the most often asked questions I get each season from my clients as well as folks that call or email me through out the year with questions. I will also open the floor to the audience for you to ask me the questions you would like to have me address about Bass Fishing. So get your questions ready and bring them to the show with you. If per chance I get more questions than I have scheduled time, I will make myself available immediately after the seminar to answer any questions you have that were not asked during the seminar time. My seminar times this year are: 5:30 p.m. on Friday, January 20th and 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 21st. I hope to see a number of my old friends there as well as make some new friends.

Admission and Parking are FREE at the show so bring the whole family!

IMPORTANT NOTE: Bass Buster Guide Service has a new phone number: 270-362-9987.

Happily, my wife and I bought a new home we have been wanting but sadly we were not able to keep our old phone number so please make note of the number change above to contact me to book your trips and classes or to just talk fishing. Talking fishing is always a welcome phone call at my house.

WINTER CLASSES: ELIMINATING WATER - Learn how to eliminate water to find the bass.
I have been teaching a class on how to eliminate water to find the highest percentage fishing spots that will hold more bass, more often for a number of years now. This is a very popular class with my clients and the feedback has been very good from those that have taken the class, both tournament anglers and just for fun bass anglers. I will be offering this class during the months of January and February. These classes are limited to one or two people so that you can have one on one type instruction which provides for a much better learning environment by learning one on one with someone that fishes for bass every day for a living.
One thing is for sure, you can't consistently catch bass unless you know how to find them whether you are fishing ledges, banks, points or shallow flats. You can have all the current electronics available in your boat and all the finest rods/reels and lures, but if you do not have a working knowledge of what makes a spot have the highest percentage chance of holding more bass, more often, you can spend a lot of wasted time searching for fish with a lure and/or your electronics. I developed the information you will receive in this class over many years of study and observations and in fact this is the system I use every day to put my clients on bass whether I am on Kentucky Lake or Lake Barkley. The information you will learn in this class will also apply to other lakes and rivers.

Here is a sample of the typical feedback I receive from clients that have taken this class:

Dave ... Harry and I took your "Eliminating Water" class in January of 2010, and it has helped both of us like you wouldn't believe! - J. Harris

In the past 3 tourney's I have managed to get a limit on 3 separate lakes. Old Hickory, Barkley, and Barren. Managed a 3rd place finish Sunday on Barkley with a 6lb kicker. I have a lot more confidence when I hit the water now. I no longer pull the old "that bank looks good, lets waste a few hours here". Thanks Dave - M. King

Well worth the money - and probably the most valuable thing I have purchased in the terms of fishing. - K. Stephens

That class is without a doubt the best money I've spent on fishing in my life. - D. Page

Book a class: Just drop me an email or call me and we will get you set up for a class this winter. There are still some dates are available in January and February. Class prices are 150.00 for one person or 200.00 for two people.

GUIDE SERVICE: For those of you that may not be familiar with my service: I am a full time catch and release bass fishing guide. I only guide for bass. If you want a panfish guide, I would be happy to recommend one but if you want bass, that is what I do. If you book with my service, you will have me as your guide. I provide just for fun bass fishing trips, tournament preparation trips, focused teaching trips and technique instruction. If you are in need of a bass fishing guide, give me a call or drop me an email. Book your dates now for 2012 season. Don't wait too late or you may not get the dates you want as I am getting a lot of bookings right now for the coming season.

 

Captain Dave Stewart
Bass Buster Guide Service
www.kentuckylakeguide.com
dave@kentuckylakeguide.com
Phone: 270-362-9987
"Fish With a Professional"

KENTUCKY & BARKLEY REPORTS FOR DECEMBER 29, 2011

Kentucky Lake: Water Level at Kentucky Dam - 355.43
Surface Temperature - 50 Degrees.
Lake Barkley: Water Level at Barkley Dam - 355.60
Surface Temperature - 50 Degrees.

Both lakes are about 1.0 ft to 1.5 ft over winter pool. Kentucky Dam is spilling at a rate of 147,000 cfs. Barkley Dam is spilling at a rate of 59,500 cfs. Both lakes are on a slow drawdown to winter pool. The latest lake levels and flow for all the TVA lakes can be found at: www.tva.com/river/lakeinfo/index.htm

Well here we are nearing the end of the a year of new records for the lakes area. We have a new record for annual rainfall here in the lakes area with 75 inches of rain recorded this year. We set new lake level records for both lakes on May 4, 2011 with both lakes reaching 374.49. We certainly do not want any droughts in the new year, but we could use just a little less rain in the coming year and certainly fewer floods.

On the up side, overall bass fishing was pretty darn good this past year, even during the record flood. Also on the upside is the fact that we have been experiencing some great mild weather so far this winter and this coupled with good current on both lakes has produced some good bass fishing this past month. Water temperatures are still running about 5 degrees above normal with the milder weather we have had.

I have received numerous reports over the past couple of weeks of hefty limits of Largemouth Bass and some nice Smallmouth being taken. The most productive pattern has been on main lake channel points and on main lake ledges and ledges around the mouths of the creeks and bays using Alabama rigs and suspending jerkbaits. The Alabama rigs have been the most reported technique with a number of reports of multiple hook ups on this relatively new technique for bass fishing that became very popular after some major tournament wins on Tennessee River reservoirs this past fall, including right here on Kentucky Lake.

The weather outlook is good for the weekend with a high's in the upper 50's tomorrow and Saturday and in the low 50's on Sunday. There is a slight chance of rain at this time on Sunday. Southerly winds are in the forecast for Friday and Saturday with a shift to the west/northwest on Sunday as our next cold front approaches. Cooler temperatures are in the forecast for next week, but still relatively mild for this time of year with high's in the low to mid 40's. Dry weather is in the forecast for next week, which is a blessing with all the rain we have had lately.

If you are going on the lakes this weekend to enjoy some of the good fishing being reported, take care and be aware of the fact that our water temperatures are in the range for hypothermic conditions so be prepared for this with a survival kit in your boat consisting of a protected set of dry clothes, dry soup and fire starter. Don't forget that cell phone and remember, keep the cell phone in a protected waterproof bag due to the fact they don't work very well after getting soaked. Let someone know where you will be launching and fishing and let them know when you expect to return. Winter fishing can be a lot of fun, but it can be a really bad experience if you are not prepared for the possibility of getting wet and/or stranded on the water.

Largemouth Bass: Largemouth are being taken in good numbers on main lake points as well as on ledges on the main lake and around the mouths of the creeks and bays. These fish are being taken on Alabama rigs, suspending jerkbaits and jigs. The Alabama rig has been reported as the most productive technique overall.

Smallmouth Bass: Smallmouth Bass are being taken in the same areas as the Largemouth Bass on the same techniques and lures.

Productive lures reported this week were: Net Baits BK Swimbaits in pearl and blue pearl and Big Hammer Swim Baits in pearl and sexy smelt fished on Alabama rigs. Lucky Craft Pointers in aurora black and table rock shad, D&L Jigs in Cumberland craw.

Crappie: Crappie anglers are reporting numbers of fish by spider rigging over deep brush on the main lake ledges in the 15-25 ft depth range. Small jigs and minnows have been the baits of choice.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Bass Buster Guide Service has a new phone number: 270-362-9987.

If you are visiting the lakes area for some of our great fishing let me recommend you stop by the two best tackle shops in the region for all your fishing needs from Bass to Bluegills.

The Cabin Bait and Tackle is located on U.S. 62 about one mile west of the U.S. 62/I-24 interchange. The Cabin not only has a great selection tackle, lures and baits, they also have one of the finest delicatessens' where you can find breakfast foods and sandwiches to get your morning started off right and have some great sandwiches for your lunch.

Fisherman's Headquarters is located at the intersection of U.S. 68/U.S. 641 in Draffenville. Fisherman's Headquarters also boasts a great selection of tackle, lures and baits for your fishing needs. You will find both of these tackle shops are staffed by friendly and knowledgeable anglers to assist your every fishing need.

If you have a problem with your boat while you are visiting our great fisheries, let me recommend you have the folks in the service department at Jet-a-Marina check it out. These folks have a well known reputation for trying to keep our visitors on the water while they are here if they can possibly do so, especially you tournament anglers. Hopefully you will not need this kind of assistance but if you do, you can find Jet-a-Marina located on U.S. 62 in Calvert City, just a couple of miles north of Kentucky Dam. Jet-a-Marina also has a great showroom for all your boating accessories and check out the new Ranger and Stratos Bass Boats too as well as bulk oil at rock bottom prices for your engine.

WINTER CLASSES: ELIMINATING WATER - Learn how to eliminate water to find the bass.
I have been teaching a class on how to eliminate water to find the highest percentage fishing spots that will hold more bass, more often for a number of years now. This is a very popular class with my clients and the feedback has been very good from those that have taken the class, both tournament anglers and just for fun bass anglers. I will be offering this class during the month of November in addition to my normal guided fishing trips. This class will also be offered during the winter months of January and February. These classes are limited to one or two people so that you can have one on one type instruction which provides for a much better learning environment by learning one on one with someone that fishes for bass every day for a living.
One thing is for sure, you can't consistently catch bass unless you know how to find them whether you are fishing ledges, banks, points or shallow flats. You can have all the current electronics available in your boat and all the finest rods/reels and lures, but if you do not have a working knowledge of what makes a spot have the highest percentage chance of holding more bass, more often, you can spend a lot of wasted time searching for fish with a lure and/or your electronics. I developed the information you will receive in this class over many years of study and observations and in fact this is the system I use every day to put my clients on bass whether I am on Kentucky Lake or Lake Barkley. The information you will learn in this class will also apply to other lakes and rivers.

Here is a sample of the typical feedback I receive from clients that have taken this class:

Dave ... Harry and I took your "Eliminating Water" class in January of 2010, and it has helped both of us like you wouldn't believe! - J. Harris

In the past 3 tourney's I have managed to get a limit on 3 separate lakes. Old Hickory, Barkley, and Barren. Managed a 3rd place finish Sunday on Barkley with a 6lb kicker. I have a lot more confidence when I hit the water now. I no longer pull the old "that bank looks good, lets waste a few hours here". Thanks Dave - M. King

Well worth the money - and probably the most valuable thing I have purchased in the terms of fishing. - K. Stephens

That class is without a doubt the best money I've spent on fishing in my life. - D. Page

Book a class: Just drop me an email or call me and we will get you set up for a class this winter. Dates are available in January and February. Class prices are 150.00 for one person or 200.00 for two people.

GUIDE SERVICE: For those of you that may not be familiar with my service: I am a full time catch and release bass fishing guide. I only guide for bass. If you want a panfish guide, I would be happy to recommend one but if you want bass, that is what I do. If you book with my service, you will have me as your guide. I provide just for fun bass fishing trips, tournament preparation trips, focused teaching trips and technique instruction. If you are in need of a bass fishing guide, give me a call or drop me an email. Book your dates now for 2012 season. Don't wait too late or you may not get the dates you want.

Note: Happily, my wife and I bought a new home we have been wanting but sadly we were not able to keep our old phone number so please make note of the number change above to contact me to book your trips and classes or to just talk fishing. Talking fishing is always a welcome phone call at my house.

I WOULD LIKE TO WISH YOU ALL A HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Captain Dave Stewart
Bass Buster Guide Service
www.kentuckylakeguide.com
dave@kentuckylakeguide.com
Phone: 270-362-9987
"Fish With a Professional"

KENTUCKY & BARKLEY REPORTS FOR DECEMBER 02, 2011

Kentucky Lake: Water Level at Kentucky Dam - 355.37
Surface Temperature - 52 Degrees.
Lake Barkley: Water Level at Barkley Dam - 355.55
Surface Temperature - 52 Degrees.

Both lakes are about a foot and a half above winter pool and on a drawdown. Both dams have been spilling water all this past week.KentuckyLakehas been spilling at a rate between 150,000 - 165,000 cfs around the clock.LakeBarkleyhas been spilling at a rate between 60,000 - 72,000 cfs. There is strong current on both lakes. The main lake onKentuckyis clear with some stain in the channel. The creeks onKentuckylake are mostly lightly stained to stained. The main lake on Barkley is stained with feeder creeks being stained to heavily stained.

As I forecasted in last week's report, the front that came through the lakes area earlier this week was a nasty one. We had another 3 inches of rain in the area with even some snow mixed with it. The temperatures dropped like a rock and the wind was blowing. This nasty weather kept even the most hard core anglers off the water. I also forecasted this nasty front would drop the water temperatures significantly which it certainly did. Our water temperatures are now 4 degrees lower than this time last week. The nasty weather did subside over the past two days and allowed for some anglers to get on the water. The few reports that I did receive in the past two days indicated that there was still some late fall bite to be had on the bass and crappie but the bite had slowed somewhat with the changing weather conditions.

The forecast for today and the weekend is for highs in the mid 50's with light winds today and south quadrant winds on Saturday (14 mph) and Sunday (17 mph). Rain is in the forecast for Sunday as another nasty cold front approaches the area. This front is due to come through late Sunday or early Monday. The forecast for early next week is for more rain and high temperatures in the upper 30's. No doubt about it...winter is knocking on the door.

NOTE: I will be going out on the water today for the last time until next March. As is normal for me, I do not guide during the winter but will take some time off this month to rest and then start teaching classes on how to find the bass (Eliminating Water) in January. This will be my last weekly fishing report for the season. I will however, write a report now and then through out the winter months when there is sufficient reliable information to do so.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all my great clients this past year. I would also like to thank all those folks that write me so often to tell me how much they appreciate my no nonsense, candid fishing reports each week during the season. Even though I will not be on the water this winter, I do get reports from a lot of folks that do fish in the winter when the weather allows, so if you are planning on coming to the lakes to try the winter fishing, feel free to contact me for the latest information I have and also for tips on how to approach the winter fishing here.

If you are visiting the lakes area for some of our great fishing let me recommend you stop by the two best tackle shops in the region for all your fishing needs from Bass to Bluegills. The Cabin Bait and Tackle is located on U.S. 62 about one mile west of the U.S. 62/I-24 interchange. The Cabin not only has a great selection tackle, lures and baits, they also have one of the finest delicatessens' where you can find breakfast foods and sandwiches to get your morning started off right and have some great sandwiches for your lunch. Fisherman's Headquarters is located at the intersection ofU.S.68/U.S. 641 in Draffenville. Fisherman's Headquarters also boasts a great selection of tackle, lures and baits for your fishing needs. You will find both of these tackle shops are staffed by friendly and knowledgeable anglers to assist your every fishing need.

If you have a problem with your boat while you are visiting our great fisheries, let me recommend you have the folks in the service department at Jet-a-Marina check it out. These folks have a well known reputation for trying to keep our visitors on the water while they are here if they can possibly do so, especially you tournament anglers. Hopefully you will not need this kind of assistance but if you do, you can find Jet-a-Marina located on U.S. 62 in Calvert City, just a couple of miles north of Kentucky Dam. Jet-a-Marina also has a great showroom for all your boating accessories and check out the new Ranger and Stratos Bass Boats too as well as bulk oil at rock bottom prices for your engine.

WINTER CLASSES: ELIMINATING WATER - Learn how to eliminate water to find the bass.
I have been teaching a class on how to eliminate water to find the highest percentage fishing spots that will hold more bass, more often for a number of years now. This is a very popular class with my clients and the feedback has been very good from those that have taken the class, both tournament anglers and just for fun bass anglers. I will be offering this class during the month of November in addition to my normal guided fishing trips. This class will also be offered during the winter months of January and February. These classes are limited to one or two people so that you can have one on one type instruction which provides for a much better learning environment by learning one on one with someone that fishes for bass every day for a living. One thing is for sure, you can't consistently catch bass unless you know how to find them whether you are fishing ledges, banks, points or shallow flats. You can have all the current electronics available in your boat and all the finest rods/reels and lures, but if you do not have a working knowledge of what makes a spot have the highest percentage chance of holding more bass, more often, you can spend a lot of wasted time searching for fish with a lure and/or your electronics. I developed the information you will receive in this class over many years of study and observations and in fact this is the system I use every day to put my clients on bass whether I am on Kentucky Lake or Lake Barkley. The information you will learn in this class will also apply to other lakes and rivers.

Here is a sample of the typical feedback I receive from clients that have taken this class:

Dave ... Harry and I took your "Eliminating Water" class in January of 2010, and it has helped both of us like you wouldn't believe! - J. Harris

In the past 3 tourney's I have managed to get a limit on 3 separate lakes. Old Hickory, Barkley, and Barren. Managed a 3rd place finish Sunday on Barkley with a 6lb kicker. I have a lot more confidence when I hit the water now. I no longer pull the old "that bank looks good, lets waste a few hours here". Thanks Dave - M. King

Well worth the money - and probably the most valuable thing I have purchased in the terms of fishing. - K. Stephens

That class is without a doubt the best money I've spent on fishing in my life. - D. Page

Book a class: Just drop me an email or call me and we will get you set up for a class this winter. Dates are available in January and February.

GIFT CERTIFICATES: A gift certificate for a guided bass fishing trip makes a great present for Christmas on any special occasion for any bass angler. This is a present you know will be appreciated and will be used. If you want one of these for Christmas or any other occasion, just contact me via email or phone and we will take care of your worries about what to get your favorite bass angler. Gift certificates are also available for the Eliminating Water class!

PROFESSIONAL BASS FISHING GUIDE SERVICE: For those of you that may not be familiar with my service: I am a full time catch and release bass fishing guide. I only guide for bass. If you want a panfish guide, I would be happy to recommend one but if you want bass, that is what I do. If you book with my service, you will have me as your guide. I provide just for fun bass fishing trips, tournament preparation trips, focused teaching trips and technique instruction. If you are in need of a bass fishing guide, give me a call or drop me an email. Book your dates now for 2012 season. Don't wait too late or you may not get the dates you want.

Captain Dave Stewart
Bass Buster Guide Service
www.kentuckylakeguide.com
dave@kentuckylakeguide.com
Phone: 270-362-9987
"Fish With a Professional"