Scott Ellison says fishing ranges from so-so to fairly good depending on what you’re trying to catch.
Scott Ellison here, with the FLW Weekly Fishing Report. I wish I had great things to report on the fishing, but it’s just not there. The lake is still about three feet lower than it should be at this time of year, and the fishing ranges from so-so for crappie and catfish to fairly good for bass.
Though most of the daytime fishing activity for bass has now switched to the ledges and drop-offs of the main lake and mouths of the major bays, we’ve had reports that topwater fishing has improved lately on main-lake points and inside the mouths of coves and pockets. Poppers such as the pop-r, walking baits like the zara spook and buzzbaits seem to be the hot plugs right now. Target topwater fish early and late in the day, but stick to the ledges the rest of the time for the best results. The deeper fish are going for jigs, deep-diving crankbaits, big plastic worms and carolina rigs.
Though it’s a bit early for the best night-fishing action, the guys who like to fish after dark are reporting consistent action on spinnerbaits and jigs in the same areas where topwater fish are hitting.
The big bluegill and shellcracker spawns are about over with. Bluegills are fairly scattered out now, though it’s still possible to catch some good stringers on redworms, and popping bugs are beginning to account for some good fish too. Redears are more unpredictable; the guys who really know where the best spots are keep catching fish, but it’s not like anybody can go out there and fill a stringer. As for catfish, the fishing for them is fair along ledges and flats between the drop-offs and shoreline, especially where sand-and-gravel bottom meets rocky banks.
A couple of reminders: the Walmart FLW Tour is coming to Kentucky Lake, Murray and the CFSB Center Saturday and Sunday June 9th and 10th. The daily weigh-ins will be preceded by a free show in the CFSB Center that features lots of kids’ attractions, booths where sample products are given away, and much more. If you attended this last year, you know what a great event it is.
Also, the week before the tournament, on Saturday, June 2, from 8 until 11 a.m., the “hooked on fishing, not on drugs” program will conduct a catch-and-release fishing event for area pre-schoolers and other youngsters up through 15 years old. The event is hosted by the Murray-Calloway county parks and recreation department and will feature some of the top pro fishermen in the land. It will be held at the Imes Farm across from Rightway Nursery on 641 North. Plan to take your kids or grandkids. It’s a great program and helps show kids that there are a lot of good ways to have fun without getting into trouble.
Finally, I wish you and yours a great Memorial Day holiday and that you make the most of this occasion to remember loved ones who are no longer here, but who meant so much.
While you’re at it, also think about those men and women of the military who gave their lives so that you can have this weekend and share this great land of ours, and who paid the ultimate sacrifice for your freedom. In some far-off land, their kind still guard your future, and your children’s future. Remember them, too, and thank them when you have the chance.
This is Scott Ellison, signing off for FLW.