Your Kick'n Bass Fishing Report for June 18, 2018
From the deck of the Kick’n Bass pontoonThe dog days of summer came in fast and furious here at the Lakes. Not sure where spring went to that’s for sure. We are still pulling cranks to start our trips and then switch to throwing SteelShad bladebaits for targeting whitebass. If you haven’t tried a SteelShad you should. Anything that swims in the lake will eat one. Some days trolling has been great and some days slow. Having multiple ways to catch fish has been an effective way to load the livewell! With the current ten-day forecast, we can expect the whitebass to school up and start chasing the new shad hatches. |  |
Lake conditionsSince my last report the water level has stabilized at just over 359.4. They are still pulling some water at an average of about 36,000 cfps. Most days 4 generators are running.You can get the latest TVA info here: tva.gov/Environment/Lake-Levels/Kentucky Weather forecastweather.com/weather/tenday/l/42025:4:US |  |
CrappiesWe have been chasing crappies pulling crankbaits the last few weeks. Some days hot and some days not, but all we have caught have been quality fish from 11 to 15 inches. They are just now pulling out to the main lake and are scattered. That’s why we pull crankbaits to cover a lot of water. Best colors have been blues, pinks and chartreuse in all different color combinations. I use Jenko and Arkie brand crankbaits for the color combos that they make. |  |
| We are trolling a little faster now because of warmer water temps and these crappies are feeding in open water chasing schools of young-of-the-year shad. Still catching fish in 20 to 25 feet deep water pulling cranks down to the 12 to 15-foot range. They aren’t relating to much of any type of cover just swimming and chasing bait. |
Redear/ bluegillHaven’t fished for these in a couple weeks but the full moon end of March was great. The gnats tied by Crappie Hut Jigs are great for these bluegills. Tipped with a cricket we caught a bunch of redear and bluegills. Using an ESB slip bobber has allowed us to change depths easily to adapt to rising and falling water level conditions. |
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CatfishWe have been catching catfish all year so far. From 2 feet of water to 30 feet of water. We have caught a ton this year and have never gone on a trip targeting them! This last week we have caught a lot of bluecats (Would that be Kentucky’s colors?) and a bunch of channel cats. All averaging about 4 pounds and a couple up to10 pounds. Every one has come on a SteelShad. Work these baits with a steady retrieve ALWAYS starting on bottom. What a great fight all the way to the net! |
ATTABOY:Just wanted to thank you for being great with my family. Great job helping with the kids and running the boat at the same time! — Bill G. from St. LouisBook now with Captain Rich! |
