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By Ken Smith

The normal “summer pool” levels on our area lakes don’t usually occur until the end of April, but due to the huge amount of rain we’ve seen this month, both lakes are now at or above normal levels. Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley were at 362 ft on the 16th. Both lakes are expected to begin dropping over the next week but should remain at or near summer pool levels by the 22nd.

The Cumberland River at Clarksville is at 35.2 ft, and Dover is at 63.1 ft; both are predicted to see a slight fall. The Tennessee River saw flows reduced midweek but will ramp up again in the coming week to over 100,000 cfs, with the Cumberland River averaging around 47,000 cfs.

Both lakes were in the low 60s (°F) at the time of writing, but with warm weather in the forecast, I expect surface water temperatures to climb into the mid-60s this week. The Duck River has now returned to slightly above normal, around the 5 ft mark as of the 16th. The Buffalo River is at 5.3 ft and stable.

Many types of fish are now moving into the shallows to begin spawning. With the high water, many bass fishermen have been targeting the shallow, flooded shorelines by tossing spinnerbaits and weightless worms at cover. Clear water areas seem to be the most productive, as most of the lake has been muddy. However, with falling water levels and increased flows, expect water clarity to improve soon.

With the high water levels and mid-60s water temperatures, I expect many bass and crappie to be in the shallows starting their spawning activities. This year may differ from years past, as many areas are now flooded that usually are not this early in the year. This may allow bass and crappie to move deeper into cover to find ideal spawning depths. Most sunfish species (bass, crappie, bluegill, and shellcrackers) prefer to spawn in depths where sunlight can reach. In clear water, they may spawn deeper; in stained water, shallower. As the sunlight warms the water, eggs will hatch sooner, improving the hatch rate.

Crappie fishermen have been finding good catches in water depths of 8–10 ft before the spawn but should begin looking in the shallows near spawning areas this week and next. Minnows under floats, fished around stake beds and stumps in the shallows, should produce results soon.

The spring turkey season saw a strong opener, with many hunters finding success. I want to remind everyone that harvesting female turkeys is not allowed this year, including bearded hens. I’ve seen reports of hunters checking in hens across the state.

Here are the opening weekend totals by county:

• Benton: 110
• Dickson: 264
• Hickman: 272
• Houston: 101
• Humphreys: 209
• Perry: 101
• Stewart: 188

The statewide total for the weekend was 12,009, which is about 1,500 more than last year’s opener. The spring turkey season continues through May 25th.

Fur Harvesters Auction Inc. is still accepting fur for their upcoming auction on June 17th. Those in Tennessee wanting to sell should ship hides to a buyer in Ohio:
DJD Fur Company
3110 Wilberforce Clifton Rd.
Cedarville, OH 35314
(937)-903-7688

Visit furharvesters.com for more information on how to ship.

Area Activities:

• April 25–26: USA Bassin Silver Classic – Moores Landing
• April 27: Perry Co. Bass Club – New Johnsonville
• May 3: 38th Annual “Bush” Bass Invitational – Mousetail Landing State Park (731-845-7212)
• May 3: American Bass Anglers – Birdsong
• May 3: “Jeeps Fur Paws” Fundraiser – 10 a.m.–2 p.m. at Waverly Tractor Supply Co. and Camden AutoZone
• May 3–4: USA Bassin Classic – Moores Landing
• May 4: TN State Parks: Reflections of What Was in Watercolor with Tim Pafford – 2:30–6 p.m., Johnsonville State Park (only 6 slots left as of April 16; Joan Williams: 932-535-2789)
• May 4: Tennessee Mad Catters – Clarksville Marina
• May 10: TVA Cleanup Day – Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park, Eva (10 a.m.)
• May 10: Cumberland River Catman’s – Ashland City
• May 10: 2nd Annual Knapp-In – Lick Creek Recreation Area, Dover (learn how to make arrowheads!)
• May 17: Team C&O Tournament Trail – Barkley Lake, Liberty Park, Clarksville (Keith Jackson: 615-456-2209)
• May 17: Paul Steel Bass Event – Paris
• May 17: KY Lake Bass Anglers – New Johnsonville
• May 17–18: TN Bass Nation – Eva Beach, Benton Co. (Jake Davis: 615-613-2382)
• May 24: USA Bassin J’ville Division – New Johnsonville
• May 31: KY Lake Anglers Trail – Camden
• May 31: Hickman Co. Bass Club – New Johnsonville