Kentucky Lake levels continue to fall slightly; levels last Saturday were at 358.1ft, and should continue to fall into the upper 357ft level by midweek. Flow rates on the Tennessee river have been picking up slightly, with between 14,000-25,000cfs when TVA is generating electricity. Surface water temperatures are in the upper 80’s to low 90’s in most areas, and expect poor water quality due to low oxygen levels in the deeper reaches of the lake. Cheatham Dam is holding at 385.5ft and releasing between 7,000-15,000cfs. The Cumberland River at Dover is at 58ft, and 29 ft at Clarksville. The Duck River at Hurricane Mills is at 1ft and the Buffalo at Lobelville is at 3.2ft.
Fishermen have been finding a few fish with a slight increase in flow this past week, although most species of fish have moved shallow as the oxygen levels have decreased in the deeper reaches of the lake. Bass continue to be found shallow early and late in the day, and some are feeding on the perch, which are feeding on the numerous mayflys we have. The ledge bite is still the “go-to” pattern after the sun gets higher in the sky, and tossing swim baits has been paying off for some. If keeping any type of fish in the livewell this time of year, often it’s better to keep a bag of ice in the livewell, (keeping the water cool) and recirculate the water. Nothing on the crappie bite this week, as many (including myself), are waiting for more tolerable weather to return. Those looking for catfish should look shallow out on the river's edge, as the low oxygen levels have caused most of the catfish to “suspend” and will be found higher in the water column, above the “thermocline”.
We are a month away from some of the hunting seasons starting. The first deer hunt of 2024 will be the “velvet hunt”, which will begin on August 23rd through the 25th. The Velvet hunt is for antlered deer only and is an ‘archery only hunt’, which allows hunters to harvest a “velvet deer”. Limits are similar to the regular deer season limits, with one antlered deer per day, not to exceed two for the year. Any harvested during the hunt will count against the yearly limit on antlered deer. The “night hunting” season begins on August 1st and will continue until the 11th this year, and allows individuals hunting on private lands, to harvest coyotes after sunset, bobcat season will not begin until the end of September. Raccoon season opened on July 1st, on private lands through Sept 20th, and allows hunters to harvest 2/night. September 1st will be the opening of the early goose and dove, and the squirrel season will open on the 4th Saturday in August. Hunters that hunt on the Federal refuge (TN National, Cross Creeks, Duck River, etc) must obtain a federal permit (type 064, $15) in addition to the state licenses. Most of the seasons will coincide with the state seasons. The permit can be found at the Kiosk at the entrances of the refuge or the USFWS website; www.fws.gov/refuge/tennessee
With the ongoing drought and hot weather, many snakes are on the move. Although most people are afraid of all types of snakes, overall, snakes are harmless if left alone, including the 4 species of poisonous snakes we have in the state (Timber and Pigmy rattlesnake, Copperhead and Cottonmouth). TWRA has hunting seasons on each animal, which individuals can “kill” or harvest, and there is no hunting season on snakes. Snakes are not legal to kill in the state of Tennessee unless they are causing issues or threatening life or property. Here are a few facts about snakes; Tennessee is home to 34 species of snakes, and only 4 are venomous. Of the 8,000-10,000 snake bites reported annually (including pet snakes) in the United States, only 12-15 deaths occur and most of these bites are due to illegitimate means, meaning the victim was handling the snake when the bite occurred. 50% of snake bites are “dry bites” where the snake has not injected any venom. In Tennessee, we see an average of 50 bites per year. If you are bitten by a poisonous snake you should seek medical care, remain calm, and do not try to extract the venom (it has been shown not to benefit the patient and can cause more damage). Do not try to catch the snake, as the anti-venom (if needed) is the same for all of Tennessee’s venomous snakes, and the use of anti-venom is not needed in most cases.
Area events; Hippie Hooper Memorial Sporting Clay Tournament on July 20th at Palmyra starting at 9am (Scott Buchanan 931-622-1287), Clarksville Bass Club night event on July 20th at Paris Landing (Todd Schmittou 931-980-1009), Cumberland River Catman’s Association on July 20th at Clarksville Marina 7pm-3am (Andy warrick 615-202-4764), USFS “Friends wood duck banding event” for Members only on July 26th at Duck River Bottoms (you can sign up that night) call 731-642-2091 for more information, Hickman Co Bass Club on July 27th at Cuba Landing 5:30am-3pm (Nathan Clinard 931-623-2021), the 170th Irish Picnic at St. Patricks school in McEwen, TN on July 26th-27th (175 Saint Patrick St, McEwen Tn 37101. Tennessee Mad Catters on August 3rd at New Johnsonville boat ramp 7pm-6am, USA BASSIN New Johnsonville division on August 10th at New Johnsonville 5:15-3pm (Jammy McCloud 931-209-7795), Perry Co Bass Club on August 11th at Spring Creek ramp 6am-2pm, Carl Perkins Bass Classic on Octobe4r 12th at Mousetail Landing State Park.