Area lakes will see a big drop in levels this week, as TVA brings both lakes near winter pool levels. Levels last week were in the 355ft levels, but TVA is saying the lakes will drop near 354ft the last week in the month of October. Flow rates have fallen off as well, with the Tennessee river seeing between 25-32,000cfs. The Cumberland river is averaging between 7-13,000cfs. Both lakes are around the 70 degree mark, although we should be in the low to mid 60’s this time of year. The on-going drought and higher than normal fall Temps have really kept water temps up this year. The Cumberland at Dover is at 55ft, and at 24.5ft at Clarksville.
Although we should be seeing great fishing this time of year, many factors have been playing into the fishing equation. Higher than normal water temps, and an abundance of food available for all species of sportsfish, have really made fishing tough for most. There has been some good reports of fish being taken, but most fishermen have worked hard to fill the coolers. Many have been locating fish, but have found most to be reluctant to bite. I really believe that the abundance of baitfish is why. Some bass have been taken in the “clear water” in the backs of creeks, and some on the humps and ledges where bass have been seen chasing shad. I’m still getting many reports of “stripe” jumps and good catches of white bass in the jumps, often with gulls diving in after the shad. Catfish have been taken on some days, worms and liver have been doing well to put some in the boat.
By the time you read this, the Juvenile deer hunt will have already taken place, and check the next issue for the totals. But here are the totals for the deer archery season through Oct 23rd; Dickson-176, Houston-55, Humphreys-116, Montgomery-304, Stewart-227 with a statewide total of 11,683 and the top harvesting Co to date, Hamilton-404 deer. The Fall turkey season ended on Oct 25th, with Dickson seeing 6 birds, Humphreys with 3, Montgomery had 4 and Stewart co with 1, Houston did not see any harvested. The Muzzleloader deer season will be November 9th through the 22nd. With the regular gun deer always beginning on the Saturday before Thanksgiving, November 23rd this year. Rabbit and Quail season starts on November 2nd with the limit on rabbits 5/day and quail 6/day. I want to remind hunters, that the National wildlife refuge is open to hunting (Cross creeks, Duck river, Bigsandy) and the most recent hunting Brochure is available at https://www.fws.gov/media/tennessee-nwr-hunt-brochure
Area events; ‘Battle of Johnsonville 160th anniversary’ at NewJohnsonville state park, on November 2nd from 10am-4pm with live cannon firing throughout the day, The event is free. Tennessee Madd Catters on Nov 10th on Cheatham lake at the River bluff ramp 7am-3pm, Cumberland river Catmans association on Nov 16th at Clarksville 7am-3pm, USFWS ‘trim a tree event’ on Nov 29th from 10am-2 at the Springville visitors center.