Lake levels did rise some with the arrival of the Hurricane last week, but not significantly, Kentucky lake was at 355.4ft on Wednesday October 2nd, and TVA is predicting the lake to remain stable this week, although the flow rates have and will remain strong, with averages around 80,000cfs. The Cumberland river saw a slight rise last week, but is now on the way back down, Cheatham dam has been releasing between 14,000-18,000cfs, and I expect them to continue to release until winter pool is reached over the next month. Surface water temps were around the mid to upper 70’s mid week, but some cooler nights have entered the picture, and expect water temps to decrease over the next few weeks. Those wanting to fish the Duck river, it saw a few foot rise, and is now back to normal.
Fishing continues to be tough for most species, Crappie remain scattered, with the best catches coming for moderate depths of 12-20ft on cover, although trolling and moving a lot has been the best pattern to put fish in the boat. Minnows and very slow presentations are working best. Bass have been sluggish for the most part, as we saw a warming trend last week, and the shallow bite diminished as the bass moved deeper, but once the water levels stabilize again, expect the backs of creeks around cover to start producing some good catches. One of the main issues with fishing continues to be the abundance of baitfish, they seem to be everywhere, and getting fish to take your offering may be challenging. The catfish bite seems to be the “shining light” for fishermen, as many fishermen have been coming up with some great catches along the main river channel, but also in the mid depths in the bays. Fresh cut shad have been producing the best catches, but many channel cats have been coming in by fishermen using nightcrawlers, liver, and stink baits.
Deer archery season began over the last weekend, but also the fall archery turkey season as well. Here are some totals for deer the first week of the season; Houston-10, Humphreys-30, Stewart-32, Dickson-35, Perry-9 with the top harvesting county for the state, Sullivan-75 and the statewide total is 2,008. Humphreys co did have one turkey harvested, with the statewide total at 20. The fall turkey archery season has a limit of 0ne (1) male turkey for the season. Not many hunt doves after the opening week, but the 2nd dove hunt will begin on Oct 12th and continue though Nov 3rd. The other seasons open are; squirrel, raccoon and the second segment of the “resident goose season” which begins on Oct12 and continues through Oct 22nd. Not much with TWRA news, a few Hunter ed classes are taking place, as of Oct 2nd, the only class was in Humphreys co, but was full, and nothing as of yet for Houston or Stewart co. was posted. Hunter ed classes can be found by visiting TWRA’s web-site; TnWildlife.org and looking under Hunter education. An increase in license fees is being looked at by the TWRC, and the comment period is open through November. Proposed increases include a 22% increase in boating registration, 28% increase in Hunting and fishing licenses, and a 12% increase in sportsman licenses. If approved at the December TWRC meeting, the increase would go into affect on July 1st next year.
Area events; Application period for early season WMA waterfowl quota hunts are open through Oct 15th, go to TWRA https://quotahunt.gooutdoorstennessee.com TWRA winter paddling preparedness and safety clinic on October 11-12th at Buffalo ridge refuge, go the the events page at Tnwildlife.org or contact Sally Barr at sally@paddletsra.org Carl Perkins Bass Classic on October 12th at Mousetail landing state park, visit Carl Perkins Bass Classic on Facebook, registration begins at 4am blastoff at 6:45am. First annual Stewart Co. Knap-in on Oct 12th at Lick creek park off Colson Rd in Dover starting at 9am. “walk for wildlife” hiking event at the USFW visitor center in Springville Tn on Oct 12th begins at 10am. (731-642-2091), Annual Triplett Benefit for Families of Fallen Officers on Oct 19th at Waverly, off west Commerce st. 1st Annual Apple Butter Festival at the Overholts Farm market in Buffalo on Saturday Oct 19th at 9:30am, Cumberland river catmans association event on Oct 19th out of Dover (Andy Warrick 615-202-4764). Intro to Deer Hunting Academy at Buffalo ridge refuge on Oct 19th $35/participant visit TnWildlife.org events page to sign up or contact Chris Hearn at 615-353-1133)