Fall has arrived, and cooler temperatures are finally here, as well as the wind. Lake levels continue to fall back towards winter pool levels, with TVA right on the normal for this time of year. Levels on Kentucky lake are now in the 355ft levels, with both Kentucky and Barkley lakes at 355.8ft. Flow rates for Kentucky lake are averaging between 6,000-20,000cfs when generating. Cheatham dam has been releasing around 7,000cfs. Average surface water temperatures for either lake have been averaging in the low 80’s. The Cumberland river at Dover is at 55.82ft, and at 25.6ft at Clarksville as of last Wednesday (The weatherman is predicting rain from a Hurricane, so levels may change by the time you read this).
I have been getting a few more reports from fishermen this past week, with some good reports from crappie fishermen finding fish scattered, but moving shallower as the water cools. Fall is the time of plenty, and there is a lot of food available for all species of fish. As the water temps continue to cool, many shad will begin to move into the protected bays. Bass and crappie will follow, and some ‘old timers’ referred to this as the “fall bite” due to many species of fish moving into the shallows. Whatever fish you are looking for, look for shad activity, especially shad being chased by fish, often with gulls and other birds diving in the same area feeding on the shad. The Catfish action is all over the place, with many being found out on the river, as well as shallow. Some catfishermen have been using “jugs” when current has been present, finding some good fish.
Many hunting seasons have now started, including; squirrel, raccoon, dove, Woodduck and teal, early goose, etc. Hunting guides have been tough to find to keep up with the seasons, but some license dealers have now received a few, but if you haven't picked up a guide yet, individuals can still look up seasons and regulations on-line at TnWildlife.org or use the phone-app ‘TWRA on the go’ available at the apple store or play store for free. The regular archery deer season is only a few weeks away (Sept 28th) and many are getting ready for the season by planting fall food plots. Most food plots planted in the fall are intended to attract deer, and there is a variety of plants hunters can use to attract deer. Many hunters use clover, annual rye grass, various types of greens, among a few, but corn is not planted in the fall, and many that do try to “plant” corn this time of year, usually do so by planting it in a big pile under the deer stand. And remember that although it’s not illegal to feed wildlife, it is illegal to hunt over the corn piles, and if placing corn or anything else to get trailcam pics, all the bait must be gone for 10 days before hunting the area. Those wanting to plant need to know a few things about when and how to plant, as fall approaches, the daylight gets shorter, and plants need sun to grow, so putting off planting can result in not having a good food plot. There are many factors influencing a good plot, sunlight, moisture, temperature, and type of seed. The best advice is to consult with an agricultural professional (local feed stores like CO-OP) are a good resourse, or research on-line about how to. And as many may have noticed, the deer have been moving a lot lately, much of the movement has been due to the drought and lack of good food available to the deer, fall can be a tough time on wildlife, as grasses and plants become tough and bitter tasting, and acorns and other mast crops are not yet available, and planting a good food plot can be a good way to get a shoot at a deer this fall.
Upcoming outdoor events; 42nd “Archeofest” on Sept 21-22nd at Pinson mounds state park (731-988-5614), Perry co bass club on Sept. 22nd at Spring creek 6:30am-2pm, Hickman Co. Bass Club on Sept. 28th at mouse tail landing state park, Creekwood High School Bass Team fund raiser event on Sept. 29th out of Danville safelight-3pm (Shannon Moats 931-624-9132), Tennessee Mad Catters on October 6th out of Danville 7am-3pm, Tennessee Nationl wildlife refuge “walk for the wild” hiking event on Oct. 12 at the springville visitors center begins at 10am (731-642-2091), Hunter ed classroom event for Humphreys Co. on Oct. 10-11th at Sheriff office shooting range building, pre-registor at Tnwildlife.org, (as of last week I’ve not seen any hunter ed class listed for Houston or Stewart counties), Carl Perkins bass Classic on Oct. 12th at Mousetail landing state park, First annual Stewart county Knap-in on Oct. 12th at Lick Creek park off Colson Rd in Dover starting at 9am.