Both large and small mouth bass are active early in the morning and late in the evening using surface baits such as poppers and plastic jerk baits. Some midday bass are still being taken from heavy grass in the bays. Good numbers of bluegill are also being taken in the backs of some creeks 4 to 6 feet deep. White bass fishing is reported as fair to slow. Trolling remains the most productive method of catching whites.
Fishing remains very good on both lakes.
Large minnows, fished near the bottom in 40 to 45 feet depths, have been the best way to catch blue cats on Kentucky Lake. Medium minnows, fished near the bottom 20 to 30 feet deep, have been producing the best on Lake Barkley. Cut shad, minnows, night crawlers, and leeches are the best baits. White bass are being caught early and late in the day in the fast currents using jigs and spinners. Mention of specific products in this report does not represent an endorsement by the USDA Forest Service.