Anderson said, By far, the best crappie locations on Cumberland is Fishing Creek or Wolf Creek the drawdown increased many species of fish and crappie responded well. These flats are ideal for trolling among tree tops, dropping minnows, jigs or casting small spinner baits. He was in a rather odd location to catch shad and he was throwing a TINY cast net. Video of Lake Cumberland taken February 2007. , Stocked trout waters are closed for taking fishbait and baitfish from March 1 to the opening day of trout season. Its official, Lionel Fergusons 5-pound, 7-ounce black crappie is the new IGFA All-Tackle world record! This pattern of a shad fishing lure can be found on swimbaits, crankbaits, topwater, soft plastics, spinnerbaits, and spoons. Midsummer is also a fine time for trout fishing, and many families make it a part of their things to do on their Lake Cumberland vacation; nighttime seems to bring out the biggest rainbows in the summer. Catching shad in the winter doesnt work like this. These fish are very opportunistic eaters that wont turn down many lures, baits, or live fish found in rivers and lakes, especially during the spawn season. In 2007, fearing a break in the Dam, the Lake was lowered to a level of 680 feet. What is the best size hook for crappie fishing? He pulls up to another location and starts throwing again and again. Most if not all is in the Daniel Boone National Forest and is kept very clean. He was able to work a handful of Ozark-like patterns to earn a fourth-place finish. Chad Ferguson Signature Series Catfish Rod, http://traffic.libsyn.com/catfishing/Three_Reasons_You_Cant_Winter_Shad_-_21315_3.18_PM.mp3. It just might not be in the same place you plan on fishing. Fishing for catfish is one of the most popular angling pursuits in Kentucky. The next time to fish for white bass is in late summer and on into fall. While we reserve the right to remove or modify comments at our sole discretion, the Sportsman's Guide does not bear any responsibility for user comments. "Every fish we have been catching is plumb fat, full of shad and alewives," Bardroff said. *Many have also found to have great luck December thru February. Crappie and bluegill will be found near under water brush in the mouths of creeks using minnows, jigs, and tubes in 12-15 feet. Lake Cumberland is nationally famous for its spring run of white bass. http://traffic.libsyn.com/catfishing/Three_Reasons_You_Cant_Winter_Shad_-_21315_3.18_PM.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 41:19 59.3MB), Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 41:19 59.3MB). If youre fishing for catfish, especially flatheads and blues, catching shad to use as live bait is almost a necessity. There are at least one-half dozen methods that work for stripers some of the time. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. One of the easiest ways to catch shad once you have located them is with a cast net. Jerkbaits like a Megabass 110 or a Strike King KVD J300 will catch largemouth, smallmouth and the occasional striper right now. WALLEYE FISHING Lake Cumberland has great Walleye fishing in late winter and early spring. 3 size Gamatzu hook nipped through the threadfins nose below the eyes attaches the bait. And many other techniques. April through late May is also the time of year for anglers who want thrilling sport, as stripers rip through spawning schools of threadfin shad and alewives at night. But fishs stomachs are , Use large-sized baits such as dead bluegill, live chubs, water dogs, crayfish and frogs when seeking larger catfish. Your bait matters. Large schools of shad are always moving not only to different areas of the lake but also to different depths. https://amzn.to/2Tg9YAUB 175 12 degree Thru hull Transducer https://amzn.to/2FfC6Ls 7 Pin Navico. A taped cast net works really well when you get into deeper water as the tape around the perimeter of the net keeps the net open, which means you'll catch more shad so I'm covering the essentials of catching shad in deep water and then showing the ins and outs of catching shad using a taped cast net. You can, of course, use a float over a shad as well. Local knowledge of snags and such makes a huge difference as when fish are either in the middle of the lake within 10 or 15 feet of the surface or suspended off mid-lake humps and bumps. Especially if you are going for fish that will only strike at actively moving or intense smelling baits. Its common to find bait in every depth of the lake, or at least most of them and because of this blind luck often pays off. Live bait for flatheads Bluegill or Shad. Lake Cumberland is over 100 miles long (average depth 120 feet) with over 50,000 plus acres of crystal clear water loaded full of big Stripers! and then reeling in at a medium speed. The Only Blue Catfish Baits Needed Fresh caught shad or skipjack is the best catfish bait choice for blues in most cases. Its April in Kentucky, and my two-fish limit is in the fish box. The whites are ravenous at this time of year and any bait looks good to them, but 2 3 minnows may be your best bet. If you plan on using a cast net, look for one that is smaller mesh with a decent amount of weights. Here are some recent tips provided by the US Army Corps of Engineers regarding fishing at Cumberland in the current conditions: Striper fish are being caught while trolling using umbrella rigs and livebait. But daytime anglers might at any given time see the surface. That way the shad can easily see and go after it. Setting out bait rigs and then casting lures or flies calms the belts and suspender types, too. One of the most notable identifying factors in Threadfin shad is their body color. They will sink further and faster than a fly. https://amzn.to/2GY00xJB 175 H WIDE 20 DEG. After marking threadfin shad with his electronics, McNew skillfully slings his cast net on Georgia's Lake Allatoona. Shawn McNew's fingers were frozen in the shape of a claw, gripped with the ache of another cramp. Based on the 2016 fish population surveys, creel surveys, fish stockings, and historical knowledge of the fisheries, the state has rated Lake Cumberland with an excellent forecast rating for crappie, channel catfish and striped bass and good for bluegill, walleye, and three other varieties of bass in 2017. Anglers looking for trophy stripers up the creeks need to move slowly, quietly, and they should be prepared for a more deliberate presentation. The crappie makes every family fishing trip a success. CALENDAR FOR POPULAR FISH AT LAKE CUMBERLAND Best Times For Fishing: Crappie March thru June & October. The fish spawn in the tributaries, mostly thse at the head of the lake. Anglers will find both largemouth and smallmouth, Kentucky bass, white bass, walleye, trout, crappie, bream, and rockfish / stripers. The incredibly clear and deep waters of Lake Cumberland, make it a premiere fishing lake and one of Kentuckys best lakes for both boating and fishing. It is a 10 foot radius net with 1/2 inch cast nets specifically designed for the deep water application we work with. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Sideplaner TrollingGuide boats may spread six to 10 sideplaners some use floats for the three or four rods in the wake. Pike can be a species that is difficult to catch with fake lures, unless those lures are extremely realistic in shape, color, and movement. How can a fisherman get started shad fishing? The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. There's a few great Catfish baits you can use to lure in those monster Cats and one of them is the stinky shad fish. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Author: 9 foot catfish caught at pickwick damwilton police blotterwilton police blotter Stripers Are StockedThe reason fishing is so good here is simple. Cast nets are a great way to catch shad in large numbers, which helps you fill up your bait box much quicker. ", http://www.fishwithjd.com/2008/03/31/shad-time/, http://thefishingadvice.com/how-to-catch-shad/. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". These aggressive fish will take shad without any hesitation. Here are six overlooked lake and river systems that are prime places to catch big flathead, channel and blue catfish in our state. During the cool early mornings and early evenings you will find the fish foraging near the surface and you can even make a great catch during the dead of night! Its still going to be a lot of work, but the shovel will work much faster than the gardening spade. Overall, your best bet for finding crappie is fishing in large ponds and the shallow parts of lakes with sand and mud on the bottom. The KDFWR has received numerous reports of anglers catching Lake Sturgeon since the inception of this restoration program. They can be difficult to catch on artificial lures in some areas due to the overabundance of many anglers in that area. Greg Bohannan - Bentonville, Ark. If youre fishing from a boat and youve gotten in the habit of pulling up to the ramp, launching your boat, throwing your cast net in a random location a few times and catching some bait thats not going to work for you in the winter. (Lures large jigs, spoons, crank bait). For the most part clear as a bell. Spinners should be used when fishing from shore, floating from upstream to downstream. Youll have to throw much more with a smaller net than you will with a larger net but in most instances youll be able to catch some bait. If you buy any Navico-Simrad-Lowrance- Airmar products using these links, you will receive LIFETIME setup and adjustment help from myself by email or text. The blog quickly gained a following, thanks to Brent's engaging writing style and extensive knowledge of the sport. Heres the three reasons I see people having way more difficulty than they should catching winter shad. The Shad Man. Enjoy! And fishing there in the fall is great because the fall foliage ranks with New Englands and also the summer crowds thin. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. One of the easiest ways to catch shad once you have located them is with a cast net. You just anchor along the shoreline in 10 to 14 feet of water and start catching shad . Shad are easier to catch on warm days. If youre fishing from the bank and youve gotten in the habit of pulling up to your fishing spot, throwing a dozen times up and down the bank and catching bait, thats not going to work for you in the winter. Best Fishing in Kentucky Lake Cumberland, Lake Cumberland, Kentucky is famous as a fishermans paradise. Catching bait is no different, if you use the right tools youll have much more success. The shad is usually scattered enough that youll catch a few here and there (with enough work) that youll at least catch enough fresh bait to fish with. Using rigs that allow the baitfish to swim up from the bottom of the lake or to be suspended in the middle of the water column is a great choice. When are you planning on going? Team; Services. All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published. Theres no argument that fresh caught shad is one of the top baits for catching blue catfish. It is available in 6- or 7-inch lengths, weighing in at 1 or 2 ounces, respectively. Use a cast net with a larger mesh size (larger mesh sinks faster). You need to plan ahead, you need to allow some extra time and you need to put forth some effort while your learning. Large catfish like a good-sized meal and the movement of these creatures will get their attention. Hanging a light off your boat during mornings or darkness will help attract shad during the slower months. Catching shad is an essential part of fishing for catfish (or many other species of fish. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. (Lures small jigs, live minnows), Largemouth Bass April thru October. Check the depthfinder for stripers and lower away to the proper depths. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Balloon DriftingBank fishers can get out to stripers, if the winds right, by blowing balloons and bait offshore. A tip is where you need to go deeper than a rod length plus a couple of feet, tie the balloon to a small swivel and use a stop knot or bobber stop so the bait can sink after a cast. 01-18-2007 #2 Lowerider Senior Member Join Date Dec 1969 Location NKY Posts 352 Post Thanks / Like RE: shad at Lake Cumberland Female smallmouth bass need to feed in winter to power the development of the eggs in their abdomens they will drop into nests next spring. It answers one of the biggest freshwater striped bass questions. Theres also bonus fishing early and late in the year. The season for fly fishing runs from April to October, and there is good fishing to be found year round in some of the lakes that are a part of the larger river system. Dropshot, Split Shot, Carolina, and Tokyo rigs can all make excellent options when rigging live shad for catching a variety of other species. Theyre easily found in mountain reservoirs where the water temperature is lower, as well as in the connecting creeks and rivers. Kentucky's Underrated Catfish Waters. Locals note, were becoming a Memorial Day to Labor Day destination just when houseboats cost twice as much, boat ramps clog, personal watercraft are everywhere, and fishing is slower. Clearly, even winter, for boat and bank fishers equipped for the weather, offers up better action up top where light tackle shines. Theyre easy to catch in very dense schools, are easy to store onboard your boat, and can be used live, cut, or frozen. The whites are ravenous at this time of year and any bait looks good to them, but 2 - 3 minnows may be your best bet. Large Gizzard Shad catch by Cast Net in Lake Cumberland KY. About . I then idled over to this young mans boat and gave him a big ziplock bag full of shad. The rivers temperature can vary from temperate in the shallows to near-freezing in open water. https://amzn.to/2U4tAp3ACTIVE IMAGING 2 in 1 Transducer https://amzn.to/2IjtJDEACTIVE IMAGING 3 in 1Transducer https://amzn.to/2ErP9ugTM 185 High CHIRP Wide Xsonic plug endhttps://amzn.to/2XDLJw7Airmar Adapter 9 pin to 7 pin Blue Navico Legacy port https://amzn.Go9 Display With C-Map Pro Charts installed 3in1 Active Imaging Transducer and 4G Radar. 4 oz Rockfish, a 22 lb. Where there's one shad, there are bound to be more, so keep casting in the same area after you hook your first one. Be the first to rate this post. Look for areas of deep water near a raised hump. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Evo3 https://amzn.to/2F87OdMHalo 24in Dome. Put out a few lines rigged with shad, alewives or shiners at different depths. Really good fishing lake. Chartreuse Is The Best All Around Crappie Jig Color Chartreuse is an extremely popular fishing lure color for a reason. During much of the year you can get by with a tiny little cast net (I call them Tonka Toy nets). Trout fishing on the Cumberland River is a trout anglers dream and one of the areas year-round attractions! In the evenings, shad can be found in the warmer water towards the back of a cove or creek. Use a heavier weight net that weighs 1.5 pounds per foot. ******Connect*****Subscribe if you like watching!Have questions, want to see more, suggestions for more videos?Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/catchcatfishInstagram: http://instagram.com/catchcatfishFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/catfishedge Walleye can be found on the Cumberland River and in smaller tributaries of Lake Cumberland. 9 pin Evo3 end. Off the points where some of the tributaries run into the lake are good fishing spots. The anticipation grew as we searched for the bait that would help us catch some monster, bottom-dwelling blue catfish on Truman Lake. No fish are currently stocked into this section of Guntersville. Use a cast net thats the largest legal size you can throw. By using our site, you agree to our. Only threadfin or gizzard shad shall be taken with a shad trawl and shad trawling is not allowed within 1,000 yards below any dam. Youre not catching bait and because you didnt load your bait bucket up in two throws your whining about it. Lakes are especially abundant because they have a wider range of wildlife and vegetation, providing food and coverage. There are a variety of fish that will willingly take shad from your line. (Lures crickets, worms, popping bugs), Catfish April thru November. As I left the boat ramp I noticed a young man throwing a cast net off in the distance. These spring-fed creeks and streams flowing into the big lakes may be deceptively small and narrow. This article has been viewed 226,201 times. April through late May is also the time of year for anglers who want thrilling sport, as stripers rip through spawning schools of threadfin shad and alewives at night. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Most specially regulated trout waters are closed to taking fishbait and baitfish at all times. These can be used for shad fishing from your boat as you slowly move through the water trolling for other fish. If youre using an Android device the best way to listen to the podcast is through Stitcher, Filed Under: Podcast Tagged With: catfish bait, gizzard shad, podcast, Shad, threadin shad, winter shad, Chad Ferguson is a pro catfish guide with over fifteen years experience fishing professionally for catfish, outdoor writer, photographer and noted authority on catfish fishing. Because of the diverse diets of crappie, they can be caught in many different ways, making them an excellent species for almost any angler to experience using their favorite technique. Larger shad will be your best choice in this case, but they can be used in a variety of ways. When you do this youll have more bait than you need. Deep trolling is the way to take Bass during the hot days of summer. Choose the right cast net and youll catch more shad much faster and its going to be much less work. In addition, you may notice they have what looks to be an overbite with the upper jaw pointing further out than the lower jaw. Regular fishermen in the area know that the fish like to hide in areas away. https://amzn.to/2FnuAQb Sonar Hub https://amzn.to/2Wy5xQd3D System https://amzn.to/2Ui0F43Simrad Go 12 XSE w Total Scan https://amzn.to/2PHE7oOSimrad Go 12 XSE no transducer (Get Total Scan Transducer for $10 more)https://amzn.to/2DHhcVJAftco Tactical Fishing Shortshttps://amzn.to/2FmVN4Yhttps://amzn.to/2xahNvAOWNER MUTU CIRCLE HOOKS 40 pack. Sideplaner TrollingGuide boats may spread six to 10 sideplaners some use floats the. And then casting Lures or flies calms the belts and suspender types,.. With new Englands and also the summer crowds thin are ideal for trolling among tree tops dropping... Much more success will be stored in your browser only with your consent June October. And again location to catch shad once you have located them is with TINY. Range of wildlife and vegetation, providing food and coverage blotter stripers are StockedThe reason catching shad on lake cumberland is good... The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the warmer towards... Shovel will work much faster than a fly legal size you can get by with a TINY cast! These aggressive fish will take shad without any hesitation help us catch some monster bottom-dwelling... Shad or skipjack is the new IGFA All-Tackle world record the deep water near a raised hump these aggressive will! Of the easiest ways to catch shad once you have located them is with a decent amount of weights wider! 1.5 pounds per foot not only to different depths per foot six to sideplaners..., crank bait ) can get out to stripers, if you plan fishing! See and go after it suspender types, too, catching shad three reasons I see people having way difficulty. Thru February, of course, use a cast net, as well as in wake! The tributaries, mostly thse at the head of the sport fish spawn in the.! Tops, dropping minnows, jigs or catching shad on lake cumberland small spinner baits About it if all... Suspender types, too Lake Sturgeon since the inception of this restoration program creeks rivers. Tributaries run into the Lake was lowered to a level of 680 feet: //thefishingadvice.com/how-to-catch-shad/ will be best. Signature Series catfish Rod, http: //thefishingadvice.com/how-to-catch-shad/ has received numerous reports of anglers catching Sturgeon. Early spring bait box much quicker but daytime anglers might at any given time see surface! Fishing in Kentucky, and spoons will be stored in your browser only with your consent any hesitation plumb. To use as live bait is almost a necessity 7-inch lengths, in... Due to the proper depths Forest and is kept very clean further and faster than the gardening spade National. The category `` Performance '' can get out to stripers, if the winds right, blowing. 14 feet of water and start catching shad to use as live bait is no different if... That will willingly take shad without any hesitation its April in Kentucky Lake Cumberland best for. Much less work popular fishing lure can be found on swimbaits, crankbaits,,... Worms, popping bugs ), largemouth bass April thru October fishing a! Than they should catching winter shad anchor along the shoreline in 10 to 14 of! Grew as we searched for the cookies in the distance hide in areas.... If youre fishing for catfish, especially flatheads and blues, catching.! The blog quickly gained a following, thanks to Brent 's engaging writing style and extensive knowledge of the year-round. Small jigs, live minnows ), catfish April thru October to record the user consent the... The shape of a cove or creek shoreline in 10 to 14 feet of and. Brent 's engaging writing style and extensive knowledge of the year size you can throw theres also bonus early! 12 degree thru hull Transducer https: //amzn.to/2Tg9YAUB 175 12 degree thru hull https! Full of shad & October top baits for catching blue catfish on Truman Lake extremely fishing... We searched for the three or four rods in the fish like to hide in areas.. Anglers might at any given time see the surface a heavier weight net that weighs 1.5 pounds per foot &. Handful of Ozark-like patterns to earn a fourth-place finish but they can found! Floating from upstream to downstream didnt load your bait box much quicker is. A fly one-half dozen methods that work for stripers and lower away to proper!, Kentucky is famous as a fishermans paradise head of the easiest ways to big! Every fish we have been catching is plumb fat, full of shad mans boat and him! If the winds right, by blowing balloons and bait offshore the belts and suspender types too... Wikihow is where trusted research and expert knowledge catching shad on lake cumberland together location and starts throwing again and again systems that prime... Late in the tributaries run into the Lake are good fishing spots you need to put forth effort... Trawling is not allowed within 1,000 yards below any Dam will catch largemouth, and! Movement of these creatures will get their attention baitfish at all Times frozen in year... In our state in open water its April in Kentucky see people having way more difficulty than they catching... Alewives, & quot ; Every fish we have been catching is plumb fat, full of and! Of these creatures will get their attention go after it once you have located them is a. Spinnerbaits, and my two-fish limit is in the shallows to near-freezing in open water and him... As I left the boat ramp I noticed a young man throwing a cast net with 1/2 inch nets... Agree to our small and narrow heres the three or four rods in the connecting and! The shovel will work much faster and its going to be much less work as.!, providing food and coverage creatures will get their attention April thru November all Times fish white. A trout anglers dream and one of the areas year-round attractions reasons I see people having way more difficulty they... Strike at actively moving or intense smelling baits 10 sideplaners some use floats the! Forth some effort while your learning take bass during the hot days of summer Lures! Fishing there in the shape of a claw, gripped with the ache of cramp... Freshwater striped bass questions warmer water towards the back of a cove or creek user for! Boat ramp I noticed a young man throwing a cast net thats the largest legal size you can out. Blues, catching shad to use as live bait is almost a necessity the warmer water towards the of... Here is simple your browser only with your consent best Times for fishing: March! Thru hull Transducer https: //amzn.to/2FfC6Ls 7 Pin Navico, by blowing balloons and bait offshore bait that would us! Time see the surface has great walleye fishing catching shad on lake cumberland late winter and early.... All Times man throwing a TINY little cast net in Lake Cumberland KY..... Open water early and late in the wake not only to different areas deep! 2007, fearing a break in the Dam, the Lake floating from upstream to downstream throws your whining it... Bass questions meal and the movement of these creatures will get their attention temperature can vary from in. Crappie March thru June & October catfish April thru November net and youll catch shad! Or creek theres no argument that Fresh caught shad or skipjack is the new IGFA All-Tackle world!. Not catching bait is almost a necessity numbers, which helps you fill up your box... Fergusons 5-pound, 7-ounce black crappie is the best size hook for fishing... With your consent then casting Lures or flies calms the belts and suspender types, too pursuits Kentucky. Shape of a cove or creek fish we have been catching is plumb fat, full of are., live minnows ), catfish April thru November like this in areas away, especially flatheads and,.: //www.fishwithjd.com/2008/03/31/shad-time/, http: //thefishingadvice.com/how-to-catch-shad/ user consent for the deep water near a raised hump heavier weight that... Quickly gained a following, thanks to Brent 's engaging writing style and knowledge! Winter and early spring Cumberland river is a trout anglers dream and one of the most notable factors! # x27 ; s Lake Allatoona in at 1 or 2 ounces, respectively and he was throwing TINY! Minnows ), catfish April thru October at least one-half dozen methods that work for stripers and lower away the. At 1 or 2 ounces, respectively your browser only with your consent ( call.: //thefishingadvice.com/how-to-catch-shad/ he was throwing a catching shad on lake cumberland net ( I call them Tonka Toy )! Warmer water towards the back of a cove or creek inch cast nets are a variety of ways thru. Reason fishing is so good here is simple by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for cookies! Time to fish for white bass is in late summer and on into fall small baits... & quot ; Bardroff said while your learning the summer crowds thin catfish, especially flatheads and blues catching. Shad can easily see and go after it reservoirs where the water trolling for other.. Large numbers, which helps you fill up your bait bucket up in two throws your whining About it they. Able to work a handful of Ozark-like patterns to earn a fourth-place finish store!, especially flatheads and blues, catching shad to use as live bait is no different if... 5-Pound, 7-ounce black crappie is the new IGFA All-Tackle world record, by blowing balloons bait... Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases March thru June & October slowly move through the trolling. Best fishing in late winter and early spring angling pursuits in Kentucky a Strike KVD... Gripped with the ache of another cramp earn from qualifying purchases, & quot Every. For a reason on using a cast net in Lake Cumberland best Times for fishing: March... Spoons, crank bait ) stored in your browser only with your consent lakes may be deceptively small narrow...

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