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Lake Cumberland Fishing Report Updated
November 17, 2009
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THE LAKE CUMBERLAND STRIPER FISHING REPORT
By Captain Jim Durham – StriperFun Guide Service
Staff Writer for fishin.com
DATE OF REPORT: November 17, 2009
• Latest water temperature: 62.3° F surface (White Oak Creek) November 15, 2009
• Latest water temperature: 61.9° F surface (Main Lake) November 16, 2009
• Latest water temperature: 62.1° F surface (Thomas Branch) November 17, 2009
• Current lake level is 681.23 feet.
Currently, the lake level is right at 681.23 above sea level which is the normal (working on the dam) elevation. It is about 43 feet below the tree line, which is 728' above sea level. I will keep you posted.
Greetings to my readers! Life is good! I hope the world finds you and your family doing well!
ACTIVITY / CURRENT REPORT
The Stripers are still lurking near the surface and continue to bust the surface chasing bait everywhere!!! The fishing however has been mixed. Sometimes we hit them good – other days it is slower.
On the hot fishing days we are catching them big time casting lures and trolling live bait shallow! On the slower days, we can see them busting bait, but they will not touch a lure.
There has been no rhyme or reason to it?????????
What “has” been working well in the creeks (oddly enough) is trolling Umbrella rigs “fast”, which is normally a summer pattern.
With the weird weather in the spring, it has caused an odd fall pattern. The fish still remain virtually all over the lake this fall, versus most of the Stripers matriculating down near the dam this time of year as they have in every year past. The reason simply being because the water all over the lake has a similar temperature (as described in my report below).
Normally in November, I would be fishing 80 to 90 feet deep down at the dam. However, we caught a major limit in fishing creek just a couple of days ago pulling weightless boards and I have not caught a big fish deeper than 35 feet in I do not know how long.
The bottom line is that the lake is beautiful, we are catching great fish on most days and all the fish we are catching are healthy.
SPECIAL NOTICE
I STILL HAVE SEVERAL GUIDES OPEN FOR THE 3 DAY (FRIDAY, SATURDAY & SUNDAY) THANKSGIVING WEEKEND. COME ON DOWN AFTER TURKEY DAY (I ACTUALLY HAVE ONE GUIDE AVAILABLE "ON" TURKEY DAY!) AND LETS "SLAY" SOME MONSTER STRIPERS!
IF YOU BOOK ALL THREE DAYS, WE ARE OFFERING $100.00 OFF ON YOUR TRIP!
THIS IS TRADITIONALLY ONE OF THE BEST FISHING WEEKENDS OF THE YEAR. IT IS TIME YOU PUT A "TROPHY" STRIPER ON THE WALL!
CLICK MY PHOTO ABOVE TO GO TO THE STRIPERFUN
SITE TO BOOK YOUR TRIP!
One of the most positive things is that we can now catch alewives shad under the lights again!
Regarding catching bait, one of the new “secret weapons” I have been using to catch bait is the “Hydro Glow Bait Light”! Captain Jim Durham uses “Hydro Glow Bait Lights” and so should you! It allows me to be “mobile” and catch bait on the main lake as well as at the dock!
The Hydro Glow Fish Light uses a 12 vdc low amperage florescent to produce a green glow similar to that emitted by chemical light sticks in widespread use by divers to lure fish.
It will work all night on one battery!
The patented design utilizes the green light technology for improving your fishing (and most importantly – your bait catching) activities during the night time hours. The light is designed to vertically submerge with only the top 3 to 5 inches of the light above the water level. This insures the entire illumination of the light is in the water where to fish are, not the bugs! Boy, does it ever draw in the bait fish!
As the exclusive area "on line" dealer of Hydro Glow Bait Lights, StriperFun has just received word from the manufacturer that the top selling 2 foot bait light can be sold from now until Christmas for $129.95!! This is a huge 30% savings off the regular $185.00 price!
CLICK THE PHOTO OF BAIT FISH AT THE TOP OF THE PAGE TO ORDER!
Regarding the water related temperature issues I talked about in my last report, to recap, in May of this year Kentucky had the most rain every recorded. As such, the Corp of Engineers had to release a record amount of water out of the lake to make room for this massive influx of rainwater.
Lake Cumberland, as a deep highland reservoir, maintains a coldwater “sluice” (an area of coldwater) that is normally between 35 to 90 feet deep. This sluice retains lots of oxygen, needed for the big predator fish. Since the Corp of Engineers had to release a record amount of water out of the lake to make room for this massive influx of rainwater in May, the cold water was pulled out of the bottom of the lake and this effected the cold water sluice.
Several months back, water temperature testing by the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife’s fisheries division found that the water “all over the lake” had a similar temperature. “Basically, there is little cold water left in the lake,” said James Gray, manager of Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery. “The water coming to the hatchery from the intakes in the lake is 70 degrees, with little dissolved oxygen”. The hatchery uses cold water from deep in Lake Cumberland as part of its normal operation, thus the testing.
I predicted the fish will remain virtually all over the lake this fall, versus most of the Stripers matriculating down near the dam as they have in every year past. The reason simply being because the water all over the lake has a similar temperature as described above. It has now been several months since I made this prediction and I am seeing it being confirmed.
I also predicted a record season of surface action fishing from now through thru Christmas, because of this water temperature issue. I am seeing that prediction come true as well!
We are catching major Stripers from the surface to 10 to 15 feet or water 15 miles from the dam (and by the dam as well) and that is not the norm. Normally, they are much deeper (and closer to the dam all the time).
The good news is that the oxygen levels in the mid range levels of the lake (where we generally fish) are “finally” returning to normal from the problems caused by the May rains! Here is an example of what I mean:
In August of this year, oxygen levels in the mid range and lower levels of the lake had dropped to near record lows. At the surface, the milligrams per liter (mg/l) in August were actually high at 9.4. But it really did not help. The reason “why” is that the very warm water temperature in the shallow depths (82 to 78 degrees surface to 30 feet) drove the Stripers to the “cooler & deeper” depths. Unfortunately, what was really bad was the mg/l from 30 feet and below was only 2.2. Meaning, at depths of 30 feet and below, there was only a 3rd to a 4th of the oxygen in these depths as there was on the surface.
So when the Stripers (and Walleye) sought out the deeper & cooler water, what waited for them when they got there? Nasty – extremely “low oxygen” water (mg/l of only 2.2). Thank God we did not have a massive fish kill! This goes to the high quality fishery Lake Cumberland actually is!
Now with the cool snap, the water conditions in the mid range levels of the lake (where we generally fish) are much better. The mg/l from 30 feet to 60 feet averages 6.4, nearly 3 times what it was in August! As such, the bite in this range will be much better as there is plenty of oxygen for the bait and the Stripers! The mg/l on the surface is even better at 6.7!
However, there is “0” mg/l below 60 feet deep, so do not waste your time (or kill your bait) fishing that deep!
Regarding surface action fishing, a good trick is to watch the gulls. If they are diving in a “Tornado” looking vortex, then you can bet the Stripers are under them driving the bait fish to the surface. You may also catch a monster in the jumps, so have plenty of fresh line on your reel! If you get a big hit on live bait, be sure to let him run at least 5 to 7 seconds to get the bait hooked solid.
CAPTAIN JIM’S FISHING BUNGALOW IS FOR SALE!
Attention Lake Cumberland fishermen! I have a “great deal” for a fisherman or family looking to buy a really nice and clean fishing bungalow (or weekend retreat) at Lake Cumberland!
My fishing bungalow sits on two lots and is 5 minutes drive to Conley Bottom Marina by car and 10 minutes to Monticello shopping (and you can walk directly down the hill to the lake and a County ramp)! This two bedroom trailer comes completely furnished! It has a very nice interior (furniture and wall decorations picked out by my wife!), central heat, a huge porch, air conditioning, newer appliances, new TVs and is satellite TV & high speed internet wired. It has lots of closet space, a fire pit, tons of parking and has a partial lake view!
The property alone is worth the asking price of $38,900.00! PLEASE CLICK THE PHOTO AT THE TOP OF THE PAGE to be directed to a web page on my website that has more details and photos!
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED, PLEASE CALL ME, OR CALL THE AGENT HANDLING THE PROPERTY - BRENDA BLEVINS AT 606-305-3026.
THE CANYON WALL EFFECT
The pattern/tactic I find very productive this time of year is to keep my planer boards much closer to the boat than normal as I fish sheer drop off walls where the larger creeks hit the main lake, especially where the creek channel hits the main river channel! It is like the “neighborhood water hole”! On such sheer drops offs, you can be in 80 to 100 feet or water when your boat is only 30 to 40 feet off of the shore. Many times, the Striper schools will be on these sheer drop ledges as they have “corralled” shad schools up against the wall where they cannot escape so they can “rip” into them.
It is certainly a site to see Stripers feeding heavy on the surface!
However, understand clearly that this same type of “frenzied” feeding action can be occurring 20 to 30 feet deep right on the canyon wall cliff edge and you would never know it!
Most major creeks have such walls with cliff edges within ˝ a mile or so of the main lake. It is very important as you work to develop your “trophy Striper hunting skills” that you learn to read and understand the lake topographic maps and/or your GPS units so you can find the correct walls to fish. The easiest way to learn is follow the channel banks to find the deepest walls.
This is why I keep my boards (although still in a “classic” V pattern) close to the boat, so I can keep the boat closer to the canyon wall. If the boards were further out, then I could not run the boat close to the wall because the outer boards would be hitting the bank and fowling/snagging.
When you fish planer boards, you can develop a tendency to let the boards go “way out” from the boat. In shallow water, this is a must (the Stripers are “skittish” about the boat in shallow water). But not when you are fishing 20 to 30 feet deep (the boat does not bother the fish when they are that deep).
Keeping the boards close allows me to directly target the fish on the canyon wall with a greater concentration of live bait, many times producing “multiple hook ups”. When I see a school appear under the boat on my 12 inch color Raymarine C120, I then stop the boat so the baits can “settle down” and drop into the feeding school.
You can just imagine what happens. Whamo!
It is interesting to think about all the big Striper feeding action going on that you cannot see on the surface. It makes me want to break out the rods and go hit them! I generally find that this “canyon wall effect” is best the first few hours of the morning. Once we are a couple of hours into daylight the schools will move out further and deeper directly into the channel.
I hope that makes sense. If you have any questions call me.
If you find a school, you may have to position the boat over them and try to stay on them. On a windy day, you may be better off not using planer boards, but rather just use all "down lines" as it is easier to stay positioned over top of the fish this way.
We also are jigging hammered spoons and Captain Jim Special Dominator jigs when these big “waves” of fish come through.
I demonstrate these techniques on “Striper Fish like a Pro” Volume # 2.
If you catch a Striper less than 24 inches, try to keep it in the water, get the hook out of it and release it ASAP to give it the best chance to live (if you do not do this, the fish will likely die).
Watch out for logs in the water. Enjoy the quiet beauty and majesty of Lake Cumberland. As always, there is the occasional day or two in a row where the bite turns slow (or off). It is generally weather related (like a big low pressure front). If the bite is slow for you, don’t feel alone. On slow days, I get calls from guides all around the lake on my cell phone asking if we are hitting them (because they are not hitting them either). You just hang tough and keep fishing. Always remain positive. Remember, you are on one of the most beautiful bodies of water the Lord created. Enjoy it! Slow days can suddenly become “great memory making days” if you hit a school that suddenly turns on and every rod goes down! You can never make a shot you do not take. Stay after them!
NEW STRIPERFUN “ONLINE” STORE
FACTORY DIRECT SALES OF ALL MARINE ELECTRONICS!
Because of continued demand for super high quality fishing equipment INCLUDING FACTORY DIRECT SALES OF ALL MARINE ELECTRONICS, I am pleased to announce the “grand opening” of the StriperFun “online” store. You will find terrific & cutting edge new products available on the StriperFun “online” store, as well as basic things you need.
IF YOU APPRECIATE MY FISHING REPORTS, I WOULD APPRECIATE A CHANCE TO EARN YOUR BUSINESS!! PLEASE CHECK OUT THE STRIPERFUN ONLINE STORE!
Click the link beside my photo at the top of the page to go to the StriperFun website – then click the link to the “online store”!
StriperFun Guide Service now has four (5) guides to serve your charter needs. We can handle large group and corporate outings!
My Captains and I are all Federal Coast Guard Certified and State licensed, insured and are well trained with no less than 30 years experience per man! If you want to catch Monster Stripers this fall, then you better book soon! The prime fall dates are booking up, so do not wait too long to lock in your weekend trip! All of StriperFun’s guide boats are covered as well, so come see us.
We are now into the fall season. Summer solstice has come and gone! The days are getting shorter again as “twilight” now rolls around just a little earlier each night. It is great to welcome in another new season, and exhilarating at the same time! Count your blessings each day and live “in the moment”, not in the future.
JIM STRADER RADIO SHOW
Be sure to listen in to the "Outdoors with Jim Strader" show that airs weekly on Sunday Evenings from 6-8 pm on 84 WHAS-AM, a 50,000 watt Clear Channel radio station in Louisville Kentucky (you can listen in on line!). Tune in and catch Captain Jim’s Lake Cumberland Striper Fishing Report on Sunday night to see how the prior week’s fishing went!
If you have any other ideas, techniques or subjects you want me to write about, drop me a line!
I am many times asked “What are the advantages to hiring a guide”? In essence, you hire a guide to utilize the guide’s many years of experience and lake knowledge, to learn new tactics and techniques to increase your chance of “landing the big one”. Guides use top of the line equipment and the freshest live bait. Also, if you cannot afford your own boat, it is a very cost effective way for you or your group to fish (cost per fisherman). Even professional fishermen hire guides to learn a lake and new techniques!
We hope to see you on the lake! Good fishin!!
Captain Jim Durham
Toll free 866-575-3770
United States Coast Guard Licensed Merchant Marine Officer License No.
1037731
Kentucky State Guide License # 007
captainjim@striperfun.com |
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Current Lake Records
Sturgeon*: 36lbs 8 oz. Caught By:
Barney Frazier, Corbin Ky. 10/3/54
No current population of Sturgeon known to exist in the lake
Striped Bass*: 58 lbs 4 ozs Caught By:
Roger Foster, Somerset, Ky. 12/11/85
Sauger*: 7lbs. 7 ozs. Caught By
Rastie Andrew, Jamestown, Ky. 4/28/83
Walleye*: 21 lbs 8 ozs Caught By: Currently 3rd Largest
ever caught..
Abe Black, Shaker Heights, Oh. 10/1/58
Muskie: Mike Casada (Unofficial Record) NO weight
submitted.
Tailwaters Records
Brown Trout*: 21 lbs 0 ozs Caught By:
Tom Malone of Crofton, Ky. April 30, 2000 *State Record
Lake Trout*: 5lbs 5 ozs Caught by:
John McDonough, Jeffersontown, Ky. 4/4/83
No known population in river, Lakers Were stocked in Cumberland Lake and
In Dale Hollow, and it is surmised the fish came from there or from a
stocking of lake trout in the 80's in Lake Cumberland.
Rainbow Trout*: 14lbs 6 ozs Caught By:
Jim Mattingly, Somerset, Ky. 9/10/72
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