Tennesee’s Wild Side Weekly Fishing Report

Reelfoot Lake Fishing Report July 1, 2009

Summer time is finally hear and along with that comes the HOT, humid, dry conditions. This time of year also means that the evaporation percentage rates on our area lakes, ponds and rivers are much higher. This also means that some of the different fish species doesn't react as well to warmer water and air temperatures. Oxygen levels begin to drop as well as water temperatures on the rise.

Down at Reelfoot Lake, not all that much to report and mainly due to the recent very hot spell our part of the area just went through. The Crappie bite has slowed down considerably but the Bluegill, Bass and Catfish are still holding their own.

Water temperatures on Reelfoot Lake are in the mid 80's. Some areas that are really shallow might be around the 87 to 88 degree mark.

The water level on Reelfoot Lake was up in the past two weeks to at least 6 inches or so above the normal level but with the lack of decent rains and the evaporation, the lake is now real close to the normal level. This means take it kinda slow while motoring around the lake. If we do not get a decent rain the next few days, the lake will slowly begin to drop each day.

Water color around the lake has gotten the greenish summertime tint. This happen each year and is to be expected. This happens because the lake is fairly clear over most areas and as the waters warm, the algae grows more in the water causing the "soup like" greenish water color.

What Crappie that are biting are being caught in the Lower Blue Basin area of Reelfoot Lake which also is the deepest area of water the lake has to offer. Most of the time the water temperatures are a bit cooler on that end of the lake. Mainly jigs are best but some can be caught using minnows if you can find them.

As for the Bluegill, there might be just a few which might still be trying to spawn and still on their beds. Fish around the larger of cypress trees using Crickets and some Wax Worms. The Bluegill bite should last at least a week or two more.

Catfish would be a good bite for this time of year. Several folks are using yo yo's and trotlines for the best method. This is a fun way to get several folks to lend a hand having fun doing so. The best part is once the catfish are dressed, ready for the frying pan, then it's eat time.

The Bass bite has been up and down like most of the year. Most of what I have been told and seen for myself, the numbers has been down most of the year but the size has been up. This is the time of year when you catch one Bass in a area, you just might catch 5 to 10 more. These Bass tend to bunch up more and one reason is baitfish. Once the Bass locate areas of active baitfish, they stay in that area until things settle down. Spinnerbaits and jig/plastic trailer combos work well as well as early top water bites.

The Fourth of July weekend is one of the busiest on the water times and EVERYONE needs to pay close attention. Wearing you life jacket or personal flotatrion device is very important.

One thing I would like to pass along is no matter where you fish, wear your flotation devices. I compare this to wearing your seatbelt while in your vehicle. For some unknown reason on Reelfoot Lake, I see far to many boaters, anglers and hunters NOT wearing there flotation device. With todays new technology, the Type III Inflatable Flotation devices are comfortable and easy to wear, even in hot weather. Yes, they do cost a few more dollars but are worth every penny.

There are five types of flotation devices. They are Type I ( Greatest Required Buotancy ) used in all types of recreational boating, Type II ( Will turn the wearer in a verticle or slightly backward position ), Type III is the most widely used flotation device by many because it seems to be a little more stylelish as well as used for calm, inland waters. These devices are used when hunting, fishing, skiing and other water sports. Type IV is a device designed to be thrown to a person in the water and grasped, held by the user until rescued. Type V , any PDF ( Personal Flotation Device ) approved for restricted or special uses.

Reelfoot Lake is full of underwater debris such as logs, stumps, iron rods just to name a few. This should be enough reason to wear your personal flotation device.

It is a state law that ALL children 12 years of age and younger MUST wear a Coast Guard approved life jacket while on the open deck of a recreational boat except when the boat is anchored, moored or aground.

Also, State and Federal Regulations require all boats, including canoes and kayaks, must be equipped with one wearable personal flotation device for each person on board or for each person being towed on water by skis, etc.

Boats 16 feet in length or over must also be equipped with one type IV ( throwable device ) per boat in case someone falls overboard.

Also, for those of you who might want to fish below dams, listen up. A U.S. Coast Guard approved personal flotation devices MUST be worn by each person on board vessels being operated within specifically marked areas below dams.

There are many choices you have but I personally prefer two flotation devices. The Auto Inflatable Flotation device and the old standard vest type. Both are Type III devices and work great. When I am in a boat that is running at high speeds over 50 MPH, I wear the Vest type. When fishing, by myself or in cold weather I wear the Auto Inflatable device. Either way, they are good to wear and for your safety.

I just wanted to let you know a few things about the flotation devices. I have been in a boating accident before, years ago on Kentucky Lake and they aren't much fun at all.

So the next time you spend a day on the water fishing, boating, or hunting, simply wear your personal flotation device. This could someday save your life or prevent major injury.

Til Next Weeks report....

Catch Ya On The Water

Brent Callicott