LAKE BARKLEY'S OTHER PANFISH

Ground Pounders Can Find Many Catfish Prowling The Shoreline On Lake Barkley, KY

Like its sister lake, Kentucky Lake, Lake Barkley is well known for panfish action in the form of bluegills and crappie. However, while fishing there we discovered its other panfish, the whiskered wonder.

It occurred to me that catfish are probably the ultimate "pan fish". They are the most popular eating fish across the country and are enjoyed by millions of Americans.

Lake Barkley is formed by the damming of the Cumberland River. The 40 mile long lake runs parallel to Kentucky Lake and a few miles east of it. The lake itself is about 80,000 acres with little development along the shoreline. Much of the shoreline is the property of the TVA or the State of Kentucky. The water level generally reaches a maximum in late spring and early summer. It declines until late fall and then levels off for the winter months.

We were fishing with a local favorite, a jigging pole. It is a 12 foot, very light rod, (some people use fly rods) that has an ultra light open face spinning reel. We were not fishing for catfish but did catch them with the light jigs and plastic grubs in dark colors. More traditional baits are recommended for catfish action.

The ultra light gear can work well and provides excellent action that is both challenging and productive. Unlike the usual summer pattern of fishing early a.m. and late p.m., fall fishing requires action during the midday. The fish seem to be more active during the late morning and early afternoon warm up. Live green weeds near deep water are a good location to begin. The green weeds provide oxygen which in turn attracts baitfish. The catfish are attracted to the baitfish.

Catfish action is usually good throughout the lake. In the fall more fish seem to be taken closer to shore. In most of the lake, catching catfish is more of an underwater structure game. Locals look to the downstream points of islands, creek intersections and the main channel ledge. Along the main channel one can try vertical jigging with a slip bobber in about 15 feet of water with such tasty items as chicken livers, cut bait and stink baits. With the current of the lake, the scent given off by stink baits covers a large area can attract catfish from a long way away.

The catfish taken from this lake are very clean and make excellent meals for the table.

                                                               Don Gasaway - The Ground Pounder