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Inclement weather and rising water has been on the minds of Kentucky Lake anglers (and everywhere else across the region) this week.

In the aftermath of heavy rains, thunderstorms and tornado alerts the reservoir is rising due to massive runoff from torrential downpours. Earlier this week Tennessee Valley Authority had already begun releasing a large volume of water through Kentucky Dam in anticipation of flooding conditions.

Some areas within the watershed were expected to receive 9 to 10 inches of rain by the approaching weekend said the National Weather Service. Anglers and all lake users were in a “wait and see” mode as to just how much rain we get and how high lake levels will actually rise.

Lake levels on Thursday as this update was formulated were in the 355.5 range. No doubt that elevation will rise in the days ahead as flooding is underway.

As storms entered the picture at midweek Kentucky Lake’s crappie spawn was about to begin as warm weather had influenced surface temperatures. The fish had been biting as surface temps climbed to the 62-plus degree range, stimulating spawning urges.

However, high winds were challenging anglers lately. Most have opted to stay off the lake due to unruly conditions.

Once the storm front passes this weekend a cool snap will follow. Daytime highs will only be in the low 60’s and nighttime temps will fall to the low to mid 40’s.

That will likely have a negative impact on the fishing scene for a few days, especially when combined with rapidly rising lake levels.

With a dramatic rise in elevation ahead anglers can expect both bass and crappie to scattered and follow the rise. If the reservoir jumps to the summer pool elevation of 359 range or above it means shoreline habitat will be inundated.

If that happens bass and crappie will move up to buck bushes, grassbeds and willow trees quickly, searching for spawning cover. Of concern to anglers when these dramatic changes occur is a quick fall in lake levels as the spawn is underway.

Bass and crappie could move up and begin spawning in shallow habitat only to see a drastic drop in lake levels leave eggs and small fry high and dry. That’s not good for the spawn but it all depends on how fast TVA pulls the reservoir back down once a crest occurs.

Presently the fishing scene is facing a lot of unknowns.

Right now anglers are waking up to a new lake every day as water levels change and muddy water enters the picture in some areas.

I’ll have updates posted by early next week as the fishing scene changes.