Never been to Barkley.
I would never pass up Lake St Clair in the month of may. I have fished the last weekend of May up there for the last 12 years. 50-100 fish days are the norm. 80% of the fish are smallies 2-4 lbs. Ocasional pike, muskie, walleye, etc. Whether casting crankbaits or pitching tubes, in 3 or 12 ft of water, the lake is full. UNBELIEVABLE FISHERY! We fish the Canada side, Mitchell Bay.