Barkley/Kentucky tailwater catfish

[vmky]

wondering if the catfishing down there is hot enough to warrent a 4 1/2hr. drive. Went last year in October and had a great time. Wondering what the fishing is like this time of year? Any thoughts?

[Tieguy]

VMKY,
I've driven through that area at least once a week for the last 2 months. If your fishing the tailwaters, the water is pretty low and probably the only catfish you are going to catch is what I refer to as mud cat. The blue cat or channel cat (the larger ones) are going to be down around the dam areas or deep in the river channels. You can monitor the water levels at www.lakeinfo.tva.gov. Another good website for the lakes is www.lbl.org. When you hit the site hit "skip movie" (unless you want to see it), click on "attractions" then click on "fishing".
Good luck if driving 4 1/2 hours. Also if you are staying overnight there are a look of little mom & pop motels in Aurora, Ky which is right next to Kentucky Lake Bridge, some near Cadiz, KY which is near Barkley Lake Bridge and of course the the Lodges at Kentucky Dam, KenLake, and Barkley Lodge. All of these places have a spot nearby to lauch a boat.
Let us know how it goes,
Good Luck
Tieguy

[vmky]

Thanks for the information. Saved me a long trip when I can go 5 miles down the road and catch mud cats all day at Cedar Creek Lake. Maybe I'll give Green River Lake a try this coming weekend. Anyone been to Green for cats lately?

[jgevedon]

Evidently, you all have a different meaning for mud cats than what I've heard before. Mud cats where I'm from are another term for flathead catfish, which are the largest freshwater cats we have. They are also the best eating catfish I've caught by a long shot. That is what I would want to catch if I were wanting catfish action. Good luck and god bless.

[gump]

Lol on the drive by fishing report. If you drive over the 68/80 bridges would like to know what the bass are doing down that way.