Question for Dave Stewart

Few people are aware of the Duke Energy plant that was put into operation in the late summer/fall of 2002. It is located only a few miles downstream of Ky Dam. It has 8 generators, each with a 600 megawatt capacity that runs off of either fueloil or natural gas (which ever is cheaper). It was established to primarily handle the demands during exceptionally high peaks (such as hot summer days). This could explain why the amount of power generation at the dam has been different over the last few years and why no increase was experienced during the hot days we've had.

It hasn't been that long ago (2002) that we had more current being generated but it certainly may be the reason now. Whatever it is...it has certainly changed the ledge fishing during many deep summer days...nothing to do about it..just adjust.

Art I understand the peaker plant used for peak time generation however this has to be very costly compared to water turning a turbine. I still wonder if they can only release water in relation to rainfall and the amount of water entering the river system.

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Dave

I just read your fishing report which I enjoy very much. I am curious why in a heat wave when everyone is running there air conditioning flat out that they don't run the generators flat out. Does it have to do with dry weather and low water runoff and lake levels?

I also like the fishing report for Bull Shoals Lake which I fish in the spring and fall. It does a good job telling the fish movements and what type structure to fish. I think these lakes have more movements in the seasons than a lake like Kentucky. There web site is [url]www.wildernesstrail.com[/url]. I would recommend this report for anyone fishing Bull Shoals as I would recommend Dave's site for anyone fishing Kentucky.

Bull Shoals is very similar to Cumberland Lake I think some of C lake regulars would like to look at wilderness report I am sure the movements would correspond to C Lake. Let me know what you think.