Kentucky or Barkley?

[freeves]

Hey Guys,,,I'm heading down to the Lakes on Thursday and Friday. What do you suggest, KY or Barkley. I primarily want to fish for bass, but might give the crappie a shot. Appreciate any suggestions as to areas, techniques and bait. If I do any good I'll post my results. Hopefully, the wind will not be too bad those days.

[artcarney_agr]

Tough call, either one can be very productive. Usually the difference between the two is water quality. Barkely tends to stay a little darker than KY, and because of this it might be a degree or two warmer. KY Lake consists of primarily pea gravel banks and rocks, lots of rocks. Ky Lake is your best shot for smallmouth. I've always had the best luck on the LBL side of Ky, especially in the mornings when the sun warms that side first. Right now I'd work some tube jigs on the main points and secondary points. If it's one of those warm days, from 10 a.m. and on, I might start searching for some largemouth on the main lake mudflats with a jerkbait on Ky or Barkley. Those bass will feed on the flats and if you can time it just right, you can limit out in a hurray! As far as crappie fishing goes, you've got to find the intersections in deeper water of their migration routes. Bridge piers leading to large areas in the back of bays, like Eddy Creek bridge, or the Little Jonathon Creek brige will hold some crappie. Hope this helps!