Kentucky or Barkley for Bluegill and Redear

[Redearonbread]

I haven't fished Barkley or Kentucky. I have some friends that fish KY Lake and do good on the bluegill and shellcrackers, but seems like I may be hearing better things about Barkley as far as the bluegill/shellcracker go. I will be there in early May and trying to figure out now where to stay. I want to stay on the lake that I am fishing.
Which is better for big gills and crackers?

[artcarney_agr]

Both lakes are plentyful with each. Finding the right spot is the hardest part - look for a gravel bar with about 3 to 4 ft of water on it, but drops off deep on both sides. Many like using crickets and worms, but I've found that using a small minnow is best and reduces the number of baby fish that you catch - also gets you some good bonus catfish and bass.

I feel like Barkley gets less pressure since there are fewer lodges/resorts to choose from. The big bay of Kuttawa Harbor has a lot of gills and crackers in it if you know where to look A few bays within a mile of the breakwall also hold good numbers as well. The Oasis near there has good steaks and is one of the few places to have a beer.

[Redearonbread]

Thanks! Good info.

[kc]

I have a place on Barkley but fish both. As artcarney said both are good but that said I think KY is a bit ahead on panfish. Redears have come on strong in Barkley the last few years but I think there are bigger numbers on KY. I also feel that bluegills on KY tend to be bigger but this year the gills I caught on KY seemed smaller than usual. It seems to me the gills on Barkley tend to be kind of thin in comparison but these things can run in cycles. The weeds were gone on KY and I wonder if that had to do with the thinness of the gills. I also tend to catch bigger crappie on KY although I can find and catch more on Barkley. But you won't go wrong with either lake. I love them both...

kc

[BassBest]

Never fishing these lakes before, you're in for a treat for bluegill in May. Just keep it simple, "bluegill avec la caviar". As for the place to stay, artcarney_agr's idea works.
SAFETY FIRST: Both lakes pose potential hazards, don't jeopardize safety.

[Redearonbread]

Thanks guys.

[rkylake]

Check out the redear and bluegill photo page on www.kicknbass.net

Also you can go to the links page and scroll down to "Places to stay" and there are some great resorts that are fisherman friendly and easy on the wallet too!

Good Luck !

[GeoFisher]

Check out the redear and bluegill photo page on www.kicknbass.net

Also you can go to the links page and scroll down to "Places to stay" and there are some great resorts that are fisherman friendly and easy on the wallet too!

Good Luck !

Nice to see you here Randy............this is randy, right??

Later,

geo

[rkylake]

Yeah, it's me. I get on here every now and then just to see what's going on. Mostly in the winter since I have the time.

Taking a group up to the BWCA in June. Going to Iron to base camp and fish for smallmouth. Should be fun. Going up the 11-18th. Looks like it's going to be a late spring with all the snow and cold weather they've been having.

Come see me!

RK

[elnutsmalljaws]

My Son, Wife and I caught a bunch of really good Redear, I am talking 1 1/2 lb Redear at Ky Lake in the spring of 2009. Fished Redworms on the bottom on gravel points, Dave Stewart gave me the tip to try this and it worked perfectly. Pretty much just had to locate the depth they were hanging out at on the gravel points and loaded the boat. I am sure both lakes have them but I know KY has them. We fished the West side of KY Lake north of the 68/80 Bridge.

[Redearonbread]

Awesome! Thanks.

[bassmanky]

I have fished both lakes for the past 20 years and I know this is just my opinion but I have had tremendous success on Lake Barkley recently. Like the previous poster said it gets less pressure and the bluegill and redear I have taken are not only huge in numbers but size. Free Tip: Most of our bigger fish came in the coves close to the state park. Good Luck!