Old Hickory: What's wrong???

[oldhick]

I have been fishing OHL (mostly bass) for about 20 years and I have to say 2016 has been the worst I can remember. You can even look at tournament results and see that something isn't right. And 2015 wasn't much better....

I like to fish for bass in many different ways: rock, wood, grass, ledges, cranking, flipping, dragging, topwater.....all have been very inconsistent and overall disappointing. Not to say there haven't been an occasional productive outing, but that has been the exception.

Not too many years ago, I could hit the ledges in June and had a number of spots I could cycle through and could count on finding fish at several stops. Now, maybe 1 fish here and 1 fish there. And if you have paid attention, few people have been out fishing the ledges this year.

So what's up? I have confirmed it's not just me.

Is it fishing pressure (there does seem to be way more tournies than ever and the population growth around the lake may be a factor)?

Did we have some bad spawns (maybe all that cold water from dam work the last few years)?

Is their a water problem (it sure was clear and bright GREEN this year)?

I am at a loss. And I sure would like to hear that the TWRA is aware and is looking into it.

Any thoughts?

[SAMBOLIE]

Originally Posted by oldhick

I have been fishing OHL (mostly bass) for about 20 years and I have to say 2016 has been the worst I can remember. You can even look at tournament results and see that something isn't right. And 2015 wasn't much better....

I like to fish for bass in many different ways: rock, wood, grass, ledges, cranking, flipping, dragging, topwater.....all have been very inconsistent and overall disappointing. Not to say there haven't been an occasional productive outing, but that has been the exception.

Not too many years ago, I could hit the ledges in June and had a number of spots I could cycle through and could count on finding fish at several stops. Now, maybe 1 fish here and 1 fish there. And if you have paid attention, few people have been out fishing the ledges this year.

So what's up? I have confirmed it's not just me.

Is it fishing pressure (there does seem to be way more tournies than ever and the population growth around the lake may be a factor)?
I have thought for years that tournaments contribute to the decline of good catches.

Did we have some bad spawns (maybe all that cold water from dam work the last few years)?
What impact does the raising and lowering of water levels have on the spawn. IMO it has a negative impact.

Is their a water problem (it sure was clear and bright GREEN this year)?
I think the flood of 2010 caused water problems. Also what is being dumped or run off into the waters.

I am at a loss. And I sure would like to hear that the TWRA is aware and is looking into it.

Any thoughts?

Not calling names, however one member would hurt the fish population if he was capable of catching and eating more. Jimmy has not posted any new recipes.

I have never called myself one of the best fishermen. Still, in years past I have had many good days/nights of catching quality fish in numbers.

[Halli]

I had the best spring bite after the Bass spawn, one morning before 10:00am I had landed over 20 Lm and a couple in the 3-4 lbs range.

With that said I have not been out in 3 weeks so the summer heat and heavy Dam draw could be the current culprit!

[Texas_Rig]

I think the major problem is fishing pressure. Just this afternoon I went out in search of non-pressured fish. I didn't fish a single one of "my spots" and I only fished places that I rarely if ever see people fish. I had one of my best days of the summer. I caught somewhere in the range of 30 bass. Biggest one was 4lb 2oz on the second cast of the day. About 10 casts later I caught one that was 2 3/4-3. Pulled the trolling motor up and left that spot only because I fish quite a few trnys. Found some schooling fish at the end of the day and caught a dozen or so on a buzzbait. All cookie cutter 14.5". It was a blast. And I really think that the places I've been fishing have just as many fish but they see so much pressure. For what it's worth every single fish I caught was in 3ft or less water. And every fish I caught was flipping a smoke colored red flake tube or on a buzzbait with a grey horny toad on it

[Adrian]

I will say. The Lake has not looked right all year. Back in May, there were parts that were down right disgusting. Brown Stained truck stop toilet water. Went out today and the usual haunts were absolutely Stagnant! Did find some clean water and some fish. Those fish were on a flat near deep water. They seem to be gorging themselves on those tiny shad that are Everywhere by the millions.

Getting back on track here, every three or four years Old Hickory is just Fickle.
I believe a lot of it has to do with the Shad Spawn. When the gizzard shad are hard to find, I know it's going to be a tough day.

Here's how long I've been fishing Old Hickory. Over 40 years! I just hope the Stripers are still on schedule to start showing up this month...

[Tennoutdrsman]

Tourneys out the Butt!! All the Catch and release because SOME think its a down right SIN to eat Bass,lol.... the ones I have caught this year,their mouths are all jacked up from Tourney guys . LOTS of pressure...
.......Also,the bait fish is PLENTIFUL...I also see more and more Gar in the lake feasting on small bass and fry....

[Buccaneer]

I was out Sunday morning at 0400 and found a few dinks on a point with topwater prop baits. Once it became daybreak there was a huge willow fly hatch so I hit the banks with overhanging trees trying to fill the livewell with bluegills. First time ever that pattern was a bust for me. It is generally a feeding frenzy but all I could muster was a few pumpkinseeds and small gills. Nothing like years past. So I pulled off the bank and fished 6'-10' range with crankbaits and picked up a few more 14.5" bass. Called it a day at 10. Water clarity was good, should have been cleaning gills for a couple hours but no dice.

[deezelteck]

I'd have to go with fishing pressure. On the days the lake is overrun with fishermen and pleasure boaters, you can bet it's going to be tough.

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[agelesssone]

Texasrig,

I wish you would have made a video of those fish!

I have never, ever, EVER seen a fish "every fish I caught was flipping a smoke colored red flake tube"!

That must have been an amazing sight to see!

[Alphahawk]

It has been about 4 years since I fished Old Hickory. First fished it in 1960. The question you are asking is being asked by many others on many different lakes this year. Yes some are catching fish.....but many are struggling and wondering if they have lost their skills. I had the best spring of fishing ever in my life. But since the second week of June it has been the worst summer of fishing in my life. Guides are asking on forums how and where to catch bluegill on KY Lake.....Center Hill....Pickwick. I have always been able to catch bluegill at Pickwick...Center Hill.....KY Lake...not this summer. I know that is not much help as to your question but I think the question is being asked on many lakes around us.


Regards

[oldhick]

I have heard the same about KY Lake this year, so who knows?

As for schooling fish, I used to find them on top regularly on OH. But the last 3 years finding a 'busting' school has been a needle in a haystack. Typically, from late May tru July has been good on top early and late. Even the Fall schooling has been a disappointment.

Now, I have had a few good days, but I have felt like they were an accident, not any pattern that might last a few weeks.

[skillet]

Originally Posted by Alphahawk

Yes some are catching fish.....but many are struggling and wondering if they have lost their skills.

That is me to core this year!!!! I love fishing as much or more than you guys....I get excited and can barely sleep the night before. I get up before the rooster and am on the boat watching that big beautiful ball of fire come up over the trees. All the while thinking...today is going to be an amazing fishing day. Five hours later, not a peck and I'm ready to break every Rod I own and put 5 rounds out of the shotgun through the hull!!!
And I'm not an angry person....I promise!!! 😂😂


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[Texas_Rig]

Originally Posted by agelesssone

Texasrig,

I wish you would have made a video of those fish!

I have never, ever, EVER seen a fish "every fish I caught was flipping a smoke colored red flake tube"!

That must have been an amazing sight to see!

Merv you know I'm a bartender. I'm way too poor for a video camera. I'll try and attach a pic of my best one though. Went back this morning for a tournament. Naturally didn't catch them at all hardly. Had one that was 3.90 but that was the only highlight of the day.

[MNfisher]

Last night we had a tourney out of tyree access. I tell ya there is 2" bait literally EVERYWHERE from 2' to 30'. They have too much food!


Mike

[Adrian]

One thing I've noticed that we might be overlooking... We've had a Ton of days where the wind is going from the North & North East. Today is one of those days. I really think Old Hickory doesn't like North Wind at all!

Have you noticed the majority the storms this year have been coming down on us from Kentucky?

Just a thought...