Early may is the start of the best fishing for bluegill, redear sunfish. Nov 09, 20 shellcracker fishing during the midsummer months after the first shellcracker spawning rush has diminished. If you can get there in the next 4 days or so you will experience. The ability of a redear sunfish to use their body shape to pull against a rod produces great sport. This seems to be the year that i finally get it all lined up. Kentucky lake and its twin to the east, lake barkley, are head and shoulders above other waters. Early may in kentucky is not only a good time to set out tomato plants in backyard gardens, but its the start of the best fishing of the year for bluegill and redear sunfish. In some areas snails may be secondary to insects as a food preference. However, insect larvae and cladocerans may also be found in their diet. They also will spawn in larger lakes where suitable habitat is available. Shellcracker bite is going on now in about 5 feet of water. Im thinking of going in september or october and targeting large flats in the 1012 foot depth range. They prefer water three to four feet deep, and a firm, shelly bottom, often.
Redear oe shellcracker will sometimes utilize water depths of five to six feet to spawn. The big ones i catch here on lake barkley in the spring time, usually have a strong color. Our report contributors and their latest reports are below. The males will be absolutely gorgeous with an almost black appearance, with a strong cherry red ear tab. Widely known as shellcracker because of its fondness for snails. While crappie have gotten the headlines for kentucky and barkley lakes for years, and lakes like reelfoot lake have gotten the press on bluegills, we have quietly become a destination for anglers who are looking for some great panfish action. What is the best bluegillredear lake outside of ky barkley lakes is there another good bluegillredear lake closer to the middle of the state other than ky barkley lake.
Catching redear on barkley lake bluegill big bluegill. When the big redear sunfish move up to spawn, it produces some of the best fishing of the year. Now is the time to strike a trot to the lake and wet a hook for these babies. Kentucky fish and wildlife eradicated the shad and corinth lake is on the way back to its old glory days. They fight better than most other freshwater species. We both wanted to go after them with our fly rods aka buggy whoppers as acey wall, deceased use to call my fly rod. Covid19 alert for the latest information on the novel coronavirus in kentucky, please visit kycovid19. While these arent havasu fish, they are like pulling in a frisbee with fins at that size. The florida crappie, speckled perch or speck as they are called throughout the south is the most sought after panfish on lake okeechobee. There was a bridge that used to cross the lake, there is a good boat ramp across from energy lake, its probably 34 of a mile down to the main lake. For fishermen in this part of the world it signals spawning time for crappie. Bluegill spawn on the first full moon in may, which this year, is today. Whats the better choice for big shellcracker, barkley or ky lake. Lots of folks wait until april for the annual crappie run, but on lake barkley that means missing a lot of the action.
Redear sunfish keep the cameras rolling and the shutters snapping as the live well fills. The following article is a must read, and will give you the insight you need for your next pond management decision. Monday morning i pushed a cold front all the way to kentucky lake to spend a few days with friend and fellow writer ken mcbroom. It is important to keep in mind that when the nights start warming into the high 50s and the days warm into the mid 70s, spawning will occur. Also will target mouths of bays, they seem to like those too. A female may lay between 15,000 to 30,000 eggs during a spawn. Tennessee rivers kentucky lake provides fast action for bluegill fishermen. Barkley lake is a little tougher fishing for crappie than kentucky lake, but the fish are much fatter. May 24, 2008 the shellcracker and bluegill bite is considered strong with a good number of these fish on a strong spawn pattern.
During spawning, the margin of the males gill cover flap turns bright red. The feat is courtesy of feisty bluegill and shellcracker now on spawning beds. I fish lake barkley here in western kentucky, it produces some large redear every spring. Suppose to be sold in western ky near ky and barkley lake. In central florida, they could first go onto spawning beds during late. Barkley lake is often overshadowed in the bream fishing department by nearby big sister kentucky lake, which flows almost parallel only a few miles to the west. Their first spawn was around the end of may here in southern indiana.
Hefty shellcracker, referred to biologically as redear sunfish, like this one are now spawning on kentucky lake. Kentucky lake and lake barkley, the twin reservoirs that border the land. Redear sunfish lepomis microlophus do they have any other names. Kentuckys lake cumberland being stocked with redear sunfish, releases to continue through 20. Redear sunfish shellcracker typically begin spawning about one month before bluegill. Bluegill, shellcracker bite is best on kentucky, barkley. For the most part, the largemouth spawn is over and these fish are transitioning into a post spawn pattern. This is especially true for black crappie, which move shallower earlier than white crappie. Spawning occurs during may, june and july when water temperatures reach 70 degrees. The redear sunfish lepomis microlophus, also known as the shellcracker, georgia bream, cherry gill, chinquapin, improved bream, rouge ear sunfish and sun perch, is native to the southeastern united states, but since it is a popular sport fish it has been introduced to bodies of water all over north america. The water is high because of all the rain but the season is right for panfish.
Posted by bluegill godzilla on february 29, 2012 at 6. Ive been wanting to put together a bluegillshellcracker trip to lbl for the past three or so years and have never really had the time or money to do so. The redear sunfish lepomis microlophus, also known as the shellcracker, georgia bream, cherry gill, chinquapin, improved bream, rouge ear sunfish and sun perch is a freshwater fish in the family centrarchidae and is native to the southeastern united states. In natural waters, it is confined to the southern half of missouri, but it is widely stocked in small reservoirs and ponds. I will be there in early may and trying to figure out now where to stay. Lake barkley, 45,600 acres in kentucky, may be the top trophy destination in the state, with fish up to 12 inches possible. They get that washed out look in the colder months, im not sure why. Redear sunfish reside on the bottoms of ponds, lakes and reservoirs, preferring habitats with little current and abundant vegetation.
From video fishing tips to whats currently happening on kentucky lake and lake barkley, our fishing reports provide the most uptodate information from professional anglers across the lakes. Lake kissimmee osceola and polk counties lake kissimmee 34,976 acres, located in the heart of osceola county, has an expansive and diverse plant community, excellent spawning substrate and fertile water, lake kissimmee provides optimum habitat for both bluegill and shellcracker to thrive. They will spawn in eight to 15 feet of water depending on how clear the water is. Temperatures likely to boost bluegill courierjournal. Kentucky lake, lake barkley fish species explore kentucky lake. The species is usually found near the bottom in warm water with little current and abundant aquatic vegetation. Fishing for redear is one of lifes pleasures sports. A few of the best lakes for catching trophy bass in spring are lake barkley, kentucky lake and lake. Preston herndon shows off a large redear he caught on a recent outing to lake barkley. Bass spawning on lake barkley kentucky yahoo answers. Redear typically spawn on underwater points and shorelines with submerged treetops. Shellcracker fishing tips sheelcracker fishing florida. This is a perfect time to take a kid fishing and have a ball while youre doing it.
Eggs are deposited in nests secluded under banks or logs or over open bottom. Locating bluegill and shellcracker spawning areas is relatively easy today with the sidelooking sonars that many anglers have on their boats. Every angler should partake of a few hours of battle with these. Leo cosce at camp lester said shellcracker could move into lily pads for their first spawn of the year any time up to the full moon on tuesday.
Aj jolly lake 175 acres campbell county locationspecies. Shellcracker fishing catching huge monster slabs youtube. What is the best bluegillredear lake outside of ky. The shellcracker and bluegill bite is considered strong with a good number of these fish on a strong spawn pattern. Several fish usually spawn in the same area creating beds which are very close to each other. Thanks to a warming trend these powerful panfish have resumed spawning phases this week after a short hiatus, brought on by last weeks blackberry winter. In central florida, the spawning occurs between late march to late april. But as a general rule you will still be able to find bass on the beds as well as postpre spawn bass. Redear shellcracker at dunns fish farm we know that your satisfaction is essential to our success. Shellcracker fishing during the midsummer months after the first shellcracker spawning rush has diminished. Panfish are the focus on this weeks show as guesthost crispin powley probes spawning beds for kentucky lakes bluegill and shellcrackers. Ponds are seldom stocked with bass and redear only because the limited spawning of redear will not produce enough. Bluegill, shellcrackers and crappie fishing, not only fun to catch but these little guys are second to none in the frying pan. Florida shellcracker fishing spawning bluegills mwoutdoors.
Fishing for bluegill and redear sunfish with light tackle is one of lifes simple pleasures, although it isnt always quite so simple. Dec 06, 2007 not that i am an expert on the twins ky barkley sense i only live 2 hrs from them. Alright guys, im seriously considering making the reservations this week for the poplar creek area. Nest is a saucershaped depression near shore in mud or sand bottom that is formed by the male who guards the eggs until fry hatch out and reach freeswimming stage. Yatesville lake will get a stocking of shellcrackers this year, making an already good bluegill lake even better as the years go by. For some reason, shellcracker prefer a little cooler temperature than bluegill and other bream species. Thats why we work hard to bring you the information you need to know to manage your pond or lake. Shellcracker fishing tips and information on shellcracker fishing in florida on some of the top lakes in the country. Since the majority of the fish will be trying to bulk up for the spawn, rampey believes we could see some of the best weights hartwell can produce all year. Catching bluegill and shellcracker on kentuckhy lake. Catching redear is relatively easy, but finding their spawning beds is not. For over a week now the rusty rascals have been on their spawning spree all over kentucky lake.
Early may is the start of the best fishing for bluegill. Bluegill and shellcracker fishing with bobbers great technique for spawn duration. Look at rick gamblins picture on this site for a quick peek at barkley lake. Fishing for bluegill and shellcracker in the peak of the spawn is one of them. T r ansition time is at hand for kentucky lake anglers, as spawning time nears for two popular panfish that really pack a punch. Spawning occurs mostly in rivers and streams in the spring and early summer when waters warm to 70 to 85 degrees. They are called redear due to the red or orange colored border on the ear flap. Fishing for redear sunfish fishing rambling angler. Well, ok the spawning bass will certainly be the main focus of the anglers.
Redear sunfish are also called shellcracker, georgia bream, cherry gill, chinquapin, improved bream, rouge ear sunfish and sun perch. Both kentucky and barkley lakes are presently at or near summer pool. 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 bluegillshellcracker go. The bite on both kentucky and barkley lakes is considered good for a number of species. Catching bluegill and shellcracker on kentuckhy lake paris landing. We dipnet these fish because it breaks your heart when trying to flip one into the boat and it comes unbuttoned. Plus, hartwell is a real good pattern lake, so if you figure something out you can run it from one end to the other and the lake will fish big. As a general rule barkley will warm up faster than kentucky lake. During post spawn most bass move to dropoffs in the main lake and mouths of the bays. Nesting sites are often near aquatic vegetation such as water lilies, cattails, lizardtails, and maidencane. Ebscohost serves thousands of libraries with premium essays, articles and other content including the souths 5 best shellcracker holes. Spawning bass and spring break will be the story lines at the toyota series western division opener at lake havasu in midmarch. Crappie fishing, bluegill, shellcracker and crappie fishing.
Bluegill will typically spawn in shallow water that is 1 to 3 feet deep. Crappie start turning on in march and depending upon water temperature, the action is fantastic. Body is rounded like other sunfish and has a relatively small mouth. Kentucky lake and neighboring lake barkley are generally considered to be states most productive crappie waters. The shellcracker is not a fish that likes to be right against the bank. Stay up to date on the latest events, news and special deals happening at kentucky lake, lake barkley and land between the lakes. Shellcracker, bluegill bedding times near outdoors. Kentucky lake and lake barkley are the best lakes in kentucky and arguably the upper south for redear sunfish. Locating bluegill and shellcracker when they are not on bed duration. Trophy fisheries have always attracted the spotlight.
With that said tho a lot depends on the winter we have, and how much rain. Shellcracker spawn around the full moon periods, so many anglers consider 3 days before and after the full moon to be the best fishing time to catch them. Its no secret that lake barkley is a great redear lake, but in my first spring to ever target this bottomdwelling beast, i never imagined the day i would have on lake barkley. Sign up for our email newsletter, the kentucky lake explorer. Id like to hear from people who have personal experience too but everyones welcome to chime in. Night time temperatures need to be in the upper 50s. The right shore line has several small areas that hold fair blue gill and close to the bridge the redears are more abundant. Bluegill fishing article from paris, tennessees steve mccadams. So there shouldnt be many surprises when the costa flw series southeastern division kicks off the season jan. Unlike bluegills, that spawn every month from may through september, redear typically have only one major spawn which occurs during the early spring. Since it is a popular sport fish, it has been introduced to bodies of water all over north america. Theres another two or three weeks of prime spawning time too so grab a friend and head on out. In my pursuit of trying to target the elusive redear sunfish shellcracker, i have found the process a bit daunting.
But when the catching is as good as the fishing, it doubles the pleasure. The big females get mustard colored on the belly, and full of eggs. Yellowgreen or olive, with faint vertical bars and random dark spots. Lake barkley, 45,600 acres in kentucky, may be the top trophy destination in the. Redear sunfish spawn at cooler temperatures, and males construct nests in water deeper than 3 feet often in colonies on the pond bottom. We fished the dropshot rig with nightcrawlers as bait and caught to many to put them all on this video. Breeding behavior is similar to other sunfish, with the males doing the nest building and guarding the young. They prefer water three to four feet deep, and a firm, shelly bottom, often near a dropoff. A new species emerged as a top runner when i decided to fishing for redear sunfish on what is now my home waters. Mar 24, 2010 the shellcracker watch is on at lake kissimmee. Fishing the dropshot rig for shellcrackerredear sunfish. Shellcracker and bream fishing robert webster of hamlet, nc who has a camper at the lake tillery family campground, adjacent highway 2427, has been keeping a watch on the fishing conditions for shellcrackers and bream.
Boats have been checking the usual bedding areas, but no concentrations had been found as of wednesday. April spawners and colony nesters when water temperatures reach about 70f. Believe it or not, ive contacted some of these hotels via computer and theyre already booked solid the first couple weeks of may. The 50fish daily possession limit has already been caught by many area anglers. Apr 02, 2016 time nearly perfect for crappie fishing. In south florida, shellcracker may spawn as early as the last week of february but more likely around the fourth week of march. Tennessee rivers kentucky lake provides fast action for bluegill fishermen during may. Instead this is a fish that likes to be in deeper water. Im fixing on driving down the road to barkley lake kentucky lake for some serious cracker action. Daylight temperatures need to range from 75 to 77 degrees.
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