College Open Midday Update – Day 2
Fish still biting on a cold, breezy day on Kentucky Lake
Kentucky Lake showed its moody side today, as anglers competing in the YETI FLW College Fishing Open encountered gusty north winds as soon as they cleared the break wall at Kentucky Dam Marina. The winds intensified throughout the morning, which will cost anglers a chunk of fishing time later in the day.
Also, this week’s cold front pulled the morning temperatures into the low 30s. Dim, dreary conditions hung over the area, with only a few glimmers of sunlight peeking through the clouds and occasional sleet pelting boat decks. Most anglers struggled to find some level of consistency on a day that was obviously tougher than the previous.
One thing that could prove helpful is current. After holding a higher-than-normal water level in Kentucky Lake to prevent further impacts on the flooding Ohio and Mississippi rivers downstream, the Tennessee Valley Authority started releasing water today. Current generally has a significant impact on Kentucky Lake fish, as it positions baitfish in predictable locations and provides a food-delivery service for the bass.
Teams observed on the water were fishing various scenarios from riprap banks to docks to points. The latter seems to be one of the better patterns – typical of the prespawn period and somewhat immune to the cold conditions. Main-lake points and tapering island tips provide fish ample feeding opportunities with quick access to deep water.
Right now, a lot of prespawn fish are staging, but the cold weather probably stalled their progression. While the miles of flooded brush and timber certainly hold potential, it does not appear to be playing a significant role in the event.
Several boats, including most of yesterday’s top five teams, were making big runs this morning, and FLW’s reporters did not reach those who pushed hard up the lake. However, we found a lot of teams working the protected bays on the lake’s west side on the north end.
Iowa State University’s Pat Morrison and Dylan Rague placed third on day one and returned to the flat adjacent to a channel where they caught their day-one fish. They had more company in the area today, and their morning bite was slow to start. Around 10:30, they abandoned their main deal with one keeper in the well.
Not far away, Dustin Jones and Dalton Smith got on a good morning bite. They were cranking an island point at the mouth of Little Bear Creek, where they popped two solid keepers in 10 minutes. If they can put together a limit, they’ll improve on their 72nd-place day-one position. Elsewhere, Grand Valley State’s Bill Matthews and Nolan Hitt showed off a couple of nice keepers for the camera.
Expect a little tougher day to impact the results, and some possible shifting within the standings. Weigh-in begins at 3 p.m. CT. The first-place team after today earns a new Ranger bass boat, while the top 21 teams gain early entry into the 2019 YETI FLW College Fishing National Championship.