save the spawn?

[brookpe]

I think the Corps is to be commended for not drawing down last year... this year it is a little earlier. Does everyone think they will hold at summer pool now to save the spawn?

[Quackrstackr]

They are already predicting that they are going to drop it. It's too early in the year to leave it at summer pool. One good stretch of spring rain will have it way too high if they don't.

They generally don't like to float the picnic tables at the campsites if they don't have to.

[Hotpepper]

That will never be consideration

Pepper

[prister]

I sent emails to a few of my TVA reservoir scheduling engineer contacts today regarding water levels and spawning fish. I did get a call back. As I expected, for now the USCOE is calling the shoots regarding water levels. Any time the Cairo Gauge on the Mississippi River is at or above 40, the USCOE controls what KY and Barkley lakes do regarding water levels and discharge. The USCOE is dealing with a bigger picture of water coming down the Mississippi and Ohio rivers, as well as the Cumberland and Tennessee drainages. The plan as it was explained to me was to hold the water until the Miss. river crest, possible Tuesday. Then once the river starts down, then the lakes would be lowered. Possibly back to the guide curve, which for the first of April is around 355.

I explained that would be bad news for spawning fish, especially with the warmer weather predicted for this week, which relates to water temp’s. increasing. If they were going to have to discharge, it would be best to do it early this week before the water temps warm up anymore. However, the best case scenario was to only discharge down to a water level no lower than 358. Then leave it stable, and lead right into summer pool.

The TVA engineer that I spoke with understood, and was going to talk with the USCOE to see what could be done. Hopefully I will get to talk with the USCOE tomorrow.

The one thing we have in our favor right now, is that the 10 day forecast for the Tennessee River drainage is somewhat dry.

Who knows, it could still snow in the middle of April, and water levels will not even be the issue then.

Stay optimistic.

[brookpe]

Wow. Nobody could expect a better response and thank you for your efforts.

Brook

[Huck Finn]

[quote=brookpe;1097121]Wow. Nobody could expect a better response and thank you for your efforts.

I agree, thank you for your effort Mr. Rister.

[Wiskers]

Thanks Paul. Got some info for ya.

I went today and worked my butt off for 17.

Got into the cleaning and was really suprized! Out of the 17 I cleaned all were Black females but 2. Just opposite of my trip Friday.

Water temp was about 54 and the water was pretty stained.

All were caught casting points. Fish were close to brush and about 5' to 6' deep. About where the winter pool line would be. Two different bays and 5 or 6 different points.

Hope that's not a bad sign!

[Joey Briggs]

Paul give these guys that email you done seen what they will do.

[Quackrstackr]

As he said in another thread. The TVA and USACOE are in the business of managing water, not fish.

That's why the lakes were built. Good fishing is just a fortunate side effect.

[Joey Briggs]

As he said in another thread. The TVA and USACOE are in the business of managing water, not fish.

That's why the lakes were built. Good fishing is just a fortunate side effect.

yea I know i was mainly just picking on Paul I would say the more they herd from it the lower the water would go.