During the week, things are even more conducive to fishing.

“We’re glad to see that this lake’s potential for good bass fishing is holding up,” said biologist Williams. “We also know that the spotted bass fishery is doing OK, with most fish present being around 12 inches. The spotted bass fishery supplements the largemouth fishery.”

It’s not uncommon for biologists to describe clearer, less fertile waters in Kentucky’s eastern half as good places for record-size largemouths and smallmouths to live. Sometimes their growth is slower. But in places like Wood Creek, bass may live longer, and some ultimately attain trophy-class sizes.

The really big bass are usually associated with areas of deeper water, where bass will stay much of the time during hot weather. That way, they tend to avoid being caught longer.

Until you spend enough time on the water to get really familiar with their movement patterns, it’s often hard to find big bass haunts and determine their activities. But sometimes you fall into just the right place at the right time.

Wood Creek has good amounts of woody cover in different locations along the bank. This attracts baitfish and keeps bass around, too. The trick is fishing at the same time when bass are looking for something to eat. Bigger bass often go after one or two larger preyfish to satisfy their hunger, rather than expend a lot more effort in catching little ones. To capitalize on that pattern, you need to consider the size of the lure you choose, how it acts in the water, and the speed at which the lure moves.

As on nearly all other waters that contain both warmwater and cold- water habitat, largemouths will tend to be concentrated to the upper end of the lake. The lower reaches will hold a better chance of finding a smallmouth or spotted bass. That’s not to say largemouth will be in the upper half only, just that usually in these types of reservoirs, more of their preferred habitat is found upstream than downstream.

Information about the layout of Green River and Laurel River lakes, plus launch ramp locations, can be found in the Kentucky Boating & Fishing Access Sites booklet, available from the KDFWR. Call 1-800- 858-1549 weekdays during state business hours to have one mailed to you for free.

Wood Creek has a ramp off state Route 80, west out of London toward Bernstadt. Watch for Swiss Colony Road on the right, then take Wood Creek Lake Road to the water. Along the way, there are spots to pick up supplies, gas and a license -- if you need one.

Biologists suspect that Green River, Laurel River and Wood Creek lakes will receive more fishing action this summer than in past years, due to the Cumberland being drawn down by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for dam repairs.

Some tournaments may be relocated to other waters in the vicinity. Yet these three lakes look to provide good quality bassing for newcomers and regular visitors alike.

Regardless of why you decide to fish these spots this summer, remember these hot-weather bass fishing tips, and you should have a good chance of fishing success here as anywhere else in the Bluegrass State.