My family is thinking of going on a little fishing vacation in early/mid April. We live in Michigan. We were thinking of going to either Kentucky or southern ohio. I was wondering if you knew of any good places to go. Our two main criteria are that it has to be warmer than Michigan and pretty good fishing.

   Thanks

You need to think farther south. I'm at the extreme south eastern corner  of Ohio and am headed to nothern florida that time of year. You won't have much rise in water temperatures until mid-may or even later.

Kentucky Lake.  The key thing is that you will have rise in water temp. for that area.  April should be spawn at Kentucky.  I might even consider going a little earlier, mid march maybe.  I think thats when most of the fish will be in pre-spawn.

Of course this is coming from someone that believes water temp. has very little to do with spawn.  Length of day is what matters.  IMO, the most important thing to early spring fishing is warming water.  For instance it the water was 40 degrees 3 days ago and is now 46, I'll take that over was 56 and now 50.

kentucky lake or cumberland should be good at that time

Also does anyone know how the weather would be during that time?

Also does anyone know how the weather would be during that time?

Probally partly sunny to mostly rainy. Winds at 1-40 mph. Highs in the upper 70s lows in the upper 40s. As of right now there are no warnings or watches issued.

I did a little bit of research and it seems as though fish spawn in early May in northern Kentucky. I am planning to go there from April 10-14. Does this mean I won't have much luck with fishing?

it should be good last year it was excellent

There will be fish in all phases of the spawn in April but most of them will be prespawn or spawning. I prefer to fish for prespawn fish. It really is a good time to fish Ky./Barkley lakes.

I am planning on fishing a private 60 acre lake near Frankfort, what phase do you think the fish would be in?

I suggest that you keep heading south on 65 till you get to

Bama.Go to Guntersville, AL. Bring 7' & 7'6" rods for crank fishing, 6'6" for spinner baits and worms. Be sure you fresh line on your reels. Lake Guntersville State Park has cabins and a lodge for you to stay in.

Last but not least bring sun screen.