Center Hill:
Fishing is great. Water temperature is 67 degrees.
Lake is fairly stable. Lots of bass are being caught on topwater lures
and swimbaits in 2-10 feet of water. Crappie fishing is good, while
fishing shallow cover with minnows in the creeks. A few walleye are
being caught above Pates Ford while trolling in 10 feet of water.
Chickamauga:
The lake was at winter level on 3/26/12. The surface
water temperature is in the 60's in most areas. Crappie and bass can be
caught on the river, in the sloughs, and in the areas that connect both.
Some fish are spawning. Both species will have fish moving in and out
to spawn for the next month or longer. Lipless lures, jigs, and
spinnerbaits are the primary lures being used for bass. Jigs and/or
minnows are being used for crappie. Trollers are catching the greater
number of fish and minnow dippers are catching on average heavier fish.
White crappie are dominating the shallows with more and more black
crappie moving into the shallows. Some bluegill are bedding. These fish
will bed all summer long. Worms are being used to catch bluegill. White
bass are being caught in the tailwaters of Watts Bar Dam. Jigs are as
good of a
lure as any for striped bass. Big cats are being caught shallow in the sloughs and deep
in the river.
Cordell Hull:
Fishing is great. Water temperature is 65 degrees in
the creeks. Lake is low. Lots of sauger are being caught near
Gainesboro while trolling 28-30 feet of water. Bass fishing is good in
the creeks while fishing spinnerbaits and floating worms around shallow
cover. Crappie fishing is good while fishing minnows and small jigs
around laydown trees in 5 feet of water.
Dale Hollow: Fishing is great. Water temperature is 65 degrees;
lake is slowly falling. Lots of bass are being caught on floating
worms, spinnerbaits, and swimbaits, while fishing gravel banks in 2-8
feet of water. Walleye fishing is fair above Sunset, while trolling in
10-15 feet of water. Crappie fishing is good while fishing willow
bushes with minnows in 2-5 feet of water.
Nickajack:
The area of the report is in the area called Chickamauga
Tailwaters or the "Riverpark". Fishing for most anglers has been good.
One boat reported they had the best day for big fish on that particular
day that they had ever enjoyed even though their fishing history was 28
years. That catch included spotted bass, smallmouth bass, and largemouth
bass. Their big fish weighed 7 lbs. Bluegill, catfish, white bass,
crappie, and striped bass have been the species targeted and caught by
anglers. Worms, minnows, jigs, shad, spoons and crankbaits have been
used for bait depending on the species being targeted.
Watts Bar:
Surface water temperature is in the 60's. The lake is at
winter level. Crappie are being caught deep, shallow and in between.
Most deep crappie being caught are in the creeks in waters adjacent to
the shallow spawning areas. Many anglers start deep and work their way
into the shallows. Minnows fished straight down rigged with size 1 hooks
and 1/2 ounce sinkers will entice even the more finicky fish. Those
less patient anglers troll in the same areas with an array of rods
spread out with many different color jigs. A lot of catfish are being
caught by those targeting crappie. White bass are being caught in the
upper section of the lake. Crankbaits and jigs are the better lures.
Bass are being caught shallow and deep. Most deep bass are in areas
adjacent to shallow water. Jigs, lipless lures, and spinnerbaits are the
primary lures selected by most anglers. Some anglers have suggested the
spawn is on. That has not been verified. Catfish are also being caught
by river drifters while using live bait.
Source: TWRA
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Fishing with Big Willy in Tennessee
Center Hill:
Fishing is good; water temperature is 59 degrees; lake is stable. Several bass are being caught on jerkbaits and spinerbaits in 5-to-10 feet of water in the creeks. Crappie fishing is fair while using minnows around sunken brush in 5-to-10 feet of water. Walleye fishing is good near Webbs Camp while fishing jigs in 15-to-30 feet of water.
Chickamauga:
The surface water temperature on 2/11/12 was 56 degrees in the warmer part of the day. The lake was 2.7 feet higher than the expected elevation. April 1st is when the lake normally starts the climb to summer elevation. Many crappie have been caught by those targeting crappie in the river, sloughs and areas between both. Quicker limits can be caught along the river banks. Minnows and jigs are equal opportunity baits. Bass are being caught in the river and sloughs. Shallow is the theme for both areas. Some heavy weight bass continue to be caught. The "Rig" has been the most used bait. Some traditionalists have migrated back to spinnerbaits and jigs. Catfish drifters have caught plenty of fish while using live bait. Some sauger anglers have caught fish while drifting the channel and bouncing jigs along the bottom. Some striped bass and white bass have been caught in the area below Watts Bar Dam. Hank Parker Outdoors this past weekend aired a striper show that was filmed below Watts Bar Dam and Hank's previous largest striper was 23 lbs. and he broke that at least 3 times with one of those being 30 lbs. The taping date was not mentioned.
Cordell Hull: Fishing is good. Water temperature is near 60 degrees. Several bass are being caught on spinenrbaits, crankbaits and jerkbaits while fishing cover off the main lake. Crappie fishing is fair while fishing laydown trees with minnows and jigs in 5 feet of water. Sauger fishing is fair above Gainesboro while fishing 35 feet deep with jigs.
Dale Hollow:
Fishing is good; water temperature is 58 degrees and slowly rising. Several bass are being caught on spinnerbaits, jigs and crankbaits while fishing 5-15 feet deep in colored water and windy banks. Walleye fishing is fair above East Port while fishing jgs at night at the head of Obey River. Crappie fishing is fair while fishing minnows around willows in the rivers in 2-to-5 feet of water.
Nickajack: Recent trips to the area below Chickamauga Dam have been productive with bass, white bass, crappie and catfish being the more popular species being targeted. Spillways were open creating aggravating conditions for those that were there for work and pleasure. Live bait and the "Rig" we're being used by most. The lake area is heating up with more anglers catching more fish. Bass, catfish, and crappie were the species being targeted more often. Jigs and/or minnows were being used more than other lures or baits for crappie. Meaty baits or creations of varying origins has been the catfish bait of choice. Main channel drifters have used these meaty creations to catch catfish. Grassy areas and rip-rap have been the target area for those in search of the elusive black bass lunkers. 60 degree water is not far off and this suggests that many anglers are stocking up on their plastic worms.
Watts Bar:
The lake temperature is in the mid 50's in the warmer daylight hours. Warming conditions are predicted and the rising temperatures should improve fishing. The lake on 3/12/12 was 2.7 feet higher than expected. Catfish drifters have caught some heavy fish while using shad for bait. Some hardcore sauger seekers have caught several sauger and walleye in the area below Ft. Loudon Dam. Jigs sometimes decorated with minnows in the river channel has been the technique and location that has been used by sauger seekers. Some white bass and striped bass have been caught by many in the few miles below the dam. Crappie have been caught in the dead water below Ft. Loudon Dam and in the lake area downstream. The isolated water downstream has been the more consistent area to catch crappie. These areas are hard to locate, but very rewarding once located. Jigs, "Roadrunners", and minnows have been the weapons used on most crappie. Bass have been difficult to locate for most. Shallow fish have been teasers because the load is still deep. One respected local angler stated that to catch consistent stringers his boat must be sitting in 30 feet of water.
Source: TWRA
Fishing is good; water temperature is 59 degrees; lake is stable. Several bass are being caught on jerkbaits and spinerbaits in 5-to-10 feet of water in the creeks. Crappie fishing is fair while using minnows around sunken brush in 5-to-10 feet of water. Walleye fishing is good near Webbs Camp while fishing jigs in 15-to-30 feet of water.
Chickamauga:
The surface water temperature on 2/11/12 was 56 degrees in the warmer part of the day. The lake was 2.7 feet higher than the expected elevation. April 1st is when the lake normally starts the climb to summer elevation. Many crappie have been caught by those targeting crappie in the river, sloughs and areas between both. Quicker limits can be caught along the river banks. Minnows and jigs are equal opportunity baits. Bass are being caught in the river and sloughs. Shallow is the theme for both areas. Some heavy weight bass continue to be caught. The "Rig" has been the most used bait. Some traditionalists have migrated back to spinnerbaits and jigs. Catfish drifters have caught plenty of fish while using live bait. Some sauger anglers have caught fish while drifting the channel and bouncing jigs along the bottom. Some striped bass and white bass have been caught in the area below Watts Bar Dam. Hank Parker Outdoors this past weekend aired a striper show that was filmed below Watts Bar Dam and Hank's previous largest striper was 23 lbs. and he broke that at least 3 times with one of those being 30 lbs. The taping date was not mentioned.
Cordell Hull: Fishing is good. Water temperature is near 60 degrees. Several bass are being caught on spinenrbaits, crankbaits and jerkbaits while fishing cover off the main lake. Crappie fishing is fair while fishing laydown trees with minnows and jigs in 5 feet of water. Sauger fishing is fair above Gainesboro while fishing 35 feet deep with jigs.
Dale Hollow:
Fishing is good; water temperature is 58 degrees and slowly rising. Several bass are being caught on spinnerbaits, jigs and crankbaits while fishing 5-15 feet deep in colored water and windy banks. Walleye fishing is fair above East Port while fishing jgs at night at the head of Obey River. Crappie fishing is fair while fishing minnows around willows in the rivers in 2-to-5 feet of water.
Nickajack: Recent trips to the area below Chickamauga Dam have been productive with bass, white bass, crappie and catfish being the more popular species being targeted. Spillways were open creating aggravating conditions for those that were there for work and pleasure. Live bait and the "Rig" we're being used by most. The lake area is heating up with more anglers catching more fish. Bass, catfish, and crappie were the species being targeted more often. Jigs and/or minnows were being used more than other lures or baits for crappie. Meaty baits or creations of varying origins has been the catfish bait of choice. Main channel drifters have used these meaty creations to catch catfish. Grassy areas and rip-rap have been the target area for those in search of the elusive black bass lunkers. 60 degree water is not far off and this suggests that many anglers are stocking up on their plastic worms.
Watts Bar:
The lake temperature is in the mid 50's in the warmer daylight hours. Warming conditions are predicted and the rising temperatures should improve fishing. The lake on 3/12/12 was 2.7 feet higher than expected. Catfish drifters have caught some heavy fish while using shad for bait. Some hardcore sauger seekers have caught several sauger and walleye in the area below Ft. Loudon Dam. Jigs sometimes decorated with minnows in the river channel has been the technique and location that has been used by sauger seekers. Some white bass and striped bass have been caught by many in the few miles below the dam. Crappie have been caught in the dead water below Ft. Loudon Dam and in the lake area downstream. The isolated water downstream has been the more consistent area to catch crappie. These areas are hard to locate, but very rewarding once located. Jigs, "Roadrunners", and minnows have been the weapons used on most crappie. Bass have been difficult to locate for most. Shallow fish have been teasers because the load is still deep. One respected local angler stated that to catch consistent stringers his boat must be sitting in 30 feet of water.
Source: TWRA
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Fishing Report for February 2012
Center Hill:
Fishing is good. Water temperature is 49 degrees with color. Lots of walleye are being caught near the sandbar, while using jigs in 20 feet of water. Bass fishing is good on crankbaits and jigs, while fishing channel bends in 5-to-20 feet of water.
Chickamauga:
The lake conditions as of 2/05/12 were as follows: The surface elevation was 677.3 feet. This elevation was 1.3 feet above winter mean elevation. The surface water temperature warmed to 55 degrees during the daylight hours. The days are getting longer and the flowers are blooming. The fish are biting. Patterns that are generally used for locating fish in March can be used now in locating fish. This could quickly change with a blustery front blowing through from the north, but the projected 15 day forecast suggest that this pattern may prevail for a while. Many bass and crappie are being caught. Some crappie are being caught around shallow brushpiles and blowdowns. Some primary creek rocky banks are holding a substantial number of crappie. Minnows and jigs are equal opportunity offerings. River crappie holes are hard to fish due to the heavy current in the river. Lipless lures are just one lure being used for shallow water bass. Look for flats adjacent to deeper river or creek locations. Some heavy sacks of bass continue to be caught which now have become the norm for the lake. Some sauger are being caught. The river conditions have hampered the sauger angling efforts. White bass are being caught in the tailwaters areas more often than any other species. Catfish are being caught on a wide variety of offerings with skipjack being the optimal offering.
Cordull Hull: Fishing is fair. Water temperature is 49 degrees with color. Several bass are being caught on crankbaits and jigs while fishing isolated stumps on points. Several crappie are being caught while fishing small jigs in laydown trees in 10-to-15 feet of water. Sauger fishing is fair while fishing jigs in 40-to-45 feet of water near Gainesboro.
Dale Hollow:
Fishing is good. Water temperature is 47 degrees; lake is stable. Several bass are being caught on crankbaits, jerkbaits and small jigs while fishing points in 10-to-20 feet of water. Crappie fishing is good near the dam while fishing grassy flats in 15 feet of water.
Nickajack: The spillways were open as of 2/05/12. This has stopped most of the angling efforts in the Riverpark area of the reservoir. The bay areas in the lake reached a surface water temperature of 56 degrees on 2/05/12. Bass are being caught shallow while using spinnerbaits and lipless lures. Some jigs anglers are catching decent bags under the bridges. Crappie are being caught around docks and in grass beds in the large bay areas. "Panfish Assassins" are one bait a few anglers are reporting using with success. Catfish are being caught by those that are fishing in the main channel. The current is making this task challenging.
Watts Bar:
The surface water elevation on 2/05/12 was 683.7 feet. This is one foot above the winter mean elevation. The surface water temperature warmed to 54 degrees in the most recent days. Some brushpile bay crappie were being caught by those tempting with jigs and/or minnows. Most crappie being caught were white and this may be because of the area these crappie were being caught. Some deep creek crappie were being caught by those crankbait trollers that have perfected the art of slow trolling. These anglers determine the location and depth of the crappie and at that point it becomes a bit like picking cotton. Bass are being caught at locations that suggest it may be closer to spring than the calendar may suggest. Shallow large water bays and the area leading into the same is one type of area anglers are targeting. Pinpoint anglers are tossing jigs and fan casters are throwing lipless lures and the "Tennessee Rig". Some nice smallmouth are being caught, but the average bass being caught is green and will weigh about 2 pounds. The tailwaters below Ft. Loudon Dam are difficult to fish because of the heavy current. A few sauger and walleye are being caught. Most anglers are fishing the protected and still water below the dam and these anglers are targeting crappie and white bass. The average catch of these anglers will consist of crappie, catfish and white bass. These anglers are using jigs and/or minnows for bait.
Source: TWRA Web Site.
Fishing is good. Water temperature is 49 degrees with color. Lots of walleye are being caught near the sandbar, while using jigs in 20 feet of water. Bass fishing is good on crankbaits and jigs, while fishing channel bends in 5-to-20 feet of water.
Chickamauga:
The lake conditions as of 2/05/12 were as follows: The surface elevation was 677.3 feet. This elevation was 1.3 feet above winter mean elevation. The surface water temperature warmed to 55 degrees during the daylight hours. The days are getting longer and the flowers are blooming. The fish are biting. Patterns that are generally used for locating fish in March can be used now in locating fish. This could quickly change with a blustery front blowing through from the north, but the projected 15 day forecast suggest that this pattern may prevail for a while. Many bass and crappie are being caught. Some crappie are being caught around shallow brushpiles and blowdowns. Some primary creek rocky banks are holding a substantial number of crappie. Minnows and jigs are equal opportunity offerings. River crappie holes are hard to fish due to the heavy current in the river. Lipless lures are just one lure being used for shallow water bass. Look for flats adjacent to deeper river or creek locations. Some heavy sacks of bass continue to be caught which now have become the norm for the lake. Some sauger are being caught. The river conditions have hampered the sauger angling efforts. White bass are being caught in the tailwaters areas more often than any other species. Catfish are being caught on a wide variety of offerings with skipjack being the optimal offering.
Cordull Hull: Fishing is fair. Water temperature is 49 degrees with color. Several bass are being caught on crankbaits and jigs while fishing isolated stumps on points. Several crappie are being caught while fishing small jigs in laydown trees in 10-to-15 feet of water. Sauger fishing is fair while fishing jigs in 40-to-45 feet of water near Gainesboro.
Dale Hollow:
Fishing is good. Water temperature is 47 degrees; lake is stable. Several bass are being caught on crankbaits, jerkbaits and small jigs while fishing points in 10-to-20 feet of water. Crappie fishing is good near the dam while fishing grassy flats in 15 feet of water.
Nickajack: The spillways were open as of 2/05/12. This has stopped most of the angling efforts in the Riverpark area of the reservoir. The bay areas in the lake reached a surface water temperature of 56 degrees on 2/05/12. Bass are being caught shallow while using spinnerbaits and lipless lures. Some jigs anglers are catching decent bags under the bridges. Crappie are being caught around docks and in grass beds in the large bay areas. "Panfish Assassins" are one bait a few anglers are reporting using with success. Catfish are being caught by those that are fishing in the main channel. The current is making this task challenging.
Watts Bar:
The surface water elevation on 2/05/12 was 683.7 feet. This is one foot above the winter mean elevation. The surface water temperature warmed to 54 degrees in the most recent days. Some brushpile bay crappie were being caught by those tempting with jigs and/or minnows. Most crappie being caught were white and this may be because of the area these crappie were being caught. Some deep creek crappie were being caught by those crankbait trollers that have perfected the art of slow trolling. These anglers determine the location and depth of the crappie and at that point it becomes a bit like picking cotton. Bass are being caught at locations that suggest it may be closer to spring than the calendar may suggest. Shallow large water bays and the area leading into the same is one type of area anglers are targeting. Pinpoint anglers are tossing jigs and fan casters are throwing lipless lures and the "Tennessee Rig". Some nice smallmouth are being caught, but the average bass being caught is green and will weigh about 2 pounds. The tailwaters below Ft. Loudon Dam are difficult to fish because of the heavy current. A few sauger and walleye are being caught. Most anglers are fishing the protected and still water below the dam and these anglers are targeting crappie and white bass. The average catch of these anglers will consist of crappie, catfish and white bass. These anglers are using jigs and/or minnows for bait.
Source: TWRA Web Site.
Monday, January 2, 2012
Fishing in Tennessee
Watts Bar: (Roane County)
The lake was at 739 feet elevation on 11/27/11. This was nearly 3 feet above the normal projected mean elevation. Crappie fishing is fair. Some mid and lower lake crappie are being caught around piers and rocky points and bluffs. Jigs and minnows are equal opportunity lures, but the number of crappie being caught is greater with jigs. This is probably due to the operator more than with the bait. Bass are being caught in shallow pockets located near larger secondary areas. A variety of weapons are being packeted into the arsenal, but anything topwater will suffice. Most of these shad runners are largemouth bass. Smallmouth are being found a little deeper around the rocky areas. Striped bass are being caught in the pockets and in the larger creeks in areas downstream more often than in the tailwater areas. Topwater lures and swimbaits are favorite producers for those that catch their striped bass on artificial lures. Bluegill or shad will catch stripers better than artificial lures and will on average catch the bigger fish. Catfish are being caught by those drifting in the main channel. Some sauger are being caught in the tailwaters.
Chickamauga: (Rhea County)
The surface temperature is in the 50's. On 11/27/11 the surface elevation was 678.6 feet which was nearly 2.5 feet above the projected normal mean elevation. Bass are being caught while using many baits which includes lipless crankbaits. Secondary points would be a good place to start the search for bass. Broken grass in pockets adjacent to secondary channels are another type of area where bass should be targeted. Crappie are being caught along bluff walls located on the main channel, near blowdowns located in the same area and around docks. Minnow dippers are catching a few fish, but the jig fishermen are catching the greater number of fish. Most crappie being caught are of the black variety. This has more to do with the area being fished than any other factor. Striped bass are being caught from the tailwater areas to areas downstream. Topwater lures or shad are being used more often than any other bait. Sandbars located along the main channel is one type of area where bass anglers have been surprised by the heavyweight stripers. Catfish drifters are catching fish in the main channel while using all the baits normally associated with catfish angling.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
FISHING REPORT: CHICKAMAUGA, CORDELL HULL, DALE HOLLOW, NICKAJACK & WATTS BAR
September 10, 2011 Fishing Report
Chickamauga: The lake is at normal pool and the water temperature is in the mid 80's. The weather pattern or the fishing strategies for all species has remained unchanged for sometime. The tropical storm from the gulf could create some better or easier fishing if the Tennessee Valley don't get too much rain. Bass are being caught near grass beds along the main channel while using plastic worms or some type of topwater lure. Some ledge related fish are being caught in all areas of the lake. A few crappie are being caught. The easy community hole crappie are the bluffs situated on the river that provide some sort of current diversion or the few chosen docks that have a break located underneath or a dock with good water depth or lots of shad. Pull up to the dock and look for the darker water. Jigs and/or minnows are being used for bait. Those taking crappie angling to a higher level are trolling crankbaits or pushing jigs along ledges in large water areas. Bluegill are being caught near docks, rocks, ledges and humps more often in areas where the water is moving and in areas where the water offers a little depth. Catfish are being caught in the main channel while using all the normal baits generally associated with catching catfish. A few white and striped bass are being caught in the upper end of the lake and in the cooler water locations generally associated with springs or mountain runoffs.
Cordell Hull: Fishing is fair. Water temperature is in upper 70s; lake is fairly stable. Several bass are being caught on buzzbaits and soft plastics while fishing isolated cover on main lake flats. A few crappie are being caught while on small jigs in 2-to-5 feet of water around laydown trees below Granville.
Dale Hollow: Fishing is fair. Water temperature is 80 degrees. Lake is falling. A few bass are being caught on topwater baits early in the morning and late at night, while chasing shad. A few crappie are being caught near East Port while fishing minnows in laydown trees in 15 feet of water. Walleye fishing is fair with a few fish being caught trolling nightcrawlers in 34 feet of water.
Nickajack: The surface water temperature is in the mid 80's. Stagnant weather conditions has lead to unchanged patterns. Generally fishing for all species is exactly the way it has been for several weeks. The approaching storm could trigger a good bite for all species if the rain is not overdone. The topwater bass bite is good around grass beds in the lower end of the lake. Plastic worms are the number one used bait for bass in all areas of the lake. The plastic worm is very versatile and can be rigged in many different ways and fished at many different depths. Jigs and crankbaits are being used for bass in addition to the previously mentioned lures especially in the upper end of the lake. Some crappie are being caught around docks, bluffs and in the calm water in the tailwaters. Catfish are being caught by those drifting in the main channel. Shad, chicken parts and other baits that are generally associated with Labor Day cookouts are the more common baits fishermen are using to catch catfish. Bluegill are being caught near bluffs and docks.
Watts Bar: Water surface temperature is in the mid 80's and the lake is at normal pool. Fishing patterns for all species are the same as they have been for a few weeks. The stagnant weather pattern may be changing with the beginning being the storm moving in from the gulf. Currently bass fishing is slow. Only a few bass are being caught along areas near the main channel. Drops, humps, and rocky areas along the river where the current hits are target areas for the majority of anglers. Every angler will have some sort of worm rigged up on at least one rod. The other rods will probably have at least one crank bait and jig tied on. Crappie that are being caught are few. Those that are being caught are being caught most often in tailwater areas. Striped and white bass are being caught in all lake areas, but the greater number are being caught where the eye makes contact with the dam. Jigs, shad, and spoons would complete any arsenal capable of taming any tailwater stripers. Catfish are being caught on the baits that are normally used and those baits are chicken parts, soap (Ivory), wieners, bologna, shad,and worms. A few other creative baits so numerous that ink will not allow are also being used. Bluegill can be caught near rock walls located along the main channel in areas where there is current. Crickets and worms are being used more often than other baits. White bass normally are caught in large numbers in the mid lake area around humps and drops while using spinner-type lures. Most are caught 20 feet deep. This year those white bass have remained mostly untouched.Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Fishing Report for March 30, 2011
Watts Bar: The lake is a couple of feet higher than normal winter levels. Surface water temperature is near sixty. Bass were being caught shallow in the sloughs and in the water leading Into these areas. Crankbaits were being used more often than any other lure. Crappie were being caught by trollers along secondary channels leading into the sloughs. Jigs were the bait used by most anglers. There were a few anglers dipping minnows into blowdowns located along the steeper banks leading into the shallows. Some white bass and stripers were being caught above the interstate bridge. Jigs and crankbaits were the baits used most often. Some sauger were being caught in the upper portion of the reservoir while bumping jigs and/or minnows along the bottom. Chickamauga: The lake has stabilized at nearly two feet above winter level as of 3/22/11. The surface water temperature was sixty-four degrees in the sloughs and cooler in the river. Bass were being caught in shallow water. Almost every backwater pocket had a few bass. Most shallow water lures can be used to catch these fish. Crappie anglers were catching several fish, but crappie seemed to be scattered. Unstable water conditions that existed a few days earlier may have been the reason crappie were hard to find. Crappie were being caught shallow around brush and weeds. The number being caught was not great. Minnows and jigs were being for bait. Catfish were being caught in the creeks more often than in the main channel. Tailwater conditions were difficult for anglers with the fast moving water. Cordell Hull: Fishing is good. Water temperature is 55 degrees; lake is stable. Crappie fishing is good while fishing minnows and jigs around brush in 5-to-10 feet of water. Sauger fishing is improving above Gainesboro, while fishing in the channels in 35-to-40 feet of water. Bass fishing is good while fishing spinnerbaits and crankbaits around shallow covers and rock banks in 2-to-5 feet of water. Dale Hollow: Fishing is good. Water temperature is 52 degrees. Lake is slowly falling. Lots of smallmouth are being caught in the colored water on jerkbaits and crankbaits in 5-to-25 feet of water. Crappie fishing is good in the rivers while fishing minnows around willows in two feet of water. Walleye fishing is fair around East Port, while fishing jigs in 5-to-15 feet of water. Source: TWRA web page
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Fishing Watts Bar Lake
Its the Middle of February and the water surface temperature is in the mid 40's. (what a cold winter we had this year)
Stripers (Rock Fish) are being caught in the tail-waters. and in some part of the river in 15' of water while the generators are running, Shad is the primary bait for quality fish.
White bass (strip bass) are being caught on flats around 8'-10' deep on spinners or anything shiny with a hook, lots of fun....on the upper Tennessee river and around the steam plant.
A lot of catfish are starting to being caught in the main lake in many areas. Shad is the better bait to use ( if you can find any). Bluff walls and docks are being targeted by a few anglers in search of bluegill. Crickets are being used by most anglers.
Deep crappie are starting to be caught while using jigs and spoons in select areas in the river. Points, drops and areas where current may influence the crappie and give them an area to ambush bait fish are the types of areas where crappie may be located.
Bass are being caught along point drops that are positioned along the main lake on one side and shallower water on the other side. The side adjacent to the main channel seems to be the area that needs to be targeted. Twelve feet of water seems to be the better depth.
Stripers (Rock Fish) are being caught in the tail-waters. and in some part of the river in 15' of water while the generators are running, Shad is the primary bait for quality fish.
White bass (strip bass) are being caught on flats around 8'-10' deep on spinners or anything shiny with a hook, lots of fun....on the upper Tennessee river and around the steam plant.
A lot of catfish are starting to being caught in the main lake in many areas. Shad is the better bait to use ( if you can find any). Bluff walls and docks are being targeted by a few anglers in search of bluegill. Crickets are being used by most anglers.
Deep crappie are starting to be caught while using jigs and spoons in select areas in the river. Points, drops and areas where current may influence the crappie and give them an area to ambush bait fish are the types of areas where crappie may be located.
Bass are being caught along point drops that are positioned along the main lake on one side and shallower water on the other side. The side adjacent to the main channel seems to be the area that needs to be targeted. Twelve feet of water seems to be the better depth.
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