Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Watts Bar Lake

The lake conditions as of 4/14/10 is as follows: The water surface temperature was 62+- degrees in the main channel and warmer in the sloughs. The lake elevation was 738.5 feet. This was 2 feet below the normal summer mean.

Rockfish and white bass are being caught in greater numbers every week. Jigs, crank-baits and shad are being used most often for bait.

A few anglers are still focused on sauger and a few are being caught while bumping the bottom in the tail-waters.

Crappie are being caught all over the lake (slab size). The water depth range of 4 to 8 feet seems to be the target zone that is the most productive zone. Spawning areas or areas adjacent to the same are the types of areas that seems to be the best areas. Jigs and/or spoons are being used for bait.

Bass are being caught most often on gradual sloping banks that transition from deep to shallow water. Crank-baits, jerk-baits, and jigs are being used in most areas.

Catfish are being caught in many locations. The larger creeks seem to be the most productive areas for catfish. Most catfish in these areas are suspended. Shad is the better bait choice.