Fishing in East Tennessee with Big Willy.

AKA: Watts Bar Reservoir

Fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, channel catfish, blue catfish, black crappie, white crappie, walleye, bluegill, redear sunfish, rock bass, warmouth, white bass, yellow bass, striped bass, hybrid striped bass, muskie, paddlefish and sauger at Watts Bar Lake in Tennessee.

An anglers paradise April through December, Watts Bar Lake is a 39,000-acre reservoir in the southeast part of the state, at Grandview, TN. Giant bass, monster crappie, and big stripers are the main draw here at Watts Bar Reservoir. The lake also has catfish, muskie, white bass and sunfish, as well as other species. There is over 700 miles of shoreline to traverse, whether from shore or by boat, in search for your favorite species. There are marinas, campgrounds, boat launches, lodging and other amenities scattered around the lake to enhance your visit. Bring or rent a fishing boat, canoe or kayak and explore the many ways to catch fish here. In spring and fall target the shallows, paying close attention to cover like boat docks, brush and trees. Then in winter and summer concentrate on deeper water around creek channels, flats, ledges, humps and points. Access to areas for fishing from shore is limited, and other than in campground areas, may take some exploring.

If you want to hang out in this lake and fish, here are some places to stay.

Caney Creek RV Resort Campground - 865 882-4042

Eden Marina & Campground - 423 365-6929

Hornsby Hollow Campground - 423 334-1709

Fooshee Pass Campground - 423 334-4842

Cedar Point RV Park & Cabins - 423 322-6490

AKA: Chickamauga Reservoir

Fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, blue catfish, black crappie, white crappie, walleye, bluegill, green sunfish, longear sunfish, redear sunfish, warmouth, white bass, striped bass, hybrid striped bass, alligator gar, bowfin, chain pickerel, longnose gar, paddlefish, sauger and spotted gar at Chickamauga Lake in Tennessee.

Well known as a bass haven, Chickamauga Lake is actually home to a wide variety of fish species. Crappie, catfish, sunfish, walleye, striped bass and other species also share this 35,000-acre impoundment in the southeast part of the state, at Chatanooga. A favorite for both national and local bass fishing tournaments, Chickamauga Reservoir annually makes the Bassmaster Top 100 bass lakes in the USA. Big stripers, and plenty of crappie and white bass can also be bagged here. Over 800 miles of shoreline are available for fishing from the bank or from all types of boats. From kayaks to pontoon boats, and canoes to bass boats, or just fishing from the family pleasure boat, there's plenty of spots for everyone. Several marinas and boat ramps are available to boaters and anglers. Local fishing guides offer trips for all types of fishing on the lake.

If you want to hang out and fish around this lake, here are some places to stay.

Agency Creek Campground - 423 334-0927

Bluewater Resort & RV Campground - 423 775-3265

Possum Creek RV Park & Campground - 423 332-8468

Cottonport Marina & RV Resort Campground - 423 454-4110

Chattanooga North - Cleveland KOA Campground - 423 472-8928

AKA: Fort Loudoun Reservoir

Fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, channel catfish, blue catfish, black crappie, white crappie, walleye, bluegill, redear sunfish, rock bass, warmouth, white bass, striped bass, hybrid striped bass, paddlefish and sauger at Fort Loudoun Lake in Tennessee.

Starting in the southern outskirts of Knoxville, TN, and sprawling southwest for miles to Lenoir City, Fort Loudoun Lake is a 14,500-acre reservoir with a multitude of fishing choices. Crappie, bass, walleye, sunfish, white bass, stripers, and others reside here in impressive numbers. Dozens of boat ramps are scattered around the 379 miles of shoreline for launching pleasure and fishing boats. Power boats are the ideal way to fish here, but that doesn't rule out the chance of catching a nice stringer from a kayak, canoe or small fishing boat. Much of the shoreline is lined with private homes, golf courses and business. There are plenty of docks to fish, many of which have brush piles and other cover to attract crappie and bass. Untold miles of creek channels, ledges, humps and points offer excellent holding areas for schooling fish, when they move out of the shallows in summer and winter.

If you would like to hang out and fish this lake, here are some places to stay.

Yarberry Campground - 865 986-3993

Poland Creek Recreation Area Campground - 865 681-1983

Southlake RV Park Campground - 865 573-1837

AKA: Norris Reservoir

Fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, channel catfish, blue catfish, black crappie, white crappie, walleye, rainbow trout, brown trout, bluegill, redear sunfish, rock bass, warmouth, white bass, striped bass, muskie, paddlefish and sauger at Norris Lake in Tennessee.

Notorious for exceptional striped bass fishing, Norris Lake is a sprawling, 34,000-acre lake in the northeast part of the state, with a wide variety of fish species. Stripers exceeding 50 pounds are common here. Anglers can also fish for bass, crappie, trout, white bass, walleye, muskie, sunfish, and many other species. And, the fishing is highly rated for most all species in the lake. With over 800 miles of shoreline, there is plenty of places to wet a line. With all the state parks and campgrounds around the lake, it's easy to find a place to fish from shore, or launch a kayak or canoe. Numerous boat launch ramps make it easy for launching larger fishing and pleasure boats. The lake is a maze of points, creek channels, ledges, humps and islands for the fish to call home. In spring and fall there is lots of shallow activity. In summer and winter the fish tend to school in deeper water around channels and structure. The lower end of the lake is a popular area for big stripers, year round.

If you would like to hang out and fish this lake, here are some places to stay.

Norris Dam State Park Campground - 865 426-7461

Loyston Point Campground - 865 494-9369

Big Ridge State Park Campground - 865 992-5523

Hickory Star Campground - 865 992-5241

Powell Valley Resort Campground - 423 562-5975

Lost Creek Campground - 865 278-3539

Beach Island Resort & Marina Campground - 865 992-3091

Lakeside Campground - 423 626-2320

Cedar Grove Marina & Campground - 865 278-3131

Bunch Hollow Campground & Resort - 865 919-2427

We would love to have you come fishing in Tennessee and enjoy the parks available also, lots of things to to in east Tennessee. 

Stay safe and have fun.

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Watts Bar Fishing With Big Willy, March 2018

Watts Bar
Reservoir Conditions: Summer normal elevation: 740.5 feet. Winter normal elevation: 736.0 feet. Current elevation: 736.14 feet. The water surface temperature is 54 degrees.
Largemouth Bass: Fish shallow water, secondary points, or locations in between these areas. Crankbaits, jigs, or jerkbaits are the most used baits.
Smallmouth Bass: Secondary points and sloping banks with chunky rocks leading into the shallow areas are the target areas. Jigs or crankbaits are being used more often.
Walleye: Some walleye are being caught while bouncing jigs along the bottom in the tailwater below Ft. Loudon Dam.
Crappie: Large secondary water near the shallow spawning areas are the best places to target crappie. Use minnows or jigs while pushing, pulling, or hovering. Minnows or jigs will allow equal opportunities. Pick your bait according to the technique.
Catfish: Some big catfish are being caught. Cut bait increases the average size of fish that can be caught.
Striped bass: Upper river anglers are catching fish while using shad. Most fish are downstream from the tailwater. Look in the Loudon area.

Fishing With Big Willy, Watts Bar Lake, Roane County

Chickamauga Reservoir
Reservoir Conditions: Summer normal elevation: 682.0 feet. Winter normal elevation: 676.0 feet. Current elevation: 676.8 feet. The water surface temperature is 50 degrees.
Largemouth Bass: Some really nice bass are being caught. Swimbaits are being used by many anglers that try to catch quality fish. Lots of bass anglers are out in pursuit of largemouth bass currently thanks to the milder winter conditions.
Smallmouth Bass: Lower and upper reservoir anglers are catching a few smallmouth. Both anglers are tossing jigs and crankbaits along the steeper banks.
Crappie: Docks, bluff walls and blowdowns are areas where anglers are searching for fish. Most crappies are located on the river. Minnows or jigs can be used. Several fish are being caught.
Striped bass: Good fishing for striped bass exists in the tailwaters. The bait of choice is shad.
Bluegill: Bottom fishermen using worms are catching fish in the large creeks.
Sauger/Walleye: Several walleye are being caught in the Watts Bar tailwater areas. Best methods are jigs and some crankbaits.
Catfish: Good fishing success exists for catfish, especially due to recent rain and milder temperatures. Shad has been the better bait although most meaty baits will work well.

Watts Bar
Reservoir Conditions: Summer normal elevation: 740.5 feet. Winter normal elevation: 736.0 feet. Current elevation: 737.0 feet. The water surface temperature is 49 degrees.
Largemouth Bass: The best of the shallow bite seems to be gone as compared to the recent past. Most anglers are moving out toward the river. Jigs, jerkbaits, and live baiters are catching more fish than other anglers. Some 5 and 6 pound fish were recently caught in the mid lake. Recent rains and warmer temperatures should secure some bass near springtime areas.
Smallmouth Bass: Most fish caught are on the main lake (bluffs, rip rap with current). Slower moving baits are being used by most fishermen.
Walleye: Several reports of walleye being caught in the tailwater area and downstream in traditional sauger areas. Jigs bounced along the bottom are the best technique to use.
Crappie: Creek channels leading into the river are holding fish. Deep secondary channels are also holding fish. Minnows or jigs fished deep are producing the better results.
Catfish: Several catfish are being caught. Recent rain events have encouraged catfish to feed in some creek areas and sloughs adjacent to the main river.

Dale Hollow
Reservoir Conditions: Fishing is good and the water temperature is 50 degrees. The water level is at 642 feet and the lake is rising.
Smallmouth Bass: Lots of smallmouths are being caught on tail spinners and shiners while fishing points in 25-35 feet of water.
Largemouth Bass: Several largemouths are being caught in the rivers on crankbaits and spinnerbaits on channel banks in 5-10 feet of water.
Crappie: A few crappies are being caught on minnows around sunken brush in Eagle Creek in 15-20 feet of water.

Center Hill
Reservoir Conditions: Fishing is good and the water temperature is 52 degrees. The lake is rising and the water level is at 631 feet.
Spotted Bass: Several spotted bass are being caught on crankbaits on channel banks in the rivers.
Smallmouth Bass: Smallmouth fishing is good while using jigs on points in 15 feet of water.

Courtesy : TWRA

Fishing with Big Willy, December 29, 2016 Fishing Report

Chickamauga Reservoir
Reservoir Conditions: Summer normal elevation: 682.0 feet. Winter normal elevation: 676.0 feet. Current elevation: 676.8 feet. The water surface temperature is 50 degrees.
Largemouth Bass: Some really nice bass are being caught. Swimbaits are being used by many anglers that try to catch quality fish. Lots of bass anglers are out in pursuit of largemouth bass currently thanks to the milder winter conditions.
Smallmouth Bass: Lower and upper reservoir anglers are catching a few smallmouth. Both anglers are tossing jigs and crankbaits along the steeper banks.
Crappie: Docks, bluff walls and blowdowns are areas where anglers are searching for fish. Most crappies are located on the river. Minnows or jigs can be used. Several fish are being caught.
Striped bass: Good fishing for striped bass exists in the tailwaters. The bait of choice is shad.
Bluegill: Bottom fishermen using worms are catching fish in the large creeks.
Sauger/Walleye: Several walleye are being caught in the Watts Bar tailwater areas. Best methods are jigs and some crankbaits.
Catfish: Good fishing success exists for catfish, especially due to recent rain and milder temperatures. Shad has been the better bait although most meaty baits will work well.

Watts Bar
Reservoir Conditions: Summer normal elevation: 740.5 feet. Winter normal elevation: 736.0 feet. Current elevation: 737.0 feet. The water surface temperature is 49 degrees.
Largemouth Bass: The best of the shallow bite seems to be gone as compared to the recent past. Most anglers are moving out toward the river. Jigs, jerkbaits, and live baiters are catching more fish than other anglers. Some 5 and 6 pound fish were recently caught in the mid lake. Recent rains and warmer temperatures should secure some bass near springtime areas.
Smallmouth Bass: Most fish caught are on the main lake (bluffs, rip rap with current). Slower moving baits are being used by most fishermen.
Walleye: Several reports of walleye being caught in the tailwater area and downstream in traditional sauger areas. Jigs bounced along the bottom are the best technique to use.
Crappie: Creek channels leading into the river are holding fish. Deep secondary channels are also holding fish. Minnows or jigs fished deep are producing the better results.
Catfish: Several catfish are being caught. Recent rain events have encouraged catfish to feed in some creek areas and sloughs adjacent to the main river.

Dale Hollow
Reservoir Conditions: Fishing is good and the water temperature is 50 degrees. The water level is at 642 feet and the lake is rising.
Smallmouth Bass: Lots of smallmouths are being caught on tail spinners and shiners while fishing points in 25-35 feet of water.
Largemouth Bass: Several largemouths are being caught in the rivers on crankbaits and spinnerbaits on channel banks in 5-10 feet of water.
Crappie: A few crappies are being caught on minnows around sunken brush in Eagle Creek in 15-20 feet of water.

Center Hill
Reservoir Conditions: Fishing is good and the water temperature is 52 degrees. The lake is rising and the water level is at 631 feet.
Spotted Bass: Several spotted bass are being caught on crankbaits on channel banks in the rivers.
Smallmouth Bass: Smallmouth fishing is good while using jigs on points in 15 feet of water.

Courtesy : TWRA

Opening day of Bow season 2013

Middle Tennessee

Blast from the past.

Spear fishing catfish on Norris Lake.

Willard Mead & John Ray

Mess of Crappie from Watts Bar Lake, Roane County TN