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.

Thank you for viewing my page, please feel free to leave comments and or recommendation.

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

Blake with nice 5.4lb Large mouth bass, Watts bar Lake,

Pig Lemons with nice Large Mouth Bass from Watts Bar Lake, Roane County TN

Kellie Mead with Tennessee Red Fish off of Watts Bar Lake

Large Mouth Bass, 13.9 lb

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.

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.

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

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.

Fishing on Watts Bar Lake

The lake is full at summer pool, down the river close to where my parents live the water is around 741'+. The water surface average temperature is in the mid to high 80's.

A lot of anglers are catching white and striped bass in the tail-waters below Fort Loudon and Watts Bar Dam and around sandbars where the water in shallow to deep drop offs where the fish like to hang. Top-water lures, spoons and spinner-type lures are being used more often than other baits. Live bait (thread fin shad or shiner minnows) are always the best bait.

Catfish are being caught by those drifting in the main channel. Bass are being caught more often in the primary water. Deep water structure is the most popular area being fished.

Schooling bass can be located by looking for surface activity. Crank-baits, worms, jigs and spoons are being used most often for bait. Top-water lures are good for surface schooling bass.

Crappie are being caught most often at night while fishing underneath some type of light source. Minnows and/or jigs are being used for bait.

Bluegill are being caught near river rock walls.

Enjoy a nice day of fishing and always try to bring a kid with ya and teach them a fun and safe hobby of hunting and fishing in Tennessee.

Watts Bar Lake

The water surface temperature was 86 degrees as of 7/11/10. The lake was full.
Bass were being caught deep more often than shallow. Primary points, humps and drops have been target areas for anglers. Some secondary water bass have been caught near shad minnows and in areas where storms push new water into the resevoir. All the baits normally used in deep water have been used. Spinnerbaits and topwater lures are being used in the shallow areas early and late during the day.

Rockfish have been caught while using shad in the tailwaters.

Crappie have been caught most often at night while fishing underneath lights. Minnows and/or jigs have been used for bait.

Catfish were being caught in the deeper holes in the river. Live bait was being used more often than any other bait for catfish.

Some bluegill were being caught along the river bluffs. Crickets and worms were being used to catch bluegill.

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.

Fishing Report in Tennessee

Watts Bar Lake

The surface water temperature was near 64 degrees as of November 30, 2009.
Crappie were being caught more often along the rocky river points and near current breaks in the same area. Minnows and jigs were being used for bait. Some crappie were being caught near blowdowns in deep bay areas.

Bass have been scattered and they can be targeted in various locations while using many lures. Some bay bass are being caught while schooling.

Rockfish have occasionally been caught in the same areas. The average schooling bass has been 2 pounds and the average striper has been around 12 pounds. One angler recorded his catch by length and he reported catching a 41-inch rockfish.

Catfish are being caught by main channel drifters. Live bait is the bait of choice. A few guides have been out with their clients and they have caught plenty of heavy catfish.

Chickamauga Lake

The surface temperature, as of November 30, 2009, was 65 degrees.

A lot of shad had pushed into very shallow water. Some bass were following the shad and some schooling activity was spotted. Some bass were being caught along the main lake areas. An assortment of lures were being used to catch bass.

Sauger anglers were catching a few fish in the Eave's bluff area which is a few miles below the dam. Jigs were being bounced along the bottom to catch sauger. Sauger anglers were catching several different species of fish.

Spotted bass, smallmouth bass, catfish, white bass, and rockfish were caught by those targeting sauger. The number of anglers in the water directly below the dam has been low due to the treacherous conditions.

Crappie anglers were catching many fish. Crappie were being caught in the river, sloughs, and the areas in between. Minnows and jigs were being used for bait.

Catfish were being caught in the main channel by those anglers drifting with shad or bluegill.

Dale Hollow Lake

Fishing is good. The water temperature is 55 degrees; lake is falling. Lots of bass are being caught on jigs and shad while fishing points in 15-to-25 feet of water.

Crappie fishing is fair on minnows in the rivers around brush in 10-to-20 feet of water.

Fishing Report on Watts Bar Lake

The surface temperature is near 60 degrees.

Crappie are being targeted along blow downs, bluff walls and near piers. Jigs and minnows are equal opportunity baits. Some large crappie are being caught.

Catfish are being caught by those drifting in the main channel. All the normal baits associated with cat fishing are being used. Shad is the best bait for the larger fish.

Some stripers are being caught in the main channel. A few are being caught in the larger creeks. The river fishing is difficult due to the heavy current. Top water lures, jigs, spoons and shad are the more popular baits being used by striper anglers.

Bass are being caught along main lake points and in shallow bay areas. The bass are being caught in the bay water areas near schools of shad. Nearly all types of lures are being used to catch bass.