NEW LAKES THIS WEEK!!!
NOTE- The TWRA wants to build a comprehensive report each week of the state’s lakes. If you do not see a report for your favorite lake and you are someone who can provide a report, please contact us atAsk.TWRA@tn.govand provide us with your contact information.
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Boone Reservoir – 8-21-24
Forecast Contributor – Colton Chambers, C & C Outfitters
Bassfishing remains steady on Boone in the daytime with Buzz Baits and top water the best producers up till about 11 AM. Still some nice largemouth and Smallmouth being caught after dark on the pig & jig combo.
Striperfishing is fair, with lots of smaller fish being caught around the Bluff City area. Live shad are your best bet or Chicken Livers are working well for the Hybrids.
Both Channel Cats and Flatheads are biting good 15-20' on cut bait or Livers as well. A 60 lb. Flat was caught and released last week by a C & C Outfitters client.
C & C Outfitters
Chip & Colton Chambers -423-707-8821
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063643880828
Stay safe on the water!
Boone Reservoir - 8-20-24
Forecast Contributor – Richard Markland, Region 4 Fisheries Technician
Reservoir Conditions-Reservoir elevation is 1382.53. The water temperature is 81* degrees. Water clarity 10’ visibility.
Bass-Fishing is slow. Largemouth, Spots and Smallmouth are being caught on deep crankbaits or small shad like baits, Ned rigs, plastic finesse worms, soft jerk baits, creature baits, jigs by fishing along rocky points, standing brush or around docks. Topwater early morning and late evening.
Crappie- No Report
Trout-No report
Striped Bass/Hybrid Bass-Fishing is good. Most of the fish are being caught around Davis Dock up to Bluff City area on Holston side and Watauga Flats area using spoons or trolling live shad or trout 20-30’. Some have been caught on topwater back in the creeks or on main channel, starting to see some topwater action in the evenings.
Sunfish-Fishing is good – Fishing from fishing piers at Wingdeer Park using crickets, worms. Fishing around laydowns is always a good place to fish.
Center Hill – 8-21-24
Forecast Contributor – Will Schibig, Region III Creel Clerk.
Reservoir Conditions-
Center Hill Dam is generating, on average, 2,300 cfs per day. The reservoir elevation is dropping and is currently at 637’. Water temperatures are in the mid-to-high 80s reservoir-wide. Water temperatures are cooler, mid-to-high 70s, near the headwaters at Rock Island. Water clarity is clearing, from lack of boating traffic, and is 5-8’ of visibility reservoir wide. Baitfish are starting to move back into creek arms, and some can be found in the shallows of pockets.
Bass-Fishing is good. The best bite is in the back of creek arms on channel swing banks while fishing finesse presentations in 5-15’. The morning topwater bite is picking up, and you can chase it later into the day following shade lines and using flukes or topwater baits. Fishing deep on main lake points and rounds in 14-20 FOW is still producing bites as well.
Walleye-Fishing is good. The best fishing is on the upper end near Rock Island. The mid-lake areas are producing numbers, but lots of short fish. Everyone is trolling worm harness rigs in 18-20 FOW. Look for gravel flats or humps.
Cherokee Reservoir 10-21-24
Forecast Contributor – Roy Prater, Wildlife Technician I
WATER CONDITIONS: Water levels have fluctuated as much as 3 feet the previous week. Heavy rains have occurred over the previous 4 days and run off is expected. Prior to the rain the average surface temperature was 87 degrees. The Oxygen Minimum Zone (OMZ) is persistent at 25-30 feet of depth.
SUMMARY: The lake has settled into the summer pool with temperatures remaining elevated. Catch rates are traditionally low during daylight hours. The Closed Fishing Zone is in effect until 15 September 2024 and the current Smallmouth Bass size restriction is in effect until 15 October 2024. All persons fishing on Cherokee Reservoir are advised to be familiar with current regulations.
SMALLMOUTH, LARGEMOUTH BASS: Fishing shaded areas (docks, overhangs, downed trees) during daylight hours is the higher probability habitat for these species. Traditionally the better fishing times areearly in the morning or during nightfall.
SPOTTED BASS: No reports of Spotted Bass being caught.
STRIPED BASS /HYBRID BASS: A "Fish Kill" occurred on the lower portion of the reservoir at the first half of July. Guides have reported lower catch rates and scattered schools of fish. Anglers should look for fish abovethe OMZ.
NOTE:Remember there is a no fishing zone in effect near the dam. Refer to your fishing guide for details and a map of this zone. The NO FISHING regulation for this area from
July 15 through September 15.
WHITE BASS: Fishing the Holston River Section upstream of Melinda’s Ferry has produced fish. Look for schools of small shad.
CRAPPIE: Crappie; no reports of fish caught this week.
SUNFISH/BREAM:Bream have been caught in shaded areas and under low hanging brush. Anglers are recommended to "Match the Hatch" for best results.
WALLEYE: No reports of fish caught this week.
CATFISH: Some Channel Catfish have been reportedly caught at night in the middle section of the reservoir. Small Flathead catfish have been reported as by-catch while fishing for Sunfish along the shorelines. Blue Catfish have not been reported.
PADDLEFISH:Closed Season.
FISHING TIPS: During the "Dog Days" of summer fishing is far less productive than during cooler periods of the year. Tempting a bite from lethargic fish requires a better bait offering. Fish mistakenly eat plastic but live on live prey. Worms, bugs, and minnows are what works for lethargic fish. iis said and often proven true, "Match the Hatch".
Chickamauga Reservoir August 17th– August 19th, 2024
Forecast Contributor – Nathan Rogers, Region III Creel Clerk
The weather has been cool in the mornings throughout the weekend with it still getting to the upper 80’s throughout the day. Water temps are back on the rise unless in tailwaters of the dam or up the Hiwassee River. Current has gone back to relatively normal flows on the Tennessee River, with higher currents starting later in the afternoon compared to morning flows. The water levels are at normal full pool; the latest depth recorded is below. Recent storms have slightly decreased water visibility. For any discharge or lake elevation info, check out the TVA Lake Info App.
Reservoir Conditions
Water Temp:
- Tennessee River (Middle Section): 85.9 degrees Fahrenheit
Water Clarity:
- Tennessee River (River Channel): 4 feet
- Creeks/Inlets: 3 feet
Water Level:682.10 feet
Water Flow: (as of August 19th)
- Watts Bar Dam: ~ 47,470 cfs
- Chickamauga Dam: ~ 44,480 cfs
Observed Species Information
Bass: Fishing is fair. Anglers seemed to get more bites fishing humps/ledges off of main river and creek channels. The most successful technique observed was fishing deeper flats and humps (15-20 feet) adjacent to main channel with deep diving crankbaits, swimbaits, and blade baits. Many anglers are also finding success on laydowns and flats throwing spinnerbaits, chatter baits and also finesse techniques (Wacky, Texas, and Dropshot). Topwater bites are picking up over shallow grass flats as well. Live bait is the most successful method observed to catch larger fish. Upper portion of Hiwassee River seemed to hold some fish in the cooler waters.
White Bass: Fishing is fair. Most angler are finding success with small crankbaits, small jigs, and blade baits. Look for schooling activity on the surface of the water.
Crappie: Fishing is fair. Anglers are catching crappie with live minnows or Bobby Garland plastics in and around brush piles in 10 – 15 ft. of water.
Catfish: Fishing is fair. Many anglers are starting to get some good catfish once current picks up throughout the reservoir. Fishing edges or in the middle of the channel in some cases. Large bends and current breaks of the channel seem to be the best spots. Sinking live/cut bait to the bottom with some heavy weight to beat the current works best.
Chickamauga - 8-14-24
Forecast Contributor – Billy Wheat, Follow on Facebook -https://www.facebook.com/riprapfishingadventuresandwww.riprapfishing.net
The bass are going nuts on the shad right it’s getting that time of year when you can have a Topwater on all day and at any time catch a big one! Look for this activity around shallow grass, shallow shell beds or long points. When it happens it’s like a fire drill! ! The other way to have a blast is electronics look for them and catch them. That varies off the flats and shell beds adjacent to river bars that go from shallow to deep the grass beds if you find the right ones are prime as well!
Douglas Lake 8-21-24
Forecast Contributor Brad Burkhart –Follow on Facebook
The weather has been absolutely beautiful and the fishing as far as numbers has been pretty good too. Now, you have to think out of the box a bit but here’s the low down. First off, the river bite is good but…. its low so be very careful up past the train trestle. Pitch a small jig or soft plastic to any wood on the bank. And don’t forget chunking a spook around it in the am.
When the sun gets high, work your way down the lake and hit all the bridges that cross the main channel. I like to ease up on them and fish a spook around the pilings first then cast a drop shot to them after you catch the aggressive ones on the spook. Just a regular ole robo worm in morning dawn.
Good luck y’all and God bless.
** Email, message or give me a call to schedule your guided fishing trip.
All info can be found on my site.https://www.killerbassbaits.com/
Brad Burkhart
@bradburkhartprofishing
Fall Creek Falls 8-7-24.
Forecast Contributor Casey Haston – FCF boat dock staff.
Lake Conditions- Fishing is still fair despite the hot weather. Fishing early morning and late evening, as well as cloudy/drizzly days seems to get the best results.
As the day heats up you may do better finding shaded areas to try. Surface water temperature is 84°-87°F and water clarity is about 3ft near the Boat Dock.
Ten automatic feeders are in use as well, they go off twice a day, currently at 6:00am and 7:30pm. The feeders may also be good place to try your luck!
Largemouth Bass: Fishing is slow to fair, again for bass you might have better luck early or late in the day. The topwater bite is definitely better during those times!
Some bass have been caught on weightless plastic worms, finesse worms, speed craws, also Ned rigs. Live bait like minnows is always a good option!
Bluegill and Redear Sunfish: Fishing for bluegill is actually pretty good, still catching some nice bluegill! Redear bite is kind of slow but still a few being caught.
Bluegills are mostly being caught on crickets and red worms, redear seem to like night crawlers or red worms better. Some bluegill being caught near the feeders early and late in the day, maybe find the shade or deeper water as the day heats up!
Catfish: Fishing is good! There has been some really nice catfish caught on various baits like chicken liver, hot dogs, worms, crickets, stink bait and live minnows.
The feeders are a good place to try but catfish have been caught near the dam, the cabins and several different areas!
Crappie: Fishing is slow for the crappie but there have been a few caught on live minnows, sometimes Bobby Garlands, or a small grub. Deeper underwater
structures, docks, or sunken treetops might be good places to try.
Fort Loudoun 8-15-24.
Forecast Contributor Chris Keeble – Angler-Guide
With the water temp still fluctuating around 80 degrees there continues to be a large population of fish offshore in depths up to 30ft. There are a lot more numbers to be caught offshore with quality bites occasionally mixed in. Being primarily largemouth the deep schools can be easily targeted with a dropshot, swimbait, football jig, or even deep diving crankbait. Don't let this discourage you from looking shallow though as with the warm water temps many fish including bigger fish are sitting in those shallow water shade lines. Whether this be under overhangs, docks, or rock wallsearlyin the morning the topwater bite is starting to turn on as well as the flipping bite later in the afternoon once the sun is up.
Striped and hybrid bass are also starting to show up targeting bait balls suspended over deep water in creek mouths and on points. In the evenings these schools of hybrids can be pelagic but if you're in the right place at the right time it can make for a fun topwater bite when the fish push the bait to the surface and begin schooling higher up in the water column. This bite should only get better from now into the fall of the year as the water temp starts to cool hopefully in the coming weeks.
Hiwassee River below Appalachia Powerhouse – 6-27-24
Forecast Contributor- Tic Smith/Southeastern Anglers Guide Service
NOTE- Mr. Smith will be guiding in KY until October and will not be able to provide Hiwassee reports until then.
River Conditions
Water temp- 60 to 72 degrees
Water clarity – clear
Water level – flows vary from 0 to 2 generators (Go to TVA.com to check flow schedules) This tailwater schedule is posted after 6pm the previous day. Click on Lake Levels then Apalachia to view info.
River Conditions-The water temps are rising to lethal levels during periods of 0 generation. The heat wave and lack of rain have combined to make the fishing very difficult. When the water is running, it is cold enough for the trout but when the generators are at 0, the temps are shutting the trout down. Fishing is not good now.
Hatches– a few Sulphurs and Isonychias
Terrestrials, such as hoppers and ants are good flies to throw. Wooly buggers in sizes 6 to 10 are always productive. Olive on sunny days and black on cloudy ones are a good rule to go by. Larger streamers are productive when 2 generators are running.
Kentucky Lake 8-21-24
By Steve McCadams, Professional Guide/Outdoor Writer (stevemc@charter.net)
LATE SUMMER CATFISH BITE STILL UNDERWAY PLUS WHITE BASS ACTIVITY
August is fading fast but the summer catfish bite along the main Tennessee River channel area is holding up well. Cat fishermen continue to score some dandy stringers while stalking the edge of the main channel area in depths of 40 to 50 feet. Whenever there’s current moving it flips the switch for catfish to go on the prowl. Overall, the bite has been consistent whenever TVA is pulling current.
This week the flow has been in the range of 26,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) and that stirred up the schools of threadfin and gizzard shad enough to put a bend in the poles of anglers out there bumping bottom or sometimes fishing suspended around the balls of baitfish.
Cooler weather earlier this week offered another touch of fall. Chilly mornings had anglers donning long sleeve shirts, but it appears the honeymoon with a cool spell will be short lived. While the cool fronts sure feel nice, the northeast winds associated with the cool fronts are not friendly to fishermen. It usually means whitecaps in the big open water areas of Kentucky Lake. The weatherman indicates hot days are returning with highs climbing back to the mid 90’s by early next week. August sometimes tricks anglers with a cool day now and then but it usually holds up to its hot and humid reputation till the very end.
The catfish bite has held up well as of late with most anglers using nightcrawlers for their bait of choice. There are always going to be experiments by cat fishermen trying out various bait presentations ranging from chicken liver to cut bait, shrimp and hot dogs or something unusual. Scores of commercial catfish baits work great too.
Meanwhile, a few reports of schooling white bass have come it as of late. On the calm days some surface activity has been seen along the edges of the main river channel sandbars. Big schools of baitfish meandering along get the attention of these aggressive white bass who chase them out over shallow areas. The shad some to the surface in a last-ditch attempt to flee from the aggressive white bass who put on a feeding frenzy like a pack of wolves in hot pursuit.
Tossing a chrome-colored spoon, white Rooster Tail or any similar lure that mimics a swimming shad will pay dividends. Hitting the peak of a big school of white bass erupting is one of fishing’s finest moments. Action is fast and furious.
From the summer bass bite has come mediocre reports from anglers chasing after what has been a somewhat sluggish attitude for hot August bass outings. Fishing the main lake ledges has produced a few fish at times by anglers tossing big deep diving crankbaits and big Texas rigged worms. However, the overall reports indicate anglers have been slugging it out in the trenches.
Crappie have been somewhat sluggish as well with low numbers of fish taken during the hot spells. The number of anglers has dwindled lately whenever heat waves take over. Most are waiting on cooler weather to get here and stay here.
September days are on the threshold!
Nickajack Lake - 7-25-24
Forecast Contributor Ethan Castle – Whitwell High School Bass Team
Fishinghas been good for the most part and has not slowed down. Water temps have been ranging in the mid to high 80s. The fish seem to be bitingin a bunch of different ways lately. I have still been staying offshore for the most part doing a lot of graphing trying to find big schools in 18 to 20 feet of water throwing a big crankbait in chartreuse blue back for the most part, on the slower days you can throw a big worm in plum or June bug and a big football jig in a blue craw color. There are a few good mats of grass starting to show up in the river that you can throw a frog on in the mornings and evenings especially if they have some current flowing.
Normandy Lake - 7-25-24
Forecast Contributor Captain Jake Davis–Follow on Facebook
Normandy produces some good fish and especially in the morning and late evening hours. Current water levels are at 874.08 and headed down to 873.98 by Sunday morning. Crankbaits, Texas Rigs or Tightline Jigs have been our go to. We found several really nice bass using shaky heads at the end of points in 10 to 15 feet of water. Walleye can be caught trolling crankbaits or drifting minnows/crawler harnesses on flats and in the river. Keep an eye on the habitat that TWRA and TN Bass Nation put out the last couple years Water temperatures range from 85 to 88 degrees. For more information call Jake Davis at 615.613.2382 Please wear your life vest all the time while on the water. Capt. Jake 615-613-2382 ormsbassguide@comcast.net
Percy Priest – 8-22-24
Forecast Contributor Brian Carper -briancarper.com-Follow on Facebook
Up lake the bass have been biting in 8ft-20ft on deep diving crankbaits, worms, jigs and drop shots on main lake points, humps and ledges! Mid and down lake the bass have been productive shallower around grass and boulder rocks in 3-6ft. Frogs, crankbaits, spinnerbaits and whopper ploppers have been successful baits. The crappie have been biting deep on minnows. Mid lake and the upper end of the lake have been the most productive around brush piles in 12-20ft.
For more information or Book your trip today atwww.briancarper.com
Pickwick – 7-22-24
Forecast Contributor Tyler Finley – Follow on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/tyler.finley.750
With water temperatures in the mid 90’s fish are looking for cooler more oxygenated water. Both deep ledges and grass have been a factor recently. Ledges from Waterloo to the state park have been best (15-25ft). The closer to the main lake the ledge is the better. When fishing a ledge use a jig, Carolina rig, big worm and swimbait. Most of the grass is up past the trace in 5-10ft. When fishing grass use a Chatterbait and swimbait. You will have to fish a lot of grass to get bit but when you find one there will be more with it.
Tims Ford - 7-25-24
Forecast Contributor Captain Jake Davis–Follow on Facebook
What a swing on area lakes. The weather pattern over the last week has really helped out. Fresh water from the rains and the lake temperatures have dropped 5 to 7 degrees. If this weather conditions hold this might be the best August for fishing, we’ve seen in several years. We found some nice fish active early in the mornings and late evenings. Our best fish came on 3/8 Shaky Head with a Magnum Trick worm and ½ ounce Tightline Green Tequila Jig this week work around brush piles in 8 to 15 feet of water.
Overall numbers are holding good with 10 to 20 fish per ½ day and quality is still good this past week as well. Presentations were Texas Rigged and Carolina rigged soft plastics, Tightline Mussel Crawler jigs tipped with Twin Tail grub… Don’t pass up the opportunity to flip laydowns especially around deep water. The current Lake level is 887.54 with a forecasted level dropping due to the lack of rain to 887.45 over the weekend. Water temps are between 82 to 86 degrees on most of the lake. I will be conducting a TWRA Boater Safety Course with testing the same day on 1 July 2024, please keep your lights on at night, even when sitting still “It’s the Law and it will save your life”. Always wear your life vest while on the water, watch for floating logs and other boaters. Capt. Jake 615-613-2382 ormsbassguide@comcast.net
Watauga Lake – 8-21-24
Forecast Contributor – Colton Chambers, C & C Outfitters
Largemouthare biting good in the daytime on large plastic worms around channel drops and brush in 10- 18 ' of water.
Smallmouthbite is fair but improving on this Full Moon on jigs and spinnerbaits at night.
Trouttrolling for Rainbows has slowed down, but a few Nice Lakers being caught on Michigan Stinger spoons available at Fish Springs Marina, in 70-90 ' of water.
Crappiefishing has been slow.
C & C Outfitters
Chip & Colton Chambers -423-707-8821
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063643880828
Stay safe on the water!
Watts Bar - 8-7-24
Forecast Contributor – Billy Wheat, Follow on Facebook -https://www.facebook.com/riprapfishingadventuresandwww.riprapfishing.net
Watts Bar is fun right now because the Topwater bite is really getting better. The fish are hitting a Pop-R and Spook pretty good of the morning. The grass is great when you find the area they are in! There is a lot of grass up there right now stay open minded and versatile you hit the right grass bed and sparks will fly! The offshore bite is great, but you better have your traveling shoes on because you have graph and fish a ton of spots to find the good ones. Good electronics are great this time of year because it eliminates much of your time.
Watts Bar 8-15-24
Forecast Contributor Captain Wallace Sitzes–Follow on Facebook
I take it easy this time of year because of the heat, lack of water flow and mostly because of the boat traffic. When I do go, I look for a few things that can make a short trip really successful. If you just want to put fish in the boat, you need to target "willow flies / mayflies / fishflies" They pile up on trees that overhang the water and swarm docks and lights at night. Everything eats them from different species of sunfish to bass and catfish.
During the heat of the day, they will stay on shady banks, but early morning and sundown they could be anywhere. Just cruise the shoreline until you see them, the fish eating them or tons of exoskeletons on the surface. Just fallow the exoskeletons up wind or up current until you find them. I usually just fish them to load up on pan fish for bait, but I've had bass eat my bluegill and bigger bass attack the bass while reeling them in. They are a fish magnet.
You can use mayflies for bait, but it's a lot easier to get a can of nightcrawlers and just cut them into pieces and stick them on a 1/32 jig head or a long shank #6 under a float. There's still a lot of fish hanging on the drop offs into the channel and old creek beds.
With the heavy pleasure boat traffic, the shad are getting pushed deep during the day and come up into the flats and sandbars about 5 or 6pm. The migrations of baby shad are hanging back in shallow coves throughout the day which is great for bass and striper. White or shad pattern flukes, spooks, buzz baits and spinnerbaits can really produce some numbers just about all day long especially if there are any weed mats on the surface.
If you see the mats, pitch a fluke or frog through them and let them sink into the holes. Use braided line at least 20# so it will cut through the weeds. If you throw everything but the kitchen sink at them and don't produce good fish, try deep ledges and rocky points that drop right off into 40' or more. A variety of game fish will be hanging down about 25 feet under the surface working the schools of baitfish.
Wilbur Tailwater - 8-20-24
Forecast Contributor – Richard Markland, Region 4 Fisheries Technician
Tailwater Conditions- Tailwaters elevation 1585.75. Avg discharge is 240 cfm. The water temperature is 40-45* on the upper end of the tailwater. Water clarity is clear top to bottom. The fishing conditions change throughout the length of the tailwaters with flow rates and temperature.
Trout-Fishing is good. The most productive areas are Wilbur Dam downstream to Hunter area, not a lot of big fish but if you are looking for numbers the upper end is the place to be. Trout are being caught using Rapalas, Night crawler, Rooster tails, Small Flies.
Woods Reservoir 7-25-24
Forecast Contributor Captain Jake Davis –Follow on Facebook
Woods has gone through a major temperature change in the last week… Early last week we actually saw temperatures hit 90 degrees. As of yesterday, it was 82.5. Great place to beat the heat. Early morning and late afternoon/evening is the best. Grass lines and Brush have been the remain your best bet, Bass and Crappie all can be found along grass edges and on deeper brush piles. Best numbers are still coming on a shaky head rigged finesse bait and a Tightline Mussel Crawler Jig in Green Tequila.
We found our better fish in 8 to 15 foot of water using Texas Rigged D-Bombs from Missile Baits and Tightline Mussel Crawler jigs tipped with Twin Tail grubs, soft plastics, and Carolina Rigs. Drifting or trolling with spider rigs for Crappie is picking up some nice slabs but you have to weed through the short fish. Water temperatures range from 81 to 86 degrees. Please wear your life vest all the time while on the water… Give me a call to book your trip, summer fishing can be lots of fun on Woods.Capt. Jake 615-613-2382 ormsbassguide@comcast.net
