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 at Ask.TWRA@tn.gov and provide us with your contact information.
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Boone Reservoir – 8-27-24
Forecast Contributor – Colton Chambers, C & C Outfitters
Bass fishing remains decent, with Buzz Baits and Black & Blue jigs getting the majority of bites during the daytime, and June bug-colored worms getting some quality bites at night.
Striper fishing is decent around the confluence of Beaver Creek and a few nice fish being caught in the Holston River arm around Bluff City on live shad 15-20’.
Some folks are doing well on Flathead and Channel catfish around the TVA Dam on cut bait and chicken livers.
Also, a few Hybrids are starting to school on top in the Candy Creek area. Flukes and small top water baits are getting bites.
Happy Labor Day and stay safe on the water.
C & C Outfitters
Chip & Colton Chambers -423-707-8821
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063643880828
Stay safe on the water!
Boone Reservoir – 8-27-24
Forecast Contributor – Richard Markland, Region 4 Fisheries Technician
Reservoir Conditions– Reservoir elevation is 1382.40. 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.
Crappie- No Report
Trout- No report
Striped Bass/Hybrid Bass– Fishing is good. Most of the fish are being caught around Rainbow Bridge up to Bluff City area on Holston side and Watauga Flats area using spoons or trolling live shad or trout 10-20’. 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 – 8-28-24
Forecast Contributor – Will Schibig, Region III Creel Clerk.
Reservoir Conditions-
Center Hill Dam is generating, on average, 2,300 cfs per day. The lake elevation is dropping from 637’ to 636’ and continues to fall. Water temperatures cooled to the mid-to-low 80s but have since warmed back to the mid-to-high 80s with the warm weather. Water clarity is 5-7’ of visibility in the main lake areas and 3’ or less in the backs of pockets. Baitfish can be found in the backs of pockets in the shallow flats or in creek channels 10-20’ down.
Bass- Fishing is good. The morning bite is good in the backs of pockets for shallow largemouth pushing bait schools on the flats; spooks, buzz baits, or flukes are the lures of choice in these scenarios. You can chase the morning bite by following shade lines with topwater baits and finesse presentations. There is still a deep bite on points 15-20 FOW.
Walleye- Fishing is slow. The hot bite in July has cooled down on the lower end. Trollers are catching lots of short fish in 18-20’ on the usual gravel flats and humps. The upper end around Rock Island is still producing fish but you’ll have to work for them by trolling, jigging, or casting.
Catfish- Fishing is good. Lots of catfish are being caught as bycatch by trollers in open water around 15-25’. Targeting catfish use worms or cut bait on gravel flat drop-offs in that depth range around the main lake.
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 are early 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 above the 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. As is said and often proven true, “Match the Hatch”.
Chickamauga Reservoir August 23rd – August 26th, 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 lower 90’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. Loads of grass present along banks and in sloughs above Richland Creek. 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 (Upper Section): 79.4 degrees Fahrenheit
Tennessee River (Middle Section): 84.3 degrees Fahrenheit
Water Clarity:
Tennessee River (River Channel): 4 feet
Creeks/Inlets: 3 feet
Water Level: 682.05 feet
Water Flow: (as of August 26th)
Watts Bar Dam: ~ 47,435 cfs
Chickamauga Dam: ~ 46,020 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 as well as in the grass on current edges.
Chickamauga – 8-29-24
Forecast Contributor – Billy Wheat, Follow on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/riprapfishingadventures and www.riprapfishing.net
Chickamauga has dropped a little the grass is great on the upper end of the lake some of it you can punch but most is Chatterbait and Swimbaits. They are still eating a swimming worm in the grass and Topwater is getting better by the day. Heading down the lake the glide and big Swimbait around deep docks and trees can pull up a big one for you. As always, the current makes a big difference as it positions fish on the humps, ledges and shell beds. Remember keep the scope on keep that Minner tied on!
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 8-28-24.
Forecast Contributor Casey Haston – FCF boat dock staff.
Lake Conditions: Overall fishing has slowed down with the high temps. Almost always fishing early mornings and late evenings is best unless it’s a rainy day or some kind of weather front, then you may catch a few fish throughout the day! Surface water temperature is 82°-83°F and water clarity is 3′-4’ft at the Boat Dock. The ten automatic feeders are still in operation and feed times are still set for 6:00am and 7:30pm.
Largemouth Bass: Fishing is still kind of slow but there are a few being caught on topwater baits, weightless worms, Senkos, etc. You might also try live bait like minnows, and maybe chase the shade in the mornings!
Bluegill and Redear Sunfish: Fishing is fair, still seeing some bluegill being caught but very few Redear. Crickets or red worms are hard to beat for the Bluegill, a small grub or Bobby Garland might also catch a few. The feeders are always a good place to try!
Catfish: Fishing is still pretty good. Folks are still catching a few nice catfish! Chicken livers, hot dogs, stink bait, or worms might be a good choice to try. The catfish respond to the feeders pretty well, definitely worth trying your luck around the feeders!
Crappie: Fishing is still pretty slow for crappie, however, there have been a few caught late evenings on small baits like a Bobby Garland or small grubs with 1/16oz jig head. Minnows are always a good option to try as well! Deeper structures and submerged treetops seem to be the best 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 walls early in 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.
Kentucky Lake 8-29-24
By Steve McCadams, Professional Guide/Outdoor Writer (stevemc@charter.net)
SUMMER BOATING SEASON WINDS DOWN
Kentucky Lake fishermen of all sorts are yearning for fall’s arrival. It’s approaching and will officially arrive on September 22. Until then, a lot of anglers are making the best of what has been a long hot and dry summer fishing season. You know it’s dry when even fishermen want rain! Although there’s no official boating season the arrival of The Labor Day holiday period is sort of the unofficial end of the summer boating season. It kicks off every year when Memorial Day arrives.
Soon cooler days will arrive and diminish swimming, jet ski activity and some pontoon ventures. Plus, sporting activities and school days, not to mention a lot of hunting seasons opening up are pulling people away from the lakes as seasons change. Lake levels on the reservoir have continued to descend slowly each week and are now down around the 356.3 range. Surface temperatures have been reluctant to cool much and were hanging around the 86-degree range. Watercolor is clear.
The late summer fishing scene hasn’t been all bad despite the heat as a few crappie have been taken in midrange depths of 9 to 13 feet lately. Sometimes even during the hot spells shad begin to move up a bit into midrange depths, pulling the bass and crappie with them. That seems to be happening as of late with a few boats reporting crappie taking minnows and some jigs fished over manmade structure in 11 to 12 feet at times. Most fishermen indicated the fish a bit scattered but still enough activity to keep interest levels up.
A few reports from bass anglers indicates a few fish have also moved up to shallow areas in pursuit of shad schools that are roaming around shallow sandbars and toward gravel shorelines at times. Some credit their success to shallow running shad-colored crankbaits while others have taken some fish on topwater baits at times. No doubt the bass and crappie are following their forage even when high surface temps remain. Other bass anglers are targeting main lake ledges and still tossing their arsenal of big Texas rigged worms, giant crankbaits, swim baits and finesse worms just to name a few.
Scattered schools of white bass have been reported out near main lake ledges as they bust the surface at times chasing baitfish. Some largemouth are also roaming there with them. From chrome colored Rattle Traps to various inline spinners, both the white bass and black bass will jump on anything resembling the fleeing shad.
Still underway has been the catfish bite. TVA has been pulling enough current to keep it going although the whole region is in need of rainfall. Depths of 40 to 50 feet have given up good numbers but some schools have moved up a bit to 25-to-35-foot ranges.
Watch for a lot of transition by the fish in the weeks ahead as they take on a fall pattern and move up once surface temps begin to cool. Cooler times are coming so don’t give up on them! This late summer and early fall time frame offers pretty good weather and overall fishing opportunities.
Nickajack Lake – 7-25-24
Forecast Contributor Ethan Castle – Whitwell High School Bass Team
Fishing has 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 biting in 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 or msbassguide@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 at www.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 or msbassguide@comcast.net
Watauga Lake – 8-27-24
Forecast Contributor – Colton Chambers, C & C Outfitters
With the annual Fall drawdown starting a little early, things have slowed down a bit. Bass fishing for largemouth remains good however with large plastic worms in brush in 15-25 ‘ of water. Smallmouth fish is decent at night with the Pig & Jig combo if you can stay late.
Some nice Catfish have been caught on rocky banks in the Cobbs Creek area on cut bait and Shiners.
Crappie remains slow, but a few are showing up under floating docks in 30-40’ of water.
Trout trolling has really slowed down.
Be safe on the water and Happy Labor Day weekend
C & C Outfitters
Chip & Colton Chambers -423-707-8821
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063643880828
Stay safe on the water!
Watts Bar – 8-29-24
Forecast Contributor – Billy Wheat, Follow on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/riprapfishingadventures and www.riprapfishing.net
Watts Bar is getting really good especially with some current flow. The Minner is the ticket for those smallies around wood and rock on the main channel. That Swimbait is hard to beat for those green fish around shell bed points and grass. Early you can catch them on a spook or Pop-R on the bluffs and grass edges. For anyone who likes white bass fishing the blade bait on the main channel will smoke them 22-32 feet.
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 – 8-27-24
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 or msbassguide@comcast.net
