Boone Reservoir – 10-9-24
Report Contributor – Colton Chambers, C & C Outfitters
First, thanks to all the TWRA Officers you have worked so hard in Flood rescue and recovery, you are appreciated.
Bass fishing remains pretty good on Worms and Jigs around brush and still seeing some good topwater action early.
Striper and Hybrid fishing is good with more and more schooling fish showing up in the evenings and mornings. Also, live shad are working well, we had an 11 lb. Hybrid caught this week. The Dam to Sportsman Marina area seems best, it’s the cleanest, warmest water right now.
Good luck 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!
Center Hill – 11-6-24
Report Contributor – Will Schibig, Region III Creel Clerk.
Picture is Here’s a 12.5” & 11.5” trophy redear caught by Mr. Kenny Laboe of Smithville, TN.
Reservoir Conditions-
Center Hill Dam is generating, on average, 1,400 cfs per day. The reservoir elevation sits at 629’. Water clarity averages 10-15’ on the main lake and, 5-8’ in backwater areas. Surface water temperatures sit around the high 60s still reservoir wide. There are signs of fall turnover throughout the reservoir. Baitfish are over deep water but seem to either be in 20-30’ or just under the surface.
Bass- Fishing is decent. The most consistent bite is anglers fishing main lake bluff walls with finesse baits like Ned rigs, weighted wacky rigs, and shaky heads. Some anglers are also catching fish paralleling the bluff walls with jerk baits as well. Bass are being caught on theses bluff walls in 15-30’ over deeper water suspended or just off the shelves. Some bass are being caught deeper in 25-30 FOW suspended around baitfish in creek channels.
Crappie- Fishing is decent. The crappie bite is still slow for this time of year. Anglers are still catching some fish around treetops in 15-25 FOW with jigs in creek channel bends.
Sunfish- Fishing is slow. The last redear I’ve seen caught were on main lake gravel banks in 8-15 FOW while drop-shotting worms near the bottom on the drop-offs on the bank.
Cherokee Reservoir 10-23-24
Report Contributor – Roy Prater, Wildlife Technician I
LAKE / WATER CONDITIONS: Water levels have continued to drop over the previous week. The current reservoir elevation is 1057.5 which is aligned with October 13th, 2024, guide curve predictions. Cooler dry conditions have brought the surface temperature down to as low as 60 degrees on the Upper stretches of the lake to 66 degrees on the Mid and Lower sections of the lake. The Oxygen Minimum Zone (OMZ) has dissipated due to the near constant discharge of high water from heavy rains and Hurricane Helene’s remnants. Due to these weather events lake water levels have greatly shifted since late September. Prolonged higher than normal flow rates have affected the main lake for upwards of a month.
SUMMARY: The lake has stabilized to the desired elevation average for this time period. While temperatures have dropped so have water levels disturbing the fish’s habitat and making behaviors less predictable. All anglers are advised to be aware of the current TDEC Water warnings for the Holston River and its reservoirs, this information can be located under TDEC’s Press Releases. All anglers are advised to use extra caution while boating due to shifts in bottom structure and debris being deposited as the water subsides. The Closed Fishing Zone was in effect until 15 September 2024, this no longer applies. The Smallmouth Bass size restriction that was in effect until 15 October 2024 no longer applies. All persons fishing on Cherokee Reservoir are advised to be familiar with current regulations.
SMALLMOUTH, LARGEMOUTH BASS: Fishing has been unpredictable with high current flows. Some fish have been reported caught but very spotty.
SPOTTED BASS: No reports of fish over the previous week.
STRIPED BASS /HYBRID BASS: No reports of fish over the previous week.
WHITE BASS: No reports of fish over the previous week.
CRAPPIE: Anglers are targeting the fall bite but no reports of fish over the previous week.
SUNFISH/BREAM: No reports of fish over the previous week.
WALLEYE: No reports of fish over the previous week.
CATFISH: No reports of fish over the previous week.
PADDLEFISH: Closed Season.
Chickamauga Reservoir November 1-3, 2024
Report Contributor – Nathan Rogers, Region III Creel Clerk
The weather was warmer throughout the mornings than previous weeks with lows in the mid 50’s but throughout the day it reaches as high as 75. Water visibility is improving throughout the river, but creeks are still much clearer. Current throughout the reservoir and below dams has returned to normal. The water levels are 4 feet below full pool; the latest depth recorded is below. For any discharge or lake elevation info, check out the TVA Lake Info App.
Reservoir Conditions
Water Temp:
Tennessee River (Lower Section): 69.4 degrees Fahrenheit
Tennessee River (Upper Section): 66.7 degrees Fahrenheit
Water Clarity:
Tennessee River (River Channel): 1 foot
Creeks/Inlets: 2 feet
Water Level: 678.86 feet
Water Flow: (as of November 3rd)
Watts Bar Dam: ~ 36000 cfs
Chickamauga Dam: ~ 13700 cfs
Observed Species Information
Bass: Fishing is fair. Anglers are finding more success in creek and sloughs with better visibility due to muddiness of the river. Finding creek channel ledges and points while throwing swimbaits, flukes, crankbaits, and A-rigs to attract bites. Mud and clear water confluences are also hotspots holding fish. Topwater frogs over grass mats are picking up bites as well.
Crappie: Live minnows and small jigs over submerged structure, mostly in creeks or sloughs off main river.
White Bass: small jigging spoons and other shad-like baits in areas where fish are busting surface of water.
Chickamauga – 11-6-24
Report Contributor – Billy Wheat, Follow on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/riprapfishingadventures and www.riprapfishing.net
Chickamauga is 677-678. The water temperature is in the mid-60s. The big creeks are A-rig, scoping and Jerk baits. The bait is key. Keep a Topwater on as they may blow up anytime. Don’t forget that midrange crankbait on the shell beds and points. Find the shallow Hydrilla mats it’s time to go Froggin On The Chick Baby! Rat-l-trap in the flats especially if there is some grass present can be awesome.
Douglas Lake (Cherokee Lake this week) 11-7-24
Report Contributor – Brad Burkhart – Follow on Facebook
Hello all, it’s been awhile. Elbow tendon surgery has had me sidelined but I was able to get back to work this week. Man! Douglas is hot but this report is for Cherokee lake, and it’s tough as nails.
This is a short and sweet report. Your best bet is to scope mid lake pockets, the majority of shad/bass are halfway back in these areas and not all are biters, trust me. The other option you have is casting a 3/8oz or smaller jig to the bluffs above 25E bridge. No, you won’t catch 25 lbs. but you will put yourself in a good spot to get bit. Focus on the shaded parts of the bluff and any irregularities. Green pumpkin is a great color to depend on.
Good luck, God Bless
Message me to book a guided trip.
All info can be found on my site. https://www.killerbassbaits.com/
Brad Burkhart
@bradburkhartprofishing
NOTE – Parts of Douglas Lake is covered in debris and dangerous to travel. Please check advisories before launching on Douglas.
Fall Creek Falls 10-16-24.
Report Contributor – Casey Haston – FCF boat dock staff.
Lake Conditions- Fishing is still fair. Water temps have dropped about 10 degrees over the past 3 weeks! Surface temperature is 67°-68°F at the Boat Dock, and the water clarity is approx. 4ft. The feed times have changed to 6:30am and 7:30pm for the automatic feeders.
Largemouth Bass– Fishing is starting to pick up a little for bass with the cooler water temps. Try targeting shad patterns as the bass are chasing the schooling shad. Jerk baits have been catching some fish as well as some topwater baits, also soft plastics is a good choice for this lake!
Bluegill and Redear Sunfish– Fishing is fair, there have been some Redear and Bluegill caught between 20′-25’ft deep. You can still catch Bluegill near the feeders as well. You should try redworms or crickets for these panfish!
Catfish– Fishing is fair, still seeing a few big catfish! Chicken livers seems to be the most popular bait but other baits like worms, hot dogs, beef liver, even stink baits will catch a few. No matter your choice of bait, you should definitely try your luck around the feeders!
Crappie– Fishing is fair. There have been a few crappie caught recently, as we’re getting into that fall transition crappie fishing should start picking up! Minnows is always a good option, but small jigs and grubs is also a good choice. Maybe target deeper structures for the crappie.
Fort Loudoun 10-24-24.
Report Contributor – Chris Keeble – Angler-Guid
The lake is finally showing signs of clearing up from all the mud, debris as well has started to clear out over the last few weeks. With the lake conditions starting to stabilize, bait seems to be more active by the day and pushing back up shallow or toward the surface over deeper water. Some fish seem to be coming out to find the bait again, while others are still stuck to the bank and structure due to the water conditions. If you’re planning to fish Ft. Loudon right now bright colors are your friend, White, Chartreuse, and Red are usually better with the next to 0 visibility conditions that we are experiencing.
Hiwassee River below Appalachia Powerhouse – 10-23-24
Report Contributor – Tic Smith/Southeastern Anglers Guide Service
River Conditions – TVA is using a varied schedule. Typically, the flows are lower in the mornings and ramping up during the day. Check the TVA website (lake levels, Apalachia) for the predicted schedule.
Water clarity – clear
The weather lately has been really nice but that is not helping the fishing! Water temps are in the mid 60’s and the fish are just not very active. The best fishing is early in the morning and late in the evening. Cooler nights are what we need. Once the water temps drop to 60 and below the fishing will really improve. There are plenty of fish from Big Bend upstream, but the fishing is slow right now.
Hatches- Blue wings have been consistent every day. A small parachute Adams with a pheasant tail dropper is a good combo. Fish are not really chasing streamers well right now but that type of fishing will improve in the coming weeks. In between hatches, general attractor nymphs will produce some fish in the faster water.
Kentucky Lake 11-7-24
Report Contributor – Steve McCadams, Professional Guide/Outdoor Writer (stevemc@charter.net)
COOLER DAYS COMING FOR FISHERMEN
After a long honeymoon with above average temperatures, it looks like a nip in the air is about to arrive. For the last several weeks Kentucky Lake’s fishing scene has seen hot and dry conditions dominate but recent rains have finally drenched a thirsty region. Rain the last week or so has fallen on some extremely dry woods and added a little fresh water to the lake area. Some of the rain had high winds at times that rocked the boat of anglers hoping to extend their parade with pretty days where light winds and above average temperatures greeted them.
Last week warm days lingered—at times daytime highs climbed to the 80-to-81-degree range—and almost broke record high temps for this time of year. Surface temperatures reflect the extended spell of high temps and readings the last week or so were in the 66-degree range, which is several degrees above normal for mid-November. Watch for a rapid drop by late next week once the cold front rolls in.
Lake levels have remained low throughout the fall due in part to a lack of rain. Readings last week at Kentucky Dam dropped to the low ebb of 354.2 a few days but have since risen slightly to the 354.8 range. If projected rains continue watch for a slight rise in elevation by the weekend. Watercolor remains clear across the reservoir. Discharge rates at Kentucky Dam have been around 23,000 cfs (cubic feet per second) so there’s a slow current present in the main Tennessee River channel.
Crappie fishing has been fair for a few anglers working deep manmade fish attractors such as stake beds and brush piles in the 11-to-15-foot depth range. A few fish have been taken even deeper in the Paris Landing sector as some anglers experimented in depths of 16 to 22 feet in their quest to locate scattered fish as TVA had been pulling the lake down to winter pool. Boaters stalking the shallow route of 4 to 8 feet areas have not fared well according to most reports. A few scattered crappie were taken by anglers casting jigs and vertical presentation techniques of both jigs and minnows. However, most indicated the fish were very scattered and the bite was sluggish for shallow zones.
That’s not all surprising as above average surface temperatures the last few weeks have likely had a negative impact on the shallow bite. In early to mid-November the normal surface temp range should be in the upper 50’s to low 60’s. Meanwhile, a few anglers using Live scope sonar have landed some nice stringers from midrange to deeper depths but they are having to make several stops. Most are tipping a jig with a minnow to entice bites.
Bass anglers are still slugging it out in the trenches and finding the bass stubborn to bite. Sluggish fish are still being caught by a few boats working the main lake sandbars. A few credited their catches to the use of Carolina and Alabama rigs retrieved slowly over shad schools on sandbars. Crankbaits and swim baits have worked too as have chrome colored variations of Rattle Trap style lure selections as covering a lot of water and fan casting has been the best technique.
Slow current is present out on the main Tennessee River channel lately. TVA had decreased discharge rates and not many boats were seen stalking catfish out on the riverbanks.
Normandy Lake – 10-10-24
Report Contributor – Captain Jake Davis – Follow on Facebook
Get out there early guys because the better ones are biting early. The best area has been upriver. Current water levels are at 870.75 and dropping to 870.56 by Sunday morning. Crankbaits, Texas Rigs or Tightline Jigs have been our go to. We found a couple of good bass flipping laydowns near deep water. I was told anglers are still catching a few nice Walleye can be caught trolling crankbaits or drifting minnows/crawler harnesses on flats and in the river. Water temperatures range from 71 to 74 degrees. With fall just around the corner with cooler weather water temperatures should start dropping and fishing will start improving. 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 – 10-24-24
Report Contributor – Brian Carper – briancarper.com – Follow on Facebook
The last few days the crappie have been very active! With the water temperature now in the mid-60s and the lake almost a half a foot below summer pool, the fish are chasing bait and starting to feed up for the fall! We’ve been catching crappie on live minnows and casting 1/16oz jigs in pumpkin/chartreuse. We’ve been fishing both brush piles in 10 to 16ft of water in addition to rock ledges off the main channel in 12 to 17ft.
The rock legends have been producing all black crappie. I have not bass fished as much the last couple days but have heard reports of the bite picking up between 1 to 5 feet of water around boulder rocks with jigs, swimbaits and spinnerbaits. The quality fish will be moving heavily shallow the next couple weeks as the temperature continues to cool off. The best is yet to come!
For more information or Book your trip today at www.briancarper.com
Tellico River – 11-6-24
Report Contributor – Scott Dalton, WL Tech 1, Fisheries, Region 4
Fishing is picking up on the reservoir. The water is staying in the 60s with walleye and smallmouth bass being caught regularly.
Tims Ford – 10-10-24
Report Contributor – Captain Jake Davis – Follow on Facebook
We found some nice fish active early in the mornings this week using Pop-R’s, Chugbugs and Buzz baits. Some good fish also came on 3.5-inch swimbait along steep bluff banks. Along with a few fish in creeks with shad using jerk baits, 1/4oz Shaky Head with a finesse Trick worm and ½ ounce Tightline Green Tequila Jig this week work around brush piles in 8 to 15 feet of water. Morning where the best this week as we caught 30 to 40 fish a day. Don’t pass up the opportunity to flip laydowns, especially around deep water with a Texas rig. The current Lake level is 886.96 with a forecasted level slowly dropping to 886.94 over the weekend. Water temps are between 72 to 73 degrees on most of the lake. 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 as the water drops and other boaters. Capt. Jake 615-613-2382 or msbassguide@comcast.net.
Watauga Lake – 10-9-24
Report Contributor – Colton Chambers, C & C Outfitters
First, thanks to all the TWRA agents involved in Rescue and Recovery efforts during the flood. You are appreciated!
Bass fishing is surprisingly good. Lots of things in play right now. Smallmouth are starting to bite Topwater in the mornings. Largemouth fishing is good, jigs and worms around brush in the upper end, and some good buzz bait fishing middle to upper lake.
Crappie fishing was showing signs of life before the floods, and I think it will crank back up as soon as we see the lake levels return to normal.
Trout trolling is very slow.
There is some debris in the upper ends of Elk River and Watauga River so be alert. Good Luck 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!
Watts Bar – 11-6-24
Report Contributor – Billy Wheat, Follow on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/riprapfishingadventures and www.riprapfishing.net
Watts Bar is down a foot or so. The water temperature is in the mid-60s. The water is also clearing up some so get that Spook or Shower Blow out and have some fun. Points and grass points main channel about halfway back in the pockets. A-rigs and scoping around the bait is highly productive. Traps and shallow Crankbaits along with the Jerk bait can get it done as well. If you find the Hydrilla mats or pondweed mats a toad and frog can be a blast. Always keep you a flipping bait on pegged with a creature bait if they miss that frog flip em out of there.
Watts Bar 10-3-24
Report Contributor – Captain Wallace Sitzes – Follow on Facebook
Despite the water conditions the fishing has been pretty good. There is some debris here, but not much worse than any time the water fluctuates really fast. There are some pretty big dead trees so be cautious especially navigating at night. There’s multiple species of baitfish piled up all over the place right now.
The coves are packed full of bait and there’s a lot of fish feeding on them, but it’s more of a mixed bag. Mostly bass, white bass and good numbers of striper in some areas. For bass I was doing pretty good just working plastic worms on the bottom in areas that used to be packed full of weeds before the water level came up, but the more the water muddied up the less luck I had.
Now that the water looks like chocolate milk you want to use baits that produce a lot of vibration and or smell. Contrasting colors and some flash also helps. Top water and sub surface baits are really easy for a fish to locate in dirty water.
The catfishing has been really good now that we have steady water flow. Some are gorging on baitfish in the shallows, especially at night, but a lot of these big cats are tucked in behind deep structure in the current breaks waiting on easy meals to pass by. I take a variety of bait with me every time including shad, various live sunfish and usually something bigger like white bass, skipjack or redhorse.
I’m not trying to run a trolling motor in this current for hours so I’m anchoring upstream from my target and throwing out rigs with just enough weight to allow my bait to slowly drift along the bottom until the bait hits the fish in the mouth. I usually target flatheads but get plenty of blues this way.
If you’re looking for striper, I’d fish the confluence or pull into a cove with a lot of baitfish and just shut the engine off and watch the surface of the water for a little bit. If they’re in there, you’ll see them, or you can blind cast and wait until they start busting. If you don’t see them working bait, go on to the next cove.
West Prong, Little Pigeon River – 11-6-24
Report Contributor – Scott Dalton, WL Tech 1, Fisheries, Region 4
Fishing has been steady along the river with some decent size smallmouth bass being caught, along with lots of rainbow trout on the upper stretch of the river.
Wilbur Tailwater – 9-25-24
Report 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 10-10-24
Report Contributor – Captain Jake Davis – Follow on Facebook
The morning bite continues to be best for the better fish. 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 Tightline Mussel Crawler jigs tipped with Twin Tail grubs, soft plastics, and Carolina Rigs. Word has it Crappie have slowed down. Water temperatures range from 72.5 to 73 degrees. This cool down over the next couple weeks with cooler days and nights headed our way. Duck and Goose Hunting season is not far away, please be aware of hunting location around the lake. Please wear your life vest all the time while on the water. Give me a call to book your trip, fall fishing can be lots of fun on Woods. Capt. Jake 615-613-2382 or msbassguide@comcast.net
