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 – 2-27-25
Forecast Contributor – Colton Chambers – C and C Outfitters
Some early Spring weather has been great news! Still a lot of Bass being caught using Forward Facing Sonar, but there have been some solid fish biting a small pig & jig combo (Green Pumpkin) and a few bass starting to show up on deep diving jerk baits in 10-15 ‘ of water.
Crappie fishing isn’t great yet but showing signs of life on small hair flies tipped with minnows in 12-18 ‘.
Striper & Hybrids are showing up the best on live shad & shiners down lining from Davis Marina to Devault Bridge.
Stay safe on the water!
C and C Outfitters
Colton and Chip Chambers
423-707-8822
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063643880828
https://candcoutfitters.wixsite.com/guides
Center Hill – 3-5-25
Report Contributor – Chris Snow, Guide at www.briancarper.com
Bass continue to be caught using crank baits and the jighead minnow in and around schools of bait. Crappie have backed off to the deeper brush piles use crappie jigs and minnows for best results.Walleye are being caught up lake trolling a catspaw with nightcrawler in about 20ft of water.
To learn more or get out on the water with us check out Brian Carper’s guide service at www.briancarper.com.
Center Hill – 3-3-25
Report Contributor – James Bond, 007’s Guide Service
https://www.facebook.com/share/14max84U3j/?mibextid=qi2Omg
The current water temps are hovering around 50 degrees. Water clarity is slowly improving since the rains from a few weeks ago.
Bass – no report
Crappie- This last week has been amazing for crappie as they continue to move into shallow bank areas of the lake and river. Jig and a plastic or a jig tipped with a minnow seem to be the best bait for us lately. One of our clients caught a 15 1/4″ white crappie on Monday in 16 ft of water.
Walleye- fishing remains slow with numerous anglers reporting the worst Feb / Early March they’ve had in years. We are still catching a few, but the numbers are really low right now. The ones we are catching seem to be in that 14 to 25 ft range on jigs with a curl tail grub or hair jigs.
For booking information call James at 601-720_6193 or visit us on Facebook at the following link https://www.facebook.com/share/1YJRL77m68/
Tight lines and I’ll see you on the water!
James Bond, 007’s Guide Service, Smithville, TN 601-720-6193
Cherokee Lake 3-5-25
Report Contributor – Roy M. Prater, WL Tech 1, Region 4
RESERVOIR / WATER CONDITIONS: Over the previous week local weather patterns have been dry with little to no precipitation. High winds swept the area over the weekend but have subsided Sunday afternoon and Monday. More severe winds are forecasted over the middle of the week as the weather changes to rain on the weekend. To be better prepared for your day on the water anglers are recommended to refer to projected forecasts from The National Weather Service at https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=36.3404&lon=83.2854 .
Information on current reservoir conditions and projected elevations can be located at https://www.tva.com/environment/lake-levels/cherokee.
SUMMARY: The lake levels have been receding to the desired elevation range for two weeks. Surface water temperatures range between 46 degrees Fahrenheit at John Sevier Power plant to 49 degrees mid-reservoir water. The constant change in water levels and high winds have made fishing difficult.
All anglers are advised to be aware of the current water and fish consumption notices for the Holston River system and its reservoirs, this information can be located in TEMA’s Press Releases at https://www.tn.gov/tema/news.html .
SPECIES REPORTS:
Smallmouth Bass: Some fish have been reported being caught in the mid-reservoir. Early spring patterns and areas with abrupt depth changes appear to be where the fish are most likely to be found.
Largemouth Bass: Fishing has been unpredictable. Recent high winds have kept catch rates down. Fish have been reported caught in the Poor Valley Creek embayment.
Spotted Bass: Some Spotted Bass have been reported being caught on the upper end of the lake. The fish were interspersed with other bass.
Striped and Cherokee Bass: Schools of Cherokee Bass have been reported in the channel areas of German Creek. Fish ranging from 6 to 20 pounds have been reported caught. Anglers should look for bait balls of Shad, the fish are hunting around their periphery.
White Bass: Anglers are starting to fish the banks near the Hughey B Day Bridge. Be advised the access gates to the parking area are Locked and no vehicle entry was allowed as of this writing. Be prepared to hike into the fishing area. No fish were reported.
Crappie: Some fish have been reported being caught in the German Creek/Ray Creek embayment’s. Anglers are “Running and Gunning” targeting fish with Forward Facing Sonar.
Sunfish/Bream: No reports of fish over the previous week.
Walleye: Fish have been reported being caught from Quarryville to the flow-over dam at John Sevier. Catch rates have been reported to be increasing with limits reported being caught. Most fish caught are smaller males interspersed with a few females.
All Anglers are reminded that a U.S. Coast Guard Approved Life Preserver/PFD is required to be worn 100% of the time by all persons in a boat when on the water upstream of the Boat Ramp.
Catfish: No reports of fish over the previous week.
Chickamauga – 3-6-25
Report Contributor – Billy Wheat, Follow on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/riprapfishingadventures and www.riprapfishing.net
Chickamauga is dropping from summer pool with big bags showing up strong. The A-rig is fire along with FFS minner. The creeks with grass are really great even though the water is falling the bait is in place. Don’t forget this is a great Square Bill lake along with the Rat-l-Trap. Always have that big glide bait ready.
Dale Hollow – 3-4-25
Report Contributor – Will Schibig, Region III Creel Clerk
Reservoir Conditions
Dale Hollow Dam is pulling with all generators and producing 3,600 cfs of outflow, on average, per day. The reservoir elevation is stable and starting to drop again, with current elevation sitting at 647’. The surface water temperatures have also stabilized, with temperatures throughout the reservoir ranging from 45-50 degrees. Warmest waters can be found on sun baked banks or stained, shallow waters. Water clarity ranges throughout the reservoir, with the clearest waters being from the mouth of Mitchell Creek to the dam. From first island to Lily Dale, the water visibility is 5-10’ of clarity. Upstream in the tributary arms or the backs of main creek arms, the clarity is 5 foot or less. Be cautious of floating debris up the Wolf river past Eagle Cove.
Bass- Fishing is decent. Smallmouth are being caught 8-10’ on gravel banks around secondary points in creek arms. Smallmouth are also being caught on flats with grass in 10- 20 FOW near main lake channel swings. Largemouth are suspended in the upper water column around the mouths of main lake pockets.
Crappie- Fishing is good. Crappie are being caught suspended with bait fish 10-15’ down in the upper parts of creeks and river arms around the channel. Crappie can be caught around deep structure like grass and brush in 15-25’ as well.
Douglas Lake 3-5-25
Report Contributor – Roy M. Prater, WL Tech 1, Region 4
Before planning a fishing trip to Douglas Reservoir anglers are encouraged to reference TEMA’s website for current water and fish consumption advisories. Information is located at https://www.tn.gov/tema/news.html .
RESERVOIR / WATER CONDITIONS: Water clarity is poor but improves further from the headwaters. Reservoir levels are holding steady at 960 feet above sea level. Debris continues to be collected at the upper end of the reservoir with crews located up to Point 18. Anglers are advised to reference https://www.tva.com/environment/lake-levels/Douglas for the latest reservoir conditions.
To better prepare for a day on the water forecasted weather can be accessed from the National Weather Service at https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=35.9255&lon=-83.1212.
SUMMARY: The lake levels have been receding for two weeks. Surface temperatures from Leadvale Access to mid-reservoir range from 44 degrees Fahrenheit to 48 degrees. As water levels continue to decrease fish habitat is disturbed and making fishing more challenging. Boaters should be extra cautious when transiting from Point 17 up to the North Carolina border as falling water levels are exposing obstructions and semi-submerged debris.
SPECIES REPORTS: Smallmouth Bass: Some smaller fish have been reported caught above Walter’s Access while anglers targeted Walleye. No surveys were conducted from mid-reservoir to the dam this reporting period.
Largemouth Bass: No reports of fish caught over this reporting period.
Spotted Bass: No reports of fish caught over this reporting period.
White Bass: Two fish were reported caught at the rock bluff upstream of Walter’s Access. No surveys were conducted from mid-reservoir to the dam this reporting period.
Crappie: Anglers are incidentally catching fish targeting walleye above the 1-40 bridge to the Rankin Refuge. No surveys were conducted from mid-reservoir to the dam this reporting period.
Sunfish/Bream: No reports of fish caught over this reporting period.
Walleye: Some Walleye have been reported being caught from Point 18 to the Rankin Refuge. As the spawning run progresses fish harvests should increase.
Catfish: No reports of fish caught over this reporting period.
Lake Sturgeon: There is NO harvest of any Sturgeon in Tennessee waters, and humane live release is required. If Anglers catch Sturgeon, it is recommended to photograph both sides of the animal, immediately release it, and report the catch at https://www.tn.gov/twra/wildlife/fish/sturgeon.html .
Great Falls – 3-4-25
Report Contributor – Will Schibig, Region III Creel Clerk
Reservoir Conditions-
Great Falls Dam is releasing 1,700 cfs of outflow, on average, per day. The reservoir elevation is sitting at 787’ but is relative to change based of generation scheduling. The upper end of the reservoir has up to 12’ of visibility and around 48 degree water temperature. The lower end of the reservoir is murkier with 4-6’ of visibility and slightly warmer. The Collins river arm has the warmest water with temperatures in the lower 50’s and around 5’ visibility. The Rocky river has similar conditions with 4’ of visibility and low 50’s as well. The Calfkiller is low and not accessible by propped boat, the mouth has a 53 degree reading.
Bass- Fishing is decent. Anglers are having the most success with largemouth while fishing wood structure on sunny mud banks with crank baits and umbrella rigs. Spotted bass can be caught around channel swing rock banks with wood and docks mixed in with finesse presentations like shakey heads and ned rigs.
Hiwassee River below Appalachia Powerhouse – 3-5-25
Report Contributor – Tic Smith/Southeastern Anglers Guide Service
Water Temperature – 44 – 48 F
Water Clarity – clear
Water Level – The flow is a constant 3400 cfs until further notice
Fishing conditions – Fishing has improved with the consistent flows. Hatches will improve once the water temps start staying above 50 degrees. That may happen next week with warmer weather predicted,
Hatches- There are midges and small baetis hatching in the mid-day hours particularly if it is sunny and winds are calm. Emergers and dry flies like parachutes in size 18 – 22 will get you some strikes from the rising fish. Little brown and black stoneflies are sporadic but the nymphs are a good thing to try. Streamer fishing is just ok right now due to cold water temps.
Flies to use
Zebra midge #18, Bwo parachute #18, Black caddis #16 & 18, Ph tail #14 to 18, Prince #14 to 18 and Wooly bugger olive # 6 to 10.
Kentucky Lake 2-26-25
Report Contributor – Steve McCadams, Professional Guide/Outdoor Writer (stevemc@charter.net)
FISHING SCENE IMPROVES…TEMPS RISE AS LAKE LEVELS FALL
The roller coaster for Kentucky Lake anglers has been a wild ride recently but it’s calming down. Both temperatures and lake levels have fluctuated the last week or two, keeping fishermen off balance. Things are improving as rising temperatures greeted falling lake levels recently. That’s improved the overall fishing scene. Stability was long overdue.
Fishermen have rapidly bounced back to active duty, returning in force to their favorite fishing holes. Boat ramps were filled recently with anxious anglers yearning for a return to normalcy. Lake levels are back down near normal winter pool levels. TVA really pulled the plug last week after the rapid rise in elevation in the aftermath of flooding conditions over a week ago. Elevation at midweek was 354.7, which is about normal for late February and early March.
Watercolor continues to clear and is in good shape for winter crappie and bass anglers. Surface temps were rising at midweek when daytime high reached 75-degree range. Since then, slightly cooler conditions have returned. Water temps were in the low 40’s but rising.
Both the bass and crappie bite has bounced back as surface temps warmed and stability in lake levels returned. Tossing crawfish variations of crank baits have been productive as have shad variations too. Anglers are targeting gravel banks and big rock points, especially in the bays off the main lake. Watercolor in the main river channel area had some dingy color but elsewhere it’s clearing rapidly.
Crappie fishermen are stalking some deep main lake ledges and focusing their efforts on the 16-to-20-foot depth range and finding action there. No doubt the fish fell back to some deeper water when lake levels fell drastically during the cold spell. Look for that to change daily as fish respond to not only slightly warmer surface temps but stability in lake levels. That should see more fish enter mid range depths of 9 to 14 feet. Brush piles and stake beds in that depth range should be holding decent numbers of crappie.
A few days crappie were scattered and suspended and not relating to structure. Sometimes the fish are roaming when lake levels are changing but will return to cover quickly when stability returns. As the schools of bait fish move up so will the crappie. Shad will respond quickly to the warming trend and likely continue moving toward shallow to mid range areas.
The long range weather forecast indicates mild to moderate weather so watch for crappie to respond favorably for fishermen if the wind will cooperate. This time of year the sudden warm ups are often accompanied by strong southerly winds so it’s a trade-off sometimes. March is here with all its different faces. Anglers know they will have some nice days but the month has a reputation for unstable weather and wind.
Nickajack Reservoir, March 1st, 2025
Report Contributor – Nathan Rogers, Region III Creel Clerk
The weather was warmer throughout the weekend with lows around the mid 30’s and highs throughout the day as warm as 65. Current throughout the reservoir and below dams is still high with dams spilling. Water visibility has improved slightly. The water levels are currently over full pool on upper portions of reservoir; the latest depth and discharge rate I have recorded is below. For any discharge or lake elevation info, check out the TVA Lake Info App. Wear life jackets if planning to go out during high water and heavy current conditions.
Reservoir Conditions
Water Temp:
Upper end of Lake: 49.7 degrees Fahrenheit
Lower end of Lake: N/A
Water Clarity:
Tennessee River (River Channel): 2.5 foot
Water Level: (as of March 1st)
Lake elevation: 633.89 feet
Tailwater elevation: 643.50 feet
Water Flow: (as of March 1st)
Chickamauga Dam: ~ 86603 cfs (spilling)
Nickajack Dam: ~ 87348 cfs (spilling)
Observed Species Information
Upper section of Lake:
Bass: Fishing is good.
Many anglers are targeting Smallmouth Bass in this section of the lake throwing A-rigs, jerk baits, and jigging minnows along rocky banks impacted by current. Live bait such as shiners and shad are great in these areas as well. Finding deep holes throughout river channel and fishing the drop off ledges where fish are holding is bringing success to anglers as well.
Lower Section of Lake:
No Surveys in the area
Norris Tailwater – 2-19-25
Report Contributor – Scott Dalton, Wildlife Tech 1
Last week fishing was great when the generators were not running with lots of rainbow and brown trout caught. While the generators were running, drift boats were doing well too. With additional precipitation, Norris is well above the guide curve and water is being sluiced (2 generators and sluice gate open). During this time fishing is more difficult. Use extreme caution.
Check TVA website for more information. https://www.tva.com/environment/lake-levels/norris/operating-guide and https://www.tva.com/environment/lake-levels/norris
Parksville Reservoir, March 2nd, 2025
Report Contributor – Nathan Rogers, Region III Creel Clerk
The weather was cooler once again with lows in the 20’s and highs reaching 50. Water temps have increased a few degrees throughout the reservoir with the warmer weather over the past week. Current throughout the reservoir has settled back to normal. Visibility has vastly improved throughout the reservoir but lower portion still being murkier. The water levels are at 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: 48.8 degrees Fahrenheit
Water Clarity: 5.5 feet
Water Level: (as of March 2nd)
828.00 feet
Water Flow: (as of March 2nd)
Ocoee#1 Dam: ~ 600 cfs
Ocoee#2 Dam: ~ 0 cfs
Observed Species Information
Bass: Fishing is fair. Throwing jerk baits, A-rigs, and swim baits around schools of bait in open water and creek mouths. Float-n-fly fishing also attracts bites on steep rocky ledges and points in creek arms. Live minnows in creek channels also attract bites.
Yellow Perch: Fishing is fair. Anglers are finding bites using live minnows and small jigs in river channel on shallow flats and channel banks.
Percy Priest – 2-5-25
Report Contributor – Arnie Shanklin, Guide at www.briancarper.com
I’ve been crappie fishing the upper end of the lake on Priest the last week. We’re catching them in brush piles in 25ft of water. They’re biting both jigs and minnows right now.
To learn more or get out on the water with us check out Brian Carper’s guide service at www.briancarper.com.
Pickwick – 3-4-25
Forecast Contributor Tyler Finley – Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tyler.finley.750
With warmer weather the fish are finally going to their staging areas. Some of the best fishing right now is on the low end of the lake on flats from 5-10ft. Fish are relating to structure and hard spots waiting to push up shallow to spawn. They are also being caught on gravel points leading into major creeks such as Dry Creek and Yellow Creek. The best baits for this style of fishing is a small swim bait across the bottom, football jig, Carolina rig, and shakey head. If you’re going up the river after smallmouth the flood gates are still open and fish are relating to current breaks. The best parts are up past the last bridge towards the dam. The current breaks are best with a swim bait and shakey head. There are a lot of big fish being caught right now so no better time to get out and enjoy the water!
Watts Bar – 2-19-25
Report Contributor – Billy Wheat, Follow on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/riprapfishingadventures and www.riprapfishing.net
Watts Bar has the current rolling through as the rest of the TN River system does! Current breaks are so important when this happens any points or big trees that cause the current to kick out can be fire! Behind them can be a school of bass ready to eat! Depending on the depth there are many baits that you can use a shallow crank bait is definitely your number 1. You can catch them as fast as you can if they are there.
The A-rig and Jerk bait are a great deal as well buy you don’t want, you’re a-rig to heavy and your Jerk bait must suspend. The shallows are always a player going back in the creeks look for those points that come up to 3 feet and drop to 5-12. When the water is up and running keep a jig tied on pitch it into trees and around dock posts. The FFS Minner is never left out when gave a big point that pushes the current way out you ping that Minner and catch some giants.
Watts Bar 2-19-25
Forecast Contributor Captain Wallace Sitzes – Follow on Facebook
The crappie were feeding pretty good before the front moved in. It should pick back up again after a few days. I’m marking a lot of fish out roaming around in the channel and along points that drop into deep water. I’m finding some big white crappie on deep structure, but not large numbers. I’m dropping down bigger baits for those fish. Most of the fish I’ve been catching lately have been black crappie around docks in 12 – 16′ of water fishing about 4 – 8′ down with a 1/32 – 1/16″ jig head and small jig. Most of these fish have been smaller though 10 – 13″
Watauga Lake – 2-27-25
Forecast Contributor – Colton Chambers – C and C Outfitters
Some nice eating size Rainbows still being caught of the handicapped fishing pier at Rat Branch Recreation area on small spinners, and natural bait and Salmon eggs on the bottom.
Some great Smallmouth catches this week also, with a female angler catching and releasing 2 Smallmouth over 5 lbs. fishing with C & C Outfitters. The bass are scattering with the warm temps, lots being taken on river rock points on small swim baits in 10-15 ‘ of water as well as following bait balls with Forward Facing Sonar.
Walleye fishing is still pretty slow, but that will change getting deeper into March.
Not a lot of good news on Crappie yet.
Stay safe on the water!
C and C Outfitters
Colton and Chip Chambers
423-707-8822
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063643880828
https://candcoutfitters.wixsite.com/guides
