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.
See more community fishing reports across all of Tennessee in the Fishbrain app! Click here to download: https://join.fishbrain.com/tennessee
Other fishing related information can be found on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/tnwildlife/
Boone Reservoir – 3-20-25
Forecast Contributor – Colton Chambers – C and C Outfitters – C & C Outfitters Facebook
Spring has sprung and fishing is good ! Great news on crappie, some decent catches this week in the 6-8 ‘ depth range on Bobby Garland type lures and also on a fly and live minnow combo . The midlake and Holston side are producing around brush.
Bass fishing is good. Small crank baits and jerkbaits on the inside of main channel points are working well, even a few fish on spinnerbaits showing up.
Striper fishing isn’t bad, the fish are just very scattered. Some are starting to chase bait in pockets, with some of the larger fish still in the 22-38’ range .
Stay safe on the water!
C and C Outfitters
Colton and Chip Chambers
423-707-8822
candcoutfitters.wixsite.com
Center Hill Tailwater (Caney Fork River) – 3-21-25
Report Contributor – Justin Spaulding, Region III Fisheries Biologist
River Conditions – Center Hill Dam has been generating 3 units 24/7 for close to a week now. They will probably continue 2-3 generators for several days to get the lake ready for another spring rain. Water temperatures have been around 49F. Agency staff will be conducting creel surveys through October, so we look forward to seeing you all out and hearing about your trip.
Trout – Fishing is good. We are still having shad pass through the turbines, and the fish know it. With the water up, streamers or bait patterns are going to be your best bet. Wade fishing was decent before the recent rains, with anglers experiencing “bite windows” or the fish were completely turned off. As we start to get lower flows towards the end of the month, be ready to take advantage of some areas that haven’t seen much pressure for a few weeks and the Blue Wing Olive hatches in sunny stretches.
Center Hill – 4-3-25
Report Contributor – Chris Snow, Guide at www.briancarper.com
The water levels remains high the bass are wanting to spawn.The water temperature is 62 degrees with the clearer water producing the best results. The bass are being caught on spinnerbaits and flipping flooded bushes.
To learn more or get out on the water with us check out Brian Carper’s guide service at www.briancarper.com.
Center Hill – 3-12-25
Report Contributor – James Bond, 007’s Guide Service – 007’s Guide Service
Water Temp – 57
The debris is bad in spots. Y’all be careful out there.
Bass- we are catching largemouth in shallow water this week. Several today were caught in water less than 12 ft deep. All were caught on swim baits around timber.
Crappie– the week started out strong with an average size of 12 to 14″ in 15 to 20ft of water. Small minnows on a pink or white jig head have been working really well this week.
Walleye- TWRA did an electro shock harvest at the headwaters on Tuesday. Although many anglers were upset because of the disturbance, this process is vital to ensure we have a healthy walleye population for years to come. These walleye are taken to the hatchery at Normandy for the walleye stocking program. This program not only helps Center Hill Lake, but several other Lakes as well. The walleye bite has been fair, with some days being better than others. A few anglers are catching eater sized males on a jig and plastic or hair jigs. A super slow presentation has worked well for us. Do your part and release those large females. Help us protect this precious resource. Remember the single hook rule is in effect from the Rock Island State Park boat ramp all the way to Great Falls Dam.
Catfish- no report
For booking information call James at 601-720_6193 or visit us on Facebook.
Tight lines and I’ll see you on the water!
James Bond, 007’s Guide Service, Smithville, TN 601-720-6193
Cherokee Lake 3-19-25
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.
RESERVOIR / WATER CONDITIONS: Water clarity is poor with less than 1 foot of visibility from Rankin Refuge to the I-40 bridge. Reservoir levels are relatively steady. Debris continues to be collected at the upper end of the reservoir with crews located up to Point 18.
Anglers are advised to reference www.tva.com for the latest reservoir conditions. To better prepare for a day on the water forecasted weather can be accessed from the National Weather Service.
SUMMARY: The lake is receiving muddy water via the French Broad and Nolichucky rivers. Heavy storms from last weekend are still draining down both rivers and into the reservoir. Surface temperatures from Leadvale Access to mid-reservoir range from 55 degrees Fahrenheit to 50 degrees at Flat Creek. A Shad die off in the Flat Creek area seems to have affected fishing in the drainage. Water quality in the Maguire Creek drainage is good. 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.
Chickamauga – 4-3-25
Report Contributor – Billy Wheat, Follow on Facebook and www.riprapfishing.net
Chickamauga is 63-65 water temperature. The elevation is 679 to 680. The chatterbait and trap are great on the flats and grass. Any piece of wood in the water flip a jig on it. The scope is deadly on the 6-10 banks. The glides and mag drafts are killer on the docks and trees in the creeks. They will go to the bed soon. Find the staging areas in the ditches and stumps in 3 to 5 feet of water flip the plastic creature baits or the Senkos on em.
Dale Hollow – 4-3-25
Report Contributor – Will Schibig, Region III Creel Clerk
Reservoir Conditions-
Dale Hollow Dam has been generating 2 or more generators all week, and is generating 3,570 cfs per day, on average. The reservoir elevation has sat around 650’ but could rise with the influx of water coming in with these storms. Water temperatures vary throughout the reservoir. The warmest water I have found were runoffs up the Obey, around 65 degrees, and the coolest waters are around the dam with surface water temps of 52-54 degrees. Main lake water temperatures around mid-lake are in the upper 50’s. Water clarity is still good around the dam with 8-12’ of visibility. Water clarity starts to wane in Mitchell creek and around First Island. The lunar phase this week is waxing, with a full moon predicted on April 12th. Just about every sport fish is up shallow ready to spawn or just finished, it’s a great time to be fishing Dale Hollow!
Bass- Fishing is excellent. The smallmouth bite is at its peak right now. Anglers are catching smallmouth hand over fist throughout the reservoir. Just about all the smallmouth are being caught shallow, 5-15’, near the bank. Look for gravel banks, or gravel banks mixed with chunk rocks. Points are hot right now too, especially ones near a channel or deep water. Bait selection is based off water clarity. If its clear, then small swim baits, ned rigs, micro jigs, or hair jigs are the way to go. If there is some stain, try crank baits or larger swim baits in that 10-15’ range. Largemouth are still in pre-spawn mode with fish being caught suspended 10-15’ swimming around creek channels on the lower end. On the upper end of the of the reservoir, you can get a good flipping bite in the bushes and willows or power fish with crank baits, spinnerbaits, or vibrating jigs. This is your time to get those 5-6lb largemouth up shallow.
Crappie- Fishing is good. On the upper end, where the water is in the 60’s most crappie are probably spawning and may be hard to catch. On the mid-lake down to the dam, you can still target crappie around downed trees, grass beds, or find them suspended 6-15’ over brush.
Douglas Lake 4-4-25
Forecast Contributor Brad Burkhart – Follow on Facebook
Good morning, hope all is well. I usually do a Douglas report but trips this week have taken me to Norris lake so here’s a Norris Report. The first wave of smallmouth are in full spawn and are actually a little finicky, the males aren’t but the big females that you want to catch are. We have been catching most of the smallmouth on a 5” grub and 8lb Pline florocarbon.
Largemouth on the other hand are eating like crazy as the first wave of those are in full pre spawn. Any short pockets off the main channel with wood will get you a bite. The baits that have worked best Thai week are a chatter bait and Jerkbait.
If you would like to book a trip to see it first hand message me.
Hope this helps.
Good fishing and God Bless!
Message me to book a trip.
Brad Burkhart
@bradburkhartprofishing
Douglas Lake 3-19-25
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.
RESERVOIR / WATER CONDITIONS: Water clarity is poor with less than 1 foot of visibility from Rankin Refuge to the I-40 bridge. Reservoir levels are relatively steady. Debris continues to be collected at the upper end of the reservoir with crews located up to Point 18. Anglers are advised to reference www.tva.com 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 is receiving muddy water via the French Broad and Nolichucky rivers. Heavy storms from last weekend are still draining down both rivers and into the reservoir. Surface temperatures from Leadvale Access to mid-reservoir range from 55 degrees Fahrenheit to 50 degrees at Flat Creek. A Shad die off in the Flat Creek area seems to have affected fishing in the drainage. Water quality in the Maguire Creek drainage is good. 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.
Glenn Springs Lake 3-31-25
Report Contributor – Robert Arndt, Manager Glenn Springs Bait and Tackle – Facebook
At Glenn Spring in the last week we have seen an increase in Black Crappie caught on minnows in shallow and mid depth up to 12ft, Largemouth Bass caught , unsure what they’re biting on caught in deeper water around 15-20ft deep. Also Blue Catfish caught on Chicken Liver from the pier.
Great Falls – 4-3-25
Report Contributor – Will Schibig, Region III Creel Clerk
Reservoir Conditions-
Conditions have been volatile like most springs are on Great Falls. The water level has been up and down, but are expected to rise again with the newest storm incoming. Current water levels are at 790’. Great Falls dam is releasing 3500-4500 cfs per day on average. The inflow to Great Falls is 2,500-3,500 cfs per day on average. The lower end of the reservoir has been in the 60’s with a 4’ visibility average. The upper end of the reservoir has better visibility with 9-12’ clarity and surface water temperatures in the mid-to-high 50’s. The Rocky, Calfkiller, and Collins rivers all have similar conditions with 3-5’ visibility and low 60’s surface water temperatures.
Bass- Fishing has been decent. Largemouth are being caught on mud flats with trees. The smallmouth bite up the Collins has slowed with fish moving upstream of Hennessy bridge due to low water conditions.
Crappie- Fishing is excellent. Reservoir wide you can catch crappie on any brush on mud banks as shallow as 5’ and as deep as 20’. Most crappie being caught are in the 10-12” range with some slabs mixed in. With the water temperatures hitting the 60’s, the bite may die down while the fish spawn.
Muskie- Fishing is decent. The Muskie are closing out their spawn, and hungry post spawn fish are being sought after with glide baits and paddle tail swim baits on mud flats with logs mixed in on the upper end of the reservoir.
Hiwassee River below Appalachia Powerhouse – 4-4-25
Report Contributor – Tic Smith/Southeastern Anglers Guide Service
River Conditions 4/04/2025
Water temp- 58 to 65 degrees
Water clarity – clear
Water level – flows vary from 0 to 1 generator ( Go to TVA.com to check flow schedules) This tail water schedule is posted after 6pm the previous day. Click on Lake Levels then Apalachia to view info.
River Conditions- The water temps have risen and hatches are occuring late morning and midday
Hatches – BWO’ #16-18, light hendricksons #14, quill gordons #10, skwala stoneflies #8 and lots of tan caddis # 14 to 18
Flies to use
Dry flies- parachutes, comparaduns and emergers for the mayflies listed above
Orange stimulators # 8 to 12 for the skwalas
Elk hair caddis and X caddis
Nymphs
Pheasant tails #14 to 20
Pats rubber legs #10 to 12
Hares ear# 14 or hendrickson nymph #14
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.
Kentucky Lake 4-3-25
Report Contributor – Steve McCadams, Professional Guide/Outdoor Writer (stevemc@charter.net)
HIGH WATER/INCLEMENT WEATHER CONCERNS ANGLERS
Inclement weather and rising water has been on the minds of Kentucky Lake anglers (and everywhere else across the region) this week. In the aftermath of heavy rains, thunderstorms and tornado alerts the reservoir is rising due to massive runoff from torrential downpours. Earlier this week Tennessee Valley Authority had already begun releasing a large volume of water through Kentucky Dam in anticipation of flooding conditions. Some areas within the watershed were expected to receive 9 to 10 inches of rain by the approaching weekend said the National Weather Service. Anglers and all lake users were in a “wait and see” mode as to just how much rain we get and how high lake levels will actually rise.
Lake levels on Thursday as this update was formulated were in the 355.5 range. No doubt that elevation will rise in the days ahead as flooding is underway. As storms entered the picture at midweek Kentucky Lake’s crappie spawn was about to begin as warm weather had influenced surface temperatures. The fish had been biting as surface temps climbed to the 62-plus degree range, stimulating spawning urges. However, high winds were challenging anglers lately. Most have opted to stay off the lake due to unruly conditions.
Once the storm front passes this weekend a cool snap will follow. Daytime highs will only be in the low 60’s and nighttime temps will fall to the low to mid 40’s. That will likely have a negative impact on the fishing scene for a few days, especially when combined with rapidly rising lake levels.
With a dramatic rise in elevation ahead anglers can expect both bass and crappie to scattered and follow the rise. If the reservoir jumps to the summer pool elevation of 359 range or above it means shoreline habitat will be inundated. If that happens bass and crappie will move up to buck bushes, grass beds and willow trees quickly, searching for spawning cover. Of concern to anglers when these dramatic changes occur is a quick fall in lake levels as the spawn is underway.
Bass and crappie could move up and begin spawning in shallow habitat only to see a drastic drop in lake levels leave eggs and small fry high and dry. That’s not good for the spawn but it all depends on how fast TVA pulls the reservoir back down once a crest occurs.
Presently the fishing scene is facing a lot of unknowns. Right now anglers are waking up to a new lake every day as water levels change and muddy water enters the picture in some areas.
I’ll have updates posted by early next week as the fishing scene changes.
Nickajack Reservoir, 3-31-25
Forecast Contributor – Nathan Rogers, Region III Creel Clerk
The weather is warmer with lows around the 60’s and highs throughout the day as warm as 72. Current throughout the reservoir has slowed with Chickamauga Dam no longer spilling. Water visibility has improved slightly. The water levels are back to normal; 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: N/A
Lower end of Lake: 60.9 degrees Fahrenheit
Water Clarity:
Tennessee River (River Channel): 2.5 foot
Water Level: (as of March 29th)
Lake elevation: 633.95 feet
Tailwater elevation: 633.95 feet
Water Flow: (as of March 29th)
Chickamauga Dam: ~ 6535 cfs
Nickajack Dam: ~ 6977 cfs
Observed Species Information
Upper section of Lake:
Bass: No survey in this area since last report
Lower Section of Lake:
Bass: Fishing is good.
Anglers are throwing spinnerbaits, lipless cranks baits and swim baits around grass edges, rocky banks/points in inlets off main river channel and finding success.
Crappie: Fishing is fair.
Using live minnows as well as small jigs in coves off main river, mainly over submerged structure and old road beds.
Normandy Lake – 3-27-25
Forecast Contributor Captain Jake Davis – Follow on Facebook
As the lake cleared up this week, fish became better, this should continue through April as fish start to move up for the spawn. While the best areas have been up river, don’t overlook that lower end in the Riley Creek Area. Current water levels are at 874.49 and will drop over the weekend as TVA brings the lake down to the scheduled water level of 873.80. Crank baits, Texas Rigs or Tightline Jigs have been our go to. I was told anglers are still catching a few nice Walleye can be caught on flats and in the Duck River. Crappie are doing good as well on standing timber and brush piles. Water temperatures range from 55 to 58 degrees. The Sportsman’s Corner in Tullahoma has all the baits we use in stock, they also offer electronic classes and setup. Please Wear those Life Vest. For more information call Jake Davis at 615.613.2382 or msbassguide@comcast.net
Norris Tailwater – 4-3-25
Report Contributor – Scott Dalton, Wildlife Tech 1
Brown trout and rainbow trout are being stocked which has the Trout fishing incredible along the tail waters the past few weeks with lots of brown trout and rainbow trout being caught.
Check TVA website for more information. Norris Lake operating-guide and Norris lake-levels
Parksville Reservoir, March 31- 2025
Forecast Contributor – Nathan Rogers, Region III Creel Clerk
The weather was rough with T-storms throughout the morning and temps in lows in the 50’s but highs getting up to 67 that evening. Water temps are steadily increasing due to the warm weather. Current throughout the reservoir has settled back to normal. Visibility has vastly improved throughout the reservoir. 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: 61.6 degrees Fahrenheit
Water Clarity: 5 feet
Water Level: (as of March 31st)
828.21 feet
Water Flow: (as of March 31st)
Ocoee#1 Dam: ~ 1356 cfs
Ocoee#2 Dam: ~ 1199 cfs (spilling)
Observed Species Information
Bass: Fishing is fair. Throwing jerk baits, spinnerbaits and swim baits around schools of bait in open water and creek mouths as well as shallow flats adjacent to river/creek channels. Live minnows in creek channels also attract bites. Bass should be starting to move up shallow in the coming weeks.
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 – 3-26-25
Report Contributor – Chris Snow, Guide at www.briancarper.com
Crappie fishing is in full swing now they have moved shallow to spawn.Float and minnow has been working best.Bass fishing is improving the pre spawn females are staging in about 8ft or less.Jerk baits and rattle traps have been good.
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
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!
Tims Ford – 3-27-25
Forecast Contributor Captain Jake Davis – Follow on Facebook
Tim’s Ford is starting to show out. We’ve been having lots of fun on recent trips. Smallmouth and Largemouth are on the move towards the spawning flat as the water continued to warm this week. Some good fish can be caught on 3.5-inch swimbait, jerk baits using Forward Facing Sonar in open water areas like channel bends. We caught fish around transition areas with shad using jerk baits, 1/4oz Shaky Head with a finesse Trick worm and Sped Craws, Ned Rigs and ½ ounce Tightline Green Tequila Jig this week work around brush piles in 2 to 8 feet of water.
For the “Power Anglers” we have seen a improving spinnerbait and crank bait bite as well. Don’t pass up the opportunity to flip lay downs, especially around spawning flats with a Texas rigged soft plastics. Crappie are doing better than Bass, several guys have caught some really nice slabs using minnows and artificial grubs around lay downs and brush on the deeper docks.
The current Lake level is 883.41 with a forecasted level slowly rising to 883.39 over the weekend. Water temps are between 56 and 60 degrees on most of the lake. The next person will really appreciate it. The Sportsman’s Corner in Tullahoma has all the baits we use in stock, they also offer electronic classes and setup. Always wear your life vest while on the water, reminder just because the air temperatures are warmer, the water is still cold enough to kill you in the matter of minutes…WEAR YOUR LIFE VEST. Capt Jake 615-613-2382 or msbassguide@comcast.net
Watts Bar – 4-3-25
Report Contributor – Billy Wheat, Follow on Facebook and www.riprapfishing.net
Watts Bar is warming up in the lower 60s. Water level is rising with everything coming up with it. Bass are headed for the wood and grass as the pre spawn stage is in full force. Swim baits anywhere from 3 inches to 7 inches will get bit and if it ain’t white it ain’t right! Gravel and chunk rock banks bars and points in 8 feet to 3 feet are key especially in the creeks. The main channel points are same gravel and chunk rock are the deal. If you’re scoping look out in the open water with a 4-6 inch Minner.
Watauga Lake – 3-20-25
Forecast Contributor – Colton Chambers – C and C Outfitters
Some good news on the Crappie this week . Some nice sized schools are showing up in the 10 ‘ 12 range . Bobby Garland type lures or a jig and minnow combo are working well . The fish are nice sized and full of eggs.
Bass fishing is good to very good with a lot of ways to catch them . Small swim baits , and crank baits below the bridge , with jerk baits and spinner baits producing well in the upper arms of the lake.
Walleye are still slow , but that will change soon.
Still good numbers of stocked Rainbow Trout ( thanks TWRA) are being caught around the Rat Branch Recreation area on small spoons and spinners and power baits and night crawlers.
Stay safe on the water!
C and C Outfitters
Colton and Chip Chambers
423-707-8822
Follow on Facebook
www.candcoutfitters.wixsite.com
Woods Reservior – 3-27-25
Forecast Contributor Captain Jake Davis – Follow on Facebook
Bass are starting to be real active and Crappie are better…guys say they are catching Crappie on Minnows some are being caught on soft plastic grubs. Bass are coming on a shaky head rigged finesse bait, Tennessee Rigs, Texas rigged D-Bombs and a Tightline Mussel Crawler Jig in Green Tequila. A few are being caught on crank baits and jerk baits. We found our better fish in 4 to 8 foot of water using Tightline Mussel Crawler jigs tipped with Twin Tail grubs, soft plastics, and Carolina Rigs.
Water temperatures range from 57 to 64 degrees, depending on the area of the lake. The Sportsman’s Corner in Tullahoma has all the baits we use in stock, they also offer electronic classes and setup. 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
