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 – 10-9-24
Forecast 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!
Boone Reservoir – 9-25-24
Forecast Contributor – Richard Markland, Region 4 Fisheries Technician
Reservoir Conditions– Reservoir elevation is 1379.14. The water temperature is 75* degrees. Water clarity 10’ visibility.
Bass- Fishing is good – As the water cools the bite should pick up. Largemouth, Spots and Smallmouth are being caught on crankbaits or small shad like baits, spinnerbaits, Ned rigs, plastic finesse worms, soft jerk baits, creature baits, jigs by fishing along rocky points, standing brush or around docks. Topwater early morning and late evening.
Crappie- No Report
Trout- No report
Striped Bass/Hybrid Bass- Fishing is slow. Most of the fish are being caught around Davis Dock up to Bluff City area on Holston side and Watauga Flats area using spoons or trolling live shad or trout 20-30’ and using chicken livers fishing from the bank.
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 – 10-30-24
Forecast Contributor – Will Schibig, Region III Creel Clerk.
Reservoir Conditions-
Center Hill Dam is generating, on average, 1,400 cfs per day. The reservoir elevation is sitting at 630’. Surface water temperatures are in the high 60s. Water clarity in the backs of creek arms is murkier, 5-7’ of visibility. Main lake visibility is clear, 10-15’ of visibility. I’m seeing signs of fall turnover in major creek arms on the mid-lake, which could explain the dip in fishing productivity.
Bass- Fishing is slow. The topwater bite has been poor the last few weeks with most people catching their fish off the bank in 5-15 FOW. Cranking creek channel banks in 10 FOW has been producing bites, as well as fishing slow with finesse presentations off the bank as well. There are bass schooling with bait balls offshore, but it will continue to get better as the water temperatures drop.
Crappie- Fishing is descent. Crappie are being caught off tree-tops in 10-20 FOW on creek channel banks with jigs and minnows. Numbers aren’t being caught yet, but good quality fish are being harvested.
Sunfish- Fishing is good. Big redear sunfish are being caught on main lake gravel banks in 5-10 FOW with nightcrawlers rigged on drop-shot.
Cherokee Reservoir 10-23-24
Forecast 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, 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 October 23, 2024
Forecast Contributor – Nathan Rogers, Region III Creel Clerk
The weather is cool throughout the mornings with lows in the mid 40’s but throughout the day it reaches as high as 80. Water temps are dropping due to the chilly nights. Water visibility is improving throughout the river, but creeks are still much cleaner. Current throughout the reservoir and below dams has returned to normal. The water levels are 3 feet below full pool. The latest elevation 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): 69.1 degrees Fahrenheit
Water Clarity:
Tennessee River (River Channel): 1.0 feet
Creeks/Inlets: 3 feet
Water Level: 679.12 feet
Water Flow: Watts Bar Dam: ~ 11,000 cfs
Chickamauga Dam: ~ 13,500 cfs
Observed Species Information
Bass: Fishing is fair. Anglers are finding more success in creeks and sloughs with better visibility due to the muddiness of the river. Finding creek channel ledges and points while throwing swimbaits, flukes, and crankbaits to attract bites. Mud and clear water confluences are also hotspots holding fish.
Crappie: Live minnows and small jigs over submerged structure, mostly in creeks or sloughs off the main river.
Chickamauga – 10-31-24
Forecast Contributor – Billy Wheat, Follow on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/riprapfishingadventures and www.riprapfishing.net
Chickamauga is definitely better on the mid to lower end as the big creeks start to clear. The shad are the main deal as the creek channels and back of creeks are full of shad. The A-rig and Scoping baits are money if you find water to fish it. Any grass available is money with the CRB WAVE FROG!
Douglas Lake 9-19-24
Forecast Contributor Brad Burkhart – Follow on Facebook
NOTE – Douglas Lake is covered in debris and dangerous to travel. Please check advisories before launching on Douglas.
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
Fall Creek Falls 10-16-24.
Forecast 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 feeding 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 seem 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 are also a good choice. Maybe target deeper structures for the crappie.
Fort Loudoun 10-24-24.
Forecast Contributor Chris Keeble – Angler-Guide
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 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 – 10-30-24
Forecast Contributor- Tic Smith/Southeastern Anglers Guide Service
River Conditions
Variable Flows- this week TVA has started releasing 1 to 2 generators starting midday. Lower flows have been in the mornings. Check the TVA website (lake levels, Apalachia) for the predicted releases.
Water clarity- the water is clear but tannic due to all the leaves fall8ng into the system.
Water temps range from 62 to 68 degrees.
Fishing– delayed harvest has begun and the trout are active. The best fishing is in the morning on the low flows. Once the releases begin, it slows down for about an hour until the trout make their adjustments.
Hatches- in the mornings, brown caddis #16-18 are hatching. Later in the morning and throughout the afternoon, midges and baetis are becoming active. Fishing these to rising fish is productive.
Typical attractor nymphs and small streamers are productive in between the hatches.
The fishing is best from Towee Creek up to the powerhouse.
Kentucky Lake 10-30-24
By Steve McCadams, Professional Guide/Outdoor Writer (stevemc@charter.net)
NEAR RRECORD HIGHS LINGER FOR ANGLERS
Kentucky Lake’s fishing scene has been holding on to near high temperatures as November pushed the pumpkin month off the calendar. Most days have seen above average on daytime highs. Sooner or later cooler days will descend but even next week’s forecast has a mixture of warm days sandwiched between some possible light rain and daytime highs in the low to mid 60’s, which would be more normal for this time of year. The region is in need of some rain.
Lake levels this week have fallen to the lowest elevation this fall. Reading is down to the winter pool level of 354.6, which is a few inches lower than last week at this time. The watercolor remains clear across the reservoir. Surface temperatures have been in the 66-to-68-degree range but should fall slightly next week as cooler conditions enter the picture.
Meanwhile, boaters beware out there as more shallow sandbars and stumps are just barely below the surface so use caution and observe channel markers. The lake has been a beautiful place lately as fall colors have been at their peak. Still, plenty of time to get out there and partake of the parade of trees still showing nice red, orange, yellows and just a mixture from God’s paintbrush.
The overall fishing scene has been fair but had to endure a few windy days at times. Wind is normally not a big factor for fall fishing but lately the hot weather sort of stirred things up at times. Several nice days have been mixed in as well.
The crappie bite has been a bit sluggish for shallow zones of 4 to 6 feet. Warm surface temperatures have lingered later than usual and that has likely influenced the shallow bite somewhat. That can change quickly, however, cloudy days with light rain and cooler conditions descend. Most of the decent stringers have come from anglers fishing jigs and minnows in depths of 14 to 18 feet at times. Some reports of fishermen stalking midrange depths of 9 to 12 feet have managed to find some scattered keeper size fish, but they’ve had to make several stops in their quest.
Falling lake levels the last week or so can also influence the fish to fall back to deeper water for a short period of time. The fish have not been aggressive in the shallow zones this fall like they have in times past but again, that can change quickly as weather conditions change.
Bass fishermen are still staying out on the main lake for the most part and swinging away on ledges and open water sandbars in hopes of finding some schooling fish. Tossing crankbaits and swim baits have been the most popular choices with the reliable Rattle Trap style lures working well as anglers cover a lot of water.
Scattered sightings of white bass have been seen and anglers are catching a few while tossing white Rooster Tails and small spoons.
The catfish bite has diminished somewhat as current has subsided out on the main river channel. TVA had pushed back on discharge rates through Kentucky Dam this week as flows were only 25,000 cfs (cubic feet per second). There’s still some good fall fishing ahead as November has been known to produce some good crappie fishing.
Nickajack Lake – 9-4-24
Forecast Contributor Ethan Castle – Whitwell High School Bass Team
Fishing has been a little tougher lately even though the numbers have gone down a little the size has stayed around for the most part. water temps have been hanging in the low 80s for the most part. Flipping grass has been the main thing lately using a missile baits d bomb. throwing a white chatter bait or a dropshot with a robo worm in morning dawn on eelgrass edges in the river will also produce some good fish.
Normandy Lake – 10-10-24
Forecast 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 – 10-31-24
Forecast Contributor Brian Carper – briancarper.com – Follow on Facebook
The last couple of days the crappie activity has slowed down. Unlike last week when we caught dozens of keepers, this week has been tough while fishing 10-16ft brush piles. The water temperature has risen back to 66° and is around half a foot below summer pool. The bass are trying to move shallow in one to 5ft of water and have been biting half ounce rattletraps, square bill crankbaits and topwater lures. Mid lake has been extremely tough, but the upper end has been fairly productive. Coves, pockets and creeks with bait and good cover has been the most successful. We still need the temperature to drop a few degrees before the consistent fall bite picks up.
For more information or Book your trip today at www.briancarper.com
Tellico River – 10-30-24
Forecast Contributor – Scott Dalton, WL Tech 1, Fisheries, Region 4
Fishing has been a little slow this week however, some people are catching walleye around Harrison branch at night, also there has been some nice smallmouth bass being caught throughout the lake.
Tims Ford – 10-10-24
Forecast Contributor Captain Jake Davis – Follow on Facebook
We found some nice fish active early in the mornings this week using Pop-R’s, Chug bugs 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
Forecast 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 are 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 – 10-31-24
Forecast Contributor – Billy Wheat, Follow on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/riprapfishingadventures and www.riprapfishing.net
Watts Bar is full but supposedly it’s going to drop down soon! Right now, the frog bite is great as the Hydrilla mats remain intact! The deeper grass is a Chatterbait and Spinnerbait bite. The main channel is up in the air as water flow is critical for active bass. The water temperatures are high for this time of year and the coves are finally clearing as the fall Shad movement is in full swing.
Watts Bar 10-3-24
Forecast 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 – 10-30-24
Forecast Contributor – Scott Dalton, WL Tech 1, Fisheries, Region 4
Fishing has been great this past week with lots of rainbow trout being caught along with a few nice smallmouth bass.
Wilbur Tailwater – 9-25-24
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 10-2-24
Forecast Contributor Captain Jake Davis – Follow on Facebook
The morning bite continues to be best for the better fish. Grass lines and Brush 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 feet 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
