TWRA Weekly Fishing Forecast

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 – 3-20-25

Forecast Contributor – Colton Chambers – C and C Outfitters

Spring has spring and fishing is good ! Great new 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 mid lake and Holston side are producing around brush .

Bass fishing is good . Small crank baits and jerk baits 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

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063643880828

https://candcoutfitters.wixsite.com/guides

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 – 3-19-25

Report Contributor – Chris Snow, Guide at www.briancarper.com

Water is a foot below summer pool and falling everyday.Bass are in the pre-spawn stage now biting jerk baits and spinnerbaits around flooded bushes and trees.Crappie bite is slow but should improve with stable weather patterns.

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

https://www.facebook.com/share/14max84U3j/?mibextid=qi2Omg

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 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 3-19-25

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. Information is located at https://www.tn.gov/tema/news.html .

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 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 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 – 3-26-25

Report Contributor – Billy Wheat, Follow on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/riprapfishingadventures and www.riprapfishing.net 

Chickamauga is 677 and water temperature is 58-63. Transitional turns and points are fire if you can scope then do it. If you can’t then throw a 6-12 ft crank bait and jerkbait in the creeks. The main channel shell beds may seem to shallow but the chatterbait and trap can blister them especially if the current is running or wind is blowing across them. The back of the creeks are loaded with bait so the spinnerbaits Traps and Chatterbaits in a blue white chartreuse pattern can be fire.

Dale Hollow – 3-18-25

Report Contributor – Will Schibig, Region III Creel Clerk

Reservoir Conditions-

Dale Hollow Dam is generating 3,000 cfs of outflow, on average, per day. The reservoir elevation sits at 651’, which is a 5’ rise from last week due to this week’s storms. Water clarity on the lower end of the reservoir is murkier than usual, but you can find all types of water charities the further down lake you go. Main lake surface water temperatures are in the mid-to-low 50’s.The warmest water temperatures can be found in the backs of main creek arms or tributaries. Temperatures in the mid 50’s or higher can be found here. Watch for floating debris, especially in the Wolf and Obey river arms.

Bass- Fishing is decent. Smallmouth are being caught in 10-15’ on gravel banks with chunk rocks around secondary points in creek arms with umbrella rigs, crank baits, swim baits, or jigs. Largemouth are still being caught in deep water in main creek channels around bait fish. Cranking channel swing walls in the upper parts of creek or river arms in turbid waters will produce largemouth and smallmouth as well.

Crappie- Fishing is good. On the upper end, crappie are being caught 10-15’ down on brush or suspended. On the lower end, crappie are being caught in 10-20’ around grass beds.

Muskellunge- Fishing is slow. Anglers are targeting muskie while trolling baits like Cisco shads 30’ or deeper in creek channels. Target Mitchell, Irons, Ashburn, or Sulphur creeks for your best shot.

Douglas Lake 3-26-25

Forecast Contributor Brad Burkhart –  Follow on Facebook

Temps are rising. Slowly but surely. There are bucks on the bank and females moving up every day. As we near April a spinner bait is hard to beat as is a chatter bait. Just chunk and wind covering as much ground as possible. Pay attention to no the bites that don’t hook up as these are females slapping and not eating. A quick pitched jig or wacky rigged senko will almost definitely get that fish. Stick to the points and then the mid sections of smaller short creeks and pockets.

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. Information is located at https://www.tn.gov/tema/news.html .

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 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 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.

Great Falls – 3-18-25

Report Contributor – Will Schibig, Region III Creel Clerk

Reservoir Conditions-

Great Falls Dam has been experiencing volatile water conditions this week due to this past weekend’s storms. The reservoir elevation is currently sitting at 795’, but did peak at 802’ which was an 11’ foot rise from the previous week. Great Falls experienced and average inflow of 52,000 cfs per day, and average outflow of 46,000 cfs per day. Those figures have gone down to an average of 10,000 cfs of inflow per day, and an average of 12,900 cfs of outflow per day as of 3/18/25. The surface water temperatures did warm some, with averages being in the mid-to-low 50’s. The warmest water temperatures can be found in the Collins and Rocky river arms. Water clarity is poor reservoir-wide, expect the upper main Caney Fork arm to clear up first. Be cautious of floating debris reservoir wide.

Bass- Fishing is decent. Anglers are catching largemouth targeting wood structure on sunny mud banks with crank baits, umbrella rigs, and jigs. Spotted bass can be caught on rock transition banks with wood structure or rock slides with jigs, shakey heads, or crank baits. Smallmouth have been caught up the Collins River.

Crappie- Fishing is great. Anglers are having great success targeting crappie reservoir-wide around tree-tops or other submerged brush piles. Crappie are being caught as deep as 18-20’ or as shallow as 5-10’ on sunny days in turbid water. The Rocky and Collins river arms are producing the most fish.

Muskellunge- Fishing is decent. Muskie anglers are seeing or getting follows from muskie while fishing rock transition banks with downed trees on the upper end of the reservoir. Pull-pause baits are getting the most action. Anglers have reported muskie within close distance to big balls of shad.

Catfish- Fishing is slow. Anglers are targeting catfish with livers near the bottom on main lake mud banks in 18-20 FOW.

Hiwassee River below Appalachia Powerhouse – 3-12-25

Report Contributor – Tic Smith/Southeastern Anglers Guide Service

Water Temp- 48 to 52 degrees
Water Clarity – clear
River Conditions/ flows – variable flows from 0 generators to 1 generator (1450 cfs)

Fishing is really improving with the warmer weather this week. We are starting to see blue wing olives in the middle of the day and black or cinnamon caddis in the evening. There are definitely fish rising in the evening starting around 5pm. During the day, small nymphs such as pheasant and prince nymphs are producing as well as olive wooly buggers size 8 and 10. If you see fish rising in the middle of the day it is most likely blue wing olives.  Both are small, size 18 or 20. The mornings have been somewhat slow due to the chilly nights. Once the sun gets on the water and warms things up, the fish become active. Heavy rains may muddy the water this weekend but will be beneficial for the immediate future.

Kentucky Lake 3-27-25

Report Contributor – Steve McCadams, Professional Guide/Outdoor Writer (stevemc@charter.net)

CRAPPIE SPAWN NEARS…TVA’S BEGINS RESERVOIR FILLING APRIL 1st

Rising lake levels are coinciding with rising surface temperatures. For Kentucky Lake’s early spring fishing scene it’s a Mecca for anglers yearning to hit the peak of spawning phases.  TVA’s curve for reservoir filling begins April 1st each year. A slow rise will be underway until the lake reaches summer pool’s target date of 359 on May 1st.

If you’re waiting for good fishing then wait no longer. The bite for both bass and crappie is well underway, despite some unruly wind at times. Lake levels this week have been around the 355.2 range. Water color has some stain in places but overall it’s in great shape.

It has been a good week for anglers across the whole region as hefty stringers of crappie and bass are coming in. The reservoir’s annual spawning phase for crappie is right on the threshold. Surface temperatures increased this week and crossed the 60-degree threshold in portions of the lake, especially throughout the Big Sandy sector. That’s triggered movement of crappie toward shallow spawning venues in the last few days. Readings at midweek had climbed out of the low to upper 50’s to just slightly above the 60-degree surface temp in West Sandy and the upper end of Big Sandy around the New Hope and Country Junction area. That region normally warms quicker than other areas.

Male crappie are showing hormonal changes as their pigment turns darker each day, a sure sign the spawn is close at hand. Dandy stringers of slab crappie crappie were being caught on a regular basis by anglers using a variety of techniques ranging from long line trolling to spider rigging and vertical jigging over man made fish attractors. Once surface temperatures reach the 62 to 66 degree range with some stability then active phases of spawning will be underway. All signs point the annual ritual will begin next week.

Traditionally, the active phases of crappie spawning take place across Kentucky Lake during the first two weeks of April. Weather can influence that as cold fronts sometimes arrive and push the parade back a few days. Next week it appears a cold front will descend Monday and Tuesday which will likely throw a curve to anglers for a day or two as northwest winds will likely bring a few whitecaps and chilly days to the fishing scene. However, anglers should see a rapid rebound as the long range forecast shows daytime highs returning to the upper 70’s by the middle of next week.

The midweek warm up should really stimulate the crappie to blitz toward shallow to mid range depths and begin spawning. Depths of 4 to 7 feet will produce a lot of fish. Some fish have been taken in that depth range already in the upper Big Sandy. No doubt fish are on the move.

Boaters across the lake are scoring some nice stringers. It has been a good week. D. J Loversll of Paris Landing Outdoorsman bait and tackle shop on the lake highway says he’s seeing some impressive crappie come in and this week weighed a slab that reportedly tipped the scales at 4.2 pounds! The trophy was reportedly taken in White Oak Creek earlier this week. Some boats are covering a lot of water by slow trolling Road Runner style jigs in the chartreuse/red and chartreuse/blue color combinations while others are pulling white twister tail grubs on their lead heads. A variety of colors have been producing.

A lot of crappie are suspended, staging out over main lake flats waiting to move up. When this happens the trolling techniques are very effective here. Boaters spider rigging and slowly meandering across shallow flats and back in the bays are also reporting success as the fish move in. Some places that were void of fish last week are now attracting good numbers as a lot of movement has taken place.

It’s transition time for crappie. They’re migrating from the deeper main lake venues into secondary bays or shallow flats in preparation for spawning. Females will begin dropping their eggs by the end of next week. Other techniques paying dividends are vertical jigging over man made structure such as brush piles and stake beds. Using live minnows has worked well too.

The last few days bank fishermen are picking up a few more fish as they cast minnows and jigs on slip-bobbers. Now that crappie have migrated to shallow shorelines bank fishermen are beginning to land some nice stringers from areas that were not holding fish a week ago. It’s party time for Kentucky Lake crappie!

Bass fishermen are landing some lunker largemouth lately as they toss crawfish and shad colored variations of crank baits around gravel banks. Also working has been suspending jerk baits and crank baits. Jig and craw combos are on the list as well as some spinnerbaits now that surface temps are warming. Soon top water presentations will enter the picture as well.

Spring fishing time is here!

Nickajack Reservoir, March 19th – 22nd, 2024

Forecast Contributor – Nathan Rogers, Region III Creel Clerk

The weather is warmer with lows around the 40’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: 55.3 degrees Fahrenheit

Lower end of Lake: 56.6 degrees Fahrenheit

Water Clarity:

Tennessee River (River Channel): 1.5 foot

Water Level: (as of March 22nd)

Lake elevation: 632.93 feet

Tailwater elevation: 634.65 feet

Water Flow: (as of March 22nd)

Chickamauga Dam: ~ 20107 cfs

Nickajack Dam: ~ 13739 cfs

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. Throwing spinnerbaits, crank baits, and heavier swim baits in current breaks below the dam is working well with many anglers.

Lower Section of Lake:

Bass: Fishing is good. Anglers are throwing spinnerbaits, A-rigs, 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 – 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 23rd – 26th 2024

Forecast Contributor – Nathan Rogers, Region III Creel Clerk

The weather was cool in the mornings with lows in the 40’s but highs getting up to 73 in evenings. 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 but upper portion is murky. 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: 56.6 degrees Fahrenheit

Water Clarity: 6 feet

Water Level: (as of March 26th)

827.94 feet

Water Flow: (as of March 2nd)

Ocoee#1 Dam: ~ 1991 cfs

Ocoee#2 Dam: ~ 1071 cfs (spilling)

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. 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: 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!

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 – 3-26-25

Report Contributor – Billy Wheat, Follow on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/riprapfishingadventures and www.riprapfishing.net 

Watts Bar is 737. The water temperature is 56-60. The main channel gravel bars and points are getting frisky with the Smallies ,Spots and Meanmouths. My number 1 is a Dt6 rap ala crankbait hot colors seem to make em mad! But don’t forget the keitech style swim baits as they can light em up. The largemouth are in the transitional banks in the back of the creeks on a jerkbait and OG Slim. The grass is straight up chatterbait and trap.

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

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063643880828

https://candcoutfitters.wixsite.com/guides

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