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TWRA Weekly Fishing Report
Boone Reservoir – 10-9-24
Report Contributor – Colton Chambers, C & C Outfitters
First, thanks to all the TWRA Officers you have worked so hard in Flood rescue and recovery, you are appreciated.
Bass fishing remains pretty good on Worms and Jigs around brush and still seeing some good topwater action early.
Striper and Hybrid fishing is good with more and more schooling fish showing up in the evenings and mornings. Also, live shad are working well, we had an 11 lb. Hybrid caught this week. The Dam to Sportsman Marina area seems best, it's the cleanest, warmest water right now.
Good luck and stay safe on the water!
C & C Outfitters
Chip & Colton Chambers -423-707-8821
https://www.Facebook.Com/ profile.Php?Id=100063643880828
Stay safe on the water!
Center Hill – 11-13-24
Report Contributor – Will Schibig, Region III Creel Clerk.
Reservoir Conditions-
Center Hill Reservoir Dam is generating, on average, 1,400 cfs per day. The lake elevation is well within winter pool, at 628'. Surface water temperatures are in the mid-to-high 60's. Water clarity is good, with 6-10' visibility reservoir-wide. I believe the fall turnover is ending for most parts of the reservoir. Baitfish are still shallow, either under the surface or 10' down.
Bass- Fishing is decent. Some bass are being caught on topwater in the backs of creeks in shallow water or near the bank in the mornings. Other bass are being caught on steep banks, while fishing slowly in 10-25 FOW. Dragging baits in 20-30 FOW along sloped banks with gravel, chunk rock mix is producing big bites.
Crappie- Fishing is slow. The bite has been slow. Crappie are suspended 10' deep over treetops near creek channels.
Cherokee Reservoir 10-23-24
Report Contributor – Roy Prater, Wildlife Technician I
LAKE / WATER CONDITIONS: Water levels have continued to drop over the previous week. The current reservoir elevation is 1057.5 which is aligned with October 13th, 2024, guide curve predictions. Cooler dry conditions have brought the surface temperature down to as low as 60 degrees on the Upper stretches of the lake to 66 degrees on the Mid and Lower sections of the lake. The Oxygen Minimum Zone (OMZ) has dissipated due to the near constant discharge of high water from heavy rains and Hurricane Helene's remnants. Due to these weather events lake water levels have greatly shifted since late September. Prolonged higher than normal flow rates have affected the main lake for upwards of a month.
SUMMARY: The lake has stabilized to the desired elevation average for this time period. While temperatures have dropped so have water levels disturbing the fish's habitat and making behaviors less predictable. All anglers are advised to be aware of the current TDEC Water warnings for the Holston River and its reservoirs, this information can be located under TDEC's Press Releases. All anglers are advised to use extra caution while boating due to shifts in bottom structure and debris being deposited as the water subsides. The Closed Fishing Zone was in effect until 15 September 2024, this no longer applies. The Smallmouth Bass size restriction that was in effect until 15 October 2024 no longer applies. All persons fishing on Cherokee Reservoir are advised to be familiar with current regulations.
SMALLMOUTH, LARGEMOUTH BASS: Fishing has been unpredictable with high current flows. Some fish have been reported caught but very spotty.
SPOTTED BASS: No reports of fish over the previous week.
STRIPED BASS /HYBRID BASS: No reports of fish over the previous week.
WHITE BASS: No reports of fish over the previous week.
CRAPPIE: Anglers are targeting the fall bite but no reports of fish over the previous week.
SUNFISH/BREAM: No reports of fish over the previous week.
WALLEYE: No reports of fish over the previous week.
CATFISH: No reports of fish over the previous week.
PADDLEFISH: Closed Season.
Chickamauga Reservoir November 11-11-2024
Report Contributor – Nathan Rogers, Region III Creel Clerk
The weather has been warmer throughout the mornings with lows only in the mid 50's and highs as warm as 78. Water visibility is improving throughout the river. Current throughout the reservoir and below dams has been steady. The water levels are roughly 5 feet below full pool; the latest depth recorded is below. For any discharge or lake elevation info, check out the TVA Lake Info App.
Reservoir Conditions
Water Temp:
Tennessee River (Upper Section): 67.1 degrees Fahrenheit
Water Clarity:
Tennessee River (River Channel): 3 feet
Creeks/Inlets: 2 feet
Water Level: 677.85 feet
Water Flow: (as of November 11th)
Watts Bar Dam: ~ 15625 cfs
Chickamauga Dam: ~ 13430 cfs
Observed Species Information
Bass: Fishing is fair. Anglers are finding more success in creeks and sloughs. Finding creek channel ledges and points while throwing swimbaits, flukes, crankbaits, and A-rigs to attract bites. Topwater frogs over grass mats are picking up bites as well.
Crappie: Live minnows and small jigs over submerged structure, mostly in creeks or sloughs off main river.
Walleye: Fishing is slow. Anglers are starting to find Walleye below the dam and in other high current areas with cooler water temps. Most are trolling crankbaits in these areas, but some are finding success drift jigging as well.
Chickamauga – 11-6-24
Report Contributor – Billy Wheat, Follow on Facebook – https://www.Facebook.Com/ riprapfishingadventures and www.Riprapfishing.Net
Chickamauga is 677-678. The water temperature is in the mid-60s. The big creeks are A-rig, scoping and Jerk baits. The bait is key. Keep a Topwater on as they may blow up anytime. Don't forget that midrange crankbait on the shell beds and points. Find the shallow Hydrilla mats it's time to go Froggin On The Chick Baby! Rat-l-trap in the flats especially if there is some grass present can be awesome.
Douglas Lake (Cherokee Lake this week) 11-7-24
Report Contributor – Brad Burkhart – Follow on Facebook
Hello all, it's been awhile. Elbow tendon surgery has had me sidelined but I was able to get back to work this week. Man! Douglas is hot but this report is for Cherokee lake, and it's tough as nails.
This is a short and sweet report. Your best bet is to scope mid lake pockets, the majority of shad/bass are halfway back in these areas and not all are biters, trust me. The other option you have is casting a 3/8oz or smaller jig to the bluffs above 25E bridge. No, you won't catch 25 lbs. But you will put yourself in a good spot to get bit. Focus on the shaded parts of the bluff and any irregularities. Green pumpkin is a great color to depend on.
Good luck, God Bless
Message me to book a guided trip.
All info can be found on my site. https://www.Killerbassbaits. Com/
Brad Burkhart
@bradburkhartprofishing
NOTE – Parts of Douglas Lake is covered in debris and dangerous to travel. Please check advisories before launching on Douglas.
Fall Creek Falls 10-16-24.
Report Contributor – Casey Haston – FCF boat dock staff.
Lake Conditions- Fishing is still fair. Water temps have dropped about 10 degrees over the past 3 weeks! Surface temperature is 67°-68°F at the Boat Dock, and the water clarity is approx. 4ft. The feed times have changed to 6:30am and 7:30pm for the automatic feeders.
Largemouth Bass– Fishing is starting to pick up a little for bass with the cooler water temps. Try targeting shad patterns as the bass are chasing the schooling shad. Jerk baits have been catching some fish as well as some topwater baits, also soft plastics is a good choice for this lake!
Bluegill and Redear Sunfish– Fishing is fair, there have been some Redear and Bluegill caught between 20′-25'ft deep. You can still catch Bluegill near the feeders as well. You should try redworms or crickets for these panfish!
Catfish– Fishing is fair, still seeing a few big catfish! Chicken livers seems to be the most popular bait but other baits like worms, hot dogs, beef liver, even stink baits will catch a few. No matter your choice of bait, you should definitely try your luck around the feeders!
Crappie– Fishing is fair. There have been a few crappie caught recently, as we're getting into that fall transition crappie fishing should start picking up! Minnows is always a good option, but small jigs and grubs is also a good choice. Maybe target deeper structures for the crappie.
Fort Loudoun 10-24-24.
Report Contributor – Chris Keeble – Angler-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 the day and pushing back up shallow or toward the surface over deeper water. Some fish seem to be coming out to find the bait again, while others are still stuck to the bank and structure due to the water conditions. If you're planning to fish Ft. Loudon right now bright colors are your friend, White, Chartreuse, and Red are usually better with the next to 0 visibility conditions that we are experiencing.
Hiwassee River below Appalachia Powerhouse – 11-14-24
Report Contributor – Tic Smith/Southeastern Anglers Guide Service
Water temps – 60 to 62 degrees
Water Clarity – clear
Flow rates – variable – check the TVA website under lake levels and Appalachia to see predicted flows.
Fishing has been poor here the last week or so. Very few fish of any quality have been caught and the catch rate overall is down. The water schedule is constantly changing, and water temps are just now getting down to the preferred range for trout. The delayed harvest season for this Fall has been very disappointing. If you plan on fishing the Hiwassee this weekend, use small blue wing olive and midge patterns. The trout are holding in the deeper runs and pools because of the low water flows. If planning a trip to this region for some delayed harvest fishing, I recommend looking at other options than the Hiwassee at this time. Please note that delayed harvest means that you cannot use live bait or harvest the trout. Unfortunately, we have witnessed this on some of our trips.
Kentucky Lake 11-14-24
Report Contributor – Steve McCadams, Professional Guide/Outdoor Writer (stevemc@charter.Net)
LATE FALL SCENE HAS VARIEITY OF WEATHER
Kentucky Lake's fishing scene as of late has seen quite a mixture weather patterns ranging from heavy rains at times to windy days and some fluctuation in temperatures. Lake levels this week have stayed around the 354.8 range after dropping down very low a week or so ago. Recent rains have replaced drought conditions that plagued the region throughout the late summer and fall. Watch for lake levels to rise some in the next few days as heavy rains have fallen recently across the area but no drastic changes are expected. Watercolor remains clear.
Surface temperatures and cooled some since last week and are now down to the 62-to-64-degree range. The long-range forecast indicates mild temps will hang around until Thursday (Nov 28th) of next week when rain will return, and daytime highs will fall to only 42 degrees and dip to 34 degrees at night. Until then anglers should have pretty mild fishing conditions.
Crappie have been taken in some midrange manmade fish attractors this past week around the 9-to-14-foot depth range. However, several fish are still lingering out on main lake cover in the 14-to-18-foot depth range as well. Both jigs and minnows have been producing. Popular colors have ranged from Bobby Garland's mayfly, monkey's milk, blue/chartreuse, and purple/chartreuse just name a few. Tipping jigs with either a minnow or Berkley Power Bait crappie nibble has also enhanced the appeal to sluggish crappie. Some boats are vertical tightlining jigs and live minnow rigs while others are relying on the old bottom bumping double hook rig at times.
Bass fishing has been fair for some tossing shad-colored crankbaits around visible structure, but a few boats are backing off the bank and still targeting sloping secondary sandbars out on the main lake or within the mouth of large bays.
Some white bass are chasing shad at times and busting the surface and largemouth and some smallmouth are running with them. Tossing chrome/blue Rattle Trap style lures work great and allow anglers to cover a lot of water while making a series of long fan casting style presentations.
A few bass have been taken along gravel banks and riprap roadbeds as well. Shallow running Bandit and Shad Rap Rapala crankbaits have worked well. Some spinnerbaits have worked too around shallow stake beds, tree laps and logs along shorelines. Additional current has returned to the main Tennessee River channel lately in the aftermath of additional rainfall.
The late fall fishing scene can be productive for both bass and crappie anglers.
Normandy Lake – 10-10-24
Report Contributor – Captain Jake Davis – Follow on Facebook
Get out there early guys because the better ones are biting early. The best area has been upriver. Current water levels are at 870.75 and dropping to 870.56 by Sunday morning. Crankbaits, Texas Rigs or Tightline Jigs have been our go to. We found a couple of good bass flipping laydowns near deep water. I was told anglers are still catching a few nice Walleye can be caught trolling crankbaits or drifting minnows/crawler harnesses on flats and in the river. Water temperatures range from 71 to 74 degrees. With fall just around the corner with cooler weather water temperatures should start dropping and fishing will start improving. For more information call Jake Davis at 615.613.2382 Please wear your life vest all the time while on the water. Capt. Jake 615-613-2382 or msbassguide@comcast.Net.
Percy Priest – 11-14-24
Report Contributor – Brian Carper – briancarper.Com – Follow on Facebook
Bass fishing continues to be tough. The water level is still only a couple inches below summer pool at 62°. The fish are starting to move aggressively into the shallow water, although there are still some in 6 to 8 feet. Alabama rigs, jerk baits and crankbaits have been productive mid lake. As the temperature drops next week, we'll see a strong shallow pattern before they move deep. This should be the last transitional week. Throughout the lake there are seagulls starting to dive on bait which is a clear indicator where feeding bass and hybrids may be in action. Next week we have lots of cooler temperatures (lows in 30's) which should offer good fishing.
For more information or Book your trip today at www.Briancarper.Com
Tellico Lake – 11-14-24
Report Contributor – Scott Dalton, WL Tech 1, Fisheries, Region 4
The water temperature is in the upper 60s right now. The fish are still active with crappie and both large and smallmouth bass being caught in good numbers.
Tims Ford – 10-10-24
Report Contributor – Captain Jake Davis – Follow on Facebook
We found some nice fish active early in the mornings this week using Pop-R's, Chugbugs and Buzz baits. Some good fish also came on 3.5-inch swimbait along steep bluff banks. Along with a few fish in creeks with shad using jerk baits, 1/4oz Shaky Head with a finesse Trick worm and ½ ounce Tightline Green Tequila Jig this week work around brush piles in 8 to 15 feet of water. Morning where the best this week as we caught 30 to 40 fish a day. Don't pass up the opportunity to flip laydowns, especially around deep water with a Texas rig. The current Lake level is 886.96 with a forecasted level slowly dropping to 886.94 over the weekend. Water temps are between 72 to 73 degrees on most of the lake. Please keep your lights on at night, even when sitting still "It's the Law and it will save your life". Always wear your life vest while on the water, watch for floating logs as the water drops and other boaters. Capt. Jake 615-613-2382 or msbassguide@comcast.Net.
Watauga Lake – 10-9-24
Report Contributor – Colton Chambers, C & C Outfitters
First, thanks to all the TWRA agents involved in Rescue and Recovery efforts during the flood. You are appreciated!
Bass fishing is surprisingly good. Lots of things in play right now. Smallmouth are starting to bite Topwater in the mornings. Largemouth fishing is good, jigs and worms around brush in the upper end, and some good buzz bait fishing middle to upper lake.
Crappie fishing was showing signs of life before the floods, and I think it will crank back up as soon as we see the lake levels return to normal.
Trout trolling is very slow.
There is some debris in the upper ends of Elk River and Watauga River so be alert. Good Luck and stay safe on the water!
C & C Outfitters
Chip & Colton Chambers -423-707-8821
https://www.Facebook.Com/ profile.Php?Id=100063643880828
Stay safe on the water!
Watts Bar – 11-6-24
Report Contributor – Billy Wheat, Follow on Facebook – https://www.Facebook.Com/ riprapfishingadventures and www.Riprapfishing.Net
Watts Bar is down a foot or so. The water temperature is in the mid-60s. The water is also clearing up some so get that Spook or Shower Blow out and have some fun. Points and grass points main channel about halfway back in the pockets. A-rigs and scoping around the bait is highly productive. Traps and shallow Crankbaits along with the Jerk bait can get it done as well. If you find the Hydrilla mats or pondweed mats a toad and frog can be a blast. Always keep you a flipping bait on pegged with a creature bait if they miss that frog flip em out of there.
Watts Bar 10-3-24
Report Contributor – Captain Wallace Sitzes – Follow on Facebook
Despite the water conditions the fishing has been pretty good. There is some debris here, but not much worse than any time the water fluctuates really fast. There are some pretty big dead trees so be cautious especially navigating at night. There's multiple species of baitfish piled up all over the place right now.
The coves are packed full of bait and there's a lot of fish feeding on them, but it's more of a mixed bag. Mostly bass, white bass and good numbers of striper in some areas. For bass I was doing pretty good just working plastic worms on the bottom in areas that used to be packed full of weeds before the water level came up, but the more the water muddied up the less luck I had.
Now that the water looks like chocolate milk you want to use baits that produce a lot of vibration and or smell. Contrasting colors and some flash also helps. Top water and sub surface baits are really easy for a fish to locate in dirty water.
The catfishing has been really good now that we have steady water flow. Some are gorging on baitfish in the shallows, especially at night, but a lot of these big cats are tucked in behind deep structure in the current breaks waiting on easy meals to pass by. I take a variety of bait with me every time including shad, various live sunfish and usually something bigger like white bass, skipjack or redhorse.
I'm not trying to run a trolling motor in this current for hours so I'm anchoring upstream from my target and throwing out rigs with just enough weight to allow my bait to slowly drift along the bottom until the bait hits the fish in the mouth. I usually target flatheads but get plenty of blues this way.
If you're looking for striper, I'd fish the confluence or pull into a cove with a lot of baitfish and just shut the engine off and watch the surface of the water for a little bit. If they're in there, you'll see them, or you can blind cast and wait until they start busting. If you don't see them working bait, go on to the next cove.
West Prong, Little Pigeon River – 11-14-24
Report Contributor – Scott Dalton, WL Tech 1, Fisheries, Region 4
Fishing has been a little slow this week however, smallmouth bass and rainbow trout are still being caught throughout the river. With these cold fronts coming in fishing should be getting better.
Wilbur Tailwater – 9-25-24
Report Contributor – Richard Markland, Region 4 Fisheries Technician
Tailwater Conditions- Tailwaters elevation 1585.75. Avg discharge is 240 cfm. The water temperature is 40-45* on the upper end of the tailwater. Water clarity is clear top to bottom. The fishing conditions change throughout the length of the tailwaters with flow rates and temperature.
Trout- Fishing is good. The most productive areas are Wilbur Dam downstream to Hunter area, not a lot of big fish but if you are looking for numbers the upper end is the place to be. Trout are being caught using Rapalas, Night crawler, Rooster tails, Small Flies
Woods Reservoir 10-10-24
Report Contributor – Captain Jake Davis – Follow on Facebook
The morning bite continues to be best for the better fish. Grass lines and Brush have been the remain your best bet, Bass and Crappie all can be found along grass edges and on deeper brush piles. Best numbers are still coming on a shaky head rigged finesse bait and a Tightline Mussel Crawler Jig in Green Tequila.
We found our better fish in 8 to 15 foot of water using Tightline Mussel Crawler jigs tipped with Twin Tail grubs, soft plastics, and Carolina Rigs. Word has it Crappie have slowed down. Water temperatures range from 72.5 to 73 degrees. This cool down over the next couple weeks with cooler days and nights headed our way. Duck and Goose Hunting season is not far away, please be aware of hunting location around the lake. Please wear your life vest all the time while on the water. Give me a call to book your trip, fall fishing can be lots of fun on Woods. Capt. Jake 615-613-2382 or msbassguide@comcast.Net
Stripers An Angler's Best Bet
Advertisement AdvertisementNovember 4, 2024 at 7:05 p.M.
EARLY MORNING ANGLERS Anglers fish Tuesday near Rocky Branch Park on Beaver Lake. April is a prime fishing month at the 31,000-acre lake. Black bass, crappie and striped bass are frequent springtime targets for anglers. Visit nwaonline.Com/photo for today's photo gallery. (NWA Democrat-Gazette/Flip Putthoff)Beaver Lake
Most fishing at the lake is on the slow side, said Jon Conklin, fishing guide.
Striped bass are biting the best. He recommends fishing between Prairie Creek park and Point 6.
Advertisement AdvertisementBiting Fish Await Weekend Anglers
New Mexico Department of Game and Fish
Fishing for bass and trout remains good at lakes and streams in southwest and southeast New Mexico, according to the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish.
Around Truth or Consequences, fishing for white bass was good at Elephant Butte Lake using Flicker Shad lures. Fishing for walleye was slow to fair when using white crankbaits and jigs tipped with worms.
Plastic worms are good to fair when fishing for smallmouth and largemouth bass. Cut bait was good for catching catfish.
Around Carlsbad and Artesia, fishing for white bass was good using shad-pattern swimbaits at Brantley Lake.
At Grindstone Lake in Lincoln County, fishing for trout was good using Rooster Tail spinners, Salmon Peach PowerBait, chartreuse Pautzke Balls O' Fire and marshmallows.
At Bonito Lake, fishing for trout was good using olive-green Pistol Pete spinner flies.
This fishing report, provided by the Department of Game and Fish in cooperation with Dustin Berg of www.Gounlimited.Org, has been generated from the best information available from area officers and anglers. Conditions encountered after the report was compiled may differ, as stream, lake and weather conditions alter fish and angler activities.
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