TWRA Weekly Fishing Report

Locations

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.

Trout Tailwater Reports:

TWRA biologists recently completed annual electrofishing surveys on Tennessee’s tailwater trout fisheries. You can read the TWRA summaries of individual lakes below.  For more information about the great trout fishing opportunities, tips, and techniques to ensure a great fishing trip, check out the TWRA Trout Fishing Forecast.

Region 4, East Tennessee, Mountain Trout Report

As the weather cools, so does the water, which means trout fishing starts to pick back up in our larger streams.  If you are looking for wild trout, you can try out some of our “Wild Trout Streams” (5 trout/day: single-hook artificial lures/flies only. No bait), such as Laurel Fork, Beaverdam Creek, Paint Creek, Rocky Fork, Left Prong Hampton Creek, or Little Stony Creek in Region 4. 

Below is a table of when they were last stocked and the species present.  Recently, TWRA fish crews sampled Laurel Fork and Beaverdam Creek, Left Prong Hampton, and Little Stony Creek. Although data is still being analyzed, there were no noticeable differences in trout numbers from this and previous years sampled.  Left Prong Hampton, below the barrier, where Rainbow Trout are present, has changed after Hurricane Helene, with the creek creating a new channel.   However, upstream of the barrier, where Brook Trout are found, there are larger, clearer pools, which support Brook Trout.  Laurel Fork and Beaverdam still have stocked Rainbow Trout present in them, as well as wild trout. 

Other streams not listed as wild trout or as any other special regulation have a trout creel limit of 7/day with no restrictions on bait, lures, or size limits.  Most stockings stopped in June due to elevated water temperatures; however, some creeks that have wild trout and are not designated as “wild trout streams: will still have stocked Rainbow Trout as well right now.  These include, but are not limited to: Doe River, Laurel Creek, Doe Creek, and Stony Creek. 

As the weather cools and September turns to October, wild trout fishing will improve.  Brook Trout and Brown Trout spawn in the fall (October-December), and the fish become more aggressive and colored up.  Dry flies will work well during this time of year, along with any smaller, darker mayflies, midges, or emergers, along with spin tackle such as rooster tails, panther martins, blue fox, or Kastmaster.  Enjoy fishing!

Boone Tailwater 2025 Biologist Sampling Report  

Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA)

In March 2025, our annual electrofishing survey of the Boone tailwater showed a slight drop in the number of Rainbow and Brown Trout compared to 2024, with total trout numbers on the lower end of what we've seen in previous years. For the first time since we began stocking Cutthroat Trout in 2021, none were found, suggesting that the Yellowstone and Bear River varieties stocked in 2023 and 2024 did not survive well. Despite the lower overall numbers, we saw a record-high number of large (18 inches or longer) Rainbow Trout in 2024, and Brown Trout have made up a growing portion of big fish since 2016. The quality of the fish remains excellent, with a healthy percentage meeting or exceeding our size goals, meaning Boone continues to be a strong fishery for large trout. Additionally, the trout we’re finding are in great shape, with body condition scores at or well above average.    

Caney Fork River 2025 Biologist Sampling Report  

Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA)

On the Caney Fork, we just had our best sample since 2014. The recent March 2025 electrofishing survey was our first measurement of the fishery’s holdover potential and long-term success since the orifice came back online in 2024. Both Rainbow and Brown Trout abundance were double the 3-year rolling average. It was also the best year in several years for Browns over 14 inches. However, the bulk of our gains have been with 12–14-inch trout, which is expected with conditions only recently improving. Our survey indicates most of the trout were from the Dam to Betty’s Island. We are optimistic about building upon this success as fish thrive with the improved water quality and wider stream widths. Be sure to thank the Army Corps for making the right call, and thank the several hundred anglers who helped by writing in.  

Center Hill Tailwater (Caney Fork River)  8/28/25

Report Contributors – Justin Spaulding, Region 3 Fish Biologist, and Avery Kyser, Creel Clerk

River Conditions- Be sure to check the generation schedule the day of your trip, as forecasted flows often change: https://www.tva.com/environment/lake-levels/center-hill

We are in the heat of the summer, and flows have been in a consistent pattern. Throughout the week, we have been seeing orifice only until early afternoon, and the generators running for several hours into the evening. On the weekend, it is mostly open around the clock with a midday pulse. Be sure to check before you leave because sometimes, on particularly hot days, they will need additional generation to meet power demand. Water temperatures have been 58-62°F.

Trout- Fishing has been fair. We are getting some lousy reports and decent reports. The upper river seems to be producing better, but later summer typically slows down as water quality declines. We are stocking the river weekly in August with around 3,000 Rainbows each week. On August 20^th, we were able to stock 300 retired brood Rainbow Trout with each averaging 18-20” long. Bait anglers have been using old faithful methods of worms on the bottom. Spin fishers are having their best luck in the latter half of the day when the generation is on, mimicking dying shad. We don’t have a lot of bugs hatching this time of year, so fly fishers have been most effective with emergers on the swing and woolly buggers.

Other- Anglers are still catching some panfish, walleye, and striped bass.

Chickamauga  9/18/25

Report Contributor – Billy Wheat, Follow on Facebook and www.riprapfishing.net

Chickamauga is down a foot, then up a foot. The water temperature is hovering around 80. Topwater is fun right now, but pinging a Minner is on fire as the Shad are getting killed right now. The grass bite is great, but you have to spend the time to find it.

Dale Hollow Tailwater (Obey River) 2025 Biologist Sampling Report 

Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA)

The Obey River, below Dale Hollow Dam, fall 2024 sample was a slight improvement over the rolling 3-year average. We saw improvements in both our Rainbow and Brown trout samples. We have not changed any regulations, but the Corps has been more sensitive to tailwater water quality in the last 18 months, so perhaps that is our boost.

Dale Hollow  9/17/25

Report Contributor, Will Schibig, Region III, Creel Clerk

Reservoir Conditions- 

Dale Hollow Dam is generating one generator in the afternoon producing roughly 1,500 cfs per day, on average. Reservoir elevation is currently sitting at 641’ and is dropping slightly. The surface water temperature has plateaued a bit over the last few weeks, sitting in the high seventies. Water clarity on the lower end is good, 10-15’ visibility. In stagnant areas in the backs of creek arms or upriver tributaries, clarity is 5-8’. With the water temperatures expected to cool, fish will be feeding more during the day, and the night bite will be slowing down. So, this will be my last moon phase report. We are currently at only 17% waning crescent, with a new moon expected this weekend. The next full moon will be the first weekend of October.

Bass- Fishing is slow. The bass are fully in a transition mode into the creek arms. In the mornings you can catch some smallmouth on the stopping points in these creek arms as the fish move to the backs. Fish the creek channel banks and points with topwater spooks or small swimbaits to cover water. You can catch some largemouth shallow in the back flats around isolated cover like treetops or stumps. Use topwater, vibrating jigs, or finesse baits. The deep schooling bite is still going, but is dwindling down. You can find these schools near creek mouths or channel convergence points. Reactionary bites with flutter spoons or big topwater is still the best way to catch a few aggressive fish from the school. 

Crappie- Fishing is good. Anglers are catching quantity and quality off deep brush piles and trees on the upper end of the reservoir. Brush in the 20-25’ range near deep water should be holding fish. Jigs or minnows under a slip bobber.

Walleye- Fishing is good. The bite has picked back up from the holiday weekend. The jigging bite is still best, but the trollers are evening the score a bit. Look for gravel humps, islands, points, or grass beds in the 25’ range. Jig spoons, jig’n’raps, or blade baits in these areas. Trolling worm harness rigs in these same areas works as well. You can troll spoons and plugs around the main channel or creek mouths with baits in the 25-30’ range for walleye on the lower end.

Sunfish- Fishing is decent. I have had some reports of an inconsistent bite for redear sunfish on main lake gravel banks and points with grass beds. Fish were reported to be caught in the 12-14’ range with worms near the bottom. 

Douglas Lake 9/10/25

Forecast Contributor Brad Burkhart –  Follow on Facebook

Fall is beginning to set in. And as usual, the bite is starting to shift in that direction as well

Here’s the deal as far as I’ve seen it lately.

The best bass bite is up the lake, I mean UP the lake. Get up in the river as far as you can. From there, it’s junk fishing 101. Any current breaks, log jams, laydowns, etc, might and probably do have one on it.

Keep your baits simple. Spinner bait, pitch a soft plastic, square bill, Topwater, Chatterbait, that kind of thing.

You’re targeting aggressive B.A.S.S. that are prepping for the fall/winter, so they aren’t too picky.

If you’re out early in the morning, it’s a great time to throw a buzz bait and cover as much ground as possible.

Down the lake is a different story. The bass down the lake will get the cooling water later than the “river fish” will. With that being said, they are still starting to move to the normal shallow feeding areas. This time of year (down lake), I like to target bluffs. The fish have the ability to move shallow to feed and then deep again quickly without having to swim a mile. I came in 9th this time of year in a BASS Open on Douglas fishing bluffs and never got above the I-40 bridge. My favorite baits for the bluff are a jerk bait, spy bait, and spinner bait. Pay attention to your graph, and the layout of the bottom on these bluffs as it may pay you to pitch a jig to them as well.

Hope this helps.

God bless.  Message me to book a guided fishing trip and see this info in real time.

Brad Burkhart @bradburkhartprofishing

Fort Patrick Henry Tailwater 2025 Biologist Sampling Report 

Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA)

In March 2025, electrofishing surveys on the Fort Patrick Henry tailwater (South Fork Holston River) showed that the number of Rainbow Trout—and overall trout—caught per hour had dropped back to similar numbers in 2021–2023, continuing a general decline that has been happening since 2017. The exact cause remains unclear. Interestingly, while overall trout numbers were down, the number of large (18 inches or longer) Rainbow Trout and other trout increased in 2025, reaching the highest levels since 2020. Also, the fish that were caught were in excellent condition, showing that while there may be fewer fish overall, the ones that remain are in great shape.

Hiwassee River 2025 Biologist Sampling Report

Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA)

The Hiwassee looked typical at our Fall electrofishing sample in 2024, just before the Delayed-Harvest Season started. We saw a handful of holdover Browns and Rainbows, but the Hiwassee still struggles with water temperatures in the high 60s and low 70s from the end of August to mid-October. This spring, we saw some quality Brown Trout, and overall numbers were almost identical to the 3-year rolling average. Angler reports suggest the Hiwassee has been fishing great this Spring and should continue that way for a few more months. We received hundreds of comments through the public listening session and video last year and have taken them to heart. 

Kentucky Lake 9/17/25

By Steve McCadams, Professional Guide/Outdoor Writer (stevemc@charter.net)

HOT AND HUMID CONDITIONS DOMINATE FISHING SCENE

An extended stay of hot and humid weather has dominated the Kentucky Lake fishing scene for the last two weeks. Dog days of summer have hung around until the end as the official transition of seasons occurs on Monday. While the first day of fall will officially arrive Monday on the calendar, out on the lake it looks like more like summer’s grip will be stubborn to let go anytime soon. Daytime highs will remain in the upper 80’s with night cooling to the upper 60’s.

Anglers are yearning for cooler days and lower surface temperatures. Readings lately remain around the 80-degree range. Watercolor is clear as very little rain has fallen across the region lately. Lake levels are in the 355.9 range. Discharge rates at Kentucky Dam have been in the 25,000 cfs (cubic feet per second) range producing a light current. With daytime highs running some ten degrees above normal cooler surface temps are not likely to arrive until a cold front descends, bringing change to the region. The area is very thirsty.

A few catfish have been taken lately out on the edge of the main river channel whenever some current is present. Depths of 35 to 50 feet have produced a few blue and channel catfish which are out there in pursuit of the balls of baitfish. Most fishermen are bumping bottom with a double hook rig armed with nightcrawlers. A few are using commercial stink baits and catching fish while others are trying big minnows or cut shad and bluegill as bait.

Scattered stringers of crappie have been taken but the overall bite as of late has been sluggish for most anglers. Low numbers have been reported across the board the last week or ten days. Normally crappie begin moving up to shallow or midrange depths by early to mid-September but no doubting the negative influence of the high surface temperatures accompanied by hot sunny days and no cloud cover. Even anglers who have mastered the high-tech sonar units say they can see fish around structure but cannot get them to bite. Several fish appear to be residing in the 12-to-15-foot depth range---some even less---but getting them to take a jig or live minnow presentation has been challenging at times.

The sluggish mood of September crappie will change once cooler days and cloud cover return to the fishing scene. That early fall bite is overdue to kick in anytime. Some anglers have attempted casting jigs around stake beds and brush piles in a variety of depths, but the mood of the fish has not been cooperative.

A few white bass have busted the surface at times as they pursue schools of shad out over shallow sandbars near the main channel areas. Several schools of the smaller yellow bass are out there but some of the large white bass are there too.

Bass fishermen are still stalking the main lake ledges tossing swim baits and crankbaits. A few smallmouth have been located at times as have a few small schools of largemouth roaming the sandbars. Anglers fan casting the backs of big bays in search of shad activity have found the bite inconsistent too. It’s high time bass were moving up on gravel banks in the early morning and late afternoon hours when lowlight conditions stimulate midge hatches that result in some topwater feeding sprees. Tossing chrome colored Rattle Traps usually yield both bass and white bass this time of year if baitfish are located.

Both the anglers and fish on Kentucky Lake are tired of enduring the long hot summer conditions. Now that fall has officially arrived (Sept 22^nd) let’s have some fall temps to enter the fishing picture!

Nickajack Reservoir  9/15/25 

Report Contributor, Nathan Rogers, Region III, Creel Clerk

The weather was warmer with lows in the lower 60s and highs reaching around 83. Current throughout the reservoir was higher on this day compared to previous weeks. The water levels are normal; the latest depth and discharge rate I have recorded is below. For any discharge or 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 reservoir: N/A

-  Lower end of reservoir: 83.1 degrees Fahrenheit

Water Clarity:

-  Tennessee River (River Channel): 3 feet

Water Level: (as of September 15^th)

-  Reservoir elevation: 632.64 feet

-  Headwater elevation: 636.41 feet

Water Flow: (as of September 15^th)

- Chickamauga Dam: ~ 33149 cfs

-  Nickajack Dam: ~ 29668 cfs

Observed Species Information

Upper section of reservoir:

No Surveys in this area

Lower Section of the reservoir:

Bass: Many anglers found success with topwater baits in early morning hours over grass mats. Others were using trick worms/jigs and chatterbaits along grass edges impacted by the current. Many anglers are punching thick grass mats or using frogs to get bites as well. Grass is very thick, so a heavier weight will be needed for punching. Use of live shad/shiners was the most successful practice.

Catfish: Live/cut bait in deeper holes throughout the channel. Also finding luck in deeper holes in coves off channel as well.

Norris Tailwater (Clinch River) 2025 Biologist Sampling Report

Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA)

In March 2025, electrofishing surveys on the Norris tailwater showed that the number of Rainbow Trout caught per hour was within the typical range seen since the protected length range (PLR), or “slot limit,” was put in place in 2008. Brown Trout numbers improved slightly from recent years. The number of trout caught within the 14–20-inch slot (mostly Rainbows) increased again in 2025 to 65 fish per hour—the highest since 2020—and continues to show improvement compared to before the PLR was established. Overall, the size structure of the Rainbow Trout population looked good in 2025, with more fish both within the slot and over 20 inches than in 2024. There was also solid evidence of young, naturally reproducing Rainbow Trout (6 inches or smaller) joining the population in both 2024 and 2025. The Brown Trout population in 2025 showed more diversity in sizes than the previous year, with many more small fish (4 to 7 inches) likely coming from the 20,000 young Brown Trout stocked in November 2024. While the number of Brown Trout within the slot didn’t increase, more Brown Trout over 20 inches were caught, suggesting positive movement in the fishery’s overall health.

Norris Tailwater  9/17/25

Report Contributor – Scott Dalton, Wildlife Tech 1

Fishing has been great along the tailwater with these cooler nights. The fish have been active in the evening, spinners, spoons, and flies being the go-to lately. The last stocking of Rainbow Trout was put in last week, but wild browns and rainbows are abundant.  Enjoy the cooler weather out on the tailwater!  Don’t forget, you cannot harvest trout 14-20 inches from the dam downstream to the Hwy. 61 bridge, and the daily creel limit is 7 trout with one over 20 inches.

Check the TVA website for more information.   Norris Lake operating guide and Norris Lake levels.  

Old Hickory 9/10/25

Forecast Contributor – Noah Cartwright, Region II Creel Clerk

Old Hickory is still alive and well with summer traffic. Fishing, however, is still pretty slow. I haven’t been seeing very many people on my trips out, and those I talk to aren’t doing crazy well. Numbers are okay, but the size is minimal. 

Bass: Bass anglers are the vast majority of folks I’m seeing out on the water. As mentioned above, folks are catching numbers, but not a lot of size; 1-2 ibs fish have been plentiful, and anything above 4 lbs has been exceptional. Above and below the 109 bridge, Chatterbait has been the only lure that’s stood out. Folks are catching them across the board, as well, from shallow to deep, with deep still getting the most fish in the boat. I’ve seen some folks catching good numbers by chasing bait, i.e., watching for bait to blow up at the surface and targeting those spots. Otherwise, it’s the Wild West out there. Don’t be afraid to try the whole box and change up often. If you figure out something that’s working, you’ve beaten the game for at least that day. 

*If a species is not reported on, I have not seen/talked to enough folks fishing for that species to give accurate, good-quality advice.

Parksville Reservoir  9/12/25

Report Contributor, Nathan Rogers, Region III, Creel Clerk    

The weather was cooler in the mornings this weekend, with lows in the mid-50s and highs throughout the day reaching around 83. Current throughout the reservoir returned to normal. Water temperatures are fluctuating again due to warmer days. The water levels are at full pool; the latest depth recorded is below. For any discharge or elevation info, check out the TVA Lake Info App.

Reservoir Conditions

Water Temp: 74.8 degrees Fahrenheit

Water Clarity: Upper: 5 ft

                          Lower: 5 ft

Water Level: (as of September 12^th)  828.08 feet

Water Flow: (as of September 12^th)

- Ocoee#1 Dam: ~ 0 cfs

- Ocoee#2 Dam: ~ 87 cfs (spilling)

Observed Species Information

Bass: Fishing is fair. Fish are starting to transition back to shallower areas due to water temperatures dropping during these cooler nights. Most anglers are throwing dropshots, Texas rigs, and jigging minnows to attract these fish. Finding fish that are chasing/busting the surface for bait fish are great areas to target with these methods.

Sunfish/Bream: Live bait (crickets, worms) around banks with woody structure. Some anglers found success over deeper structure as well (15-25 feet).

Percy Priest 9/10/25

Forecast Contributor – Noah Cartwright, Region II Creel Clerk

Fall is coming, but summer temps haven’t left just yet. Lake level has remained static with surface temps still around the low 80°s, but with air temperatures forecasted in the high 80s in the coming week, these hot days and cool nights don’t bode particularly well for the bite. Patterns and behavior have remained cryptic, with some fish jumping at fall patterns and others remaining in Summer. 

Bass: The bass are still biting, but of all the fish, they are the most cryptic species right now. I haven’t seen good consistency across the board of one single bait, pattern, habitat, etc., reeling in the most fish, so just stick with what you know. If you want to go out and fish shallow, anglers have had success, just try not to get stuck in one spot for too long if they aren’t biting. If you want to fish deep, stick to typical summer baits and habitats; plastics, 10-16 ft deep on humps, flats, and points. And if you want the greatest chance of success, run the whole gambit shallow and deep, throw the whole box at the water, and you should reel in some good fish. 

Crappie: Crappie are still a bit hesitant to light up. I’ve seen plenty of folks catching them, but sporadically. Jigs or minnows are negligible, but don’t be afraid to change colors until one works. 14-18 ft deep is where you’ll want to be, and don’t be afraid to switch spots either, if the fish aren’t taking. Structure on ledges around channel bends and humps is where I’m seeing the most fish being caught.

Hybrid/Striper: Just like last week, the hybrids are still a bit temperamental. They’ve gone a little deeper with the cooler surface temps, so you’ll want to be dropping that bait down around 25 ft deep. As always, to reduce mortality, try to keep your fish out of the water for only 30-45 seconds.

*If a species is not reported on, I have not seen/talked to enough folks fishing for that species to give accurate, good-quality advice. 

Reelfoot Lake  9/3/25

Report Contributor -Reelfoot Lake Tourism Council

Current gage height at the spillway is 11.16 ft.  Bass, crappie, and bluegill have been slow but steady.  The Kirby Pocket boat ramp is closed due to renovations, which will increase the ramp’s width to 35 feet. For other ramp locations, see the map on our website reelfoottourism.com

South Holston Tailwater 2025 Biologist Sampling Report

Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA)

In March 2025, electrofishing surveys on the South Holston tailwater showed mixed results: Brown Trout numbers dropped slightly, while Rainbow Trout numbers increased significantly. The suspension of fingerling Rainbow Trout stocking back in 2021 continues to show no negative impact on their population. A major highlight from 2025 was the strong rebound in the number of trout within the 16–22 inch protected length range (mostly Brown Trout), the highest level seen since 2007. Large Brown Trout (22 inches or more) also reached their best numbers since 2006. The recent decline in overall Brown Trout numbers since 2022 may have helped reduce competition for food and space, allowing more fish to grow into the protected slot. While Brown Trout populations have often shown overcrowding of small fish (6–11 inches) in past years, especially since 2010, the 2025 survey revealed a healthier balance of sizes, with more fish in both the protected range and just below it (12–15 inches). Additionally, the average body condition of Brown Trout, measured by relative weight (a value to determine if the fish is in ideal shape for its size), has steadily improved since 2021, the best average condition seen in over two decades, indicating that the fish are not just larger, but also healthier.

Tims Ford 9/9/25

Report Contributor -JC Stephens, Region II Creel Clerk

Reservoir Conditions

Elevation Avg: 888.06ft
Summer pool: 888ft
Winter pool: 875ft
Avg. Discharge Hourly: 245cfs
Water Temp Avg: 80°F (77° in the back of creeks)
Water Visibility Avg: 7.2ft / 2.2M
Moon phases:  Next New Moon: 09/22/2025 -  Next Full Moon: 10/06/2025

Fishing Conditions:

*Based on Dissolved Oxygen Data taken on August 19, 2025, dissolved oxygen starts depleting at a depth of around 20ft.

BLACK BASS: (Largemouth, Spotted, Smallmouth)

Bass fishing has been good this week. Anglers might be able to throw under some low-hanging trees and off the rocks around bridges, targeting structure. Many people use soft plastics on a Texas rig or a Carolina rig, but crankbaits have been seen to work this past week. The topwater bite is still slow, continuing into this week.

CRAPPIE: (Black Nose, Black, White)

Crappie fishing has been slow this week, but is picking up with lower water temperatures. They are being found in a range of 15 – 20’ deep, and some people are casting at downed trees, under docks, and off bridge pylons. Crappie tend to stick around shady spots where it is a bit cooler. Many people use jig heads with various colors of minnows and live minnows to potentially trigger a bite.

WALLEYE:

Walleye fishing has been slow this week. Some have had luck trolling for walleye in deeper areas of the lake, on the edge of the channel. You could try using different crankbaits, ned rigs, and spoons to provoke a bite. They have been found 12 – 15’ deep.

TEMPERATE BASS: (Striper, Hybrid, White Bass)

Temperate bass fishing has been Great this week and has been found in the early morning. The fishing has been slower as the sun comes out. They have been found closer to the dam or chasing bait in coves. An idea of what to throw at them would be a topwater spook, umbrella rig, or a bucktail jig, and have also been found in a range of 15 - 20’ deep.

CATFISH: (Channel, Blue, Flathead)

The fishing for catfish has been good; most people fish with shrimp, chicken livers, live, and cut bait. Some have been found in deeper waters as a bycatch while fishing for stripers, hybrids, and walleye with a crankbait. They can be found off gravel points in the main lake, rocky bottoms, and in the back of coves near the mouth of a creek.

Watts Bar  9/18/25

Report Contributor, Billy Wheat, Follow on Facebook and www.riprapfishing.net

Watts Bar temperatures are still hovering around 80. The water is fluctuating around full pool or a little less. The top water is awesome right now, and the grass bite is picking back up. The Minner munchers are on the loose, so if you’re pinging a Minner, you'd better check your trolling motor batteries.

Watts Bar 9/11/25

Forecast Contributor Captain Wallace– Follow on Facebook

The bite has been pretty decent lately during the cold front. Falling water temperatures have a lot of fish heading into the shallow vegetation. Ripping chatterbaits and spinnerbaits through the grass has been productive when they are active. When the bite is slower, I like pitching soft weedless baits into holes in the vegetation and letting them sink. Points and ledges close to the main channel are great this time of year for attracting schools of baitfish, which will have all sorts of fish feeding on them.

I'm finding black crappie around docks and weed lines, and white crappie are stacking up around deep structure, but a lot of them are out roaming around. They're easy to spot with FFS but you can also fish for them by drifting live bait or jigs set at different depths. Humps in about 25-35' have been best. The catfish bite is good when we have water flow. Target deep structure in 40 - 60' with fresh cut bait or live bluegill. Dragging the edges of sand bars with live shad or crank baits is another good method right now for catching big catfish and striper.

Wilbur Tailwater (Watauga River) 2025 Biologist Sampling Report

Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA)

In March 2025, electrofishing surveys on the Wilbur Tailwater showed that Rainbow Trout numbers increased noticeably, while Brown Trout numbers dipped slightly. In the lower section of the tailwater, downstream of the Doe River, catch rates remained consistent with past years and showed no impact from the flooding caused by Hurricane Helene in September 2024. In the upper section of the tailwater (above the Doe River), Brown Trout numbers had climbed steadily after 2013, peaking in 2019, but have since declined to pre-2013 levels. Length data from 2025 indicate ongoing natural reproduction by both Rainbow and Brown Trout, and a noticeable increase in large Brown Trout (over 20 inches) in 2025.