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 trips, check out the TWRA Trout Fishing Forecast,
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) 6/26/25
Report Contributor – Avery Kyser, Creel Clerk
River Conditions - Be sure to check the generation schedule the day of your trip, as forecasted flows often change: TVA Lake Levels for Center Hill Lake, Tennessee
The Caney Fork is expected to have more consistent low flows, based on the long-range weather forecast. The orifice gate is open and will stay open through the end of November. Water temperatures have been 55°F. The hot days have slowed the bite down midday, though.
Trout - Fishing has been good. Spin anglers have been doing well drifting red worms and power bait or small jigs. For fly anglers, streamers have been reliable, but lots of trout have been caught on size 14-18 pheasant tails.
Other - You can expect to catch the occasional walleye or striped bass.
Center Hill 6/4/25
Report Contributor, Chris Snow, Guide at www.briancarper.com
Center Hill Anglers have turned their attention to the night bite now. Big worms, jigs, and spinnerbaits have produced the best results. Percy Priest: Everything in the lake is biting now. I've had success catching bass both shallow and deep. Good-sized crappie, 14 to 15 inches class, are being caught in deep brush on minnows and jigs
To learn more or get out on the water with us, check out Brian Carper’s guide service at www.briancarper.com.
Center Hill 7/1/25
Report Contributor, James Bond, 007's Guide Service, Follow on Facebook
Water temp mid to high 80s, depending on area
Bass- we are catching really nice Largemouth & Smallmouth this week with a wide
assortment of minnow style artificial baits. The smaller the profile, the more
they seem to like it. When it gets this hot, we turn our focus to open water fishing,
and it has paid off with several clients catching their personal best bass in
the last 4 days.
Crappie- the bigger crappie are roaming the main channel areas and can be hard to find during the day. Trolling jigs or crankbaits is a fantastic way to get the big ones to
bite. Night fishing under lights would be your best bet right now for
numbers.
Catfish- no report
Walleye - the walleye bite is really good right now if you can find the right pod of fish that wants to eat. Our average size this past week has been about 20", with several
over 26 and one 28". We've caught them trolling, jigging, and with jerk
baits suspended over open water. As mentioned above with crappie, nights will
be better for numbers this time of year. We are finding walleye in places we
have never caught them before. My best advice is to spend time idling and
watching your sonar. Look for those actively feeding fish that are away from
shore and up off the bottom. Adjust your speed, depth, and color until you find
a pattern.
For booking information, visit us on Facebook or call James at 601-720-6193
007's Guide Service, Smithville, TN. See you on the water!!!
Chickamauga 6/19/25
Report Contributor – Billy Wheat, Follow on Facebook and www.riprapfishing.net
Chickamauga water level is full water temperature is 80. The offshore bite is great, but you have to look for the schools on your graph. Get that big plug or big hair jig and fire them as fast as you can if you have to work for them, get that scrounger and flutter spoon. The shell beds are a big worm and a football jig.
Keep that big Swimbait on the deck for the shell beds as they may come on the big gizzards, and if they do it’s hammer time! The Minner is always great on the stumps and piles in 12-22 feet. The grass when you can find it is swim jig and Chatterbait as well as the swimming worm. Look for coontail grass and eelgrass in 8-12 feet. Glide the trees on the bluffs early, you might catch the biggest bass of your life!
Chickamauga 7-1-25
Forecast Contributor Brad Burkhart – Follow on Facebook
Hello folks! Kinda switching it up this week.
I had a week’s worth of trips on Lake. Chickamauga this week and here’s the deal.
I started the week off out of grasshopper and worked up stream. Mind you I don’t go anywhere near the bank at this time of year. The only good school I found was at the mouth of Grasshopper Creek. We caught several early on a spoon and then switched to Carolina rig and football jig.
Mid-week I worked in the middle section of the river. The big bars that separate the channel in front sale creek and just above it. Also, the big flat across from the nuke plant was loaded in several different spots. The same baits worked here as well.
At the end of the week I found myself below the power plant and still fishing the main drag of the river. Almost all the ditch mouths have small to mid-size schools of bass. Stick to the same baits I mentioned, and mix a drop shot in when they slow down.
In conclusion, the fish were in 12’-17’ of water…. but the main thing was the current. When they pulled it above 20,000 and let any water whatsoever out of Watts Bar the bite was awesome. Usually after 10 am was the peak time.
Our biggest bites came between the power plant and the mouth of Chester Frost.
Hope this helps, and don’t forget***
Message me to book a trip……electronics, techniques, or just catching a few …. I’ll work hard to make your day a great one.
God Bless!
Brad Burkhart
@bradburkhartprofishing
Email: brad.killerbassbaits@gmail.com
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 7/2/25
Report Contributor, Will Schibig, Region III, Creel Clerk
Reservoir Conditions-
Dale Hollow Dam is generating between 1,700-3,000 cfs of outflow, on average, this past week. The reservoir elevation has dropped to 649’ and is continuing to fall. Surface water temperatures are continuing to fall from the low-nineties to the mid-eighties. Water clarity has been decent with visibility from 6-12’ reservoir wide. We are currently in the first quarter of the moon phase, with a full moon scheduled for this time next week for the night fisherman out there. Be cautious of other boaters this holiday weekend and wear a life jacket. If you plan on releasing your fish, please practice good fish care. This time of year, delayed angler mortality rates with released fish can be the highest.
Bass- Fishing is slow. The day bite is tough when the sun comes up. You can fish grass beds in 20-30 FOW with Carolina rigs, drop shots, or Tokyo rigs where there are bass living, but may not be actively feeding unless a bite window comes up. Bass will occasionally push baitfish to the surface over these grass beds where you will have a small window to get a bite on topwater or swimbaits. Some anglers are getting bites targeting suspended bass 10-40’ over the main channel with Damiki rigs or flutter spoons. These fish are either isolated or schooled near baitfish.
Walleye- Fishing is decent. Trolling during the AM is producing some quality fish on the mid-lake humps in the 20-25’ range while over 30-40 FOW. Trolling stick baits or worm harness rigs are getting the most bites.
Trout- Fishing is slow. Anglers are catching some rainbows trolling spoons around the dam in the early AM in 25-30 FOW. I have been told the bite has been better fishing around lights at night in the same areas with corn, Powerbait, or shad.
Crappie- Fishing is slow. Anglers are catching crappie trolling crankbaits 20-25’ down over the river channel on the Wolf River well this week. On the lower end you can deploy this same tactic over grass beds at the same depth.
Douglas Lake 6/19/25
Forecast Contributor Brad Burkhart – Follow on Facebook
Same ole’ same ole’ report guys. They are in the summer groove. This is the time that your electronics pay for themselves. If you don’t see them, then don’t stop and throw….they ain’t there.
Most of the decent schools are in 28-30’ of water right now. Cloudy days, they move a little shallower, high sun they definitely in 30’ or more. The best bite for my clients has been a Carolina rig with a zoom speed craw. But drop shot and jig will work as well. I can’t stress it enough, your electronics are key to finding these fish, if you're idling……. you're fishing……get it?
*I do electronics trip to help you understand what you’re seeing and how to approach. Message or email me to book a trip.
Thanks for reading!! And as always, God Bless!!!!
Brad Burkhart @bradburkhartprofishing
Fall Creek Falls 6/12/25
Forecast Contributor Casey Haston – FCF boat dock staff.
Lake Conditions- Fishing is still pretty good, lots of fish being caught! Surface water temperature is 79°-80°F and the water clarity is 3-4ft near the Boat Dock. Don't forget about the ten automatic feeders, currently set for 6:00 am and 6:00 pm. Just FYI, we just stocked 43,500 copper nose bluegill today!
Largemouth Bass- The bass are post-spawn and feeding up, they are chasing fry and bluegill. Finesse fishing always seems to be a good option, weightless worms, wacky rigs, and ned rigs all have had success. As always, live minnows are a good choice!
Bluegill and Redear Sunfish- We just had a full moon, and the spawn has picked back up, still some nice bluegill and redear being caught! Crickets and worms seem to be the bait of choice!
Catfish- Catfish have been feeding heavily during this pre-spawn; some may already be spawning. Lots of catfish are being caught on a wide variety of baits like livers, worms, and nightcrawlers.
Crappie- The crappie bite is kind of tough, but there have been a few caught around dark. Live minnows are a good choice for crappie, and the small crappie jigs may pick up a few as well!!
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.
Hiwassee River below Appalachia Powerhouse 7/3/25
Report Contributor - Tic Smith/Southeastern Anglers Guide Service
Water Temperature – 60 degrees F when TVA is generating
Water Clarity – clear
Water Level – The flow is mostly 2 generators during the week and off on the weekends until 10 am
Fishing conditions – Fishing has been consistent over the last couple of weeks. Late morning through 2 pm has been the slow time with sunny, hot conditions. Cloudy days keep the fish active all day.
Hatches- There are still Sulphurs that are hatching in the afternoon starting around 5 pm. On cloudy days bwo’s can hatch at any time. There are also some #18 tan caddis out. Isonychias have been sporadic but it’s a good searching pattern. (#10-#12)
Flies to use
Sulphur sparkle dun #16-18
Bwo parachute #18
tan caddis #16 & 18
Isonychia parachute #10-#12
Ph tail #14 to 18
Prince #14 to 18
Zug bug #12
Yellow thread Frenchie #16
Wooly bugger olive # 6 to 10
Kentucky Lake 6/11/25
Report Contributor, Steve McCadams, Professional Guide/Outdoor Writer stevemc@charter.net
MAYFLY HATCHES UNDERWAY…BASS BITE GOOD ON LEDGES/SHALLOWS TOO
You know summer has arrived on Kentucky Lake when the mayfly hatches begin. Summer officially arrives on the calendar June 20th but for scores of bass, bluegill, crappie and catfish anglers it really started a few weeks ago. Lake levels have been stable lately and staying around the normal summer pool elevation of 359 across the reservoir. TVA has been pushing around 40,000 cfs (cubic feet per second) through Kentucky Dam and that has been enough current at times to stimulate the main lake ledge bite for bass plus stir up the prowl alarm on catfish too.
Surface temps are responding to the warm weather and starting out the day in the upper 70s and warming to the low 80s by midday. Watercolor has a little stain in places but it’s a good color for fishing.
The unofficial kickoff to the summer fishing scene each year is the beginning of mayfly hatches up and down the reservoir. That’s already underway. Several sightings have been reported along river island rims lately. Once the flies start hatching it seems to bring increased fishing opportunities for not only bluegill around the bushes and shallow weed beds but bass too. There’s always a good shallow bite from bass once this natural buffet emerges around shallow shorelines or below the steep banks where willows hang over the water, forming a shady canopy.
Tossing some topwater, spinnerbaits and Texas rigged worms or craws will get the attention of shallow bass already on a feeding spree. Buzz baits are great choices over the shallow grass beds or buck bushes. Right now, schools of shad fry (pin minnows) are showing up and that always lures bass to island rims, tree laps and shoreline stickups. Even in hot weather the combination of pin minnow schools and mayflies is a great combination for fast action.
Main lake ledges are producing well as recent tournaments such as Major League Fishing showed some nice smallmouth and largemouth congregating. Not all the ledges and humps are full of fish but scouting out balls of baitfish activity and marking the bass with FFS sure helped several of the top anglers eliminate dead water on their quest to fat paychecks and recognition.
From deep running shad-colored variations of crankbaits to Carolina rigs, swim baits and a few more tricks, the young guns showed some hefty numbers of bass are out there if you know where to look and what to throw. The main lake ledge bite should last several more weeks but never totally turn your back on Kentucky Lake’s shallow pattern.
Decent stringers of crappie continue to come in from anglers targeting depths of 12 to 15 feet while using live minnow and a mixture of jigs. Some credit their catches to even deeper depths.
Nice stringers of catfish are showing up, too as anglers stalk the edge of the main river channel. Depths of 30 feet and more are holding some good ones. Bumping bottom with double hook rigs armed with nightcrawlers and assorted commercial bait presentations has paid dividends lately. Watch for that catfish bite to continue as more fish pull out to the riverbank areas in pursuit of balls of baitfish. The bite is best when the current is present.
Anglers can catch a lot of bluegill right now while casting light tackles. Tossing small twister tail grubs or small Mepps or Rooster Tails will work well as will the old reliable crickets fished beneath a slip-bobber style presentation. That’s always productive during the mayfly hatches.
Nickajack Reservoir 6/22/25
Report Contributor, Nathan Rogers, Region III, Creel Clerk
The weather was hot with lows around 69 and warmed up to highs throughout the day as warm as 91. Current throughout the reservoir has slowed once again to relatively normal flows. Water visibility has gone down slightly. The water levels are 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: 80.2 degrees Fahrenheit
- Lower end of Lake: 85.7 degrees Fahrenheit
Water Clarity:
- Tennessee River (River Channel): 2.5 foot
Water Level: (as of June 29th)
- Lake elevation: 633.52 feet
- Headwater elevation: 634.95 feet
Water Flow: (as of June 29th)
- Chickamauga Dam: ~ 19726 cfs
- Nickajack Dam: ~ 15049 cfs
Observed Species Information
Upper section of Lake:
Bass: Anglers are using swimbaits and other minnow/bait fish style baits along the rocky channel banks throughout the area below dam and around downtown Chattanooga.
Lower Section of Lake:
Bass: Anglers have started fishing in transition areas such as ledges leading to deep water from shallow grass flats, mainly using trick worm baits but some are using swimbaits as well. Topwater baits are attracting bites over shallow flats with and without grass.
Catfish: Using live/cut bait on edges of channel where current is present, mainly on edges of islands or other current breaks.
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 6/25/25
Report Contributor – Scott Dalton, Wildlife Tech 1
The summer is heating up and so are the trout on the tailwater. Lots of rainbow trout and brown trout are being caught and some big ones. They have been catching them on spoons, glide baits, and large flies. Be sure to check the flows before you go out.
Check the TVA website for more information. Norris Lake operating-guide and Norris lake-levels
Parksville Reservoir 6/30/25
Report Contributor, Nathan Rogers, Region III, Creel Clerk
The weather was hot throughout the weekend with lows in the upper 60s and highs around 90. The rain finally decided to take a break for a few days. The current throughout the reservoir is slightly higher than normal. Water temps throughout the lake are rising but still much cooler in the upper river section. Visibility has improved throughout the lake. 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: 83.5 degrees Fahrenheit
Water Clarity: Upper: 5 ft
Lower: 5 ft
Water Level: (as of June 23rd)
828.13 feet
Water Flow: (as of June 23rd)
- Ocoee#1 Dam: ~ 20 cfs
- Ocoee#2 Dam: ~ 1494 cfs (spilling)
Observed Species Information
Bass: Fishing is fair. Fish are starting to go onto deeper ledges and points due to the higher water temperatures throughout the reservoir. Most anglers are throwing dropshots, Texas rigs, and jigging minnows to attract these fish. There are still fish up shallow as well, just the majority of anglers are fishing deeper. Some anglers are finding better success with live bait as well.
Crappie: Live minnows/small jigs over submerged structure on 15–20-foot flats have been the most successful practice.
Yellow Perch: Trolling crankbaits in the upper portion of the reservoir over shallow flats and throughout the river.
Sunfish/Bream: Using live bait such as crickets and small minnows over submerged woody debris and backs of inlets/sloughs.
Percy Priest 5/14/25
Report Contributor – Chris Snow, Guide at www.briancarper.com
Percy Priest Bass continue to be caught both shallow and deep. The spawn is about to wind up, and the bass will settle into their summertime patterns. Big crankbaits and Texas-rigged worms are catching some quality fish right now. You should concentrate on channel swings and points for the best results. Crappie fishing remained good using minnows and casting 1 /16 oz jigs.
Reelfoot Lake 7/2/25
Report Contributor -Reelfoot Lake Tourism Council
Bluegill fishing is better than ever along the shoreline and in the pads. We hope you are at Reelfoot Lake filling coolers with bluegill! We have received lots of rainfall along with temperatures in the 90s, and the gage height is at 12.60 ft. Our forecast shows partly cloudy days continuing into the next week with possible thunderstorms. A recent bass tournament resulted in favorable comments from contestants who were pleased with the bass size and number caught. Although crappie are slow, we are seeing reports of daily limit catches!
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.
Watts Bar 6/19/25
Report Contributor, Billy Wheat, Follow on Facebook and www.riprapfishing.net
Watts Bar is full, and the water temperature is 79. The offshore fish are eating that Minner with the Scope. I personally love that big plug and a scrounger. The tough days are dropshot and a Neko rig worm. The grass is a Chatterbait and swimming worm or swim jig. The trees are the ol monster worm or a creature bait. Don’t forget the old spook, it still gets a big bite on those shallow points.
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.
