TWRA Weekly Fishing Forecast
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 – 9-11-24
Forecast Contributor – Colton Chambers, C & C Outfitters
Striper fishing is picking up a little mid lake, with most of the decent size fish being caught on live bait in 20 -35 ' of water on live shad. Also, there is some decent top water evening action going on between Candy Creek and Point 10 on the South Holston side of the lake on wake and prop type baits.
Nighttime Bass fishing is staying good with the cool nights on Worms and the pig and jig combo.
Lots of Flatheads and a few Channels showing up in the Pickens Bridge area on cut bait and livers.
Good luck and stay safe on the water!
C & C Outfitters
Chip & Colton Chambers -423-707-8821
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063643880828
Stay safe on the water!
Boone Reservoir - 9-12-24
Forecast Contributor – Richard Markland, Region 4 Fisheries Technician
Reservoir Conditions- Reservoir elevation is 1380.77. The water temperature is 79* degrees. Water clarity 10’ visibility.
Bass- Fishing is slow - As the water cools the bite should pick up. Largemouth, Spots and Smallmouth are being caught on crankbaits or small shad like baits, spinnerbaits, Ned rigs, plastic finesse worms, soft jerk baits, creature baits, jigs by fishing along rocky points, standing brush or around docks. Topwater early morning and late evening.
Crappie- No Report
Trout- No report
Striped Bass/Hybrid Bass- Fishing is slow. Most of the fish are being caught around Davis Dock up to Bluff City area on Holston side and Watauga Flats area using spoons or trolling live shad or trout 20-30’ and using chicken livers fishing from the bank.
Sunfish- Fishing is good – Fishing from fishing piers at Wingdeer Park using crickets, worms. Fishing around laydowns is always a good place to fish.
Center Hill – 9-4-24
Forecast Contributor – Will Schibig, Region III Creel Clerk.
Reservoir Conditions-
Center Hill Dam is generating, on average, 2,200 cfs per day during the week, and 400 cfs on the weekends. The lake elevation is dropping and is currently sitting at 635’. Surface water temperatures are in the mid-to-low 80s. The main lake visibility is clear, 7-10’, while the creek arms are more 3-5’. Bait fish are in the back flats of pockets and creek arms in the mornings and move to 15-20’ in the day.
Bass- Fishing is good. The shallow water bite is still good in the mornings and should be getting better. Look for fish feeding on bait on secondary points and shallow flats in the back of creek arms and pockets. Spooks, buzz baits, flukes, and swimbaits are the lures of choice. I’ve heard of big bass being caught fishing shelves on main lake bluff walls fishing slow in 15-20’.
Walleye- Fishing is slow. The bite has really slowed and most of the walleye being caught in the mid lake area are short fish while trolling crankbaits and worm harness rigs. Some anglers are getting bigger fish while fishing deeper in the 22-24’ range around main lake points targeting fish near suspended baitfish schools.
Catfish- Fishing is good. Catfish are being caught on main lake gravel banks and humps while trolling crankbaits or worm harness rigs. These fish seem to be suspended in the 12-25’ range. You can target these open water fish by fishing worms near the bottom in these same areas.
Sunfish- Fishing is good. Big shellcracker are being caught on main lake gravel banks near the drop off in 12-20 FOW. Anglers have been drop-shotting worms in these areas.
Cherokee Reservoir 9-4-24
Forecast Contributor – Roy Prater, Wildlife Technician I
WATER CONDITIONS: Water levels have steadily dropped over the previous week. The current Reservoir elevation is 1059.5, approximately 10 feet lower than average for this time of year. Cool dry conditions have brought the surface temperature from 87.5 to 82.5 over the previous week. The Oxygen Minimum Zone (OMZ) continues persistent at 25-30 feet of depth.
SUMMARY: The lake has settled lower than average for this time period. While temperatures have dropped so have water levels disturbing the fish's habitat and making behaviors less predictable. Catch rates are low during daylight hours with most all reports of fish being caught very early in the morning. The Closed Fishing Zone is in effect until 15 September 2024 and the current Smallmouth Bass size restriction is in effect until 15 October 2024. All persons fishing on Cherokee Reservoir are advised to be familiar with current regulations.
SMALLMOUTH, LARGEMOUTH BASS: Fishing shaded areas (docks, overhangs, downed trees) during daylight hours is the higher probability habitat for these species. Traditionally the better fishing times are early in the morning or during nightfall.
SPOTTED BASS: No reports of Spotted Bass being caught.
STRIPED BASS /HYBRID BASS: Guides have reported limits of smaller fish being caught from Poor Valley Creek upstream to Melinda’s Ferry. There are no reports of fish being caught in the lower half of the Reservoir for this period. Anglers should look for fish above the OMZ and following schools of bait fish.
NOTE: Remember there is a no fishing zone in effect near the dam. Refer to page 24 of the 2024-2025 Tennessee Fishing, Hunting, &Trapping Guide for details and a map of this zone. The NO FISHING regulation for this area from
July 15 through September 15.
WHITE BASS: Fishing the Holston River Section upstream of Melinda’s Ferry has produced fish. Look for schools of small shad.
CRAPPIE: There are no reports of fish caught this week.
SUNFISH/BREAM: There are no reports of fish being caught for this week.
WALLEYE: No reports of fish caught this week.
CATFISH: Some Channel Catfish have been reportedly caught at night in the middle section of the reservoir. Small Flathead catfish have been reported as well as Blue Catfish. Fishing is most productive during twilight hours.
PADDLEFISH: Closed Season.
FISHING TIPS: Live bait and persistence will be the key to a successful trip.
Chickamauga Reservoir September 6th – September 8th, 2024
Forecast Contributor – Nathan Rogers, Region III Creel Clerk
The weather has been cool in the mornings throughout the weekend with it still getting to the 80’s throughout the day. Water temps are dropping throughout the lake due to the chilly nights. Current has been steady throughout the day now due to lack of rain. Loads of grass present along banks and in sloughs from Hiwassee Island upstream to the dam. The water levels are at normal full pool; the latest depth recorded is below. Recent storms have slightly decreased water visibility. For any discharge or lake elevation info, check out the TVA Lake Info App.
Reservoir Conditions
Water Temp:
- Tennessee River (Lower Section): 80.2 degrees Fahrenheit
- Tennessee River (Middle Section): 80.3 degrees Fahrenheit
- Hiwassee River: 81.7 degrees Fahrenheit
Water Clarity:
- Tennessee River (River Channel): 4 feet
- Creeks/Inlets: 3 feet
Water Level: 681.84 feet
Water Flow: (as of September 8th)
- Watts Bar Dam: ~ 10191 cfs
- Chickamauga Dam: ~ 13588 cfs
Observed Species Information
Bass: Fishing is fair. Anglers seemed to get more bites fishing humps/ledges off of main river and creek channels. The offshore humps and flats seem to be still successful but has slowed down compared to previous weeks. Shad-like baits are attracting most bites this way. Topwater bites are picking up over shallow grass flats as well. Live bait is the most successful method observed to catch larger fish. Upper portion of Hiwassee River seemed to hold some fish in the cooler waters as well as in the grass on current edges.
Crappie: Live minnows over submerged structure, mostly in creeks or sloughs off main river.
Chickamauga - 9-12-24
Forecast Contributor – Billy Wheat, Follow on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/riprapfishingadventures and www.riprapfishing.net
Chickamauga has plenty of grass on the upper end, but the grass is harder to find as you go down below Sale Creek. What this means is if you find some good grass down the lake, I’m sure they are using it. That Chatterbait shallow is hard to beat when the shad are getting chomped! The Topwater River2Sea Rover and Pop-R can be dynamite early on main channel flats and bank grass. The shell beds are great with a Carolina rig brush hog and a Swimbait 6-10 feet water. The water temperature is trying to get below 80. The water is down a foot or so.
Douglas Lake 8-21-24
Forecast Contributor Brad Burkhart – Follow on Facebook
The weather has been absolutely beautiful and the fishing as far as numbers has been pretty good too. Now, you have to think out of the box a bit but here’s the low down. First off, the river bite is good but…. its low so be very careful up past the train trestle. Pitch a small jig or soft plastic to any wood on the bank. And don’t forget chunking a spook around it in the am.
When the sun gets high, work your way down the lake and hit all the bridges that cross the main channel. I like to ease up on them and fish a spook around the pilings first then cast a drop shot to them after you catch the aggressive ones on the spook. Just a regular ole robo worm in morning dawn.
Good luck y’all and God bless.
** Email, message or give me a call to schedule your guided fishing trip.
All info can be found on my site. https://www.killerbassbaits.com/
Brad Burkhart
@bradburkhartprofishing
Fall Creek Falls 8-28-24
Forecast Contributor Casey Haston – FCF boat dock staff.
Lake Conditions: Overall fishing has slowed down with the high temps. Almost always fishing early mornings and late evenings is best unless it's a rainy day or some kind of weather front, then you may catch a few fish throughout the day! Surface water temperature is 82°-83°F and water clarity is 3'-4'ft at the Boat Dock. The ten automatic feeders are still in operation and feed times are still set for 6:00am and 7:30pm.
Largemouth Bass: Fishing is still kind of slow but there are a few being caught on topwater baits, weightless worms, Senkos, etc. You might also try live bait like minnows, and maybe chase the shade in the mornings!
Bluegill and Redear Sunfish: Fishing is fair, still seeing some bluegill being caught but very few Redear. Crickets or red worms are hard to beat for the Bluegill, a small grub or Bobby Garland might also catch a few. The feeders are always a good place to try!
Catfish: Fishing is still pretty good. Folks are still catching a few nice catfish! Chicken livers, hot dogs, stink bait, or worms might be a good choice to try. The catfish respond to the feeders pretty well, definitely worth trying your luck around the feeders!
Crappie: Fishing is still pretty slow for crappie, however, there have been a few caught late evenings on small baits like a Bobby Garland or small grubs with 1/16oz jig head. Minnows are always a good option to try as well! Deeper structures and submerged treetops seem to be the best places to try!
Fort Loudoun 8-15-24
Forecast Contributor Chris Keeble – Angler-Guide
With the water temp still fluctuating around 80 degrees there continues to be a large population of fish offshore in depths up to 30ft. There are a lot more numbers to be caught offshore with quality bites occasionally mixed in. Being primarily largemouth the deep schools can be easily targeted with a dropshot, swimbait, football jig, or even deep diving crankbait. Don't let this discourage you from looking shallow though as with the warm water temps many fish including bigger fish are sitting in those shallow water shade lines. Whether this be under overhangs, docks, or rock walls early in the morning the topwater bite is starting to turn on as well as the flipping bite later in the afternoon once the sun is up.
Striped and hybrid bass are also starting to show up targeting bait balls suspended over deep water in creek mouths and on points. In the evenings these schools of hybrids can be pelagic but if you're in the right place at the right time it can make for a fun topwater bite when the fish push the bait to the surface and begin schooling higher up in the water column. This bite should only get better from now into the fall of the year as the water temp starts to cool hopefully in the coming weeks.
Kentucky Lake 9-12-24
By Steve McCadams, Professional Guide/Outdoor Writer (stevemc@charter.net)
ANGLERS/BOATERS AWAIT BACKSIDE OF HURRICANE FRANCINE
All across the region outdoorsmen of all sorts---anglers, pleasure boaters, hunters, hikers, etc. ---are waiting to see what the aftermath of Hurricane Francine will bring to the area. Weathermen across the board are talking high winds, thunderstorms and potential for flooding rains. Seems odd to be talking about flooding as the whole region has been under a drought for quite some time. From one extreme to the other it appears.
Kentucky Lake’s elevation in the Kentucky Dam sector has been around 355.9 and not changing much lately due to a lack of rain. Surface temperatures have cooled a bit and are now around 79 degrees. Watercolor remains clear. Anglers are anticipating a big change these next few days. Heavy rains could see lake levels rise. Thunderstorms and gale winds are reason for concern. Not a good time to be out there on the big lake during potential storm conditions. Meanwhile, the area needs water. Low flows in the Tennessee River lately have greatly diminished current and that’s had a negative impact on the catfish bite to some degree.
The flow in the main channel could change dramatically by early next week if heavy rains drop downpours which is what’s predicted. If that happens the catfish bite may rebound quickly by early next week.
Crappie fishing has been improving. Numbers of fish have increased lately for anglers fishing midrange depths of 8 to 13 feet. Some deeper brush piles in the 16-to-20-foot depth range have produced as well at times. Most anglers credit their catches to vertical fishing jigs, but some are always tipping with minnows to enhance the bite. Now that shad have moved up the crappie have too. Some credit their catches to casting jigs. Others are tossing jigs and minnows beneath slip bobbers as the presentation allows easy depth regulation over shallow structure. The crappie bite should hold up well throughout the fall as long as light winds and stable weather allow anglers for move about on the big lake. Look for stability to return soon.
Bass fishing has been fair for a few attempting to locate smallmouth and some schooling largemouth out on main lake ledges. At times a few bass have been found schooling in the backs of large bays on the eastern side of the lake. Finding big schools of shad is the key. Both white bass and largemouth have been busting the surface at times when they tear holes in the water on a feeding frenzy. Tossing chrome colored Rattle Traps and similar shad-colored crankbaits has been productive. Watch for the presence of gull activity to help you locate the baitfish. Those working the main lake ledges are tossing Carolina rigs, Texas rigged worms, big crankbaits and finesse swim baits trying to trigger strikes from sluggish bass.
Right now, many fishermen are in a “wait and see” mode due to the approaching weather patterns as it could indeed be a game changer for the Kentucky Lake fishing scene. Once Francine has passed through there could be some nice temps and fall fishing conditions ahead.
Fall officially arrives Sunday, September 22nd.
Nickajack Lake - 9-4-24
Forecast Contributor Ethan Castle – Whitwell High School Bass Team
Fishing has been a little tougher lately even though the numbers have gone down a little the size has stayed around for the most part. water temps have been hanging in the low 80s for the most part. Flipping grass has been the main thing lately using a missile baits d bomb. throwing a white chatter bait or a dropshot with a robo worm in morning dawn on eelgrass edges in the river will also produce some good fish.
Normandy Lake - 9-4-24
Forecast Contributor Captain Jake Davis – Follow on Facebook
We are finally back on the water after taking the past three weeks to re-carpet and install new electronics in my boat. We found some nice fish active in the late afternoon/evening this week.
The best area has been up the Duck River. Current water levels are at 872.70 and headed down to 872.53 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 80 to 82 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 – 9-12-24
Forecast Contributor Brian Carper - briancarper.com - Follow on Facebook
The bass continue to stay in their summer locations. With the water finally dropping to the mid-70s... boulder rocks in four to eight feet of water along with main lake points, humps and ledges have been successful. Crankbaits have still been the most productive for quantity and quality, plastic finesse worms fished on a 1/8-ounce shaky heads has produced for us as well. The upper end of the lake appears to be more consistent than mid lake. Focus on areas with bait, boulder rocks and wind to find success. Hopefully the storms moving in the next couple days will introduce some water into the lake.
For more information or Book your trip today at www.briancarper.com
Pickwick – 8-28-24
Forecast Contributor Tyler Finley – Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tyler.finley.750
The fall bite is starting to come into play on Pickwick. This means the fish are moving from their deep summertime holes to shallow bars and backs of creeks. There are still fish in every stage right now, but it seems the shallow bars are best for me. When I’m targeting a bar I stay from State Line Island to above Natchez Trace bridge. Look for bars with bait and schooling fish. These fish will be caught on a topwater (spook) or a small swimbait. I have recently caught a lot on a 1/4oz ball head paired with a 3.8 tech swimbait.
Tims Ford - 9-4-24
Forecast Contributor Captain Jake Davis – Follow on Facebook
These Dog Days of Summer are almost gone. With cooler days and nights in the forecast, we should start seeing a change to more consistent fishing. After taking the past three weeks to re-carpet and install new electronics in my boat, we are finally back on the water. We found some nice fish active early in the mornings this week. Our best fish came on 3.5-inch swimbait along steep bluff banks.
We also found a few fish in creek that still had fresh water in flow using 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. Overall numbers are down a little with 10 to 15 fish per ½ day and quality is still good this past week as well. Don’t pass up the opportunity to flip laydowns especially around deep water with a Texas rig.
The current Lake level is 887.18 with a forecasted level slowly dropping to 887.09 over the weekend. Water temps are between 82 to 86 degrees on most of the lake. For those that attended one of the TWRA Boater Safety Courses this summer, I talked to the Boating Safety Division, and they are behind about 60 days on sending out hard cards mainly due to retirements and staffing.
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 and other boaters. Capt. Jake 615-613-2382 or msbassguide@comcast.net
Watts Bar - 9-4-24
Forecast Contributor – Billy Wheat, Follow on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/riprapfishingadventures and www.riprapfishing.net
Watts Bar has some fantastic grass on it now whether you fish Topwater Frogs, Buzz baits or flukes. The grass is from 2 feet to 12 feet in places. A worm Swim Jig or Chatterbait can cover all of these depths easily. One thing I think that gets overlooked in these transitional times is mid to deep cranking. The 8 ft to 20 ft zone can be easily overlooked I recommend a shad and bream pattern crankbait 10-12 lb. fluorocarbon and the ends of points on the main channel and even off the main channel. Watch your electronics and see what you can find it may be the mother load! Water temperature is trying to get below 80. Water level is down a foot or so.
Watts Bar 8-15-24
Forecast Contributor Captain Wallace Sitzes – Follow on Facebook
I take it easy this time of year because of the heat, lack of water flow and mostly because of the boat traffic. When I do go, I look for a few things that can make a short trip really successful. If you just want to put fish in the boat, you need to target "willow flies / mayflies / fishflies" They pile up on trees that overhang the water and swarm docks and lights at night. Everything eats them from different species of sunfish to bass and catfish.
During the heat of the day, they will stay on shady banks, but early morning and sundown they could be anywhere. Just cruise the shoreline until you see them, the fish eating them or tons of exoskeletons on the surface. Just fallow the exoskeletons up wind or up current until you find them. I usually just fish them to load up on pan fish for bait, but I've had bass eat my bluegill and bigger bass attack the bass while reeling them in. They are a fish magnet.
You can use mayflies for bait, but it's a lot easier to get a can of nightcrawlers and just cut them into pieces and stick them on a 1/32 jig head or a long shank #6 under a float. There's still a lot of fish hanging on the drop offs into the channel and old creek beds.
With the heavy pleasure boat traffic, the shad are getting pushed deep during the day and come up into the flats and sandbars about 5 or 6pm. The migrations of baby shad are hanging back in shallow coves throughout the day which is great for bass and striper. White or shad pattern flukes, spooks, buzz baits and spinnerbaits can really produce some numbers just about all day long especially if there are any weed mats on the surface.
If you see the mats, pitch a fluke or frog through them and let them sink into the holes. Use braided line at least 20# so it will cut through the weeds. If you throw everything but the kitchen sink at them and don't produce good fish, try deep ledges and rocky points that drop right off into 40' or more. A variety of game fish will be hanging down about 25 feet under the surface working the schools of baitfish.
Watauga Lake – 9-11-24
Forecast Contributor – Colton Chambers, C & C Outfitters
Bass fishing remains okay during the day on plastic worms in deep brush piles and around docks. There is still a solid morning Buzz bait and Top water bite happening around laydowns and ledges in the back of mid lake pockets. Night fishing should be good this week as the full moon approaches for Large & Smallmouth on small worms and the pig & jig combo.
Trout trolling remains very slow.
The September Full moon is one of the last best months to catch those eating size bluegill and rock Bass, try crickets under a float and a small hook around brush or floating docks in 3-6 ' of water.
A few nice Catfish showing up in the Pioneer Landing area on livers.
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!
Wilbur Tailwater - 9-12-24
Forecast Contributor – Richard Markland, Region 4 Fisheries Technician
Tailwater Conditions- Tailwaters elevation 1585.75. Avg discharge is 240 cfm. The water temperature is 40-45* on the upper end of the tailwater. Water clarity is clear top to bottom. The fishing conditions change throughout the length of the tailwaters with flow rates and temperature.
Trout- Fishing is good. The most productive areas are Wilbur Dam downstream to Hunter area, not a lot of big fish but if you are looking for numbers the upper end is the place to be. Trout are being caught using Rapalas, Night crawler, Rooster tails, Small Flies.
Woods Reservoir 9-4-24
Forecast Contributor Captain Jake Davis – Follow on Facebook
Early last week, we are finally back on the water after taking the past three weeks to re-carpet and install new electronics in my boat. We found some nice fish active in the late afternoon/evening this week. As of yesterday, the water temperature was 82.5 on most of the lake.
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 81 to 83 degrees. This will 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 locations around the lake.
Please wear your life vest all the time while on the water… For those that attended one of the TWRA Boater Safety Courses this summer, I talked to the Boating Safety Division, and they are behind about 60 days on sending out hard cards mainly due to retirements and staffing. 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
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