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.  

Boone Lake 12/17/25

Forecast Contributor – Colton Chambers – C and C Outfitters

Extremely cold weather slowed things down a bit but still some good stuff to talk about.  

Striper fishing has slowed down a little, but still, some fish in the 20-25 lb. range biting. Best bets are the TVA Dam area on live bait down lines in the 20 -30 ' range. Also, some Brown Trout starting to show back up in the lake, we had a client catch & release a 25 " this past week.

Bass has been pretty slow, some stragglers still biting medium diving Crawfish colored cranks.

Crappie fishing is decent along the main river channel, they are deep however, 25-35 ' on Bobby Garland jigs. Color is changing almost hourly, so try lots of stuff! 

Stay safe on the water!

Chip & Colton Chambers C & C Outfitters - 423-707-8821, Facebook - C and C Outfitters  

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)  11/18/25

Report Contributors – Justin Spaulding, Region 3 Fish Biologist

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

Although the weather has cooled off, we aren’t out of the woods with water quality on the Caney Fork. We have had improvements in releases with the orifice coming back online in 2024; however, we are dealing with unusually poor water quality this fall. A very wet April/May used up a lot of the cold water banked from last winter. Center Hill Reservoir always thermally stratifies each summer and fall, but the volume of cold oxygenated water fluctuates each year. Stratification prevents the oxygen-rich water near the surface from mixing with deeper water where the dam releases are located. Currently, there is no oxygen in the reservoir below 38 feet deep. In most years, we only get a few weeks of this, but in 2025, we are dealing with months of it. All we can do is wait for the lake to turn over, which is usually caused by cold rain coupled with a few windy days to stir it up. Center Hill Reservoir typically does not turn over until late November or early December. Temperatures from the orifice hover near 57°F while the generators are releasing temperatures around 64-65°F. The orifice is deeper than the generators and pulling from a cooler band of water.

Trout- Fishing has picked up. While some folks are still struggling, we are talking to others who are having great double-digit days. We are getting decent DO at times throughout the day, and the fish seem to be responsive. Nymphs and small jigs should be the ticket. The lake still needs to turn over.

Other- Some walleye, drum, and yellow bass around. 

Chickamauga  12/17/25

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

Chickamauga is in winter pool the water temperature is 47-49. The bass are smashing an Arig and as always you can catch them with a Minner scoping. The main channel points and shellbeds are definitely where the big ones are stacking up. If you don’t scope then get the jerkbait and jig out and run the current breaks in 6-12 feet. The DT series crankbait can be awesome this time of year. I will have a glide bait on the deck all winter.

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  12/17/25

Report Contributor, Will Schibig, Region III, Creel Clerk

Reservoir Conditions-

Dale Hollow Dam is generating 550 cfs of outflow per day, on average. The reservoir elevation currently sits at 636’. The US Army Corps of Engineers have publicly mentioned the increased need for electricity this time of year, and that the reservoirs in the area could possibly continue to drop in water level. Keep an eye on your favorite ramps to determine if they are accessible for launching your boat before you go out next. Surface water temperatures are currently in the high forties’ reservoir wide. Water clarity is good on the lower end of the reservoir, with visibility ranging in the 12-17’ range.

Bass- Fishing is good. The winter bite is in full swing. Smallmouth are being caught reservoir-wide on various presentations. Smallmouth are being caught on live bait near the bottom on gravel flats near a channel drop in the 20-30’ range. Live bait fisherman are also catching smallmouth with shiners along main channel bluff walls, targeting the points, rockslides, treetops, or the transition zones. Anglers are catching bass dragging jigs on main lake gravel points with chunk rock mixed in in the 20-30’ range. You can drag a jig on steep chunk rock banks at the halfway point of creek arms in the 20-30’ range for mixed bag results as well.

Crappie- fishing is decent. Anglers are catching some crappie off deep brush piles in the 25-30’ range, reservoir-wide, with jigs and minnows. You can find suspended crappie in big creek arms around flats near a channel. Fish could be suspended anywhere from 15-30’ if baitfish are nearby.

Sunfish- fishing is decent. Some big bluegill are being caught on deep brush piles with red worms in the 35-40’ range. 

Douglas Lake 12/10/25

Forecast Contributor Brad Burkhart –  Follow on Facebook

The late fall bite is in full swing folks. The bass have the feed sack on and are fattening up for winter. Target main lake and close by secondary points with a Jerk bait and a-rig. These baits will get you bit right now.

Pay close attention to your depth finder and notice where the shad are. The fall shad migration is key to putting yourself in good position. Most of the bait balls I am seeing are anywhere from 8-15’ deep, so you have to target that zone.

Also, another fun technique I do this time of year is working very well…..TIGHTLINING

I hit main lake points, bluff ends and channel swing banks. The better slope the better it usually is. It’s an awesome way to catch smallmouth and as many of you know the population in Douglas is really growing.

*If you would like to get out and catch some fish and practically have the lake to yourself, give me a shout.

Thanks!! God bless
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. 

Hiwassee River below Appalachia Powerhouse  12/17/25

Report Contributor - Tic Smith/Southeastern Anglers Guide Service

Water temp – 44 degrees
River is running clear
Variable generation schedules throughout the day

The Hiwassee has a ton of trout in it, and they are spread out well from Reliance up to the powerhouse. Some truly large fish have been caught in the last couple of weeks. The cold weather has kept most sane fishermen off the river but warmer temps this weekend and beyond will provide some excellent catch and release fishing.

Hatches – midges and baetis are going to hatch everyday this time of year. When the turbines are off, these hatches can be prolific. Windy days are not good for this, however.

Suggested flies – for the midges start with zebra midge and a pupa as a dropper both in black or olive. Once fish start rising, try using #20 Adams parachutes with a pupa or # 18-#20 soft hackle dropped below it. For the baetis, the same type set up will work but you can switch to a very small, unweighted pheasant tail as a dropper.

Streamers can be very effective at this time of year. If turbines are off, a wooly bugger in black or olive is hard to beat. If fishing when the turbines are off, you can upsize to a larger streamer of your choice. Junk flies like squirmy worms and mop flies will also work and there are days when you really need these! Be sure to check the TVA Lake Levels report before wading or boating. Apalachia is the lake to click on, not Hiwassee.

Kentucky Lake 12/23/25

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

WINTER FISHING SCENE UPDATE

Above average temperatures the last week to ten days worked in favor of Kentucky Lake fishermen. Crappie and bass anglers wasted no time in getting back out on the water after the frigid temps two weeks ago. No sooner had the winds shifted from the bitter cold north than southwest breezes shifted and brought a quick warming trend to the Kentucky Lake fishing scene last week.

Anglers know they best seize the opportunity whenever warm days descend this time of year. Lately they’ve done just that as area boat ramps have been filled with both bass and crappie boats launching and testing the water on these warm days. It felt more like spring than winter. Best enjoy the honeymoon with this nice warm weather as all the meteorologists on this side of the Mason-Dixon Line are singing the same song; cold days are coming and will arrive on Monday with a vengeance.

Starting Sunday, the forecast will begin to change to very chilly weather as the daytime high on Monday will only reach 28 degrees! That’s the high. The low will fall to 20 degrees that night. So, best cut a little more firewood and toss more logs on the fire. The winter fishing scene will have a bit of a reprieve in the warm stretch, but the long-range forecast indicates things will moderate after a few days in the deep freezer.

Meanwhile, water levels have remained low with readings in the 354.7 range lately. Very little rainfall has delivered any runoff. Watercolor is clear. Not much current out there as TVA was discharging only 17,000 cfs (cubic feet per second) through Kentucky Dam. Surface temps were in the 47-degree range but will no doubt see a decline in the days ahead.

A few decent stringers of crappie were taken during the warm spell. Bass fishermen were out too and managed to score a few fish while tossing jig and pig, Rattle Traps, crawfish and shad-colored crankbaits along with swimbaits. Crappie anglers credited jigs, but jigs tipped with minnows worked well too. Depths of 7 to 14 feet produced fish, but others credited their catch to 14 to 16 food depths. Odds are the fish moved up a bit during the warming trend the last week to ten days.

Button up the jackets and zip up the coveralls. Winter will reenter the picture for a few days as the holiday period will experience the weather roller coaster at work.

Nickajack Reservoir  12/06/25 

Report Contributor, Nathan Rogers, Region III, Creel Clerk

The weather was much cooler in the morning, with lows in the lower 30s and highs throughout the day, warming up to 48. Current throughout the reservoir has steadied. Water temperatures are dropping throughout the reservoir due to the cooler temperatures. The water levels were 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: 53.7 degrees Fahrenheit  - Lower end of reservoir: 52.7 degrees Fahrenheit

Water Clarity:  Tennessee River (River Channel): 3 feet

Water Level: (as of December 6^th)  Reservoir elevation: 632.90 feet -  Headwater elevation: 636.78 feet

Water Flow: (as of December 6^th)  Chickamauga Dam: ~ 34718 cfs -  Nickajack Dam: ~ 25051 cfs

Observed Species Information

Upper section of the reservoir:

Bass: Small swimbaits and A-rigs casting into current edges, as well as drifting live shiners/jigging minnows in current, were the most successful practices observed. Ned rigs in deeper holes of the channel and ledges also attracted bites. Live shad in these areas was very effective as well.

Lower Section of the reservoir:

Bass: Fishing A-rigs, jerk baits, and swimbaits along grass edges has brought the most success. Lipless crankbaits and ffs minnows are also attracting bites in offshore humps/points away from grass.

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  12/10/25

Report Contributor – Scott Dalton, Wildlife Tech 1

Fishing has been great with lots of brown trout being caught. The go-to fly is a streamer. It seems the overcast weather is making the fish active and hungry. Good luck and tight lines! Remember to check the flows.  

Make sure to check TVA's website https://www.tva.com/environment/lake-levels/norris for the generation schedule and flow rates on the river. 

Old Hickory 12/22/25

Forecast Contributor – Noah Cartwright, Region II Creel Clerk

Folks on Old Hickory are still generally struggling to wear out their lines. With the sporadic weather, conditions have been difficult to catch fish in. Sauger/walleye anglers still dominated the water, but unfortunately, my schedule took me out on days during and post-rain, so I was unable to capture a lot of pressure in my interviews. Water temps this week ranged from low-to-mid 40°s. 

Crappie: Folks out crappie fishing this week were able to bring a couple home, but certainly aren’t having a fish fry. Fishing in 12-18ft of water in brush structure with just straight jigs seemed to consistently get bites here and there. Old Hickory is a big lake with a lot of different options for where to catch your fish, so your angling intuition will be just as, if not more helpful than this report, if you’d like to get out and fish for some crappie. 

Sauger/Walleye: Folks out sauger/walleye fishing were having just as much success getting hung as they were catching sauger, but most reported having good trips out last week, prior to my interviewing them. Jigging in the channel near the mouths of your big creeks and coves is where everybody who was doing well had been getting their fish. Below the Cordell Hull dam, folks have reported doing well in previous trips, but due to poor weather, when I was there weren’t lighting it up during the trip I interviewed them for. I expect things to continue to pick up in the next couple of weeks going moving into the new year.

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

Safe travels wherever you may be going, and a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone!

Parksville Reservoir  12/7/25

Report Contributor, Nathan Rogers, Region III, Creel Clerk    

The weather was cooler this weekend with lows in the lower 30s and warming to highs around 48. Current throughout the reservoir is normal. Water temperatures are dropping due to the cooler weather, with temperatures reaching into the low-50s throughout the lake. 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: 51.2 degrees Fahrenheit
Water Clarity: Upper: 4 ft - Lower: 5 ft
Water Level: (as of December 7th) 828.21 feet

Water Flow: (as of December 7th)
- Ocoee#1 Dam: ~ 0 cfs - Ocoee#2 Dam: ~ 408 cfs

Observed Species Information

Bass: Fishing is fair. Anglers are finding success using live minnows on tapering points where fish are active on the surface. Others are finding bites upriver, throwing jerk baits and smaller crankbaits along the banks. Crankbaits and jerk baits also attract bites over shallower flats and ledges as well.

Yellow Perch: Most anglers are finding success in the riverine area of the reservoir using live minnows as well as small jigging minnows along the bottom

Percy Priest 12/22/25

Forecast Contributor – Noah Cartwright, Region II Creel Clerk

As we approach Christmas and the end of the year, you can swap out last week’s galoshes for your flip flops. With the weather creeping back up, angling has been creeping back down on Priest for folks I’ve talked to. Bass and crappie both have seen a considerable decline in success across the board, though, as always, for the past couple of weeks, folks are able to catch at least a few when they go out. As for hybrid/striper anglers, again, I’ve gotten inklings of good reports from folks, but haven’t been on the low end of the lake myself to have interviewed anyone doing well. The water temps are in the low-to-mid 40°s and is back just above winter pool after last week’s rain.

Bass: Bass angling success seemed to decline continually from last week to the current. I was unable to make weigh-in for any tournaments this past weekend but of the folks I interviewed on the water, most were struggling to catch a limit. Some folks were having some good success, however, and similar to last week catching their fish on crank baits and A-rigs casting in shallow and reeling in over the drop-offs around the channel. Channel swings with flats of chunk rock seemed to be the highest bidder. 

Crappie: Crappie fishing seemed to take the biggest drop in success amongst anglers this past week. Most folks I interviewed had at least one or two fish, very few up to 15. In general, crappie anglers still had the greatest diversity of targeted habitats as well. Folks were catching fish 20-30ft deep in the channel out of trees, 12-16ft in brush, and 8ft and shallower suspended. Folks using minnows did seem to have generally greater success, though all combinations of baits and methods were both successful and skunks. 

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

Safe travels wherever you may be going and a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone.

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 12/12/25

Report Contributor -JC Stephens, Region II Creel Clerk

Reservoir Conditions
Elevation Avg: 875ft (Down 1ft from last week)
Summer pool: 888ft
Winter pool: 875ft
Avg. Discharge Hourly: 235cfs (Has been over 3000cfs in the mornings)
Water Temp Avg: 50℉       
Water Visibility Avg: 8.9ft / 2.7M
Moon phases:  Next New Moon: 1/18/2025 -  Next Full Moon: 01/03/2026

Fishing Conditions:

BLACK BASS: (Largemouth, Spotted, Smallmouth)

Black bass fishing has been good lately. They have been found around 20ft in the main parts of the lake near deep rock ledges, but most are found under 10ft closer to rocky banks upriver. Many anglers use soft plastics on a Texas rig or a Carolina rig, or someone could use crankbaits or Alabama rigs. Evening has seemed to be a better time to catch them.

CRAPPIE: (Black Nose, Black, White)

Fishing has been slow. Some anglers are finding them in a range of 10ft to 20ft deep, and some people are casting at brush piles, and off bridge pylons. Many people use jig heads with various colors of plastic minnows and live minnows to potentially trigger a bite.

WALLEYE: Low light conditions are best for walleye during the winter months. They may be found in deeper water throughout the day but will be shallow for feeding around dawn and dusk. They should be schooled together at this time and in deeper parts of the lake they should be located near points.  You could try using different crankbaits, ned rigs, jigging spoons, or even minnows to get them to bite. A lighter color has also been seen to work better in low light conditions.

TEMPERATE BASS: (Striper, Hybrid, White Bass)

Hybrid/ striper fishing has been slow lately. Anglers have been trolling the main lake in 20ft-30ft of water to get these fish to bite. Some anglers have had luck casting on top of bait fish. An angler has also mentioned seeing them near a flock of birds in the water. An idea of what to throw at them would be a topwater spook, crankbait, umbrella rig, or bucktail jig.

CATFISH: (Channel, Blue, Flathead)

Catfish can be found in deep channels during the winter months. You may have some luck with brush piles or ledges around 20ft – 30ft deep or deeper. On warmer days they might move up shallow. Evenings on sunny days this winter could be the most beneficial time to catch them. Most people fish with shrimp, chicken livers, live and cut bait, leaving the bait to sit on the bottom.

Watauga Lake  12/13/25

Forecast Contributor – Colton Chambers – C and C Outfitters

Frigid cold has slowed things down some. Bass fishing is really good though and it's not all Forward-Facing Sonar. Lots of fish being caught on small swim baits, under spins and hair flies in the 10-20 ' range. 

Trout & Walleye have been extremely slow trolling.

Look for the annual TWRA seasonal Trout stocking to begin soon. 

Crappie are biting, but you have to really put in work to find the larger schools. 30-40' this week on flies tipped with small minnows is the trick..

Stay safe on the water! 

Chip and Colton Chambers 
C & C Outfitters -423-707-8821 
Facebook - C and C Outfitters 

Watts Bar  12/17/25

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

Watts Bar is in winter pool and the water temperature is 47-49. The scoping bite is fire! Main channel breaks in 5-15 feet are the deal. Jerkbait Arig and Glide bait does it for me but I love a jig so I will keep it on all winter. The 5-10 ft crankbait in Shad and crawfish patterns will get the job done as well. In the shallows the ratltrap and chatterbait will catch them especially if you find grass with bait in it. Shallow crankbaits are must this time of year so get the flat sides out and go catch you some BigNs! 

Watts Bar 12/17/25

Forecast Contributor Captain Wallace Sitzes – Follow on Facebook

The crappie bite has been pretty good lately. A lot of fish are scattered around following schools of shad but there's some big white crappie sticking to the trees in 20 - 30 feet of water. Since the water has dropped a lot of the black crappie have pulled off of shallow docks and brush along the bank and are hanging around stumps and brush in creek channels and holes. There's also quite a few roaming around marinas and docks in deeper water. I try to find structure that doesn't have big fish hanging on them because it's usually drum or striper which will make the crappie less aggressive. I've been finding big bass just about everywhere there's giant schools of big shad. Some are on bluffs that drop into deep water but I've also found some big ones gorging back in very shallow water. It's a lot easier to spot them by watching the surface than it is using sonar.

There's some pretty active striper right now on top of sand bars and around deep structure. They can be easy to find by watching the birds. If the birds are just sitting around the fish aren't feeding a lot but when they start clustering up and dive bombing the water it's because fish are forcing baitfish to the surface. Buck tail jigs and spoons work well. Free-lining live shad or bluegill also works well.

The catfishing has been excellent. The flatheads are usually deep this time of year but the big blues are roaming the shallows looking for an easy meal. This can be a great opportunity for bank and dock fishermen to get into some monster blues. Fresh cut shad is king but they will also take other fresh baits like yellow bass or whitebass. You dont have to cast out far because they will get up into just a few feet of water to gorge on shad. Finding them can be as simple as looking for shad jumping back in the coves on a calm day. Shad tend to have winter hangouts so once you find them, they'll most likely be there for weeks in the same spot.

Use heavy gear so you can stop them from heading into structure and wrapping you up. If you just want to catch fish and aren't picky about the species try white grubs or swim jigs and cast them through the bait balls. Try different depths and retrieves until you get into some action. There could be anything roaming under those shad including drum, bass, walleye, crappie, striper, yellow bass and white bass. Even the blue cats will hit the jigs if you drop them down through the wall of shad.

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.