Chickamauga Lake, TN Fishing Report

The lake elevation is at normal summer pool. The water surface temperature is in the mid 70’s. Some bass are being caught while schooling. Several bass are being caught along primary points and humps. Crankbaits, plastic worms, and spinnerbaits are the popular offerings. Stripers are being caught in the tailwaters below Watts Bar Dam. Shad is the best bait choice for stripers. Some anglers use crankbaits, jigs, and spoons for teasers with rewards that are not as great. Bluegill and redear sunfish can still be found in shallow water. Many sunfish are spawning. Catfish drifters are catching greater numbers of fish every day.

The surface water temperature on 6/02/13 was 75.6 degrees. The lake elevation on the same day was 682.5 feet. This elevation is considered normal. Grass beds are growing and in some areas the hydrilla is already on the surface of the water. Striped bass and white bass are being caught in the tailwaters below Watts Bar Dam. Crankbaits, jigs and shad are being used to catch these fish. One angler recently caught a few good smallmouth while fishing the river humps and ledges in the tailwaters. Largemouth bass are being caught over grass beds in the large river flat areas. Some schooling bass are being caught along ledges and points. Main lake humps are holding some quality bass. Various lures including swimbaits, plastic worms and crankbaits are being methodically worked along these summer areas. Crappie anglers are fishing areas near deeper water with jigs or minnows to catch crappie. Docks, brush, and blowdowns should be the target areas in the deeper water. Bluegill and shellcracker sunfish can be found in spawning areas, but most have completed their work and are moving into deeper areas. Worms and crickets are used for bait by most folks seeking sunfish. Catfish are being caught by drifters located in the main channel and in the larger creeks. Some catfish are being located along the rocky banks in the main channel. Most baits typically associated with catching catfish are being used.

The lake elevation on 5/12/13 was at the normal summer level. This level was down nearly two few from flooding that occurred earlier in the week. The surface water temperature is averaging around seventy degrees. Bass anglers are catching a lot of fish at various locations. Most of these areas are shallow pockets or points. Bass can be caught in the pre-spawn and post-spawn patterns. Most are being caught in the latter. Secondary points close to shallow water is a target area for many anglers. Spinnerbaits, crankbaits, and plastic worms are being used most often. Crappie are moving into deeper water. Minnows and/or jigs should be used to catch crappie while fishing brush in secondary locations. Twelve feet of water is the starting point for most anglers searching for crappie. Bluegill and shellcrackers are being caught in shallow bays while using worms for bait. Many catfish are being caught shallow by those targeting other species. White bass and striped bass are being caught in the upper reservoir by those anglers using jigs, crankbaits, and shad. Some smallmouth are being caught while using crankbaits and spinnerbaits in the tailwaters.

Crappie fishing is fantastic. Limits of crappie are being taken regularly. Most crappie fishermen are still trolling deeper, pre-spawn areas however as the weather and water temps finally warm, crappie should begin moving shallower to spawn in the coming days and weeks.  Bass fishermen are still doing well on big fish. One angler reported a 12.5 lb. bass just a few days ago. Some stripers are beginning to show up in area tailwaters.

Chickamauga Lake is the hottest lake in the South right now. HUGE bass catches are winning tournamants... five bass equaling 38 lbs., 44 lbs. and 40 lbs. were winning weights in recent tourneys. Most big fish caught on multi-bait (Tennessee Rigs).   Crappie fishing is also awesome... I know six anglers personally who all limited and were culling small crappie yesterday (March 24). Most fish still deeper than normal for this time of year... 10 15 feet.

The lake is at winter level. The surface water temperature early Saturday morning was forty-two degrees. Crappie anglers are catching plenty of fish using a variety of patterns. Most anglers are finding crappie along steep creek banks near brush or rocks. Minnows are being used more than jigs by the majority of anglers. Catfish are being caught by main lake anglers that are using shad for bait. Many baits can be used to catch catfish, but those that use shad seem to catch the biggest fish. Some white bass are being caught in the upper portion of the reservoir by those anglers using grubs for bait. Many large bass continue to be caught. Chickamauga Lake is a very special fishery right now for those that enjoying catching bass. Anglers have an opportunity to catch a bass over ten pounds. I guess that has always been the case, but now it can become a reality easier than any other time in recent memory. This lake possibly has never been this good before. This past week a tournament coming out of Dayton Boat Dock took forty-four pounds and some change to win. That is nearly a nine pound average. Many anglers are throwing the "rig". Ledges adjacent to flats near main lake water would be a good location to begin the search.

The surface water temperature is in the forties. The lake elevation was considered normal winter level. Numerous bass over eight pounds were caught in the past week. Reports of bass caught that topped the ten pound mark have become regular. The "rig" has been the most used bait. Some fish were caught along flats that were adjacent to deeper water. Crappie anglers caught many crappie in most areas of the lake. Bluff walls, brush piles, and blowdowns were target areas. Many trollers have caught suspended crappie in the secondary areas. Crankbaits, jigs, and minnows have been used by anglers to catch crappie. Striped bass have been occasionally caught above the Old Washington area. Some sauger have been caught, but the heavy water flow has hampered angling efforts for sauger.

Lots of rain and unusual high levels and flows have been the rule the last month or two. The only fishermen doing really well recently are those who are looking for trophy largemouth.

Chickamauga Lake has produced some amazing numbers of 9, 10 and 11 lb. bass in the last month. It took five bass weighing nearly 38 lbs. to win a tournament Sat., Feb. 24. Incredible!

They're using a variety of techniques... jigs, swim baits and multi-lure Tennessee rigs have been popular.

Fishing for most other species has been slow however the weather is warming and water flows are stabilizing. Crappie fishing should begin to improve dramatically as fish move up creeks staging in pre-spawn areas.

The lake is at winter level and the surface temperature is in the 40's early and rising to the lower 50's later in the day. Many crappie are being caught. Trollers are catching fish in the larger creeks while using crankbaits and jigs. Some bluff related crappie are being caught in the river. The current diversion holes in the river are giving up a few fish. Brushpiles and blowdowns are areas where anglers are catching fish in the creeks. Minnow dippers are catching as many crappie as those using the alternatives. Channel openings are popular target areas for anglers in the upper locations of the lake. An occasional sauger is being caught around the dam in the calmer water. Sauger anglers are not able to present their lure the way it needs to be presented due to the current. Bass anglers continue to catch a lot of big fish. The "rig" is being used by many anglers. These anglers seek deeper water with a presence of baitfish. Lipless lures are being used in the shallow areas. Numerous fish over 8 pounds are being caught and some over 11 pounds have been caught. It took 28 pounds to get a check in a local tournament and with just 38 pounds one could have taken home the 1st place check. 17 bass over 8 pounds were caught in the tournament.

Lots of rain and unusual high levels and flows have been the rule the last month or two. The only fishermen doing really well recently are those who are looking for trophy largemouth.

Chickamauga Lake has produced some amazing numbers of 9, 10 and 11 lb. bass in the last month. It took five bass weighing nearly 38 lbs. to win a tournament Sat., Feb. 24. Incredible!

Anglers had to break 30 lbs. to make it into the Top 5 places.

Anglers aren't catching big numbers of bass... but quality fish are out in force. They're using a variety of techniques... jigs, swim baits and multi-lure Tennessee rigs have been popular.

Fishing for most other species has been slow.

The lake elevation on 12/03/12 was 677.6 feet. This elevation was slightly above winter normal elevation. Crappie have been caught by most anglers that seek them in all areas of the lake. Creek mouths and rocky bluffs have been 2 common target areas. Minnows and jigs are equal opportunity offerings. Limits of crappie that have been caught have been numerous and common. Rockfish have been caught most often in the lower end of the lake in the coves and large bay areas near the baitfish. Match the baitfish as close as possible to maximize your angling success. Catfish have been caught by main lake drifters. Shad has been the most popular bait. Bass anglers have caught fish more often in the sloughs. Topwater baits, spinnerbaits, and lipless lures have been used by many anglers. A few sauger have been caught in the tailwaters. One sauger angler caught a 3.3 pound walleye. Jigs bounced along the bottom has been the technique employed by those that seek sauger.

Surface elevation has dropped since last report. Tailwater anglers in the area below Watts Bar Dam are catching a few striped and white bass. Jigs and swimbaits are the lures used most often. Live bait is the better alternative. Catfish are being caught in selected areas on the normal baits generally associated with catfish angling. Bass are being caught in most areas of the lake. Topwater baits are being used by many anglers in or around the grass beds. Crankbaits and jigs are being used in areas upstream to catch largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass. Stump lined ledges are target areas for upstream anglers. Crappie anglers are catching fish around community hole docks while using jigs. Open water bay areas seem to be the most productive crappie water. Crankbaits are becoming more common for crappie as more and more anglers widen their angling techniques. Bluegill are being caught while using worms around rocky areas along the river or creek banks. A few sauger are being caught.

The lake is at 679.0 elevation. This is 3 feet below summer mean elevation. Tailwater anglers in the area below Watts Bar Dam are catching a few striped and white bass. Jigs and swimbaits are the lures used most often. Live bait is the better alternative. Catfish are being caught in selected areas on the normal baits generally associated with catfish angling. Bass are being caught in most areas of the lake. Topwater baits are being used by many anglers in or around the grass beds. Crankbaits and jigs are being used in areas upstream to catch largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass. Stump lined ledges are target areas for upstream anglers. Crappie anglers are catching fish around community hole docks while using jigs. Those that seek unfamiliar areas are being rewarded with heavier fish on average in open water bay areas. 10 to 15 feet of water seems to be the optimal zone. Crankbaits are becoming more common for crappie as more and more anglers widen their angling techniques. Bluegill are being caught while using worms around rocky areas along the river or creek banks. A few sauger are being caught.

The surface elevation was 679.2 feet on 10/29/12. This was 2.8 feet below the summer mean elevation. The surface water temperature was in the upper 50's. Bass are being caught on various baits. Buzzbaits and lipless lures are very popular for many anglers. The most productive bait that most anglers are selecting is the frog. This bait fished over grass beds is the better choice for quality and quantity of bass. The lower end of the lake is the better area for those searching for crappie. Dock pitchers are catching many while using an assortment of jigs. Bluff wall anglers are catching a few fish. The bay trollers are catching the majority of the quality fish. Crankbaits are their weapon of choice. Catfish are being caught by those that seek them. Shad is the best bait. The main river is the target area. Current is a factor that may determine the outcome of a trip. Too little or too much current is not good. Striped bass and white bass are being caught on some days in the tailwaters. Shad, jigs, and spoons are the baits or lures most anglers select.

The surface water temperature is averaging in the upper 60's. The surface levation on 10/21/12 was 679.7 feet. This is the seasonal normal elevation. This is 2.3 feet below the summer mean elevation. Crappie angles are catching fish along river bluffs and deeper docks. Primary and secondary locations can be target areas for crappie anglers. Minnows and jigs are the primary baits being used. Some crankbait trollers are catching fish in large secondary water. Bass are being caught in various locations. Frog fishermen targeting matted grass beds seem to be having the best luck in finding bass. The average bass angler is not catching a lot of fish. Catfish are being caught in all channel areas by those river drifters that are using meaty baits from various sources. White bass and striped bass are being caught in the tailwaters while using shad for bait. Some striper anglers are using jigs, swimbaits, and spoons with mixed results. Some smallmouth are being caught in the same area primarily by those targeting stripers.

The surface water temperature was in the lower 70's. The lake elevation on 10/07/12 was 1.5 feet higher than one might suspect for the season. It was lower than summer elevations. Bass anglers have not caught a lot of fish on average, however local tournaments recently held resulted in some heavy bags of fish. The topwater bite seems to be the best type of lure than can be used. Mid day bites seem to be deeper in the grass mats. Some T-rigged plastic worm or creature baits have been used with several fish falling for for these baits presented along the deeper grass edges. Catfish drifters have caught several fish while drifting the main channel and while using the typical offerings associated with catfish. Crappie have been caught while using minnows, jigs, and crankbaits around docks, bluffs and open water secondary areas. Bluegill have been caught nearly everywhere. In searching for bluegill, focus on rocky areas or shellbeds located in the river. Crickets, worms and small jigs have been the primary enticers. Striped bass tailwater action has been boiling hot on some days and nonexistent on other days. One day they broke below Ft. Loudon Dam and a topwater lure would get attacked on nearly every cast for a couple of hours.

The lake surface temperature was 74 degrees on average this past week. The lake elevation was 681.3 feet on 9/30/12. This elevation is nearly 1 foot below normal summer mean, but it is normal for the season. Crappie continued to be caught on the lower end of the lake. Most crappie were being caught around bluffs, docks, and in open secondary areas around baitfish. Crankbaits, minnows, and jigs were being used for bait. Bass anglers were catching fish around the grass. Grass located along large water areas where baitfish was present increased the odds of catching fish. Topwater baits, plastic worms and frogs were being used more than other lures. Most anglers were not catching a lot of fish. Catfish drifters were catching fish in the main channel while using the typical baits normally used by those that target catfish. Bluegill can be caught along bluff and rocky areas in the river. Some main channel drifters have caught good numbers of bluegill. Crickets or worms remain the main baits used by these fishermen. Striped bass have been caught at times in the tailwaters. The fishing has been inconsistent.

The lake is falling and cooling. More baitfish are moving into shallow water therefore more shallow bass are being caught. Some deep fish are still being caught, but the days for that opportunity are fading fast. Plastic worms, topwater lures and lipless lures are the weapons most anglers are using. Bass anglers are not catching a great number of fish at this time. Crappie anglers are catching several fish with various jig combinations. A few anglers are dipping minnows with positive results. Large bay areas where baitfish can be observed with the proper electronics is a target area. 10 to 20 feet of water is the proper depth. Docks adjacent to these areas are being targeted by many. Striped bass activity in the tailwaters has not been impressive and this undoubtedly is the reason the angler count has been lower in these areas. Bottom drifters are catching bluegill and catfish in many areas from dam to dam.

Weather and water is cooling off... the fish know it, and love it. Some great slab crappie catches are being reported. Some fish coming off of docks while others on deeper stumps and structure.

Bass fishermen are throwing weedless frogs over the grass mats for a really fun topwater bite. Others are still keying in on river channel humps with plastics and crank baits.

Trophy cats in the 40-60 lb. class are showing up... not every trip mind you. But the folks who pay their dues are being rewarded with some monster blues.

The lake is full and the water temperature is in the low to mid 80's. At least one bass in excess of 9 pound was caught this previous week. Most anglers were struggling to catch bass. Summer humps do not seem to be holding the bass that river grass is holding. Some bass are being caught along blowdowns and docks in the primary locations. Early morning and late evening fishing will increase the odds of a successful bass trip. Topwater lures, plastic worms, and crankbaits are the lures being found tied on most rods. Striped bass are being caught below Watts Bar Dam. Live bait is the better bait. Some jig and topwater fish are being caught. Catfish are being caught all over the lake when the conditions are favorable. Meaty baits of various sources can be used to catch catfish. Shad, chicken parts, and wieners are 3 possible bait selections. A few crappie are being caught by a few fishermen. Dock pitchers and large water secondary trollers are catching crappie while using minnows, jigs, and crankbaits. There are several effective methods for trolling. The more experimentation, the greater the number of crappie that will probably be caught. Bluegill are being caught along bluff walls and channel shelves while using worms and crickets.