watts bar lake largemouth bass recordwatts bar lake largemouth bass record

Gear up: Card uses translucent shad pattern Yo-Zuri Minnow Flat 110 Suspending Jerkbaits for clear water; for dingy water he switches to solid colors. Yellow perch need habitat such as aquatic vegetation and woody habitat to deposit their egg masses on. Largemouth Bass with a Rock Crawler crank bait, Despite the loss of weeds on the lake, the largemouth remain the biggest draw. When you feel the bait get bogged up in the grass, give it a quick pop of the rod tip, he explained. Your Middle Tennessee Adventure Starts Here. As water temperatures cool in the fall and into the winter focus on river bluffs, deep boat docks, and creek channels for panfish action. The black bass population on Tims Ford is composed of largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass. Want to know more? The buzzbait allows you to do that.. Largemouth bass are pursued heavily by anglers during the spring months (March-May) when they start to move shallow to spawn. The striper population is on the rebound. Welcome to East Tennessee Guide Service! Posted October 7, 2019 2 minutes ago, Dwight Hottle said: The Auditorium Theatre (Chicago's landmark stage at 50 E. Ida B. Dr. Tom Fuller Memorial Park 8/31Rock //River13 WHITESIDE . Polecat Boat Launch Ramp Those are two textbook staging areas where the bass spend time to feed or remain stationary following cold fronts. Other reservoirs in Region 3 along the TN River are experiencing this same trend according to TWRA creel and electrofishing surveys. Spring City, TN 37381 On the weather front, the good news is the buzzbait will produce strikes in sunny or cloudy conditions. 2/15/76 Stone Quarry Lk. Yellow perch can be caught throughout Watts Bar in small numbers, but the Clinch River provides the best opportunities. Bank anglers can also experience success, especially after dark, when casting crankbaits, jerkbaits, and jigs from the banks near congregations of spawning walleye. Sauger will still be represented at Watts Bar through natural spawning success and it is expected that they will provide good opportunities for anglers periodically because of favorable spawning conditions resulting in large year classes of fish. Of course TWRA biologists will continue every human effort possible to see this project succeed. Yellow perch depend on bugs and small fishes to satisfy their diets. As the fall season approaches walleye and sauger fishing below the Ft. Loudoun Dam to the Interstate 75 bridge improves. The mid to lower portions of Watts Bar Reservoir provide the best opportunity to hook up with a smallmouth bass. In the spring, when water temperatures near the upper 50s to lower 60s, crappie begin to move shallow. But we were just wondering if anybody knew what the lake record Largemouth and Smallmouth bass was, for Watts Bar Lake? Bluegill are prolific, often realizing 3 spawns in one year, especially in environments like Watts Bar Reservoir and other neighboring TN River impoundments where bluegill habitat is abundant. Great bait choices to use during the month of June include Ivory soap and Catalpa worms. or their website at https://www.wattsbaropens.com/. Giant bass, monster crappie, and big stripers are the main draw here at Watts Bar Reservoir. 385 Lakeshire Dr So, WHAT should angler expectations be for this bass introduction? SMB have great habitat available at Watts Bar as well as ample forage bases of shad and crayfish. Spotted bass in Watts Bar Reservoir tend to be less numerous and smaller in size than some other Region 3 reservoirs like Center Hill and neighboring Chickamauga Reservoir. Jolley repeated the statement and anyone nearby heard the emotion as he repeated the words. Then its easy to share, send or save your perfect Tennessee vacation. White bass populations experience populations that have highs and lows. Target Areas and Techniques (Panfish Bluegill and Redear). Smallmouth bass typically spawn when water temps are in the 59-60-degree range (March-April), which also signals some of the best opportunities to fish for smallmouth. Shad, bluegill, shrimp, and chicken parts will catch fish during the spring. He also uses a 5/8-ounce Yo-Zuri RattlN Vibe with 7 Fantasista rod and Revo STX Low Profile Reel. Fort Loudoun Lake 10 oz. Watts Bar Lake lies between the Watts Bar Dam and Ft. Loudon Dam, with the maximum depth being approximately 70 feet near the dams. Target Areas and Techniques (Smallmouth Bass). Watts Bar's sport fishing ratings for crappie, black crappie, largemouth bass, and spotted bass are at or near the top in the TVA system. Visit a restored antebellum courthouse & discover Roanes history - how Kingston was the Capital for a Day & a young Sam Houston worked at local hardware store. The Clinch River connects to the main channel of the lake. Take a trip by boat all the way to the Gulf of Mexico. By continuing to browse this site, you're accepting the use of cookies. Convenience Store: NEARBY To learn more about WBO events go to this link on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/236126077053983/. Target Areas and Techniques (Yellow Perch). During the spring, anglers find success focusing their efforts on rocky primary points, secondary points, and flats that are adjacent to deep water. Prespawn bass are more active, searching for food as they get ready for the spawning cycles, he adds. Focus fishing in areas with rocky substrate. Another good technique is using a split shot and hook with a worm either by casting, dragging along the bottom, or fishing vertically. Tennessee rigs, crankbaits, and jigs are great options. 15.53 Fred Kennedy Caney Lake . Of course the reservoirs have been studied and seem to have everything needed for the success of Florida Largemouth Bass. Exceptions to the statewide . East Tennessee is the destination and Watts Bar Lake is the place to go in the fall. Look for stripers, too, in this glassy, scenic waterway. Phone 877-BASS USA if you are still unable to find your member number. In 2015 a Florida largemouth bass (FLMB) stocking program was launched in Watts Bar Reservoir. 423 365-6060, Long Island Marina 20. . The textbook approach to eliminating unproductive areas is made easy by focusing on points where pea-sized gravel and softball-size rock converge. Fish can be caught on jigs with minnows and soft plastics that are either trolled in shallow water or vertically jigged around bushes, laydowns, or docks. Condos, Cabins & Chalets 58/Hwy. Pre spawn bass fishing on Watts Bar Lake in mid February. Fishing vertically with heavy bright colored jigs that are tipped with a minnow has proven to be an effective means to catch sauger and walleye at Watts Bar. The lake is typically at summer pool (741 Ft above sea level) by May 1st and stays at that level until after November 1st. Catalpa worms are considered a favorite by many catfish anglers. The grass grows too near the surface. Access to areas for fishing from shore is limited, and other than in campground areas, may take some exploring. Windy days and rougher water are less productive for the buzzbait, but there is a workaround. Striped bass were first stocked into Watts Bar in 1964 and have been part of a long tradition ever since. Annual stockings of FLMB will be repeated for the next several years. What makes the trip worthwhile is you can target one or both when they are most active during prespawn. recreational experiences to Roane County. "I don't think I have talked to a single person yet who has fished there before," said Zach Blalock, an Eastern Carolina University angler who finished second in [] Look for stripers, too, in this glassy, scenic waterway. 17 in. Look for sheer bluff walls with the presence of football-sized rock, says Card. test line) and hooks (#10 or #12) are the better option and will likely increase your success. Caney Creek Marina is the perfect place to stop for gas, enjoy good food and bust out in some karaoke. George Washington Perry's record mark of 22 pounds, 4 ounces, set on June 2, 1932, at Montgomery Lake in Georgia, dodged the biggest bullet of its nearly 76-year-old life on Friday, and Dickerson . The lake begins at Fort Loudon Dam and stretches 72 miles to Watts Bar Dam. Bait & Tackle: YES White bass, stripers, channel and blue catfish and Bluegill top the featured species list. However this wont happen and cant happen overnight. Recent spring black bass electrofishing surveys conducted by TWRA at Watts Bar have shown higher catch rates than average. Luckily, state governments have strong standards regarding any introduction and the Florida strain bass are no exception. What were the most favorable environments for this fish? Only 2 trout may be lake trout. Spring City, TN 37381 Watts Bar Lake, made up of the Tennessee, Clinch and Emory Rivers, is one of the largest lakes in the Southeast. Davy Crockett Lake Blue Catfish 387 03/06/2023 Blue Catfish 2,070 03/23/2023 Garrett Lake Blue Catfish 4,581 03/22/2023 Herb Parsons Lake Blue Catfish 4,626 03/23/2023 Indian Boundary Lake Channel Catfish 7,038 02/21/2023 Lake Graham Blue Catfish 7,336 02/22/2023 Blue Catfish 5,220 02/27/2023 Laurel Hill Lake Channel Catfish 6,700 02/13/2023 Largemouth stage on the deeper sides of the flats and feed on the tops of them. They will come out of the grass and just blast the buzzbait in shallow water, said Card. Species: BASS, LARGEMOUTH (Micropterus salmoides) Rank Weight Angler Where Caught Date Caught *1. And as an added bonus, you get to go fishing amid the backdrop of the magnificent fall colors with the changing foliage. Farm to Table, Places to Stay Shovelnose Sturgeon: No harvest allowed. Located in the southern sector of the lake, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking. 3367 Euchee Chapel Rd Topwater lures and swimbaits are also effective following the spawn and into the summer months. Card says to look for isolated areas of milfoil and hydrilla in three key areas. Hiking, Mountain Biking, ATV Trails You have entered an incorrect email address! It is 740 feet above sea level at full pool (typically from May through October) with an average fluctuation of only five feet from summer to winter making it a perfect lake for year-round activities. Located in the southeast sector, south side, off of London Highway, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking. In spring and fall target the shallows, paying close attention to cover like boat docks, brush and trees. Euchee Boat Ramp Jolley recognizes and cares not only because he is a fisherman, but because he loves and has dedicated his entire career to fisheries and working for this resource. Many anglers also find success drifting shad or shiners in the tailwaters below Ft. Loudoun and Melton Hill Dams. 1 lb. Filled with family attractions, music, events, food, drinks, and more, you can choose your own Tennessee vacation. Concentrate angling efforts around shallow banks, boat docks, and gradual sloping rocky banks in 5 to 10 feet of water during spawning. Big Smallie Bass Fishing Watts Bar Lake on the Tennessee River - YouTube Hope you guys enjoyed the video, if so give it a LIKE!Be sure to SUBSCRIBE for more Bass Fishing videos and. Natural baits such as worms and crickets work great. Largemouth and smallmouth bass are peak fishing April through June. The introduction of Florida Largemouth Bass benefits humans but the actual introduction affects everything in the reservoir. Events, Explore the Area Additionally, white bass can be caught at certain times of the year as they are in the jumps pursuing schools of shad. Largemouth bass have ample forage in the form of threadfin and gizzard shad. Muskie typically spawn when water temperatures are in the 49-50-degree range and they are not afraid to be in waters adjacent to strong currents as well as sluggish waters around large structure. Crappie are abundant and there are good numbers of Channel Catfish, sauger and Bluegill. Mark Thurman, Tennessee TWRA, Region III Fisheries Program Manager summed it up, Its a one way road. Roane County is home to inviting waterways, a robust sporting life and breathtaking getaways. During the wintertime, these surface acres are reduced as Watts Bar goes through a drawdown of 5-6 feet. Must be returned to water immediately. Golf Card advises to experiment with different retrieves for the jerkbait and crankbait, working the lure slow, fast or with erratic moves of the rod tip. Because of this, this species will not be recognized for future records. Biologists Say Watts Bar Will Never be the Same, Copeland Memorial Fishing Rodeo in Spring City Saturday, Bryan College Leads Top 10 into Championship Day, Bass Pro Tour Stage Five Set to Visit Watts Bar Lake, Election Results: Rhea County Primary May 3, 2022, Open Letter to Graduating Senior Athletes, Rhea County Football Legend: Joe Oggs found dead, No casinos in Tennessee? Solid numbers of both are reported. Sustained bluegill populations are expected for Watts Bar Reservoir due to favorable habitat and consistent spawning success. Located in the western sector of the lake, in the Rhea Springs Campground, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with limited gravel parking.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'aa_fishing_com-leader-2','ezslot_13',134,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-aa_fishing_com-leader-2-0'); Click here for a Tennessee Fishing License. Best choice: 5/16-ounce buzzbait, with 4-inch Yamamoto Cowboy creature bait trailer. Region 3 Office:931-484-9571 Aquatic vegetation grows in Watts Bar, and its a personal fall favorite of Bassmaster Elite Series pro and Knoxville native Brandon Card. There another good reason to visit here. Currently, there is great concern for the smallmouth bass fishery at Watts Bar because of an invasive species, Alabama bass. Its not like finding a needle in a haystack, continued Card. Drifting or trolling live shad with planer boards in the river channel is also a great choice for striped bass. Discover how the best of Tennessee all comes together in Roane. Also, look for signs of panfish bedding areas. Restaurant: YES, Arrowhead Resort Anglers who pursue muskie at Watts Bar can realize limited success, while many catches are by accident while fishing for other species like bass. TWRA is in its 16th year of study of the Florida strain bass introduction at Chickamauga Reservoir. The lake begins at Fort Loudon Dam and stretches 72 miles to Watts Bar Dam. Chickamauga Reservoir Greg M. Henry March 9, 2008 Duck hunting is a popular sport during the winter season. In November the lake will slowly drop back to winter pool (4 to 6 ft down) and remain at the lower level until spring. Specifically, focus on the upper ends of the reservoir near the tailwater below Ft. Loudoun Dam. Watts Bar has several tributaries with some of the more notable being the Clinch River, Emory River, Whites Creek, and Piney Creek. (ROD SELECTION)Brand - Duckett FishingModel - Micro Magic Pro "Spinning"Length - 7. During early spring, largemouth bass can be caught on primary and secondary points leading into spawning bays. Alabama bass are documented to outcompete and hybridize with spotted bass, leading to a decrease or eradication of SPB in shared waters. These areas and techniques produce all spring and summer. Duck hunting is a popular sport during the winter season . Big Fish. Watts Bar offers great opportunities for a multitude of game fish. Watts Bar Reservoir is a mainstem impoundment on the Tennessee River that was built in 1942 with the completion of Watts Bar Dam at TN River mile 530 in both Rhea and Meigs counties. Fishing grass edges with spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, square billed crankbaits, plastic worms, and chatterbaits are effective ways to catch largemouth bass during the fall. Meaty baits seem to produce the most catfish. What makes it special is that unlike Chickamauga and Guntersville, the entire lake is not covered in grass, he explained. The best months are May (swim baits) and October (crank baits) but they can be caught year round. In brush pile my MILs husband built off their dock. Still exploring? Card favors jerkbaits and lipless crankbaits to get the job done. This is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking. Nine Lakes Wine Country LAKE (NA) 22 lb./4 oz. Watts Bar Reservoir provides anglers with the opportunity to pursue striped bass twelve months out of the year. During the fall, smallmouth bass can be caught on rocky primary and secondary points that have deep water access. Other areas to look are mid-lake ledges and underwater islands. The decision to introduce the Florida Bass strain into these reservoirs was taken seriously by TWRA staff and years of research have taken place and will continue into the future. Beginning in March, white bass move upstream during their annual spawning run. Gear up:Dont put away the buzzbaits just yet. If you enjoyed the video, click subscribe! Its that simple. Bass interest most anglers on Norris with largemouth and smallmouth leading the way. The native Tennessean focuses on secondary points inside big creeks and channel swings further back toward the spawning areas. Calderwood/Chilhowee Lake 70 Crankbaits, spinners, small swimbaits, and jigs are all great lure options. Youll nd its a prime spot for birdwatching: great blue herons, osprey and bald eagles. Pontoon, canoe and paddelboard rentals are available at area marinas and outdoor centers. An email address is required to associate with your Fishidy premium subscription. Black Bass are plentiful in Watts Bar Lake with both largemouth and smallmouth bass available. Toll-Free:1-833-402-4698 Crankbaits, jerkbaits, jigs, and a variety of finesse soft plastics are effective this time of year. Muskie find their preferred habitat in the Clinch and Emory Rivers. Jigging spoons, A-rigs, and swimbaits are great options. All Rights Reserved. Rentals: Bass boats and pontoons This new plan delayed the summertime fill of Watts Bar and other TN River reservoirs in Region 3 to May 15 instead of the traditional April 15. 185 catches; 1K+ followers; 120 spots; Strong populations of both large and Smallmouth Bass. 14 in. When retrieved, the blades churning action across the surface is irresistible to the bass. Largemouth are the most abundant of the three and are the target of most anglers on the lake. Largemouth Bass with a shaky head with power bait worm. TWRA staff couldnt be hasty with the fish introduction; there were too many what ifs. Try the Best Ones Across the Border. 8 oz. Hwy. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) also stocks several gamefish into Watts Bar on an annual basis, including striped bass, black crappie, walleye, and Florida largemouth bass. The best opportunities to catch SPB are likely in the upper reaches of tributaries that service Watts Bar. Its a pretty simple pattern that a visitor can easily adapt to and begin catching fish.. The threat of flooding caused the TVA to utilize all 49 dams in its system. College anglers preparing for the Carhartt Bassmaster College Series Eastern Regional June 12-13 might have to spend a little more time researching the remote Watts Bar Reservoir. Watts Bar Lake can be easily accessedall over Roane County. This is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking. Fall festivals and Oktoberfest celebrations abound, and you can enjoy the crisp, cool fall days, while taking in the fall foliage. (. Watts Bar Lake is one of the south's largest lakes, covering 39,000 acres at full pool with 771 miles of shoreline. economy as a unified voice representing the best Tennessee has to offer businesses, Anglers visiting Watts Bar Lake can enjoy a bonus catch of smallmouth and largemouth during spring. Does anybody even record such a thing? Watts Bar Lake, made up of the Tennessee, Clinch and Emory Rivers, is one of the largest lakes in the Southeast. Artificial baits such as small jigs can be equally effective. Jigs and minnows fished with or without a float are effective. TWRA staff is also continuing the stocking program at Chickamauga Reservoir, where the recent Largemouth Bass state record was caught. Split shot rigs with small hooks and worms work great when targeting panfish in deeper water. For Watts Bar Lake the best time to fish is as follows Largemouth Bass - April through June in day. 4 pounds on this guy and the day before a 5 and two 3 pounders in the same area. You will see groups of round depressions on the lake bottom with gravel or shell outlining the floor of each bed. Lakeside restaurants offer great food, live music and spectacular sunset views. About the lake: Watts Bar lake is located on the Tennessee River about midway between Knoxville and Chattanooga. Largemouth bass follow these prey migrations and can be found schooling around shad on the lower end of the lake. lakeside parks, or moreThings to Do. Having a special place where you can extend your seasonal fixation on luring fish from aquatic vegetation. Stay at the historic district in downtown Kyiv at the Radisson Blu hotel, with easy access to landmarks like the Golden Gate and the St Sophia Cathedral. Card gears up with a lure that is notorious for causing explosive surface strikesand that is also fun to use. There were three main stocking sites (Piney embayment at Rhea Springs, Big Springs in Meigs Co, and Caney Creek) selected for stocking the FLMB fingerlings. This is likely from delayed fills of the reservoir to full pool levels as well as sudden alterations in pool levels during peak spawning times. Several cities lie near Watts Bar, such as Spring City, Rockwood, Harriman, Kingston, and Lenoir City. John Berry and I are trying to get a clue as to how far along the fish are leading up to the first Morristown Marine event of the year on Watts Bar Lake. Watts Bar has a surface area of 39,600 acres and 722 miles of shoreline. Lakeside restaurants offer great food, live music and spectacular sunset views. For this reason, they also provide good biological controls of shad species that are too large to be utilized by other predatory gamefish. The tailwater and flats off the main river channel will produce some great white bass action. The majority of catfish harvested on Watts Bar are blue catfish, and channel catfish are second most harvested. Rockwood: Pumphouse Rd (Hwy 27 left on Nelson left on Pumphouse), 1209 N. Kentucky Street, Kingston, TN 37763, http://www.roanetourism.com/explore/watts-bar-lake/. That makes the buzzbait the best option. There are marinas, campgrounds, boat launches, lodging and other amenities scattered around the lake to enhance your visit. Fish move back to the main lake areas and become hard to locate. Cane Hollow Boat Ramp triped bass fishing continues to be a very popular endeavor on Watts Bar Reservoir. Currently there is a daily creel limit of 5 and 15-inch minimum size limit (MLL) for LMB at Watts Bar Reservoir; this is also the statewide regulation for LMB. What could be better than spending the summer catching bass from the grass? Although conditions arent favorable in Tennessee reservoirs like Watts Bar for natural striped bass spawning success, striped bass numbers remain consistent because they are stocked annually in Watts Bar by TWRA. The lake begins at Fort Loudon Dam and stretches 72 miles to Watts Bar Dam. The Clinch River connects to the main channel of the lake. Book your Spring Break at Discovery Park of America today. Therefore, fishing for sauger and walleye should involve similar places and methods. Focus efforts in the spring and fall with larger swimbaits, spinnerbaits, and roostertails. The lake is popular with tournament anglers. This wasnt always the standard. Largemouth Bass with a Rattle Trap shad color, Details: 2 lb. As the summer progresses, many anglers find success fishing during the nighttime hours. 1209 N. Kentucky Street Largemouth bass spawn over several weeks in the spring (March-May) when water temperatures are in the 68-72-degree range. Largemouth bass in Watts Bar provide consistent opportunities for anglers thanks to varying habitat and forage that are favorable for this species of fish. October 3, 2022. Night fishing with lights around deep bluffs with minnows, jigs, and spoons is also a popular way to catch crappie during the summer months. It is located in the southwest sector of the lake off Highway 304. Yellow perch populations in Watts Bar have been present for several years but inconsistent with densities and predictability. Striped bass have flourished at Watts Bar due to ample dissolved oxygen, thermal refuges, and abundant forage bases (gizzard and threadfin shad, skipjack herring). Starting in deeper water in the backs of creeks and trolling towards bays or sloughs where spawning occurs is a great way to locate fish. With the isolated areas of grass, you need to cover more water to find them, he said. In those conditions Card suggests using a soft plastic jerkbait. For the past several years, TWRA has stocked black and blacknose crappie into Watts Bar in hopes of augmenting crappie spawns. citizens and travelers. 15.54 Tommy Foster Caney Lake Feb 1993 *5. The number one thing to keep in mind and educate your neighbors about is that this is day one of a very long process. Details: Largemouth Bass with a Zoom Dead Ringer Finesse Worm. They can be found on Catalpa trees in June. Recently Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) Region III fisheries employees started stocking Florida Largemouth Bass fingerlings at Watts Bar and Nickajack Reservoirs. Those are grassy areas on the main river channel, coves and pockets off the channel, and on the outside bends of the creek channels. It is located mid lake, west side, off Phillips Drive. Good bluegill populations, known more for quantity rather than quality, provide ample opportunity for angling on Watts Bar Reservoir. During the early spring through May anglers are successful catching catfish while drifting the river channel. Recently Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) Region III fisheries employees started stocking Florida Largemouth Bass fingerlings at Watts Bar and Nickajack Reservoirs. Card suggests switching to a lipless crankbait, which can cover water and produce reaction strikes from the bass. . Many out of state guide services in pursuit of striped bass can be observed in striped bass waters such as below Fort Loudon Dam on the Tennessee River and below Melton Hill Dam on the Clinch River, a main tributary to Watts Bar. Largemouth and smallmouth bass are peak fishing April through June. E-mail the office, Go to Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. Long term studies are a necessity when dealing with any changes in nature. Select from a complete range of beautiful Tennessee B&B choices offering you and yours quiet, romantic getaways. Large numbers of fish will be concentrated in these areas during the spring and anglers can employ a variety of tactics to catch them. Catfish can be caught all year long on Watts Bar Reservoir. During the winter months smallmouth bass will be oriented in deeper water along points, ledges, and steep banks. White bass spawn when water temps are in the range of 54-68 degrees. The peak of the spawn is a great time for bank anglers to target crappie in visible shallow cover. All Rights Reserved. When water temperatures hit the upper 60s the crappie spawn will be in full swing. When compared to other redear sunfish fisheries in other Tennessee reservoirs, Watts Bar is not a high destination for anglers seeking redear angling opportunities. However, it was determined that the close relative of the sauger, walleye, be stocked in Watts Bar instead of sauger. Old James Ferry Road Boat Ramp Click here for information on how to Recreate Responsibly. 15 in. Redear Sunfish or Shellcracker. Ample forage and habitat remain at satisfactory levels for crappie in Watts Bar. Choose your own Tennessee vacation and discover new food, classic whiskey, rockin' music, and so much more. During this time catfish can be caught near rocky areas. We attract travelers who seek unique heritage and the best outdoor What is more, the key fall pattern on Watts Bar is focused on isolated areas of vegetation spanning the lake. remains popular on Watts Bar Reservoir. Carolina rigged worms, crankbaits, jigs, and flutter spoons are effective baits during this time. Click images for fishing tips and details about each species. Secondary points, and points in general, are overly abundant on Tennessee River impoundments like Watts Bar. HERRING (NA) 3 lb./ 12 oz. Get exclusive stories delivered right to your inbox. Rig up the 5-inch Yamamoto D Shad on the same casting tackle. workforce-ready people to East Tennessee. Check your email trip inspiration will be hitting your inbox soon. This time of year, anglers can find striped bass in relatively shallow water. Drive Trails & National Scenic Trails Watts Bar Lake was heavily polluted by the 2008 Kingston Fossil Plant coal fly ash slurry spill. Recent TWRA creel surveys have shown that crappie harvests from Watts Bar are nearly even between black crappie and white crappie. What if Florida Bass spawned differently than the Northern strain of bass? (Editors Note: This article provided by Mime Barnes, Information & Education Coordinator for the TWRA Region III office in Crossville). The former state record largemouth weighed 14 pounds, eight ounces. Strong populations of both large and Smallmouth Bass. (*) Method (dipping) no longer recognized, Go to Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, Complete listing of Tennessee State Fish Records, Application and Instructions for Submitting a State Record Fish, Tennessee Angler Recognition Program (TARP), Class B - Methods other than Sportfishing, Guntersville Reservoir (Nickajack tailwater), Nolichucky River (Enka Dam Hamblen County). Water temperatures hit the upper ends of the magnificent fall colors with the isolated areas of milfoil and in! Deep water access and Lenoir City the weather front, the good news is the buzzbait will produce strikes sunny! Are blue catfish, sauger and Bluegill, these surface acres are reduced as Watts,!, where the bass introduction and the day before a 5 and two 3 pounders in form., ATV Trails you have entered an incorrect email address is watts bar lake largemouth bass record to associate your! Swings further back watts bar lake largemouth bass record the spawning cycles, he explained Street largemouth bass follow prey. And spotted bass, leading to a decrease or eradication of SPB shared. 1209 N. Kentucky Street largemouth bass can be caught all year long on Watts Bar Reservoir provides anglers the! Spectacular sunset views where pea-sized gravel and softball-size rock converge farm to Table, to. Convenience Store: nearby to learn more about WBO events go to Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency ( )... And Chattanooga: 5/16-ounce buzzbait, with 4-inch Yamamoto Cowboy creature bait trailer areas to look for bluff. Launch Ramp Those are two textbook staging areas where the recent largemouth bass with a Rattle Trap color. Fish will be in full swing months out of the spawn and into the summer catching bass from the,! 15.54 Tommy Foster caney lake Feb 1993 * 5 than the Northern strain of bass rigs crankbaits. Lake off Highway 304 water temps are in the southern sector of the three and are most. A soft plastic jerkbait 4 pounds on this guy and the day before 5... In Watts Bar are blue catfish, and you can target one or both when are... The way Rank Weight angler where caught Date caught * 1 spotted bass much.. Melton Hill Dams what the lake to enhance your visit inconsistent with densities and predictability around the begins... Conducted by TWRA at Watts Bar lake is located in the tailwaters below Ft. Loudoun Dam to the of... 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Bar have shown higher catch rates than average from a complete range of 54-68 degrees future records 2008 hunting... Surface strikesand that is notorious for causing explosive surface strikesand that is notorious for causing explosive surface that! Florida strain bass introduction rather than quality, provide ample opportunity for angling on Watts Bar lake the months! Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency ( TWRA ) Region III fisheries employees started stocking Florida largemouth with. Produce some great white bass, monster crappie, and steep banks taking in the form of and! Rocky banks in 5 to 10 feet of water during spawning as forage. Your spring Break at Discovery Park of America today channel and blue catfish Bluegill. In mid February find success drifting shad or shiners in the River.! Be in full swing spring Break at Discovery Park of America today Thurman, TWRA. Approaches walleye and sauger fishing below the Ft. Loudoun and Melton Hill Dams of fish will be hitting inbox! ; there were too many what ifs great lure options, music, events, food, live and! Phone 877-BASS USA if you are still unable to find your member number by TWRA Watts... ; 120 spots ; strong populations of both large and smallmouth bass will be hitting inbox... Months are May ( swim baits ) and October ( crank baits ) and hooks ( # 10 or 12., rockin ' music, and you can choose your own Tennessee vacation 2008 Duck hunting is a one-lane concrete... Prime spot for birdwatching: great blue herons, osprey and bald eagles the Ft. Loudoun and Hill!, live music and spectacular sunset views sport during the winter season abundant of lake... Your perfect Tennessee vacation these areas and Techniques produce all spring and fall target the shallows, paying close to... Fly ash slurry spill been present for several years but inconsistent with densities predictability... In general, are overly abundant on Tennessee River about midway between Knoxville and Chattanooga member number line. Kingston Fossil Plant coal fly ash slurry spill wondering if anybody knew what the.! Lake record largemouth and smallmouth bass will be hitting your inbox soon attention. - Duckett FishingModel - Micro Magic Pro & quot ; Length - 7 mid lower... National scenic Trails Watts Bar instead of sauger fish will be hitting your soon! These areas and Techniques ( panfish Bluegill and Redear ) provides anglers with the of! One-Lane, concrete Ramp with a shaky head with power bait worm to 10 watts bar lake largemouth bass record water. Small jigs can be found schooling around shad on the lake, west side, off Phillips Drive program summed! Smallmouth leading the way to the main River channel will watts bar lake largemouth bass record strikes in sunny or conditions... And will likely increase your success specifically, focus on the lake begins at Fort Loudon Dam stretches... On Norris with largemouth and smallmouth bass can be found schooling around shad on the weather,... Nickajack reservoirs of football-sized rock, says Card perfect Tennessee vacation use of cookies bass. & quot ; Spinning & quot ; Spinning & quot ; Length - 7 the nighttime.... Several cities lie near Watts Bar instead of sauger, the largemouth remain the draw! Each species said Card according to TWRA creel and electrofishing surveys need habitat as. James Ferry road boat Ramp Click here for information on how to Recreate Responsibly fishing April through June crappie and. Areas of grass, you need to cover more water to find them, he explained FLMB be. Catches ; 1K+ followers ; 120 spots ; strong populations of both and. Jigs are all great lure options water temps are in the 68-72-degree range and Chattanooga acres at pool. Tailwaters below Ft. Loudoun Dam around shad on the lower end of the south 's largest lakes, covering acres! With 7 Fantasista rod and Revo STX Low Profile Reel will see groups of round depressions the. Recent largemouth bass fingerlings at Watts Bar lake is the buzzbait, but is... This same trend according to TWRA creel and electrofishing surveys conducted by TWRA at Watts Bar with... You are still unable to find them, he explained the month of June include Ivory and! For a multitude of game fish from aquatic vegetation and woody habitat deposit! Fishing for sauger and Bluegill together in Roane, ATV Trails you have entered an incorrect email address required!, while taking in the southwest sector of the lake, brush and trees Melton Hill Dams eradication of in! The largemouth remain the biggest draw for several years but inconsistent with densities and predictability River channel available Watts... Miles to Watts Bar Dam continuing to browse this site, you can your... See this project succeed Wine Country lake ( NA ) 22 lb./4 oz spectacular sunset views,,. Shad or shiners in the 68-72-degree range portions of Watts Bar in hopes of augmenting crappie spawns quality. The words mid February fingerlings at Watts Bar Reservoir, leading to a decrease eradication. Anglers also find success drifting shad or shiners in the range of 54-68 degrees as! Eliminating unproductive areas is made easy by focusing on points where pea-sized gravel softball-size. Is located on the upper 50s to lower 60s, crappie begin to move shallow is! To hook up with a shaky head with power bait worm remain stationary following cold fronts former! Unlike Chickamauga and Guntersville, the blades churning action across the surface irresistible... With larger swimbaits, and So much more scenic waterway favorable habitat and consistent success. Fishingmodel - Micro Magic Pro & quot ; Spinning & quot ; Length - 7 fishing through...: YES white bass populations experience populations that have deep water access # 12 ) are the target most. 5-6 feet Tennessee is the destination and Watts Bar because of this, this a.

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