Having a special place where you can extend your seasonal fixation on luring fish from aquatic vegetation. Smallmouth bass are surveyed with semi-annual spring electrofishing surveys by TWRA. Some fish may be spawning toward the end of March, but during the months of April and May the spawn will be at its peak. We offer natural beauty, historic charm and low-cost living, distinguishing Nine Lakes Wine Country All Rights Reserved. Walleye have mimicked sauger in Watts Bar regarding habitat preference, forage species selection, and preferred spawning sites. This doesnt mean anglers who want to pursue this species wont have success, however. For this reason, they also provide good biological controls of shad species that are too large to be utilized by other predatory gamefish. Natural baits such as worms and crickets work great. Crankbaits, jerkbaits, jigs, and a variety of finesse soft plastics are effective this time of year. Rentals: Pontoon boats Drifting or trolling live shad with planer boards in the river channel is also a great choice for striped bass. 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. 15.87 Regina Womack Valentine Lake May 2010 *3. Baits can be casted under docks or to brush piles and slowly tight lined back to the boat. Those are grassy areas on the main river channel, coves and pockets off the channel, and on the outside bends of the creek channels. Book your trip today! Details: 2 lb. We empower leaders, parents and students to invest in education, so they are better prepared Card uses two reaction baits to widen the strike zone, and the baits are also capable of quickly and effectively covering water. Just easy casting off the dock while we prepped to go out for the morning, and I snagged a hungry little guy. Look for stripers, too, in this glassy, scenic waterway. Watts Bar Lake, made up of the Tennessee, Clinch and Emory Rivers, is one of the largest lakes in the Southeast. The tailwater below Ft. Loudoun Dam is another productive area for smallmouth bass. Card suggests switching to a lipless crankbait, which can cover water and produce reaction strikes from the bass. [2] Largemouth bass are pursued heavily by anglers during the spring months (March-May) when they start to move shallow to spawn. Watts Bar Lake is one of the south's largest lakes, covering 39,000 acres at full pool with 771 miles of shoreline. For locations:boat launch or marinas. Watts Bar Lake can be easily accessedall over Roane County. Target Areas and Techniques (Panfish Bluegill and Redear). During the fall, largemouth bass can be targeted in the backs of creeks and embayments where shad concentrations are high. Watts Bar Lake was heavily polluted by the 2008 Kingston Fossil Plant coal fly ash slurry spill. They are also on the move toward shallower water, so all it takes is intercepting them along their migration routes.. Find the grass, find the fish. 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. LOUISIANA STATE FISH RECORDS. Agritourism Jolley, a 22 year veteran of TWRA knows the depth and weight of the project of introducing the Florida strain bass. This is a four-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking. 1060 Paint Rock Ferry Rd Less is better in this case, because isolated vegetation will concentrate the bass population in those areas. Take a trip by boat all the way to the Gulf of Mexico. During the wintertime, these surface acres are reduced as Watts Bar goes through a drawdown of 5-6 feet. 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/. Posted October 7, 2019 2 minutes ago, Dwight Hottle said: (*) 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). White Crappie dominate. Fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, channel catfish, blue catfish, black crappie, white crappie, walleye, bluegill, redear sunfish, rock bass, warmouth, white bass, yellow bass, striped bass, hybrid striped bass, muskie, paddlefish and sauger at Watts Bar Lake in Tennessee. 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. All Rights Reserved. Three species of catfish call Watts Bar home: flathead, blue, and channel catfish. Bass interest most anglers on Norris with largemouth and smallmouth leading the way. As the summer progresses, many anglers find success fishing during the nighttime hours. Foshee Pass Recreation Area Boat Ramp Then in winter and summer concentrate on deeper water around creek channels, flats, ledges, humps and points. 14 in. Anglers who pursue muskie at Watts Bar can realize limited success, while many catches are by accident while fishing for other species like bass. The second record on this lake this year - Great job to the angler for boating such a giant! As the fish near the spawning areas look for visual signs of stumps and scattered rock on the tops of the shallow flats. 385 Lakeshire Dr Spool it up with 16-pound Top Knot Mainline. Largemouth stage on the deeper sides of the flats and feed on the tops of them. The lake is popular with tournament anglers. Houseboats & Floating Houses, Things to Do Windy days and rougher water are less productive for the buzzbait, but there is a workaround. Largemouth bass fishing is legendary on Watts Bar Lake. Watts Bar Reservoir Marc A. Cooper II February 17, 2015 Class A Quillback Carpsucker 6 lbs., 5 oz. Smallmouth bass can be caught throughout Watts Bar Reservoir from the deepest summertime holes to the upper reaches of different tributaries around rocky shoals and substrates. Traditionally, sauger spawned in areas of close proximity to Ft. Loudon tailwaters and specifically the Browder Shoals area downstream from Ft. Loudon dam. From the shores of our beautiful lakes to the peaks of the Smoky Mountains, explore all the adventures the 9 Lakes region of East Tennessee offers to make memories to last a lifetime. The effect this species is currently having in the Florida Everglades will cost millions of dollars and is having an overwhelmingly negative effect on native species. | Site Maps, About Us, Advertising, Terms & Contact Us |, Site Maps, About Us, Advertising, Terms & Contact Us. Spawning bass can be caught on a variety of different baits including topwater lures, weightless soft plastic worms, and Texas rigged creature baits. 2109 New Lake Rd Recently Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) Region III fisheries employees started stocking Florida Largemouth Bass fingerlings at Watts Bar and Nickajack Reservoirs. Golf During the fall white bass can be caught in many parts of the reservoir. (Editors Note: This article provided by Mime Barnes, Information & Education Coordinator for the TWRA Region III office in Crossville). Campgrounds: YES The native Tennessean focuses on secondary points inside big creeks and channel swings further back toward the spawning areas. . Check out these partners, hand-picked by Watts Bar Lake. Duck hunting is a popular sport during the winter season. Phone 877-BASS USA if you are still unable to find your member number. Muskie, also known as the fish of 10,000 casts, can be difficult to catch. Check your email trip inspiration will be hitting your inbox soon. 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. SMB over 18 are common as well. The peak of the spawn is a great time for bank anglers to target crappie in visible shallow cover. Food & Spirits 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. However, it was determined that the close relative of the sauger, walleye, be stocked in Watts Bar instead of sauger. So, pack your bags, hitch up the boat, and plan a trip. The lake is typically at summer pool (741 Ft above sea level) by May 1st and stays at that level until after November 1st. Veteran Posts: 299 (70.153.114.253) I tried searching the posts back as far as a year, on this subject. Its a pretty simple pattern that a visitor can easily adapt to and begin catching fish.. Click images for fishing tips and details about each species. The spring season is an exciting time to get out and target white bass. Details: Largemouth Bass with a Zoom Dead Ringer Finesse Worm. Welcome to East Tennessee Guide Service! Hiking, Mountain Biking, ATV Trails When retrieved, the blades churning action across the surface is irresistible to the bass. Wells Drive) launches its 2022-23 Season with the Chicago debut of the Kyiv City Ballet of Ukraine in two powerful performances . The buzzbait is ideal because the grass is not dense enough to effectively work a topwater frog. 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. History & Heritage Giant bass, monster crappie, and big stripers are the main draw here at Watts Bar Reservoir. As fall approaches, dock fishing can be great because of the shade and cover that they provide. Illinois record Fish are updated as new records are set. Molting Crawl. Time will tell and as employees at TWRA wait to see the results of their labor, they hope anglers are out enjoying all the other top notch resources the state has to offer. The Emory and Clinch Rivers provide the best opportunity for an angler to target muskie. Good bluegill populations, known more for quantity rather than quality, provide ample opportunity for angling on Watts Bar Reservoir. Located in the southeast sector, south side, off of London Highway, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking. Crappie are abundant and there are good numbers of Channel Catfish, sauger and Bluegill. economy as a unified voice representing the best Tennessee has to offer businesses, The Clinch River connects to the main channel of the lake. Watts Bar has a surface area of 39,600 acres and 722 miles of shoreline. Dr. Tom Fuller Memorial Park 8 oz. Shovelnose Sturgeon: No harvest allowed. Covering a lot of water and fishing hard will increase your chances of landing this awesome fish. Polecat Boat Launch Ramp It was caught Oct. 17, 1954, by James "Logue" Barnett in Lawrence County's Sugar Creek. As a history teacher, Keen appreciates the historical perspective of breaking a six-decades-old record. Sign up to receive trip ideas and inspiration from Tennessee Tourism. Fishing grass edges with spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, square billed crankbaits, plastic worms, and chatterbaits are effective ways to catch largemouth bass during the fall. Ample forage and habitat remain at satisfactory levels for crappie in Watts Bar. This decision was based on several factors; walleye live longer, get bigger, and offer a better year-round fishing opportunity when compared to sauger. During the winter months smallmouth bass will be oriented in deeper water along points, ledges, and steep banks. Annual stockings of FLMB will be repeated for the next several years. You are trying to access a feature that requires a Fishidy account. 20. . Yellow perch need habitat such as aquatic vegetation and woody habitat to deposit their egg masses on. We bring growth-oriented businesses with strong scal discipline, infrastructure and For the most up-to-date hours and information, please contact Watts Bar Lake directly. "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 [] Watts Bar Lake is situated in the heart of the Tennessee River Valley midway between Knoxville and Chattanooga. Lakeside restaurants offer great food, live music and spectacular sunset views. The same baits and techniques that are successful in the tailwaters will also prevail when fishing main river areas downstream. The striper population is on the rebound. Largemouth and smallmouth bass are peak fishing April through June. 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 north-central sector of the lake, off Caney Creek Road. 423 365-6851if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'aa_fishing_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_9',132,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-aa_fishing_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'aa_fishing_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_10',132,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-aa_fishing_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0_1'); .large-mobile-banner-1-multi-132{border:none !important;display:block !important;float:none !important;line-height:0px;margin-bottom:7px !important;margin-left:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-top:7px !important;max-width:100% !important;min-height:250px;padding:0;text-align:center !important;}, Spring City Resort & Marina Largemouth Bass with a Rapala Glass Shad Raps. The lake begins at Fort Loudon Dam and stretches 72 miles to Watts Bar Dam. Read our Privacy Policy. Recent creel data collected by TWRA shows great consistency with angling hours expended in pursuit of catfish at Watts Bar. This is a two-lane, concrete ramp with limited gravel parking. Only 2 trout may be lake trout. We attract travelers who seek unique heritage and the best outdoor The Clinch River connects to the main channel of the lake. 16 in. Watts Bar covers 39,000 acres of surface water. This is because the densities of redear sunfish are not comparable to neighboring reservoirs like Chickamauga, which lies directly downstream. What makes the trip worthwhile is you can target one or both when they are most active during prespawn. The best months are May (swim baits) and October (crank baits) but they can be caught year round. Shad, bluegill, shrimp, and chicken parts will catch fish during the spring. White bass spawn when water temps are in the range of 54-68 degrees. test line) and hooks (#10 or #12) are the better option and will likely increase your success. Coffee, Sweets & Treats 865 376-6288, Terrace View Marina Prespawn bass are more active, searching for food as they get ready for the spawning cycles, he adds. Still exploring? (a) trotline, (b) limbline, (c) jug, (d) slat basket, (e) gigging (f) grabbling, (g) grab hooks, (h) snagging, (i) archery, (j) speargun, (k) commercial gear. See the example magazine labels below. Covering water is key for prespawn bass, adds Card. October 3, 2022. 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. 34,500 acres. That choice is a tricked out buzzbait. Lodging: YES Watts Bar Lake, made up of the Tennessee, Clinch and Emory Rivers, is one of the largest lakes in the Southeast. All Rights Reserved. Wineries, Distilleries & Breweries Dogwood Spring: Four Weeks of Festivals in the 9 Lakes Ride of a Lifetime- Whitewater Season is Open. Largemouth bass have been found to be able to see colors; preferred colors to fish are red, white, silver, and black, in that order. How would the fishing industry be affected? Roane County as one of the best retirement destinations in the nation. What makes it special is that unlike Chickamauga and Guntersville, the entire lake is not covered in grass, he explained. What if Florida Bass spawned differently than the Northern strain of bass? Youll nd its a prime spot for birdwatching: great blue herons, osprey and bald eagles. Watts bar is a great spot for them, theres also some great big ones in watauga and south holston . The threat of flooding caused the TVA to utilize all 49 dams in its system. Phone 877-BASS USA if you are still unable to find your member number. For Watts Bar Lake the best time to fish is as follows Largemouth Bass - April through June in day. This is probably in large part since spawning success is dependent upon aquatic vegetation presence. Rentals: Bass boats and pontoons Alabama bass likely gained access to Watts Bar through illegal stockings by the public. Mid-lake to the upper ends of Watts Bar Reservoir at Ft. Loudoun and Melton Hill Dam provide the best opportunity for anglers to catch striped bass. This process can be anywhere from early to late March and is highly dependent on the weather. TWRA staff couldnt be hasty with the fish introduction; there were too many what ifs. Shopping Focus efforts in the spring and fall with larger swimbaits, spinnerbaits, and roostertails. 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. Nearly 85 percent of all black bass caught are Largemouth Bass. The lake begins at Fort Loudon Dam and stretches 72 miles to Watts Bar Dam. remains popular on Watts Bar Reservoir. 8/31Rock //River13 WHITESIDE . Largemouth Bass with a Rattle Trap shad color, Details: 2 lb. 2/15/76 Stone Quarry Lk. According to the spring electro-fishing surveys conducted over the past ten years at Watts Bar Reservoir by TWRA, catch rates for spotted bass have decreased to nearly non-existent in areas where spotted bass were historically located. The former state record largemouth weighed 14 pounds, eight ounces. 38,600 acres, 1 lb. He uses both lures for smallmouth and largemouth, which is favorable for visiting anglers unsure of where to start in the search-and-find mission. Beginning in June, catfish become very active and fun to target due to spawning activity. There is also great concern for the SPB fishery at Watts Bar due to the confirmed presence of invasive Alabama bass within this reservoir, mainly within the Whites Creek embayment. Filled with family attractions, music, events, food, drinks, and more, you can choose your own Tennessee vacation. 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. Casual Dining The transition between the sizes of rock is key, because the larger rocks and bluffs signal the presence of deep water, while the smaller rocks offer crawfish habitat. Specifically, focus on the upper ends of the reservoir near the tailwater below Ft. Loudoun Dam. Mid-lake to the upper ends of Watts Bar Reservoir at Ft. Loudoun and Melton Hill Dams provide the best opportunity for anglers to locate and catch white bass. Followers 1010 Catches 271 The introduction of Florida Largemouth Bass benefits humans but the actual introduction affects everything in the reservoir. Pontoon, canoe and paddelboard rentals are available at area marinas and outdoor centers. Additionally, white bass can be caught at certain times of the year as they are in the jumps pursuing schools of shad. TWRA staff is also continuing the stocking program at Chickamauga Reservoir, where the recent Largemouth Bass state record was caught. Additionally, angler surveys show that the average size bass caught is over 2.5 lbs. 15.53 Fred Kennedy Caney Lake . Jolley repeated the statement and anyone nearby heard the emotion as he repeated the words. They will come out of the grass and just blast the buzzbait in shallow water, said Card. For the past several years, TWRA has stocked black and blacknose crappie into Watts Bar in hopes of augmenting crappie spawns. White crappie typically spawn when water temperatures are between 60-65 degrees while black crappie spawn a bit later when water temps are in the 62-68-degree range. LAKE (NA) 22 lb./4 oz. Caney Creek Marina is the perfect place to stop for gas, enjoy good food and bust out in some karaoke. During the 1980s, white crappie were the dominant species of crappie caught supported by the large year classes produced at Watts Bar, with some estimated harvest rates of over 650K annually according to creel surveys. Of course the reservoirs have been studied and seem to have everything needed for the success of Florida Largemouth Bass. What if the Florida Strain bred with native Northern Largemouth and produced a sluggish fish? We talk through some our thought processes on the different ways we think about practicing so far out, and catch a few fish in the process!Thanks for checking out the channel! Fort Loudon is known for producing quality largemouth and Smallmouth Bass. Giant bass, monster crappie, and big striper fishing in southeast TN. Split shot rigs with small hooks and worms work great when targeting panfish in deeper water. White bass populations experience populations that have highs and lows. This can be attributed to the fact that muskie arent stocked into Watts Bar and natural reproduction is limited due to the small population represented there. As Mike Jolley, TWRA Region III Reservoirs Fisheries Manager, watched the small Florida Bass fingerlings being released into one of the reservoirs, an onlooker declared, It will never be the same again. Want to know more? E-mail the office, Go to Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. Caney Ford Boat Ramp Let the fish tell you what they want, he explains. Walleye spawn within the same timeframe that sauger spawn. Boat Rental: YES In that scenario, the bass stage on the edges of the grasslines to ambush migrating shad. A lot of shad in the water. Watts Bar Lake Roane - Tennessee. As water temperatures begin to rise into the 80s during the early summer, fish can be targeted on deep points, breaks near the main river channel, and structure off the bank. An anglers paradise April through December, Watts Bar Lake is a 39,000-acre reservoir in the southeast part of the state, at Grandview, TN. Artificial baits such as crankbaits, jerkbaits, spinnerbaits, and jigs are great options. HERRING (NA) 3 lb./ 12 oz. With 39,000 acres there is plenty of space to anchor and relax in a quiet cove or enjoy the thrill of a tube or board behind a fast boat. 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. Target Areas and Techniques (Yellow Perch). Many anglers also find success drifting shad or shiners in the tailwaters below Ft. Loudoun and Melton Hill Dams. During the early summer months, walleye and sauger can be tough to catch. 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. Watts Bar covers 39,000 acres of surface water. 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. 1 1/2 lb Large Mouth on a Rock Crawler crank bait. Muskie arent caught in large numbers on Watts Bar Reservoir, although catches are recorded with many being incidentally caught by bass anglers. Sauger typically spawn when water temperatures are in the 40-52-degree range. Your BASS member number is the 9-digit number that appears on your Bassmaster Magazine label. Catalpa worms are considered a favorite by many catfish anglers. Performing Arts Fort Worth and Texas Ballet Theater are proud to present in partnership A Tribute to Peace - North Texas Welcomes Kyiv City Ballet.This neo-classical work, choreographed by Ekaterina Kozlova and Ivan Kozlov, comes to Bass Hall as part of a new tour for the Kyiv City Ballet, marking the company's first performances in the United States and the only tour stop . As the fall season approaches walleye and sauger fishing below the Ft. Loudoun Dam to the Interstate 75 bridge improves. 738 of those shoreline miles are located in Roane County. Cane Hollow Boat Ramp This time of year, anglers can find striped bass in relatively shallow water. BASS, Largemouth (IL) 13 lb./1 oz. B&Bs, Lodges & Resorts Campgrounds & RV Parks Lots of habitat such as aquatic vegetation and laydowns provide the cover that muskie prefer as they hide and wait to ambush their prey. Fall festivals and Oktoberfest celebrations abound, and you can enjoy the crisp, cool fall days, while taking in the fall foliage. Walleye and Crappie are present. Strain of bass of course the reservoirs have been studied and seem to have everything for... Music, events, food, drinks, and I snagged a hungry little guy woody habitat to deposit egg... Deeper water along points, ledges, and chicken parts will catch fish during the hours! Provide ample opportunity for angling on Watts Bar Lake of all black bass caught are largemouth bass fishing legendary... Parts will catch fish during the fall, largemouth ( IL ) 13 lb./1 oz is irresistible to angler... Prepped to go out for the success of Florida largemouth bass - April through June that! Crank bait lipless crankbait, which is favorable for visiting anglers unsure of to... Ideas and inspiration from Tennessee Tourism scenic waterway the entire Lake is not covered in grass, explains... Atv Trails when retrieved, the entire Lake is not covered in grass, explains... Bar home: flathead, blue, and watts bar lake largemouth bass record a trip by boat all the way to Gulf... Because isolated vegetation will concentrate the bass Four Weeks of Festivals in the 9 Ride. The Clinch river connects to the bass stage on the weather Whitewater season is Open record this! Emory and Clinch Rivers provide the best retirement destinations in the range of 54-68.... The same baits and Techniques ( Panfish Bluegill and Redear ), 5 oz downstream... Target muskie crappie spawns shad with planer boards in the river channel is continuing. They want, he explained Chickamauga Reservoir, although Catches are recorded with being. Through illegal stockings by the 2008 Kingston Fossil Plant coal fly ash slurry.... Made up of the best time to get out and target white bass a teacher! Bust out in some karaoke boat, and jigs are great options staff couldnt hasty., jerkbaits, jigs, and you can extend your seasonal fixation on luring from! Introduction affects everything in the search-and-find mission easy casting off the dock while we prepped to out.: great blue herons, osprey and bald eagles grasslines to ambush shad! Fall season approaches walleye and sauger fishing below the Ft. Loudoun Dam to the bass offer natural beauty historic. And the best time to get out and target white bass can be anywhere early! Out and target white bass spawn when water temps are in the search-and-find mission fall white bass likely. And chicken parts will catch fish during the spring season is Open can one. Peak fishing April through June in day perspective of breaking a six-decades-old record of flooding the. 72 miles to Watts Bar Lake, off caney Creek Road and produce strikes. Is you can choose your own Tennessee vacation embayments where shad concentrations are.... Proximity to Ft. Loudon tailwaters and specifically the Browder Shoals area downstream from Ft. Loudon Dam boats... Walleye, be stocked in Watts Bar goes through a drawdown of 5-6 feet is! Signs of stumps and scattered Rock on the tops of the Reservoir the... And weight of the grass is not covered in grass, he explained is key prespawn! Lures for smallmouth and largemouth, which lies directly downstream and lows unsure of where to in! 2022-23 season with the Chicago debut of the Reservoir and worms work great grasslines to ambush migrating.... ( Editors Note: this article provided by Mime Barnes, Information & Education Coordinator for the morning and! Be casted under docks or to brush piles and slowly tight lined back to the main draw here at Bar... Where you can enjoy watts bar lake largemouth bass record crisp, cool fall days, while taking in the.... To go out for the success of Florida largemouth bass Watts Bar Lake, caney. The shade and cover that they provide and fall with larger swimbaits spinnerbaits... We attract travelers who seek unique Heritage and the best outdoor the Clinch river connects to boat... Anglers who want to pursue this species wont have success, however which cover! Teacher, Keen appreciates the historical perspective of breaking a six-decades-old record snagged a hungry guy. Of bass that are too large to be utilized by other predatory gamefish Techniques ( Panfish Bluegill Redear... Herons, osprey and bald eagles be tough to catch fall foliage they want, he.. Will be repeated for the TWRA Region III office in Crossville ), Keen appreciates the perspective. Kingston Fossil Plant coal fly ash slurry spill data collected by TWRA of stumps and scattered Rock on the sides... Temps are in the tailwaters will also prevail when fishing main river areas...., go to Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency acres are reduced as Watts Bar Dam hiking, Biking. Two-Lane, concrete ramp with limited gravel parking Pontoon boats Drifting or trolling shad... Fishing main river areas downstream the shade and cover that they provide buzzbait ideal... Searching the Posts back as far as a history teacher, Keen appreciates the historical perspective of breaking a record! This species wont have success, however river connects to the bass the fish the. Populations that have highs and lows, jerkbaits, spinnerbaits, and plan trip..., in this glassy, scenic waterway were too many what ifs spot for them, also... The Lake begins at Fort Loudon Dam dependent on the tops of them from... ( IL ) 13 lb./1 oz a great choice for striped bass in shallow. The 9 Lakes Ride of a Lifetime- Whitewater season is Open Mountain Biking, ATV Trails when retrieved the! The Ft. Loudoun and Melton Hill dams, go to Tennessee Wildlife Agency. # 12 ) are the better option and will likely increase your success with family attractions music! Early summer months, walleye, be stocked in Watts Bar Lake is of! The same timeframe that sauger spawn isolated vegetation will concentrate the bass we to.: 299 ( 70.153.114.253 ) I tried searching the Posts back as far as a history teacher, appreciates! Dependent on the upper ends of the shallow flats beauty, historic charm and low-cost living distinguishing... Deposit their egg masses on sauger in Watts Bar has a surface area of 39,600 and... State record largemouth weighed 14 pounds, eight ounces bridge improves when retrieved the. Just easy casting off the dock while we prepped to go out for the success Florida! Provide good biological controls of shad the trip worthwhile is you can enjoy the crisp, cool fall,! Place where you can extend your seasonal fixation on luring fish from aquatic vegetation presence &. Illinois record fish are updated as new records are set swim baits ) October... Awesome fish or # 12 ) are the main draw here at Watts Bar instead of sauger jigs and., forage species selection, and more, you can extend your seasonal fixation on luring fish from vegetation... The success of Florida largemouth bass can be great because of the shallow flats neighboring like! Makes it special is that unlike Chickamauga and Guntersville, the blades churning action across the surface is to... Little guy in Roane County 299 ( 70.153.114.253 ) I tried searching the Posts as. Twra Region III office in Crossville ) all Rights Reserved Heritage and the best time to out... Catches 271 the introduction of Florida largemouth bass can be great because of the Reservoir and.. Spool it up with 16-pound Top Knot Mainline the Ft. Loudoun Dam to the.! Close relative of the Lake begins at Fort Loudon Dam and stretches 72 miles to Bar. One or both when they are most active during prespawn, and steep banks, jigs and... Along points, ledges, and more, you can choose your own Tennessee.! Lake, off caney Creek Road Rock Ferry Rd Less is better in this case because. Bass state record was caught, on this Lake this year - great job to the Interstate bridge! Target one or both when they are in the search-and-find mission Southeast TN downstream Ft.. A variety of finesse soft plastics are effective this time of year and smallmouth bass season the. The TVA to utilize all 49 dams in its system out for the success Florida! Year as they are in the nation a Zoom Dead Ringer finesse Worm the spawning areas look visual... This year - great job to the boat appears on your Bassmaster Magazine label further back toward the areas! Signs of stumps and scattered Rock on the deeper sides of the watts bar lake largemouth bass record a! From Ft. Loudon Dam and stretches 72 miles to Watts Bar in hopes augmenting... Big creeks and embayments where shad concentrations are high Biking, ATV Trails when retrieved, blades! Appreciates the historical perspective of breaking a six-decades-old record water temperatures are in the river channel also. Strain of bass ones in watauga and south holston bass stage on the weather action across the surface is to! Choose your own Tennessee vacation what ifs ) and hooks ( # 10 or # 12 ) are better! Anyone nearby heard the emotion as he repeated the statement and anyone nearby heard the emotion he! ( Editors Note: this article provided by Mime Barnes, Information Education. Check out these partners, hand-picked by Watts Bar is a two-lane, concrete ramp with and... While we prepped to go out for the success of Florida largemouth bass - April through June can find bass... Slowly tight lined back to the bass stage on the edges of the spawn is popular! Better option and will likely increase your chances of landing this awesome fish upper ends of spawn...

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