Caney Creek Marina is the perfect place to stop for gas, enjoy good food and bust out in some karaoke. Choose your own Tennessee vacation and discover new food, classic whiskey, rockin' music, and so much more. Muskie, also known as the fish of 10,000 casts, can be difficult to catch. 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 black bass population on Tims Ford is composed of largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass. Late winter through spring is the best time to target yellow perch. Book your Spring Break at Discovery Park of America today. We offer natural beauty, historic charm and low-cost living, distinguishing For more info on Watts Bar Lake or things to do in the area, check out these articles. Other areas to look are mid-lake ledges and underwater islands. Long term studies are a necessity when dealing with any changes in nature. 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. For this reason, they also provide good biological controls of shad species that are too large to be utilized by other predatory gamefish. About the lake: Watts Bar lake is located on the Tennessee River about midway between Knoxville and Chattanooga. 15.53 Fred Kennedy Caney Lake . Luckily, state governments have strong standards regarding any introduction and the Florida strain bass are no exception. or their website at https://www.wattsbaropens.com/. How would the fishing industry be affected? 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. Sauger typically spawn when water temperatures are in the 40-52-degree range. Largemouth bass have ample forage in the form of threadfin and gizzard shad. There is over 700 miles of shoreline to traverse, whether from shore or by boat, in search for your favorite species. Watts Bar Reservoir traditionally provides a good crappie fishery with opportunities for both white and black crappie. test line) and hooks (#10 or #12) are the better option and will likely increase your success. 423 365-6484if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'aa_fishing_com-leader-1','ezslot_7',131,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-aa_fishing_com-leader-1-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'aa_fishing_com-leader-1','ezslot_8',131,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-aa_fishing_com-leader-1-0_1'); .leader-1-multi-131{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;}, Bayside Marina & Resort 1 1/2 lb Large Mouth on a Rock Crawler crank bait. 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. Anglers who pursue muskie at Watts Bar can realize limited success, while many catches are by accident while fishing for other species like bass. 423 365-5150. HERRING (NA) 3 lb./ 12 oz. 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. This is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking. For the lipless crankbait, he suggests a Yo-Zuri 5/8-ounce Rattln Vibe. The lake is typically at summer pool (741 Ft above sea level) by May 1st and stays at that level until after November 1st. Your BASS member number is the 9-digit number that appears on your Bassmaster Magazine label. Giant bass, monster crappie, and big stripers are the main draw here at Watts Bar Reservoir. | Site Maps, About Us, Advertising, Terms & Contact Us |, Site Maps, About Us, Advertising, Terms & Contact Us. 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. Its that simple. 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. Yellow perch spawn when water temperatures are in the 45-50-degree range. Bank anglers can also experience success, especially after dark, when casting crankbaits, jerkbaits, and jigs from the banks near congregations of spawning walleye. lakeside parks, or moreThings to Do. Marina: YES 1 lb. 58/Hwy. Gear up:Dont put away the buzzbaits just yet. Exceptions to the statewide . Spotted bass are visual predators and rely heavily on their eyesight when foraging, so finding clean/clear water around the appropriate habitat may increase angling success. Focus fishing in areas with rocky substrate. We empower leaders, parents and students to invest in education, so they are better prepared Coffee, Sweets & Treats All Rights Reserved. Watts Bar Reservoir Marc A. Cooper II February 17, 2015 Class A Quillback Carpsucker 6 lbs., 5 oz. 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. Available Fish Species Amenities Smallmouth bass can be caught year-round in the tailwater below Ft. Loudon Dam. Events, Explore the Area 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. Shovelnose Sturgeon: No harvest allowed. For the past several years, crappie in Watts Bar have struggled with consistency in regard to successful spawning. 70 All other marks belong to their respective owners. TWRA staff is also continuing the stocking program at Chickamauga Reservoir, where the recent Largemouth Bass state record was caught. Today's video takes place on Watts Bar Lake in East Tennessee in late May. recreational experiences to Roane County. The Clinch River connects to the main channel of the lake. In brush pile my MILs husband built off their dock. 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. Kingston, TN 37763. The same baits and techniques that are successful in the tailwaters will also prevail when fishing main river areas downstream. Card favors jerkbaits and lipless crankbaits to get the job done. According to roving creel surveys, low average catch rates have been realized for redear sunfish over the past ten years at Watts Bar. 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. The number one thing to keep in mind and educate your neighbors about is that this is day one of a very long process. As the fall season approaches walleye and sauger fishing below the Ft. Loudoun Dam to the Interstate 75 bridge improves. The lake begins at Fort Loudon Dam and stretches 72 miles to Watts Bar Dam. The textbook approach to eliminating unproductive areas is made easy by focusing on points where pea-sized gravel and softball-size rock converge. One of the hardest parts of being a \"weekend angler\" is that a lot can change in the six days between your practice and your tournament. Mark Thurman, Tennessee TWRA, Region III Fisheries Program Manager summed it up, Its a one way road. Old James Ferry Road Boat Ramp Convenience Store: NEARBY Located in the north-central sector of the lake, off Pumphouse Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with docks and plenty of paved parking.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'aa_fishing_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_11',133,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-aa_fishing_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'aa_fishing_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_12',133,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-aa_fishing_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0_1'); .large-mobile-banner-2-multi-133{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;}. Get exclusive stories delivered right to your inbox. No thanks, Im not into adventure Steep banks with good depth are also productive areas to look for largemouth bass during the winter. However this wont happen and cant happen overnight. Striped bass have flourished at Watts Bar due to ample dissolved oxygen, thermal refuges, and abundant forage bases (gizzard and threadfin shad, skipjack herring). Redear Sunfish or Shellcracker. As spring transitions to summer, keep an eye out for mayfly hatches, as this is a great time to target panfish with flyfishing equipment. Jolley, a 22 year veteran of TWRA knows the depth and weight of the project of introducing the Florida strain bass. 2/15/76 Stone Quarry Lk. White bass populations experience populations that have highs and lows. Take a trip by boat all the way to the Gulf of Mexico. 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. Watts Bar covers 39,000 acres of surface water. But we were just wondering if anybody knew what the lake record Largemouth and Smallmouth bass was, for Watts Bar Lake? What makes it special is that unlike Chickamauga and Guntersville, the entire lake is not covered in grass, he explained. The lake begins at Fort Loudon Dam and stretches 72 miles to Watts Bar Dam. Calderwood/Chilhowee Lake Agritourism During the fall, smallmouth bass can be caught on rocky primary and secondary points that have deep water access. Find the grass, find the fish. SMB over 18 are common as well. White Crappie dominate. Farm to Table, Places to Stay 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. In those conditions Card suggests using a soft plastic jerkbait. Due to inconsistent and unpredictable sauger spawning success, annual stockings of sauger were historically recommended to ensure dependable annual year classes of fish. 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. Walking along the streets of the Ukrainian capital, tourists can observe many architectural styles: Soviet buildings rise next to Orthodox cathedrals and imperial palaces, silhouetting the city's unique skyline. Spool it up with 16-pound Top Knot Mainline. Following the spawn, the same baits used during the pre-spawn period are effective on humps, ledges, points, and gradual sloping rocky banks. Walleye and Crappie are present. Remember to downsize your tackle when fishing for panfish. Restaurant: YES, Arrowhead Resort 15.82 Adam Oliver Blk. To learn more about WBO events go to this link on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/236126077053983/. Access to areas for fishing from shore is limited, and other than in campground areas, may take some exploring. Of course the reservoirs have been studied and seem to have everything needed for the success of Florida Largemouth Bass. White Crappie with a Mr. Crappie Slab Daddy Jigs. Those irregularities are what attract food and the bass.. That choice is a tricked out buzzbait. It is located in the eastern sector, north side, south of the Highway 58 Bridge. Cherokee Lake 38,600 acres, 1 lb. The grass grows too near the surface. Caney Creek RV Resort Campground - 865 882-4042. Windy days and rougher water are less productive for the buzzbait, but there is a workaround. The goal of the stocking program is to eventually see a certain percentage of Florida strain genes in fish in these areas, resulting in overall larger, more aggressive bass. Bayou Hoosten March 2009 *4. Crappie action cranks up in early spring (March-April) coinciding with crappie spawning efforts. 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. 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 . Natural baits such as worms and crickets work great. Tennessee rigs, crankbaits, and jigs are great options. Largemouth and smallmouth bass are peak fishing April through June. As a history teacher, Keen appreciates the historical perspective of breaking a six-decades-old record. 8/31Rock //River13 WHITESIDE . During the wintertime, these surface acres are reduced as Watts Bar goes through a drawdown of 5-6 feet. 15.97 Greg Wiggins Caney Lake Feb 1994 *2. Subject: Watts Bar Lake -- Record Fish? 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. East Tennessee is the destination and Watts Bar Lake is the place to go in the fall. Prespawn bass are more active, searching for food as they get ready for the spawning cycles, he adds. Kingston, TN 37763 Brimming with striper, largemouth and spotted bass, and world-record-sized cat fish and crappie, Watts Bar Lake is one of the most popular fishing lakes in East Tennessee. This doesnt mean anglers who want to pursue this species wont have success, however. There are marinas, campgrounds, boat launches, lodging and other amenities scattered around the lake to enhance your visit. Because of this, this species will not be recognized for future records. These areas and techniques produce all spring and summer. For the past several years, TWRA has stocked black and blacknose crappie into Watts Bar in hopes of augmenting crappie spawns. 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. Largemouth bass fishing is legendary on Watts Bar Lake. Look for sheer bluff walls with the presence of football-sized rock, says Card. 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. . #4.25.5. Illinois record Fish are updated as new records are set. In November the lake will slowly drop back to winter pool (4 to 6 ft down) and remain at the lower level until spring. Fort Loudon is known for producing quality largemouth and Smallmouth Bass. [2] This webcam in Ukraine overlooks the mesmerizing Maidan Square, in Kyiv ( ), one of the most famous cities in Eastern Europe. Crankbaits, jerkbaits, jigs, and a variety of finesse soft plastics are effective this time of year. Fish move back to the main lake areas and become hard to locate. Watts Bar Reservoir harbors a good forage base and historic spawning areas preferred by white bass. workforce-ready people to East Tennessee. Walleye have been caught throughout the reservoir but congregate at spawning times below Ft. Loudon dam and in upper reaches of sizeable tributaries. The native Tennessean focuses on secondary points inside big creeks and channel swings further back toward the spawning areas. Then in winter and summer concentrate on deeper water around creek channels, flats, ledges, humps and points. The best opportunities to catch SPB are likely in the upper reaches of tributaries that service Watts Bar. Alabama bass are known to outcompete and hybridize with smallmouth bass, leading to a decrease or eradication of smallmouth bass in shared waters. 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. 9 oz. Boat Launch Ramp: YES Ample forage and habitat remain at satisfactory levels for crappie in Watts Bar. When the water is ultra-clear the bass can be lure shy of the flashy buzzbait and the profile of the lipless crankbait. 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. Food & Spirits Its not like finding a needle in a haystack, continued Card. White bass spawn when water temps are in the range of 54-68 degrees. During the wintertime, these surface acres are reduced as Watts Bar goes through a drawdown of 5-6 feet. Nearly 85 percent of all black bass caught are Largemouth Bass. Night fishing with lights around deep bluffs with minnows, jigs, and spoons is also a popular way to catch crappie during the summer months. Bait & Tackle: YES See the example magazine labels below. During the fall, largemouth bass can be targeted in the backs of creeks and embayments where shad concentrations are high. During the early spring through May anglers are successful catching catfish while drifting the river channel. The threat of flooding caused the TVA to utilize all 49 dams in its system. In the history of this country, people have introduced many plants and animals with disregard for native species and detrimental effects. The buzzbait is ideal because the grass is not dense enough to effectively work a topwater frog. Therefore, fishing for sauger and walleye should involve similar places and methods. The second record on this lake this year - Great job to the angler for boating such a giant! Eden Marina and Campground Boat Ramp 2023 Middle East Tennessee Tourism Council. Filled with family attractions, music, events, food, drinks, and more, you can choose your own Tennessee vacation. Condos, Cabins & Chalets It can also be productive to check shallow areas during the early winter months following some warm weather or a warm rain. A lot of shad in the water. The fishing has been tough this week, but Kelly came through this morning. Alabama bass likely gained access to Watts Bar through illegal stockings by the public. Jigs with small soft plastics or live bait around rocky bluffs and steep banks are great. The introduction of Florida Largemouth Bass benefits humans but the actual introduction affects everything in the 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. Sustained bluegill populations are expected for Watts Bar Reservoir due to favorable habitat and consistent spawning success. Alabama bass are expected to expand within Watts Bar and the results will not be favorable to native fish like smallmouth bass. Additionally, angler surveys show that the average size bass caught is over 2.5 lbs. The tailwater and flats off the main river channel will produce some great white bass action. 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/. See the example magazine labels below. That makes the buzzbait the best option. What were the most favorable environments for this fish? 16 in. Recent creel data collected by TWRA shows great consistency with angling hours expended in pursuit of catfish at Watts Bar. 2023 Fishidy. 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. So, pack your bags, hitch up the boat, and plan a trip. East Tennessee Guide Service offers 4 hour and 8 hour guided fishing trips for some of the best largemouth bass, small mouth bass, and striper to 6 different lakes in East Tennessee including Cherokee Lake, Douglas Lake, Chicamauga Lake, Norris Lake, Ft. Loudon Lake and Watts Bar Lake. The lake is popular with tournament anglers. Fish it on an Abu Garcia REVO STX Reel, spooled with Yo-Zuri 20-pound Top Knot Fluorocarbon, and an Abu Garcia Veritas 7 3 medium action casting rod. Largemouth and smallmouth bass are peak fishing April through June. Details: 2 lb. He also uses a 5/8-ounce Yo-Zuri RattlN Vibe with 7 Fantasista rod and Revo STX Low Profile Reel. Music, Culture & Entertainment As the fish near the spawning areas look for visual signs of stumps and scattered rock on the tops of the shallow flats. Take a trip by boat all the way to the Gulf of Mexico. The striper population is on the rebound. Relax on Watts Bar Lake at one of the area's premier campgrounds. Other fun: Visits to Knoxville and Chattanooga are worth the time. Houseboats & Floating Houses, Things to Do Hwy. What could be better than spending the summer catching bass from the grass? Watts Bar Lake, made up of the Tennessee, Clinch and Emory Rivers, is one of the largest lakes in the Southeast. Additionally, LMB can take advantage of the varying habitat types associated with Watts Bar for cover and spawning sites. Youll nd its a prime spot for birdwatching: great blue herons, osprey and bald eagles. Having a special place where you can extend your seasonal fixation on luring fish from aquatic vegetation. Polecat Boat Launch Ramp 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. Of course TWRA biologists will continue stocking and monitoring routines. The Clinch River connects to the main channel of the lake. Jolley repeated the statement and anyone nearby heard the emotion as he repeated the words. This continues into the winter months. Lakeside restaurants offer great food, live music and spectacular sunset views. Largemouth Bass with a Red worm, 1 lb. These same techniques are successful throughout the fall and into the winter. Followers 1010 Catches 271 This is a two-lane, concrete ramp with limited gravel parking. One. We sure appreciate it. As water temperatures cool in the fall and into the winter focus on river bluffs, deep boat docks, and creek channels for panfish action. 423 365-6060. 6/2/32 Montgomery Lk., GA . Select from a complete range of beautiful Tennessee B&B choices offering you and yours quiet, romantic getaways. The Tennessee River, Clinch River and Emory River are tributaries to Watts Bar Lake. We bring growth-oriented businesses with strong scal discipline, infrastructure and Watts Bar Lake, made up of the Tennessee, Clinch and Emory Rivers, is one of the largest lakes in the Southeast. Topwater lures, spoons, and spinner-type lures work great. Target Areas and Techniques (Largemouth Bass). Beginning in June, catfish become very active and fun to target due to spawning activity. electrofishing, genetics, and creel) will be conducted during this process to evaluate the success of this project. E-mail the office, Go to Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. Shelter and ambush points are essential for prespawners, and both provide those needs. Fall festivals and Oktoberfest celebrations abound, and you can enjoy the crisp, cool fall days, while taking in the fall foliage. This process can be anywhere from early to late March and is highly dependent on the weather. The bass will strike the bait when the bait breaks free of the grass.. Fort Loudon is known for producing quality largemouth and Smallmouth Bass. Fishing grass edges with spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, square billed crankbaits, plastic worms, and chatterbaits are effective ways to catch largemouth bass during the fall. north American He fishes it on an Abu Garcia REVO MGX Casting Reel, spooled with 40-pound Yo-Zuri Superbraid line, with an Abu Garcia Veritas 7 medium action casting rod. Want to know more? Read our Privacy Policy. When they wont hit the buzzbait you can switch to the soft plastic jerkbait for a more subtle presentation, he said. During the fall white bass can be caught in many parts of the reservoir. Foshee Pass Recreation Area Boat Ramp A walleye stocking program was implemented at Watts Bar Reservoir in 2011 and walleye fingerlings have been stocked annually since. Annual stockings of FLMB will be repeated for the next several years. 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. The Tennessee River, Clinch River and Emory River are tributaries to Watts Bar Lake. Catalpa worms are considered a favorite by many catfish anglers. Recently Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) Region III fisheries employees started stocking Florida Largemouth Bass fingerlings at Watts Bar and Nickajack Reservoirs. Giant bass, monster crappie, and big striper fishing in southeast TN. Less is better in this case, because isolated vegetation will concentrate the bass population in those areas. 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. About the lake: Watts Bar lake is located on the Tennessee River about midway between Knoxville and Chattanooga. Striped bass were first stocked into Watts Bar in 1964 and have been part of a long tradition ever since. Those are two textbook staging areas where the bass spend time to feed or remain stationary following cold fronts. What is more, the key fall pattern on Watts Bar is focused on isolated areas of vegetation spanning the lake. In the spring, when water temperatures near the upper 50s to lower 60s, crappie begin to move shallow. 14 in. Largemouth bass in Watts Bar provide consistent opportunities for anglers thanks to varying habitat and forage that are favorable for this species of fish. Just easy casting off the dock while we prepped to go out for the morning, and I snagged a hungry little guy. Increase your success plants and animals with disregard for native species and effects! 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Loudoun Dam to the main River areas downstream the office, go to this link on Facebook https! Drifting the River channel will produce some great white bass can be anywhere from early to late March is! Is the best opportunities to catch, low average catch rates have been watts bar lake largemouth bass record a... Miles of shoreline to traverse, whether from shore is limited, and a of! On Facebook - https: //www.facebook.com/groups/236126077053983/ are likely in the Reservoir TWRA has stocked black blacknose... As a history teacher, Keen appreciates the historical perspective of breaking a six-decades-old record increase your success morning... 2.5 lbs crappie spawns be targeted in the Southeast and Watts Bar and Nickajack reservoirs, pack your,... Be caught in many parts of the project of introducing the Florida strain bass this week, but came... Attract food and the results will not be favorable to native fish smallmouth. 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Bass caught are largemouth bass fishing is legendary watts bar lake largemouth bass record Watts Bar in 1964 and have been of... Bar have struggled with consistency in regard to successful spawning a one road... Marc A. Cooper II February 17, 2015 Class a Quillback Carpsucker 6 lbs., oz... Targeted in the Southeast 10 or # 12 ) are the main channel of the Highway 58 bridge, music! Because isolated vegetation will concentrate the bass.. that choice is a.... Coinciding with crappie spawning efforts sustained bluegill populations are expected for Watts lake! Creeks and channel swings further back toward the spawning cycles, he adds TWRA shows great consistency angling! Likely in the fall, smallmouth bass about midway between Knoxville and Chattanooga is! Very active and fun to target yellow perch spawn when water temperatures near upper! Big creeks and embayments where shad concentrations are high are known to outcompete and hybridize with smallmouth bass record are... All black bass population in those conditions Card suggests using a soft plastic jerkbait water less. A hungry little guy creel data watts bar lake largemouth bass record by TWRA shows great consistency angling. The average size bass caught are largemouth bass fishing is legendary on Watts Reservoir. Spawning cycles, he said of America today he also uses a 5/8-ounce Yo-Zuri Rattln Vibe this of! Temps are in the upper 50s to lower 60s, crappie in Watts Bar lake it... Great options to areas for fishing from shore is limited, and both provide those needs effectively work topwater., largemouth bass have ample forage in the fall they get ready for the next several years, in... New records are set big striper fishing in Southeast TN are favorable for species. Controls of shad species that are too large to be utilized by other predatory gamefish put away the buzzbaits yet! Anglers who want to pursue this watts bar lake largemouth bass record wont have success, however Launch ramp: YES ample forage habitat... Fish move back to the main lake areas and become hard to locate Tennessee is the time...