Region III Fishing Report
February 9, 2010
Center Hill
Fishing is slow. Water temperature is about 42 degrees; lake is unstable. A few bass are being caught on crankbaits, while fishing bluff banks in the colored water. A few Kentuckies are being caught on jigs on creek channel banks in 15 - 20 feet of water.
Chickamauga
The lake is high and the tailwaters are hazardous. Most creek or lake areas are stained or muddy and clearing. Crappie are being caught along river bluffs and drops in areas where the current is subdued. Most crappie anglers are fishing the bays and creeks due to the heavy river current. Minnows and/or jigs are being used for bait. Bass are being caught in a variety of areas with many lures. The number of bass being caught has been low. Shallow bass are being caught in the waters of the upper ends of creeks and in the main channel along drops and in those selected areas in between. Jigs and spoons are being used for bait most often. Sauger are being caught in the tailwaters below Watts Bar Dam. The number of holes that are productive are limited due to the heavy current. A jig tipped with a minnow is the bait of choice for the average sauger angler. Some catfish are being caught by those drifting with shad in the main channel.
Dale Hollow
Fishing is slow. Water temperature is 39 degrees at Lilly Dale; lake is rising. A few smallmouth are being caught on float and fly method and jigs, while fishing bluffs in 10 - 30 feet of water. A few largemouth are being caught in the rivers while casting jigs on bluffs in 15 - 20 feet of water.
Watts Bar
The lake is unstable due to the heavy rains. Some areas are stained or muddy. The tailwater area below Ft. Loudon Dam is hazardous. Sauger anglers are catching a few sauger in the more protected areas in the tailwaters. Minnows and jigs are being used for bait. Crappie are being caught while suspended in the open water of the larger creeks. Trolling with crankbaits is one technique used by crappie anglers. Some structure related fish are being caught in the same area. Bass are being caught along primary points or banks usually around rocky areas. Some deeper water points and ledges in the larger creeks are areas that are also being targeted by bass anglers. Any lure that can be presented in a slow manner is being used. Some catfish are being caught by those using shad in the main channel.
