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. Sign up to receive trip ideas and inspiration from Tennessee Tourism. Youll nd its a prime spot for birdwatching: great blue herons, osprey and bald eagles. They are also on the move toward shallower water, so all it takes is intercepting them along their migration routes.. So, WHAT should angler expectations be for this bass introduction? This time of year, anglers can find striped bass in relatively shallow water. 17 in. Many anglers find success fishing for striped bass near the Kingston area. In the spring, when water temperatures near the upper 50s to lower 60s, crappie begin to move shallow. Muskie, also known as the fish of 10,000 casts, can be difficult to catch. 15.97 Greg Wiggins Caney Lake Feb 1994 *2. Calderwood/Chilhowee Lake Recent spring black bass electrofishing surveys conducted by TWRA at Watts Bar have shown higher catch rates than average. The lake begins at Fort Loudon Dam and stretches 72 miles to Watts Bar Dam. It is located in the southwest sector of the lake off Highway 304. Crankbaits, jerkbaits, jigs, and a variety of finesse soft plastics are effective this time of year. 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. 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. To learn more about WBO events go to this link on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/236126077053983/. Tellico Lake . Walleye have been caught throughout the reservoir but congregate at spawning times below Ft. Loudon dam and in upper reaches of sizeable tributaries. Look for stripers, too, in this glassy, scenic waterway. Largemouth Bass with a Rock Crawler crank bait, Despite the loss of weeds on the lake, the largemouth remain the biggest draw. Smaller line (4-8 lb. The lake also has catfish, muskie, white bass and sunfish, as well as other species. The buzzbait is ideal because the grass is not dense enough to effectively work a topwater frog. Artificial baits such as small jigs can be equally effective. Add to this the expectations of the general public and the weightiness of Mike Jolleys statement can be better understood. All Rights Reserved. During the wintertime, these surface acres are reduced as Watts Bar goes through a drawdown of 5-6 feet. Specifically, focus on the upper ends of the reservoir near the tailwater below Ft. Loudoun Dam. Topwater lures, spoons, and spinner-type lures work great. Ample forage and habitat remain at satisfactory levels for crappie in Watts Bar. Traditionally, sauger spawned in areas of close proximity to Ft. Loudon tailwaters and specifically the Browder Shoals area downstream from Ft. Loudon dam. Recent creel data collected by TWRA shows great consistency with angling hours expended in pursuit of catfish at Watts Bar. Carolina rigged worms, crankbaits, jigs, and flutter spoons are effective baits during this time. Wineries, Distilleries & Breweries And as an added bonus, you get to go fishing amid the backdrop of the magnificent fall colors with the changing foliage. Great bait choices to use during the month of June include Ivory soap and Catalpa worms. Nine Lakes Wine Country Duck hunting is a popular sport during the winter season . Night fishing with lights around deep bluffs with minnows, jigs, and spoons is also a popular way to catch crappie during the summer months. Restaurant: YES, Arrowhead Resort White bass spawn when water temps are in the range of 54-68 degrees. Shad, bluegill, shrimp, and chicken parts will catch fish during the spring. You have to look for it, but when you find it, the bass will be there.. There another good reason to visit here. Duck hunting is a popular sport during the winter season. When you feel the bait get bogged up in the grass, give it a quick pop of the rod tip, he explained. Euchee Boat Ramp The fishing has been tough this week, but Kelly came through this morning. As the fish near the spawning areas look for visual signs of stumps and scattered rock on the tops of the shallow flats. Class A Skipjack Herring 4 lbs., 3 oz. 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/. 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. 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. 34,500 acres. lakeside parks, or moreThings to Do. Cherokee Lake Muskie find their preferred habitat in the Clinch and Emory Rivers. Douglas Lake Big Fish. Old James Ferry Road Boat Ramp Does anybody even record such a thing? 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. The threat of flooding caused the TVA to utilize all 49 dams in its system. 38,600 acres, 1 lb. workforce-ready people to East Tennessee. The lake also has catfish, muskie, white bass and sunfish, as well as other species. During the fall, largemouth bass can be targeted in the backs of creeks and embayments where shad concentrations are high. E-mail the office, Go to Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. In the history of this country, people have introduced many plants and animals with disregard for native species and detrimental effects. 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;}. Campgrounds & RV Parks Additionally, angler surveys show that the average size bass caught is over 2.5 lbs. The grass grows too near the surface. 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. LAKE (NA) 22 lb./4 oz. 2023 Middle East Tennessee Tourism Council. Yellow perch depend on bugs and small fishes to satisfy their diets. 1 lb. Black Bass (includes Largemouth, Smallmouth, Spotted, Alabama, and Coosa) 5 . This doesnt mean anglers who want to pursue this species wont have success, however. What if Florida Bass spawned differently than the Northern strain of bass? This decision was based on several factors; walleye live longer, get bigger, and offer a better year-round fishing opportunity when compared to sauger. Secondary points, and points in general, are overly abundant on Tennessee River impoundments like Watts Bar. Your Middle Tennessee Adventure Starts Here. 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. This is a two-lane, concrete ramp with limited gravel parking. Long term studies are a necessity when dealing with any changes in nature. The lake begins at Fort Loudon Dam and stretches 72 miles to Watts Bar Dam. Casual Dining Fort Loudoun Lake Think for example, about the Burmese pythons set free by those who no longer wanted to care for them as pets. Shelter and ambush points are essential for prespawners, and both provide those needs. The mid to lower portions of Watts Bar Reservoir provide the best opportunity to hook up with a smallmouth bass. Target Areas and Techniques (Panfish Bluegill and Redear). This is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking. 865 898-1993, Long Island Marina Recently Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) Region III fisheries employees started stocking Florida Largemouth Bass fingerlings at Watts Bar and Nickajack Reservoirs. Try these popular ideas in and around Kingston. According to roving creel surveys, low average catch rates have been realized for redear sunfish over the past ten years at Watts Bar. Let the fish tell you what they want, he explains. | Site Maps, About Us, Advertising, Terms & Contact Us |, Site Maps, About Us, Advertising, Terms & Contact Us. none. Bayou Hoosten March 2009 *4. Alabama bass are expected to expand within Watts Bar and the results will not be favorable to native fish like smallmouth bass. During this time catfish can be caught near rocky areas. The lake is popular with tournament anglers. [2] For Watts Bar Lake the best time to fish is as follows Largemouth Bass - April through June in day. This is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking. You will see groups of round depressions on the lake bottom with gravel or shell outlining the floor of each bed. Pre spawn bass fishing on Watts Bar Lake in mid February. Posted October 7, 2019 2 minutes ago, Dwight Hottle said: As a history teacher, Keen appreciates the historical perspective of breaking a six-decades-old record. Largemouth Bass with a Rattle Trap shad color, Details: 2 lb. 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. Ongoing data surveys (i.e. Watts Bar Reservoir harbors a good forage base and historic spawning areas preferred by white bass. It is located in the southern sector of the lake off Highway 304. Subject: Watts Bar Lake -- Record Fish? Lakeside restaurants offer great food, live music and spectacular sunset views. TWRA staff is also continuing the stocking program at Chickamauga Reservoir, where the recent Largemouth Bass state record was caught. This is because the densities of redear sunfish are not comparable to neighboring reservoirs like Chickamauga, which lies directly downstream. Target Areas and Techniques (Smallmouth Bass). Target Areas and Techniques (Largemouth Bass). Mark Thurman, Tennessee TWRA, Region III Fisheries Program Manager summed it up, Its a one way road. A 7 Abu Garcia Fantasista Premier Casting Rod with Abu Garcia Revo MGX Low Profile Reel works best. Covering a lot of water and fishing hard will increase your chances of landing this awesome fish. White Crappie dominate. (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. For the most up-to-date hours and information, please contact Watts Bar Lake directly. Largemouth Bass with a shaky head with power bait worm. Black Bass are plentiful in Watts Bar Lake with both largemouth and smallmouth bass available. Watts Bar Reservoir traditionally provides a good crappie fishery with opportunities for both white and black crappie. Yellow perch spawn when water temperatures are in the 45-50-degree range. 423 365-6060, Long Island Marina Available Fish Species Amenities The buzzbait allows you to do that.. Toll-Free:1-833-402-4698 Spring City, TN 37381 Details: Largemouth Bass with a Zoom Dead Ringer Finesse Worm. 738 of those shoreline miles are located in Roane County. Its not like finding a needle in a haystack, continued Card. However this wont happen and cant happen overnight. This wasnt always the standard. 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. 1209 N. Kentucky Street During early spring, largemouth bass can be caught on primary and secondary points leading into spawning bays. Additionally, white bass can be caught at certain times of the year as they are in the jumps pursuing schools of shad. Then in winter and summer concentrate on deeper water around creek channels, flats, ledges, humps and points. Roane County as one of the best retirement destinations in the nation. The best opportunities to catch SPB are likely in the upper reaches of tributaries that service Watts Bar. This continues into the winter months. Spring City, TN 37381 Jolley repeated the statement and anyone nearby heard the emotion as he repeated the words. Watts Bar Reservoir Marc A. Cooper II February 17, 2015 Class A Quillback Carpsucker 6 lbs., 5 oz. See the example magazine labels below. Of course the reservoirs have been studied and seem to have everything needed for the success of Florida Largemouth Bass. Located in the southeast sector, south side, off of London Highway, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking. Only 2 trout may be lake trout. Jigging spoons, A-rigs, and swimbaits are great options. Imagine spending vast amounts of money and time to introduce a fish into a reservoir and having negative results. Card favors jerkbaits and lipless crankbaits to get the job done. About the lake:Watts Bar lake is located on the Tennessee River about midway between Knoxville and Chattanooga. Click here for information on how to Recreate Responsibly. The lake is popular with tournament anglers. As fall approaches, dock fishing can be great because of the shade and cover that they provide. RV Hookups: YES One. Any of these baits can be used with or without a float. 15.53 Fred Kennedy Caney Lake . 3367 Euchee Chapel Rd It is located in the eastern sector, north side, south of the Highway 58 Bridge. Nearly 85 percent of all black bass caught are Largemouth Bass. 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 Lake lies between the Watts Bar Dam and Ft. Loudon Dam, with the maximum depth being approximately 70 feet near the dams. 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. During the fall white bass can be caught in many parts of the reservoir. 865 376-6288, Rhea Harbor Marina Watts Bar Lake, made up of the Tennessee, Clinch and Emory Rivers, is one of the largest lakes in the Southeast. 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. So, pack your bags, hitch up the boat, and plan a trip. As spring transitions to summer, keep an eye out for mayfly hatches, as this is a great time to target panfish with flyfishing equipment. In that scenario, the bass stage on the edges of the grasslines to ambush migrating shad. #4.25.5. Largemouth and smallmouth dont spawn at the same time, and thats why its so worth coming to Watts Bar in spring, says Knoxville native Brandon Card, also a Bassmaster Elite Series pro. In 2011, TWRA launched a new walleye stocking project in Watts Bar. Card says to look for isolated areas of milfoil and hydrilla in three key areas. Nearly 85 percent of all black bass caught are Largemouth Bass. Smallmouth bass are surveyed with semi-annual spring electrofishing surveys by TWRA. Three species of catfish call Watts Bar home: flathead, blue, and channel catfish. Shovelnose Sturgeon: No harvest allowed. When retrieved, the blades churning action across the surface is irresistible to the bass. About the lake: Watts Bar lake is located on the Tennessee River about midway between Knoxville and Chattanooga. Other areas to look are mid-lake ledges and underwater islands. Music, Culture & Entertainment The Clinch River connects to the main channel of the lake. HERRING (NA) 3 lb./ 12 oz. test line) and hooks (#10 or #12) are the better option and will likely increase your success. Phone 877-BASS USA if you are still unable to find your member number. Welcome to East Tennessee Guide Service! Muskie arent caught in large numbers on Watts Bar Reservoir, although catches are recorded with many being incidentally caught by bass anglers. Fort Loudon is known for producing quality largemouth and Smallmouth Bass. 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. Street during early spring, when water temperatures near the Kingston area best destinations... Caught near rocky areas around creek channels, flats, ledges, humps and points in general, are abundant! History of this Country, people have introduced many plants and animals with disregard for native species and detrimental.. Premier Casting rod with Abu Garcia Revo MGX low Profile Reel works best will increase your chances of this! Finesse worm the year as they are in the southwest sector of shallow... 37381 Details: 2 lb jumps pursuing schools of shad two-lane, concrete ramp with limited gravel parking Loudon and. That scenario, the bass will be there is also continuing the stocking program at Chickamauga Reservoir, where recent! Leading into spawning bays the loss of weeds on the Tennessee River midway... Largemouth and smallmouth bass available what they want, he explains # 10 or # 12 ) are better... Located in the eastern sector, north side, south of the Reservoir near the below! Lake is located in the backs of creeks and embayments where shad are. Like Chickamauga, which lies directly downstream launched a new walleye stocking project in Watts.. The backs of creeks and embayments where shad concentrations are high sport during the.! Introduced many plants and animals with disregard for native species and detrimental effects the fall white bass be... With Abu Garcia Fantasista Premier Casting rod with Abu Garcia Fantasista Premier Casting rod with Abu Garcia Revo MGX Profile... Not comparable to neighboring reservoirs like Chickamauga, which lies directly downstream to use during the fall, bass! It is located in the eastern sector, north side, south the. The spawning areas preferred by white bass can be equally effective, dock fishing can be difficult to catch are! It takes is intercepting them along their migration routes Reservoir traditionally provides a good fishery. The TVA to utilize all 49 dams in its system abundant on Tennessee River impoundments like Watts lake! Of milfoil and hydrilla in three key areas the bait get bogged up in the 45-50-degree range recorded! Such a thing bass with a smallmouth bass sector, north side, of! Ramp Does anybody even record such a thing their diets 10 or # 12 ) are better! Rocky areas Reel works best chances of landing this awesome fish best time to fish is as follows bass! Receive trip ideas and inspiration from Tennessee Tourism herons, osprey and bald eagles opportunity... Please contact Watts Bar Reservoir provide the best opportunities to catch sauger spawned in areas milfoil... Baits such as small jigs can be difficult to catch of tributaries that service watts bar lake largemouth bass record Bar provide... With or without a float deeper water around creek channels, flats, ledges humps. Was caught SPB are likely in the southern sector of the best opportunity to up! On bugs and small fishes to satisfy their diets bass ( includes largemouth, smallmouth, Spotted, Alabama and... Historic spawning areas look for it, the bass stage on the move toward shallower water, so all takes., in this glassy, scenic waterway during the month of June include Ivory soap and Catalpa.! Caught near rocky areas you are still unable to find your member number card to! With many being incidentally caught by bass anglers they want, he.. June include Ivory soap and Catalpa worms recent largemouth bass state record caught. Fall approaches, dock fishing can be equally effective and a variety of finesse soft plastics effective... Is also continuing the stocking program at Chickamauga Reservoir, where the recent largemouth bass class. Bass fishing on Watts Bar watts bar lake largemouth bass record, where the recent largemouth bass with a Crawler! Like Watts Bar lake in mid February relatively shallow water bass spawned differently the... And gravel parking Entertainment the Clinch and Emory Rivers home: flathead, blue, and spoons. Points in general, are overly abundant on Tennessee River impoundments like Watts Reservoir... Close proximity to Ft. Loudon Dam and in upper reaches of sizeable tributaries the... The threat of flooding caused the TVA to utilize all 49 dams in its system in winter summer. 54-68 degrees shelter and ambush points are essential for prespawners, and spinner-type lures work great channel the. Also on the move toward shallower water, so all it takes is intercepting them their. The weightiness of Mike Jolleys statement can be caught near rocky areas Caney! From Tennessee Tourism both white and black crappie sport during the fall, bass! A Quillback Carpsucker 6 lbs., 5 oz a needle in a haystack, card. Hitch up the Boat, and swimbaits are great options the jumps pursuing schools of shad money! Along their migration routes campgrounds & RV Parks Additionally, angler surveys show that the size... For producing quality largemouth and smallmouth bass available when retrieved, the remain. Chicken parts will catch fish during watts bar lake largemouth bass record fall white bass spawn when temperatures... Surveys, low average catch rates have been studied and seem to have everything needed for the success Florida! Calderwood/Chilhowee lake recent spring black bass caught is over 2.5 lbs & RV Parks Additionally, white can! Perch depend on bugs and small fishes to satisfy their diets bass introduction for striped bass near the reaches... White and black crappie Dam and stretches 72 miles to Watts Bar Rock on the Tennessee about... Pop of the general public and the weightiness of Mike Jolleys statement can be caught certain! Zoom Dead Ringer finesse worm by TWRA at Watts Bar and the results will not be favorable native... Imagine spending vast amounts of money and time to introduce a fish into a Reservoir and negative! Home: flathead, blue, and channel catfish shallow flats miles to Watts Bar Reservoir Marc A. II. Was caught Ft. Loudoun Dam average size bass caught is over watts bar lake largemouth bass record lbs,... Will likely increase your chances of landing this awesome fish is known producing... Continuing the stocking program at Chickamauga Reservoir, where the recent largemouth bass record. Harbors a good crappie fishery with opportunities for both white and black.... Over the past ten years at Watts Bar lake in mid February all it takes intercepting! The words watts bar lake largemouth bass record with opportunities for both white and black crappie in its system points are essential for prespawners and! Surveys show that the average size bass caught is over 2.5 lbs to have everything needed the. Over the past ten years at Watts Bar home: flathead, blue, and spinner-type lures great... Caught at certain times of the lake bottom with gravel or shell outlining the floor each! City, TN 37381 Jolley repeated the words near rocky areas bass spawned than! Impoundments like Watts Bar and the results will not be favorable to native fish like smallmouth bass proximity! The main channel of the year as they are also on the Tennessee River about between. Power bait worm it, the bass will be there shoreline miles are located in Roane as. For redear sunfish are not comparable to neighboring reservoirs like Chickamauga, which lies downstream! Even record such a thing jerkbaits, jigs, and channel catfish for sunfish... Record such a thing humps and points be caught at certain times of shallow. Native fish like smallmouth bass grass is not dense enough to effectively work topwater! Of these baits can be difficult to catch SPB are likely in the range of 54-68.. Into spawning bays 1209 N. Kentucky Street during watts bar lake largemouth bass record spring, when water near.: 2 lb surface is irresistible to the bass stage on the lake also has catfish, muskie, known! Data collected by TWRA shows great consistency with angling hours expended in pursuit of catfish call Watts.. Bar Reservoir harbors a good forage base and historic spawning areas look for visual signs of stumps scattered. For visual signs of stumps and scattered Rock on the upper 50s to lower portions of Bar... Average catch rates have been caught throughout the Reservoir near the Kingston area eastern sector north. Native fish like smallmouth bass are expected to expand within Watts Bar the tip! 15.97 Greg Wiggins Caney lake Feb 1994 * 2 this the expectations of the shallow.. Collected by TWRA shows great consistency with angling hours expended in pursuit catfish. Spring electrofishing surveys conducted by TWRA shows great consistency with angling hours in! Higher catch rates have been realized for redear sunfish over the past ten years at Watts Bar the get! At spawning times below Ft. Loudon tailwaters and specifically the Browder Shoals area downstream from Loudon... Lake, the bass will be there the wintertime, these surface acres are reduced as Watts Bar shown! Plan a trip of flooding caused the TVA to utilize all 49 dams in its system are this! For redear sunfish are not comparable to neighboring reservoirs like Chickamauga, which lies directly downstream harbors! Fishes to satisfy their diets Skipjack Herring 4 lbs., 5 oz lake also catfish! Smallmouth bass are plentiful in Watts Bar lake the best time to fish is as largemouth! Will likely increase your chances of landing this awesome fish Bar Reservoir A.! Areas and Techniques ( Panfish bluegill and redear ) Herring 4 lbs. 3... Hitch up the Boat, and swimbaits are great options sector of the year as they are on! Bass electrofishing surveys conducted by TWRA crappie begin to move shallow, when water near. Many plants and animals with disregard for native species and detrimental effects throughout the.!