Fishing Report provided by TWRA Creel Clerks through Fishing Forecast
Center Hill Lake Fishing Report:Â Â Â Â Â 04 Sept 2024
Forecast Contributor – Will Schibig, Region III Creel Clerk.
Reservoir Conditions-
Center Hill Dam is generating, on average, 2,200 cfs per day during the week, and 400 cfs on the weekends. The lake elevation is dropping and is currently sitting at 635’. Surface water temperatures are in the mid-to-low 80s. The main lake visibility is clear, 7-10’, while the creek arms are more 3-5’. Bait fish are in the back flats of pockets and creek arms in the mornings and move to 15-20’ in the day.
Bass- Fishing is good. The shallow water bite is still good in the mornings and should be getting better. Look for fish feeding on bait on secondary points and shallow flats in the back of creek arms and pockets. Spooks, buzz baits, flukes, and swimbaits are the lures of choice. I’ve heard of big bass being caught fishing shelves on main lake bluff walls fishing slow in 15-20’.
Walleye- Fishing is slow. The bite has really slowed and most of the walleye being caught in the mid lake area are short fish while trolling crankbaits and worm harness rigs. Some anglers are getting bigger fish while fishing deeper in the 22-24’ range around main lake points targeting fish near suspended baitfish schools.
Catfish- Fishing is good. Catfish are being caught on main lake gravel banks and humps while trolling crankbaits or worm harness rigs. These fish seem to be suspended in the 12-25’ range. You can target these open water fish by fishing worms near the bottom in these same areas.
Sunfish- Fishing is good. Big shellcracker are being caught on main lake gravel banks near the drop off in 12-20 FOW. Anglers have been drop-shotting worms in these areas.
28 Aug 2024
Forecast Contributor – Will Schibig, Region III Creel Clerk.
Reservoir Conditions-
Center Hill Dam is generating, on average, 2,300 cfs per day. The lake elevation is dropping from 637’ to 636’ and continues to fall. Water temperatures cooled to the mid-to-low 80s but have since warmed back to the mid-to-high 80s with the warm weather. Water clarity is 5-7’ of visibility in the main lake areas and 3’ or less in the backs of pockets. Baitfish can be found in the backs of pockets in the shallow flats or in creek channels 10-20’ down.
Bass- Fishing is good. The morning bite is good in the backs of pockets for shallow largemouth pushing bait schools on the flats; spooks, buzz baits, or flukes are the lures of choice in these scenarios. You can chase the morning bite by following shade lines with topwater baits and finesse presentations. There is still a deep bite on points 15-20 FOW.
Walleye- Fishing is slow. The hot bite in July has cooled down on the lower end. Trollers are catching lots of short fish in 18-20’ on the usual gravel flats and humps. The upper end around Rock Island is still producing fish but you’ll have to work for them by trolling, jigging, or casting.
Catfish- Fishing is good. Lots of catfish are being caught as bycatch by trollers in open water around 15-25’. Targeting catfish use worms or cut bait on gravel flat drop-offs in that depth range around the main lake.
21 Aug 2024
Forecast Contributor – Will Schibig, Region III Creel Clerk.
Reservoir Conditions-
Center Hill Dam is generating, on average, 2,300 cfs per day. The reservoir elevation is dropping and is currently at 637’. Water temperatures are in the mid-to-high 80s reservoir-wide. Water temperatures are cooler, mid-to-high 70s, near the headwaters at Rock Island. Water clarity is clearing, from lack of boating traffic, and is 5-8’ of visibility reservoir wide. Baitfish are starting to move back into creek arms, and some can be found in the shallows of pockets.
Bass- Fishing is good. The best bite is in the back of creek arms on channel swing banks while fishing finesse presentations in 5-15’. The morning topwater bite is picking up, and you can chase it later into the day following shade lines and using flukes or topwater baits. Fishing deep on main lake points and rounds in 14-20 FOW is still producing bites as well.
Walleye-Â Fishing is good. The best fishing is on the upper end near Rock Island. The mid-lake areas are producing numbers, but lots of short fish. Everyone is trolling worm harness rigs in 18-20 FOW. Look for gravel flats or humps.
14 Aug 2024
Forecast Contributor – Will Schibig, Region III Creel Clerk.
Reservoir Conditions-
Center Hill Dam is generating, on average, 2,700 cfs per day. The reservoir elevation has dropped to 639’. Surface water temperatures are mainly 86-89 degrees, but cooler water can be found in places with current (74-76 degrees). Water clarity depends on areas with lots of boat traffic or not but is mostly 3-6’ of visibility. Baitfish are still in the channel, but some schools are starting to move back into pockets.
Bass-Fishing is good. The shallow water bite is still going on. Anglers are fishing 3-10’ on shelves along channel swings in creek arms with jigs or Ned rigs. Bass are still being caught in 12-20’ along main lake banks and points with chunk rock with bottom contact baits as well.
Walleye- Fishing is good. The bite has slowed since July. Anglers are trolling worm harness rigs or crankbaits around main lake humps and points in 19-21.’
Catfish- Fishing is great. Lots of catfish are being caught in 15-25 FOW in areas with a gravel bottom with worms. Trolling live shad on flats near the channel is producing the best bites.
Crappie- Fishing is slow. Some crappie are being caught near open-water wood structure in 20’+ with jigs on the upper end.
07 Aug 2024
Forecast Contributor – Will Schibig, Region III Creel Clerk.
Reservoir Conditions-
Center Hill Dam is generating, on average, 2,300 cfs per day. Water levels are stable at 640’. Surface water temperatures remain high, from 85-87 degrees reservoir wide. Water clarity is 4-7’ reservoir wide. Baitfish are close to the surface, 5-15’ down in the channel. Please practice good fish care during warm water conditions.
Bass- Fishing is good. Anglers are getting a bit of a shallow bite flipping the channel swing walls in the backs of major creek arms in 5-10 FOW. Anglers on the main lake are getting bit dragging bottom contact baits like Ned rigs, jigs, or shaky heads in 14-16 FOW around chunk rock banks. Gravel rounds in the same depth range with the same baits are producing as well.
Walleye- Fishing is good. Trolling worm harness rigs or crankbaits around offshore structure or just off gravel banks is producing fish in 18-25 FOW.
Catfish- Fishing is good. Catfish are still being caught in open water either suspended 10-15’ down or off a gravel bottom in 20-25 FOW. Worms has been the best bait.
31 July 2024
Forecast Contributor – Will Schibig, Region III Creel Clerk.
Reservoir Conditions-
Center Hill Dam is generating either 400 cfs a day or 1,300 cfs a day. The reservoir elevation sits at 640’ but is projected to rise. Water clarity is currently 3-5’ of visibility but becomes more turbid closer to an inflow of water. Water temperatures are cooling from 85 degrees to 82 degrees. Feeder streams and creek arms are expected to become turbid and have cooler water with the results of this week’s storms. Baitfish seem to be close to the surface, mostly 5-10’ deep. Please handle your fish with care if you intend to release them. Delayed angler mortality is a real threat in warm water.
Bass-Â Fishing is good. Bass are being caught on main lake points in 10-20 FOW with bottom contact baits like jigs, Carolina rigs, and Ned rigs. The bigger fish will be found in 20-25 FOW along rock piles or brush on a drop in these same main lake areas. Some anglers are getting a shallow bite by flipping flooded trees with Texas rigs or jigs.
Walleye-Â Fishing is great. Trollers are having success reservoir-wide, but the biggest bites are coming from the Rock Island area. Trolling crankbaits or night crawler rigs in 15-22 FOW around gravel bottoms, humps, or down the channel is getting the bites.
Catfish-Â Fishing is good- Trollers are catching lots of catfish as bycatch on crankbaits in 20 FOW. Live bait fisherman are catching catfish in 10-20 FOW around Rock Island on live shad on the bottom near the channel.
24 July 2024
Forecast Contributor – Will Schibig, Region III Creel Clerk.
Reservoir Conditions-
Reservoir elevation sits steady at 640’. Center Hill Dam is generating, on average, 1,350 cfs per day. Water visibility depends on amount of boat wake in an area but is generally 4-6’ of clarity reservoir wide. Surface water temperatures are starting to cool with the recent rains, with the average being 83-86 degrees reservoir wide. Practice safe fish handling and care if you intend on releasing your catch. Fish can be stressed very easily by warm water temperatures, boat traffic, and exhaustion from being reeled in so be extra cautious with your catch to limit the amount of angler mortality rates this time of year.
Bass-Â Fishing is good. The night bite has been very productive, but anglers are also catching quality fish during the day. Anglers are deep cranking main lake steep banks, targeting suspended fish in 20-25 FOW. Anglers are also fishing off the bank with finesse presentations in 15-20 FOW near flooded timber and shade lines on the main lake.
Walleye-Â Fishing is good. The trolling bite is hot reservoir wide. Trolling crankbaits or worm harness rigs around main lake humps or gravel banks in 15-25 FOW is producing quality fish and limits.
Sunfish-Â Fishing is good. Big redear sunfish are being caught in the same places as Walleye by trollers and other anglers. Fish worms near the bottom in 15-20 FOW around main lake structure that has gravel bottoms.
Catfish-Â Fishing is good. Catfish are being caught with the big redear on worms in 15-20 FOW around the main lake gravel humps.
17 July 2024
Forecast Contributor – Will Schibig, Region III Creel Clerk.
Reservoir Conditions-
Water levels continue to drop as the reservoir elevation is now 640’. Center Hill Dam continues to generate, on average, 1,200 cfs per day. Surface water temperatures are very warm, 86-90 degrees can be found reservoir wide. Water visibility averages 3-8’ of visibility reservoir wide. Practice good fish care when handling fish out of the water or fishing in warm water areas. High stress from angling, hot water, boat traffic and other factors will lead to mortality in fish if not handled properly.
Bass-Â Fishing is good. The day bite is improving a little. Smallmouth are being caught in the mid lake area fishing main lake gravel banks with rock transitions in roughly 14-16 FOW with Ned rigs, jigs, and small swimbaits. Anglers are also catching bass while fishing steep, shaded main lake banks with chunk rock and flooded trees. These anglers are using finesse presentations with drop shots or Neko rigs around these flooded trees.
Sunfish-Â Fishing is good. Anglers are catching their sunfish around main lake trees and shade-lines in 12-14 FOW bouncing panfish jigs near the bottom. Worms near the bottom on main lake gravel in 10-15 FOW can produce some redear as well.
Walleye-Â Fishing is good. Trollers are catching walleye around mid-lake and up by Rock Island by trolling spinner rigs with worms in 18-25 FOW around some sort of offshore structure or gravel bottoms.
10 July 2024
Forecast Contributor – Will Schibig, Region III Creel Clerk.
Reservoir Conditions-
Center Hill dam is generating ~1,000 cfs on average per day. The water level has dropped and is currently sitting at 642’. Surface water temps are high, and average 85-90 degrees reservoir wide. Water clarity is pretty murky form wake, 4-8’ visibility is common. Be cautious of other boaters.
Bass-Â Fishing is slow. During the day the best times to fish are the twilight periods of dusk/dawn during the short feeding periods. Use topwater, small swimbaits, or finesse lures around main lake points and banks during this period. As the sun comes up fish main lake banks with chunk rock that have wind or wake blowing on them. Throw big swimbaits or glide baits along the shaded banks or around flooded trees. You can use finesse presentations like Neko rigs, wacky rigs, or drop shots in these areas as well.
Sunfish– Fishing is good. Fish worms around flooded trees in 5-12 FOW. You can also drag worms along gravel bottoms in the same depth range for redear sunfish.
Walleye– Fishing is good. The summer bite seems to finally be here. Anglers have found success trolling worms on spinner rigs near the bottom in 15-25 FOW in main lake areas with a gravel bottom. Some anglers have caught some quality fish around Rock Island State Park, trolling worms on spinner rigs from the Sandbar to the Blue Hole.
03 July 2024
Forecast Contributor – Will Schibig, Region III Creel Clerk.
Reservoir Conditions-
Center Hill dam is generating 1,000-2,000 cfs on average per day. The water level is dropping and is currently sitting at 642’. Surface water temps are high, and average 83-87 degrees reservoir wide. Water clarity is pretty murky form wake, 3-6’ visibility is common. Be cautious of other boaters and enjoy your holiday weekend.
Bass-Â Fishing is slow. During the day the best times to fish are the twilight periods of dusk/dawn during the short feeding periods. Use topwater, small swimbaits, or finesse lures around main lake points and banks during this period. As the sun comes up fish main lake banks with chunk rock that have wind or wake blowing on them. Throw big swimbaits or glide baits along the shaded banks or around flooded trees. You can use finesse presentations like Neko rigs, wacky rigs, or drop shots in these areas as well.
Sunfish-Â Fishing is good. Fish worms around flooded trees in 5-12 FOW. You can also drag worms along gravel bottoms in the same depth range for redear sunfish.
Walleye-Â Fishing is good. The summer bite seems to finally be here. Anglers have found success trolling worms on spinner rigs near the bottom in 15-25 FOW in main lake areas with a gravel bottom.
12 June 2024
Forecast Contributor – Will Schibig, Region III Creel Clerk.
Reservoir Conditions-
Center Hill Dam has slowed generation to an average of 1,600 cfs per day. The reservoir elevation still sits at 646’. Surface water temperatures have warmed back up from the mid 70s to 80 degrees. Water clarity ranges 5-7’ visibility to 2-3’ visibility based off runoff and boat traffic in the area. Be cautious of other boats while on the water.
Bass-Â Fishing is slow. There are small feeding windows during the twilight periods in dawn/dusk where bass are actively feeding. Target these fish with topwater, swimbaits, or flukes near main lake banks. Later in the day fish main lake points with bottom contact baits in 15-25 FOW. Fishing at night would be recommended for better success.
Sunfish-Â Fishing is good. Most sunfish are being caught in creeks with worms near the bottom in 6-8 FOW. Target flooded trees and shade lines.
05 June 2024
Forecast Contributor – Will Schibig, Region III Creel Clerk.
Reservoir Conditions-
Center Hill Dam is generating, on average, 2,400 cfs per day. The reservoir elevation has been sitting at 646’. Surface water temperatures have cooled from the high 70s to the mid-to-low 70s. The coolest water temperatures to be found are near Rock Island, which is in the 60s. Water clarity is clear from Four Seasons Marina to the dam, 9-12’ visibility. Farther up the river you run, the more turbid the visibility gets, 3-5’. The conditions have seemed to finally stabilize, and fish are starting to be caught in their usual summer patterns.
Bass-Â Fishing is slow. Bass can be caught around main lake banks with shade lines in 12-20 FOW with finesse baits like ned rigs, Texas rigs, or drop-shots. Bass can also be caught deep around humps, points, and flats that has brush, rock or other structure.
Sunfish-Â Fishing is slow. Sunfish can be caught around shaded banks with flooded trees. There is still sunfish bedding in the backs of creeks or on gravel banks.
Catfish-Â Fishing is slow. Anglers are targeting flathead catfish with live bluegill suspended off the bottom near channel swings in creek arms. 15-25 FOW.
22 May 2024
Forecast Contributor – Will Schibig, Region III Creel Clerk.
Reservoir Conditions-
Center hill water levels are finally back to normal with reservoir elevation currently sitting at 647’. Center Hill Dam has also finally started generating at normal outputs with the average being 11,000 cfs for the last few days. Surface water temperatures have warmed up from the mid 70s to the high 70s and low 80s. Water clarity is fairly clear with 8-10’ visibility being the average. Be cautious of floating debris and trash mats in the bends of the river channel on the upper end of the reservoir.
Bass- Fishing is slow. The day bite is slow with the best bite transitioning to night. In the early mornings, fish are active in the twilight period chasing bait around main lake structure. Fish top water, jerk baits, or swim baits around these active fish. The bass that were in the flooded structure are moving out but you could still catch some in the flooded trees by flipping a jig or top water.
Sunfish- Fishing is slow. The big move to bed was ruined by the high water, but over the next few weeks some sunfish will move back shallow to spawn. Look for gravel banks with overhanging willow, or the backs of creeks.
Chickamauga Reservoir May 16th – May 19th 2024
Forecast Contributor – Nathan Rogers, Region III Creel Clerk
The weather was warm and sunny throughout the weekend with storms blowing in Saturday evening. The water temps throughout the lake are still climbing with water temperatures in the main river being much cooler than creeks/inlets due to amount of current. Visibility in creeks is also much lower than the main river channel. The water levels are now to normal full pool; the latest depth I recorded is below. For any discharge or lake elevation info, check out the TVA Lake Info App.
Reservoir Conditions
Water Temp:
–Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Tennessee River (Lower Section): 75.0 degrees Fahrenheit
–Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Hiwassee River: 75.7 degrees Fahrenheit
Water Clarity:
–Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Tennessee River (River Channel): 3 feet
–Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Hiwassee River: 2 feet
–Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Creeks/Inlets: 2 feet
Water Level: 682.2 feet
Water Flow: (as of May 19th)
–Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Watts Bar Dam: ~ 25306 cfs
–Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Chickamauga Dam: ~ 26741 cfs
–Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Ocoee #1 Dam: ~2708 cfs
–Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Apalachia Dam: ~2845 cfs
Observed Species Information
Bass: Fishing is fair. Anglers seemed to get more bites fishing humps/ledges off of main river and creek channels. Shad colored baits seem to be the most utilized of anglers surveyed. Many anglers are also finding success on lay downs and flats throwing spinner baits, chatter baits and also finesse techniques (Wacky, Texas, and Drop shot).
Catfish: Fishing is fair. Using live/cut bait on river channel below dam in current. Anglers using jugs for fishing seem to be most successful.
White Bass: Fishing is good. Fishing same flats/ledges as Black bass species throwing small crank baits.
Walleye: Fishing is slow. In the upper portion of Hiwassee River, anglers are finding bites trolling crank baits in river channel.
15 May 2024
Forecast Contributor – Will Schibig, Region III Creel Clerk.
Reservoir Conditions-
After being at almost full capacity, the water levels are starting to fall at 1-2 feet per day. The current water level is 658’ at the writing of this report but it should continue to drop to closer to summer pool (~650’). A reminder that Center Hill’s main use is a flood storage lake for the Cumberland river. Like most of these tributary reservoirs, there isn’t a rush to drain the lake and flood the Nashville Basin. Expect the water levels to continue to drop through the weekend into next week before its back to normal. Center Hill Dam has been sluicing 13,900 cfs each day, and will continue to do so until the water levels are stable again. The water clarity is still fairly clean from Mine Lick downstream, 6-8’ visibility. The upper part of the river has turbid water and the most floating debris. Surface water temperatures have remained stable, around 72-75 degrees. Be very cautious of floating debris picked up from the rising waters. High generation from Great Falls Dam will make very dangerous conditions downstream in the Rock Island area. Use common sense in these situations and do not put yourself or others in danger.
Bass-Â Fishing is slow. All fishing during rising water can be very tough. With water levels falling, look for areas where fish will pull out of the flooded timber like offshore brush piles or the outer edges of the flooded structure. With CH dam pulling this much water, point or humps will hold bass positioned to ambush baitfish. jerk baits, swim baits, or topwater over these areas may produce good fishing. Steeper banks will be less effected by the rising water and result in a more consistent bite.
Crappie-Â Fishing is slow. Like everything else, the fish are scattered. Try locating fish on brush piles outside of the flooded timber in deeper water.
Sunfish- Fishing is slow. Where sunfish beds used to be in 3-5 FOW is now in 10-20’. If you can remember where they used to be you could try these areas, but in general it is going to be very tough in these conditions. Newly flooded structure like trash cans and porta-johns may hold fish.
08 May 2024
Forecast Contributor – Will Schibig, Region III Creel Clerk.
Reservoir Conditions-
Surface water temperatures have cooled from the high 70s to the mid-to-low 70s reservoir wide. The reservoir elevation is rising from 644’ to 646’. Center Hill Dam is generating on low, with only 1,900 cfs per day on average. Water clarity is fairly clear, in the 6-8’ range reservoir wide. The upcoming storms will likely cool water temps down a bit, and runoff in the tributaries will cloud the water visibility. There is a small shad spawn on the main lake at first light. Floating debris of all sizes are spread out throughout the reservoir due to rising water levels, so proceed with caution.
Bass-Â Fishing is slow. Most bass have pulled into deeper water for the summertime pattern. Some bass will remain shallow to guard fry, you can catch these fish close to the bank around structure. There is a decent morning topwater bite, but it falls off when the sun comes up. The best bass fishing is flipping shade lines up the river.
Crappie- Fishing is slow. The most crappie I’ve seen being caught is around Rock Island State Park. Most of these fish are schooled up offshore around baitfish or structure. Anglers are catching quantity but not quality up there.
Sunfish-Â Fishing is good. Anglers are catching bluegill and redear around beds on gravel banks near willows or any overhanging trees. Redear are bedding in 1-5 FOW. Crickets or worms will work fine.
Walleye-Â Fishing is slow. A few stragglers are being caught in the Blue Hole by anglers jigging. The majority of the fish from the run have moved back down the lake.
01 May 2024
Forecast Contributor – Will Schibig, Region III Creel Clerk.
Reservoir Conditions
Reservoir elevation has been steady at 644’. Center Hill Dam hasn’t been generating much, only about 1,500-2,000 cfs per day. Surface water temperatures are warming fast with temperatures maxing at 70-72 degrees. Water clarity has cleared for most of the reservoir, the average visibility is 7-8’. Signs of the shad spawn are being reported by fisherman. Small patches of the shad spawn are being seen around rock and wood on the main channel.
Bass-Â Fishing is good. The best bite is early on topwater around points and flat banks with chunk rock. When the sun comes up, target shade lines and the backs of creeks with wacky rigs or flukes for largemouth. Smallmouth are being caught around points, channel swings, and gravel banks on topwater or small swimbaits.
Crappie-Â Fishing is good. Crappie are being caught around wood on main creek channels near deep water. Some crappie are being caught offshore near bait balls as well.
Sunfish- Fishing is good. Some redear are being caught on gravel banks. The sunfish spawn will start soon if some fish haven’t already been on bed. Look for beds on gravel or in the backs of creeks near willow trees.
24 April 2024
Forecast Contributor – Will Schibig, Region III Creel Clerk.
Reservoir Conditions- Water levels have been steady at 644’. Center Hill Dam is slowing down on generating, with 1,000-3,000 cfs being generated on average per day. Water temperatures were real warm last week (66-69) before the mini-cold front, now the surface temperatures are more 61-66 degrees. Water clarity is starting to clear with visibility being 7-10’ on the upper end. The dingy water in the mid lake seems to be moving through, but the mid-lower end will still have patches of the 3-5’ dingy water. The waters around Rock Island are murkier, 3-5’ visibility. This week is almost a full moon, so any fish who haven’t spawned yet will be moving up to do so this week.
Bass-Â Fishing is good. Bass can be caught near shallow structure with finesse tactics like flukes, wacky rigs, Neko rigs, and shaky heads. Most bass seem to be post spawn at this point and are feeding near the bank. Smallmouth can be caught on main lake banks with topwater or swimbaits in 5-15 FOW. There are still some buck bass guarding beds.
Crappie-Â Fishing is good. Crappie are being caught in spawning and post spawn stages. Most fish are being caught on main creek banks with flooded timber. Minnows and jigs around these trees are producing good fish. Anglers are also catching post spawn fish schooled up around bait off the bank.
Walleye-Â Fishing is good. Anglers are catching good quality walleye around the Rock Island portion of the river jigging the bottom and trolling crankbaits. The bite seems to be more quality than quantity with most anglers only catching 1-3 fish per day, but all good fish.
16 April 2024
Forecast Contributor – Will Schibig, Region III Creel Clerk.
Reservoir Conditions
Center Hill Dam is generating, on average, 5,000 cfs per day. The reservoir elevation is 644’ and holding. Surface water temperatures are between 63-66 degrees reservoir wide. Water clarity is clearer by the dam and more turbid mid-lake up (~5’). The moon is waxing currently and is expected to be at full moon next week.
Bass-Â Fishing is good. The bass are in all stages of pre-spawn, spawning, and post-spawn. The best way is to go down main creek banks that consist of flat rock, wood, and gravel and fish slowly with finesse presentations like wacky rigs, Neko rigs, or floating worms. Smallmouth are mostly post-spawn and can be caught on swimbaits or topwater around main lake gravel points in 5-15 FOW.
Crappie-Â Fishing is good. Most crappie should be post-spawn, and will either be around the timber they spawned on or moving towards the creek channels to feed on bait.
Sunfish-Â Fishing is good. Redear and bluegill can be caught around flooded timber and on gravel banks. Live bait or jigs is the best option.
10 April 2024
Forecast Contributor – Will Schibig, Region III Creel Clerk.
Reservoir Conditions- Center Hill dam is generating, on average, 5,000 cfs this past week and the reservoir elevation has been at 645’. Surface water temperatures are starting to gradually come back up, with temperatures last week being 57-59 degrees reservoir wide. With this week’s warm rains and sunny weather, the surface temperature should be expected to creep back into the low 60’s. Water clarity is still a bit turbid with the average water clarity being 5’ from the mid-lake up.
Bass-Â Fishing is good. The bite has been inconsistent as the weather. Most anglers seem to catch 3-5 fish a day doing anything from shallow water to offshore. Theirs probably multiple factors at play including fluctuating water levels, cold fronts, water temperature drops, and fish in transition from prespawn to moving up to spawn. If the weather warms and the water stays above 60, expect the shallow water bite to pick up. Use wacky rigs, shaky heads, swimbaits and top water on flat banks with flooded structure.
Crappie- Fishing is good. Haven’t seen many crappie anglers, but some crappie should be spawning on shallow structure by now. Like bass, different waves will spawn. Some crappie are spawning while others are still in prespawn. The prespawn crappie should be caught suspended in creek channels while spawners can be caught around flooded timber.
03 April 2024
Forecast Contributor – Will Schibig, Region III Creel Clerk.
Reservoir Conditions
Center Hill Dam is releasing, on average, 5,000 cfs per day. Reservoir elevation is 644’ and stable. The water clarity is roughly 5’ reservoir wide. The main lake surface temperature is 63 degrees with 66 being found in the back of major creek arms. Next Full moon is 4/23, the current moon phase is Waning crescent 40%. The major storm system will bring a cold front that will affect the shallow water bite. Depending on how warm the rain fall is, depends how much the water temperature will flux. Expect lake levels to rise.
Bass- Fishing is good. The shallow water bite is still hit-or-miss. Whether it be the cold fronts, fluctuating water levels or just bass in transition the shallow water bite is not consistent day to day. If you do attempt a shallow water bite hit high probability areas on flat points, chunk rock, or the back of creek arms with warm water. Use topwater, swimbaits, or flipping in these areas around the chunk rock and flooded timber. The smallmouth have been caught offshore in 30’ around main lake gravel on spoons, A-rigs, and swimbaits. The smallmouth start spawning 60-62 degrees so look for main lake gravel banks and target 5-10’ for fish that have pulled up.
Walleye-Â Fishing is slow. Some walleye are being caught in the Blue Hole and downstream. Most of the fish are post spawn at this point and may be able to be caught moving back downstream. Troll crankbaits on the drop-offs to cover water.
White bass-Â Fishing is slow. Some white bass are being caught in the Blue Hole and around the Rock Island area during their spawn. The run is either at its peak or starting to slow down. White bass can be caught in these areas by trolling crankbaits or jigging spoons or grubs.
Crappie– Fishing is slow. Some fish are being caught in treetops or flooded timber, but it’s not consistent. Crappie start spawning at 60 degrees so some fish should be starting to spawn. Other fish will stage near structure and suspended.
27 March 2024
Forecast Contributor – Will Schibig, Region III Creel Clerk.
Reservoir Conditions
Center Hill dam is generating, on average, 5,000 cfs per day. Reservoir elevation is currently at 643’ and dropping. Main lake surface temperature is 55-58 degrees with 60 degrees in the backs of feeder creeks. Water clarity varies from the dam to the upper end, but on the whole the reservoir is starting to clear up. Water clarity averages 8-10’ visibility by the dam, and 4-7’ visibility on the upper end of Center Hill. With the rising water conditions, be cautious of floating debris reservoir wide.
Bass-Â Fishing is good. The best bite right now is the smallmouth bite. Smallmouth can be caught on main lake gravel banks in 10-12 FOW with A-rigs and swimbaits. Jerk baits on main lake points in 6-8 FOW is working when the wind is blowing on them. Largemouth are being caught suspended near baitfish close to creek points and channels. Some fish have moved into the flooded timber, but with the inconsistent water fluctuation, the shallow water bite is hit-or-miss.
Crappie- Fishing is decent. Crappie can be caught around structure in the backs of creeks in 10-20 FOW. Some fish can be caught near baitfish suspended in creek channels farther out into deeper water.
Walleye- Fishing is slow. The majority of the walleye spawn is over. Walleye spawn in different waves so there should still be prespawn, spawning, and post spawn fish staging around the Sandbar. Target the shoals below the Blue Hole, or in the Blue Hole if accessible with jigs. Obey the special walleye regulations regarding the walleye run on Center Hill.
Redear sunfish-Â Fishing is decent. Some redear are being caught on main lake gravel banks in 10-15 FOW with nightcrawlers near the bottom.
20 March 2024
Forecast Contributor – Will Schibig, Region III Creel Clerk.
Reservoir Conditions- Center Hill dam has been generating, on average, 5,000 cfs per day while Great Falls Dam has been spilling 4,500 cfs per day. The reservoir elevation shot up 648’ this week but has dropped back down to 645’ and continues to fall. Water temperatures are averaging 57 degrees on the main lake with maximum temperatures being at 60-62 in places. Water clarity is around 5’ on the upper end and 10-12’ by the dam. Lots of floating debris on the upper Caney Fork, so proceed with caution.
Bass- Fishing is great. The shallow water bite isn’t as hot as it has been. The cold front has pulled the fish off the bank, and they’re suspending in 5-10’ on small creek points. With the warm days/rains it will push the fish back to the bank and cover. You can still catch fish around flooded trees and on the bank with a crankbait, vibrating jig, spinnerbait, or big swimbaits. The suspended fish can be caught with small swimbaits, jerk baits, or A-rigs. Look for areas in the creek arms with lots of bait nearby.
Crappie– Fishing is good. Crappie are still being caught around the baitfish schools in the creek arms sitting in 30-40 FOW. The crappie are suspended above or in the bait balls. Target these fish with jigs or minnows.
Walleye- Fishing is slow. March wasn’t the best bite since the water had warmed so quickly and different stages of fish started to spawn. There are probably only a few stages of fish that haven’t spawned. Most of the fish are grouped by the sandbar and upstream into the blue hole. Target these fish with jigs or trolling crankbaits. Please obey special walleye regulations from the Sandbar upstream to Great Falls dam.
13 March 2024
Forecast Contributor – Will Schibig, Region III Creel Clerk.
Reservoir Conditions
Reservoir elevation is 641’ and Center Hill Dam has been generating, on average, 5,000 cfs per day. Great Falls dam has been spilling and pushing roughly 5,500 cfs on average. The water has risen 4+ feet in the last week and is continuing to rise. Water clarity has been murky from Hurricane bridge upstream. On the lower end, the water visibility can be up to 12’ on the main lake. Water temperatures on the main lake can be from 54-56 degrees with the backs of major creek arms being up to 58-62 degrees. With the warm days, and warm rains the surface temps should continue to rise.
Bass– Fishing is great. Fish are still shallow even though the recent cold front has moved them off the bank. Look for the backs of major creek arms that have warm water and baitfish. Fish these areas with a crankbait, spinnerbait or A-rig. With the rising water, fish may be pushed farther back into the flooded cover. On the main lake, steep rock walls are a good place to target bass in rising water conditions. Use jerk baits, jigs, or small swimbaits on the main lake walls.
Crappie– Fishing is good. Crappie are being caught around treetops near deep water and baitfish in 10-20 FOW. Anglers are also catching crappie suspended over deep bait in the mid sections of creeks and pockets.
Walleye– Fishing is slow. The March bite hasn’t been as hot or consistent as a few weeks ago. Fisherman are catching a few walleye near the sandbar jigging shiners or trolling crankbaits. With the water temperature being about right, these fish are very close to spawn, if some aren’t already doing it. Once the fish begin spawning the bite can be tough.
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06 March 2024
Forecast Contributor – Will Schibig, Region III Creel Clerk.
Reservoir Conditions
Reservoir elevation is 636’ and Center Hill Dam has been generating, on average, 5,000 cfs per day. Great Falls dam has been spilling and pushing roughly 4,000 cfs on average. Water clarity has been murky from Hurricane bridge upstream. On the lower end, the water visibility can be up to 10’ on the main lake. Water temperatures on the main lake can be from 52-54 degrees with the backs of major creek arms being up to 56-58 degrees. With the warm days, and warm rains the surface temps should continue to rise.
Bass-Â Fishing is great. The shallow water bite is tremendous right now. You can head to any major creek arm and find the warm water and the baitfish and catch bass. Use crankbaits, spinnerbaits, A-rigs, or flip rock banks or structure in the muddy water. The warmer the water you find the more it will attract the shad, which will attract the bass. Smallmouth are being caught by live bait fisherman on the lower end around bluff walls on the main lake.
Crappie– Fishing is good. Anglers are catching crappie around baitfish in the back of creek arms. They’re catching suspended fish 5-10’ over the bait in 20 FOW with jigs.
Walleye– Fishing is good. The run is hot and at its peak. With the water in the mid-50s, and good current, the actual spawn is getting close. Fisherman are using jigs tipped with minnows in 20’ of water between the sandbar and Warren Co. boat ramp. Some anglers are catching walleye trolling crankbaits in this area as well. Remember to obey special regulations regarding the walleye run.
21 Feb 2024
Forecast Contributor – Will Schibig, Region III Creel Clerk.
Reservoir Conditions-
Reservoir elevation has dropped three feet from last week (637’) because Center Hill Dam is generating, on average, 11,200 cfs per day. Great Falls Dam continues to spill every day around 3,500 cfs, on average, every day. Surface water temperatures on the main lake average 50 degrees while the backs of major creek arms can have up to 55-degree water. The water temperature at Rock Island state park varies between 49-52 degrees. Water clarity from Hurricane bridge downstream is clear, roughly 8-10’ visibility. Upstream of Hurricane, and any tributary arm is murkier. Farther upstream you go, the less water visibility. Floating debris is spread throughout the reservoir but can be found in larger trash mats upstream of Fall Creek. Areas to watch for mats include Pates Ford, Four Seasons, Pinhook, Cedar and Cliff Creek.
Bass- Fishing is good. With the water drawing back down, the prespawn largemouth have mostly left the flooded timber in the backs of creeks. These fish and the bait are now positioned in the back ¼ of creek arms. Target these areas with crankbaits, spinnerbaits, or shaky heads. Fish are also suspended with bait and can be caught with umbrella rigs, Damiki rigs, and jerk baits. You can catch fish in the clear rock around main lake/creek big chunk rock in 5-12’ with jerk baits and umbrella rigs. If the water levels rise again, or another warm rain raises the water temp, focus on the back of tributary arms once again.
Walleye-Â Fishing is good. Walleye are in full run at the headwaters of Center Hill. Anglers are catching fish on jigs tipped with minnows in 20 FOW. Anglers are also trolling reef runners and crankbaits along the drop-offs in the river. The fish seemed to be positioned from Warren Co. Boat ramp up to the rapids at the sandbar. Please follow special regulations regarding the Walleye run on Center Hill.
14 Feb 2024
Forecast Contributor – Will Schibig, Region III Creel Clerk.
Reservoir Conditions-
Center Hill Dam is pulling all generators and is pumping 7,400 cfs per day. Reservoir elevation is 640’ and rising. The backs of most tributaries and from Hurricane bridge upstream, the water visibility starts to get murkier. Near the source of a runoff or the back of a creek you can find visibility less than 2’ and water temperatures up to 53 degrees. Closer to the lower end of the reservoir, there is a 10-12’ water clarity and water temperatures averaging 49 degrees. You can find most of the baitfish in less than 20’ in the very backs of these creeks in the warm water. Be extremely cautious of floating debris, which is a hazard reservoir wide.
Bass-Â Fishing is good. Before the rising water, anglers were catching fish in their winter patterns. With the rising water, fish are scattered, and more shoreline cover is now available for them to hide. Try looking for fish moving up with the water levels on steep banks or bluff walls by flipping or throwing spinnerbaits/crankbaits along the bank. Fish will begin to migrate towards runoffs or the backs of creek arms looking for the warmer water, target these areas with vibrating jigs, crankbaits, or spinnerbaits.
08 Feb 2024
Forecast Contributor – Will Schibig, Region III Creel Clerk.
Reservoir Conditions-
The reservoir elevation is still relatively high at 633.6’. Surface water temperatures fluctuate from 49-52 degrees. Water clarity on the lower end of the reservoir is 10’ of visibility, but on the upper end, or in the back of major creek arms, the water visibility can be 4’ or less. Center Hill Dam is generating close to 3,400cfs. Great Falls dam has been spilling all week. Pay close attention for floating debris as it has made its way across the reservoir.
Bass- Fishing is good. On the upper end, anglers are catching spotted bass on the bank flipping or with crankbaits. They’re fishing steep rock walls with current on them. Mid to lower reservoir, fish are being caught on shallow, sunny banks with clay/gravel and chunk rock-mix in 5-12 FOW. Smallmouth are being caught on the lower end on deep bluff banks or points near deep water with finesse presentations like ned rigs or shaky heads.
Walleye-Â Fishing is slow. Anglers are starting to catch a few fish who are staging on the upper end of the Caney Fork River. These anglers are mostly jigging minnows or jigs in the river channel near drops. Some are trolling crankbaits in these same areas. The walleye will make a more consistent run as the water temperatures rise towards the mid-50s. Special Regulations apply to walleye fishing from Rock Island State Park boat ramp to Great Falls Dam until April 30th.
31 Jan 2024
Forecast Contributor – Will Schibig, Region III Creel Clerk.
Reservoir Conditions-
Water conditions have fluctuated heavily this week. The reservoir elevation has risen from 626’ to 632.8’. Surface water temperatures have fluctuated from 47 degrees to 53 degrees back down to 47 all this week. Water clarity on the lower end of the reservoir is still 7-9’ of visibility, but on the upper end, or in the back of major creek arms, the water visibility can be one foot or less. Center Hill Dam has been generating 6,000 cfs earlier this week and is now down to 4,000 cfs per day. Great Falls dam has been spilling all week. Pay close attention for floating debris reservoir wide.
Bass- Fishing is good. On the lower end, smallmouth can be caught shallow on main lake points in 10-15’ FOW with jigs, jerk baits, crankbaits. Largemouth can be caught deep either on bluff wall shelves or with the baitfish balls in 40-60 FOW (If you’re catching fish this deep, please practice safe fish care when releasing.) Some anglers are catching bass deep on main lake flats with jigs in 20-30 FOW. On the upper end, you can catch spotted bass close to the bank on steep rock walls while flipping in muddy water. If there is current, look for seams on bluff walls near the headwaters and flip jigs or throw bright colored crankbaits/spinnerbaits.
24 Jan 2024
Forecast Contributor – Will Schibig, Region III Creel Clerk.
Reservoir Conditions-
The reservoir elevation sits at 627’. Center Hill Dam has been pulling full generation to prepare for the snow melt and incoming rain, and is pulling, on average, 6,100 cfs per day. Water temperatures fell to 46-48 degrees with the cold front but will warm again with the warm rains. Water clarity on the lower end is around 6-8’ visibility, with the water becoming more turbid the farther upstream you go up major creek arms or the Caney Fork River. The baitfish are extremely deep, mainly being found in 60+ FOW in the main river channel. With the incoming rain and snow melt, be cautious of floating debris from Ragland Bottom rec. area upstream to the Sandbar.
Bass-Â Fishing is slow. Before the cold, smallmouth were being caught shallow on main lake points in 5-10 FOW with jigs, shaky heads, and whirley-bees. With the colder water, most fish will pull off the bank and suspend in deeper water. Fish jerk baits, umbrella rigs, and blade baits on deep bluff walls on the main lake. When the warm water enters later this week, target sunny banks that have chunk rock with red crankbaits, spinnerbaits, or jigs. Look for muddy water with current.
10 Jan 2024
Forecast Contributor – Will Schibig, Region III Creel Clerk.
Reservoir Conditions-
Surface level water temperatures average between 50-54 degrees on the lower end, and 46 degrees on the upper end of the Caney Fork River. Water clarity averages around 5-8’. Reservoir elevation sits at 625’ and Center Hill dam is generating, on average, 800 cfs per day. Baitfish can be found 40’ or deeper. This data was collected last week. With the warm & cold fronts moving through, be prepared for the water temps, levels, clarity, etc. to fluctuate heavily.
Bass-Â Fishing is good. Lots of big largemouth are being caught by anglers fishing close to the bank on steep channel swing banks that have tree tops or rockslides. Smallmouth or spotted bass are being caught on bluff walls and points in 15-25 FOW with live bait, jerk baits, swimbaits, or finesse lures.
Sunfish- Fishing is good. Anglers are catching good bluegill off marina slips 10-20’ down with worms, minnows, and jigs.
17 Dec 2021
Center Hill
Forecast Contributor – Danny Stone – TWRA Region III Creel Clerk
Reservoir Conditions:Â Fishing is good. The water temperature in 53 degrees and the lake is slowly rising.
Smallmouth Bass:Â Lots of smallmouth are being caught in the clear water on spoons and swimbaits while fishing under shad in 20-30 feet of water.
Largemouth Bass:Â Several largemouth are being caught in the clear water while fishing spoons under schooling shad in the creeks in 20-40 feet of water. Also, lots of bass are being caught on crankbaits in the colored water on channel banks in 5-10 feet of water.
Crappie:Â A few crappie are being caught on minnows and jigs around sunken brush in 15-25 feet of water.
10 Dec 2021
Center Hill
Forecast Contributor – Danny Stone – TWRA Region III Creel Clerk
Reservoir Conditions:Â Fishing is fair. The water temperature is 56 degrees, and the lake is falling.
Smallmouth Bass:Â Several smallmouth are being caught on swimbaits and float n flies while fishing channel banks and points 15-20 feet of water.
Largemouth and Spotted Bass:Â Some largemouth and spotted bass are being caught while jigging spoons under schooling shad in the creeks in 20-40 feet of water.
Crappie:Â A few crappie are being caught on minnows and jigs while fishing sunken brush in 15-20 feet of water.
03 Dec 2021
Center Hill
Forecast Contributor – Danny Stone – TWRA Region III Creel Clerk
Reservoir Conditions:Â Fishing is fair. The water temperature is 57 degrees, and the lake is falling.
Bass:Â Several bass are being caught on swimbaits and crankbaits on channel points in 15 feet of water.
Crappie:Â A few crappie are being caught on minnows around sunken brush and docks in 15 feet of water.
26 Nov 2021
Center Hill
Forecast Contributor – Danny Stone – TWRA Region III Creel Clerk
Reservoir Conditions:Â Fishing is good. The water temperature is 65 degrees, and the lake is falling.
Smallmouth Bass:Â Lots of smallmouth are being caught on topwater baits and swimbaits while fishing main lake points.
Largemouth Bass:Â Several largemouth are being caught on topwater baits and jigs while fishing channel banks in the creeks in 10 feet of water.
Crappie:Â A few crappie are being caught under docks on minnows in 15 feet of water.
mid Nov 2021
Forecast Contributor – Danny Stone – TWRA Region III Creel Clerk
Reservoir Conditions:Â Fishing is good. The water temperature is 61 degrees, and the lake is falling.
Smallmouth Bass:Â Lots of smallmouth are being caught on crankbaits and swimbaits on channel banks and points in15-20 feet of water.
Largemouth Bass:Â Several largemouth are being caught on A-rigs, crankbaits, and topwater baits while fishing sides of creeks close to the main lake.
Crappie:Â A few crappie are being caught around sunken brush on jigs and minnows in 15 feet of water.
22 Sept 2021
Center Hill
Forecast Contributor – Danny Stone – TWRA Region III Creel Clerk
Reservoir Conditions:Â Fishing is good. The water temperature is 77 degrees, and the lake is fairly stable.
Bass:Â A few bass are being caught on topwater baits while fishing flooded bushes and points around the mid lake.
Walleye:Â A few walleye are being caught while jigging spoons on points in 28 feet of water.
Crappie:Â A few crappie are being caught while fishing minnows and sunken brush in 15 feet of water.
17 Sept 2021
Center Hill
Forecast Contributor – Danny Stone – TWRA Creel Clerk
Reservoir Conditions:Â Fishing is fair. The water temperature is 80 degrees, and the lake is falling.
Bass:Â A few bass are being caught on topwater baits while fishing schooling shad in the creeks.
Walleye:Â A few walleye are being caught while trolling main lake flats at night in 25 feet of water.
Crappie:Â A few crappie are being caught under docks on minnows in 15-20 feet of water.
03 Sept 2021
Center Creek
Forecast Contributor – Danny Stone – TWRA Creel Clerk
Reservoir Conditions:Â Fishing is fair. The water temperature is 83 degrees, and the lake is fairly stable.
Bass:Â Several bass are being caught at night on soft plastics, spinnerbaits, and jigs while fishing points and drops in 15-30 feet of water.
Walleye:Â A few walleye are being caught while trolling nightcrawlers and jigging spoons on flats and humps in 25-28 feet of water.
27 Aug 2021
Center Creek
Forecast Contributor – Danny Stone – TWRA Creel Clerk
Reservoir Conditions: Fishing is slow. The water temperature in 86 degrees and the lake is falling.
Bass: Several bass are being caught at night while fishing soft plastics on breaks and points in 15-25 feet of water.
Walleye: A few walleye are being caught while trolling nightcrawler rigs on flats in 25 feet of water near Floating Mill.
Catfish: A few catfish are being caught on trotlines while baiting with bluegill in 20 feet of water.
20 Aug 2021
Center Hill
Forecast Contributor – Danny Stone – TWRA Creel Clerk
Reservoir Conditions: Fishing is slow. The water temperature is 84 degrees and the lake is falling.
Bass:Â A few bass are being caught at night on soft plastics on drops and channel points in 20 feet of water.
Walleye:Â A few walleye are being caught while jigging spoons and trolling on humps and gravel banks in 26 feet of water.
13 Aug 2021
Center Hill
Forecast Contributor – Danny Stone – TWRA Creel Clerk
Reservoir Conditions: Fishing is slow. The water temperature is 86 degrees and the lake is falling.
Bass: A few bass are being caught at night on soft plastics and jigs while fishing points and drops in 20 feet of water.
Walleye: A few walleye are being caught while trolling nightcrawlers and jigs on gravel banks and humps in 22-25 feet of water.
Catfish: A few catfish are being caught while fishing with cut baits on trotlines in the creeks.
06 Aug 2021
Center Hill
Forecast Contributor – Danny Stone – TWRA Creel Clerk
Reservoir Conditions:Â Fishing is good. The water temperature is 86 degrees and the lake is falling.
Bass:Â Several bass are being caught at night on soft plastics and jigs on points and drops in 15-25 feet of water.
Walleye:Â A few walleye are being caught while trolling nightcrawlers on flats in 25 feet of water near Hurricane Bridge.
30 July 2021
23 July 2021
09 July 2021
02 July 2021
25 June 2021
18 June 2021
11 June 2021
Center Hill
Reservoir Conditions: Fishing is fair. The water temperature is 78 degrees and the lake is rising.
Bass: Several bass are being caught at night on soft plastics and spinnerbaits while fishing shallow points and bushes in 5-10 feet of water.
Walleye: A few walleye are being caught while trolling nightcrawlers on flats in 10-15 feet of water.
Catfish: A few catfish are being caught on trotline while baiting with bluegill in the creeks.
04 June 2021
Center Hill
Reservoir Conditions: Fishing is fair. The water temperature is 73 degrees and the lake is rising.
Smallmouth Bass: Several smallmouths are being caught at night on jigs and spinnerbaits while fishing points in 5-10 feet of water.
Largemouth Bass: Several largemouth and spots are being caught on topwater baits while fishing flooded bushes in the creeks. Walleye: A few walleyes are being caught while trolling nightcrawlers on gravel banks in 15 feet of water.
