Fishing Report provided by TWRA Creel Clerks through Fishing Forecast
Center Hill Tailwaters (Caney Fork River) Fishing Report: 15 May 2025
Report Contributor – Justin Spaulding, Region III Fisheries Biologist
River Conditions- Be sure to check the generation schedule the day of your trip, as forecasted flows often change: https://www.tva.com/environment/lake-levels/center-hill
The Caney Fork is back to typical spring flows. The Corps have been running 1-2 generators at a time with more low flow on the weekends. The orifice gate should be opened on June 1 and stay open through the end of November. Water temperatures have been 53°F.
Trout- Fishing is good. Over the last several days, folks have been averaging several trout each trip. We are getting reports of Rainbows, Browns, and Brooks. Most parties are catching fish, but some are catching over 50 on a trip. Fly anglers have been successful with dries throughout the day and size 10 white streamers in the pools. Spin anglers have been successful with Rapalas and rooster-tails.
2025 Periodical Cicada Emergence – We had a decent emergence in 2024 on the Caney, but heavy rains during prime time meant the Corps had to open all the spill gates for flood control. Based on historical maps, Brood XIV could hit Caney this year as well, but so far, it seems to have just missed. They are abundant just a few miles away on the upper parts of Center Hill Reservoir, but hardly anything yet in the tailwater. They are becoming widespread in the higher elevations of the Cumberland Plateau and east into the upper Tennessee Valley. In one area on Thursday, I could even hear their drone while on a plane going 25 mph with a 2-stroke jet boat. There are also robust reports in portions of Grundy, Warren, Putnam, Overton, Clay, Pickett, Fentress, Scott, and Campbell counties. It seems the fish need about a week of Cicada frenzy before the bite is on. Stay tuned.
Other- Some sunfish, crappie, Skipjack, and Freshwater Drum are also being caught.
08 May 2025
Report Contributor – Justin Spaulding, Region III Fisheries Biologist
River Conditions- TVA Environment and Lake Levels for Center Hill
The Caney Fork was back to minimum flows last weekend and at times throughout the week. The Corps has been pulsing only 1-2 generators at a time, but after this last rain, will at times use all three units. Be sure to check the generation schedule before you leave the house. Water temperatures have been 53°F.
Trout- Fishing is excellent. In the past few days, folks have been averaging several trout each trip. We are getting reports of Rainbows, Browns, and Brooks. Although some groups struggle to find fish, there are others catching over 50 on a trip. Fly anglers have been successful in the afternoons on dry flies, but midges deeper in the water column have been a safe bet. Spin anglers have been successful with Rapalas. A few cicadas in the area, but not yet abundant.
Other– You can expect to catch the occasional Skipjack, White Bass, or Crappie.
21 March 2025
Report Contributor – Justin Spaulding, Region III Fisheries Biologist
River Conditions- Center Hill Dam has been generating 3 units 24/7 for close to a week now. They will probably continue 2-3 generators for several days to get the lake ready for another spring rain. Water temperatures have been around 49F. Agency staff will be conducting creel surveys through October, so we look forward to seeing you all out and hearing about your trip.
Trout- Fishing is good. We are still having shad pass through the turbines and the fish know it. With the water up, streamers or bait patterns are going to be your best bet. Wade fishing was decent before the recent rains with anglers experiencing “bite windows” or the fish being completely turned off. As we start to get lower flows towards the end of the month, be ready to take advantage of some areas that haven’t seen much pressure for a few weeks and the Blue Wing Olive hatches in sunny stretches.
26 Sept 2018
Caney Fork River
Fishing is slow.
A few trout are being caught during periods of no flow while fishing flies near the dam.
Some stripers are being caught near Gordonsville while fishing shad.
19 Sept 2018
Caney Fork River
Fishing is slow.
A few trout are being caught during periods of no flow while fishing flies near the dam.
Some stripers are being caught near Gordonsville while fishing shad.