Nickajack Lake Tennessee
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Nickajack Lake Fishing Report: 01 March 2025
Report Contributor, Nathan Rogers, Region III, Creel Clerk
The weather was warmer throughout the weekend with lows around the mid 30’s and highs throughout the day as warm as 65. Current throughout the reservoir and below dams is still high with dams spilling. Water visibility has improved slightly. The water levels are currently over the full pool on the upper portions of the reservoir; the latest depth and discharge rate I have recorded are below. For any discharge or lake elevation info, check out the TVA Lake Info App. Wear life jackets if planning to go out during high water and heavy current conditions.
Reservoir Conditions
Water Temp:
– Upper end of Lake: 49.7 degrees Fahrenheit
– Lower end of Lake: N/A
Water Clarity:
– Tennessee River (River Channel): 2.5 foot
Water Level: (as of March 1st)
– Lake elevation: 633.89 feet
– Tailwater elevation: 643.50 feet
Water Flow: (as of March 1st)
– Chickamauga Dam: ~ 86603 cfs (spilling)
– Nickajack Dam: ~ 87348 cfs (spilling)
Observed Species Information
The upper section of Lake:
Bass: Fishing is good.
Many anglers are targeting Smallmouth Bass in this section of the lake throwing A-rigs, jerk baits, and jigging minnows along rocky banks impacted by the current. Live bait such as shiners and shad are great in these areas as well. Finding deep holes throughout the river channel and fishing the drop-off ledges where fish are holding is bringing success to anglers as well.
Lower Section of Lake:
No Surveys in the area
23 Feb 2025
Report Contributor, Nathan Rogers, Region III, Creel Clerk
The weather was cooler throughout the weekend with lows around the mid 20’s and highs throughout the day as warm as 50. Current throughout the reservoir and below dams is still high with dams spilling. Water visibility is still close to nothing due to flood waters except in certain coves and creeks. The water levels are currently over the full pool; the latest depth and discharge rate I have recorded are below. For any discharge or lake elevation info, check out the TVA Lake Info App. Wear life jackets if planning to go out during high water and heavy current conditions.
Reservoir Conditions
Water Temp:
– Upper end of Lake: 47.6 degrees Fahrenheit
– Lower end of Lake: N/A
Water Clarity:
– Tennessee River (River Channel): 1 foot
Water Level: (as of February 23rd)
– Lake elevation: 633.51 feet
– Tailwater elevation: 642.09 feet
Water Flow: (as of February 23rd)
– Chickamauga Dam: ~ 74401 cfs (spilling)
– Nickajack Dam: ~ 80694 cfs (spilling)
Observed Species Information
The upper section of Lake:
Bass: Fishing is good.
Many anglers are targeting Smallmouth Bass in this section of the lake throwing A-rigs, jerk baits, and jigging minnows along rocky banks impacted by the current. Live bait such as shiners and shad are great in these areas as well. Finding deep holes throughout the river channel and fishing the drop-off ledges where fish are holding is bringing success to anglers as well.
Lower Section of Lake:
No Surveys in the area
17 Feb 2025
Report Contributor, Nathan Rogers, Region III, Creel Clerk
The weather was warmer throughout the weekend with lows around the upper 40’s and highs throughout the day as warm as 70. Cold weather is forecasted the upcoming week with even chances of snow. Current throughout the reservoir and below dams has increased dramatically with the amount of rain impacting the area the past few weeks. Water visibility will be close to nothing due to flood waters. The water levels are currently over full pool; the latest depth and discharge rate I have recorded is below. For any discharge or lake elevation info, check out the TVA Lake Info App. Wear life jackets if planning to go out during high water and heavy current conditions.
Reservoir Conditions
Water Temp:
– Upper end of Lake: 47.6 degrees Fahrenheit
– Lower end of Lake: 48.1 degrees Fahrenheit
Water Clarity:
– Tennessee River (River Channel): 1 foot
Water Level: (as of February 17th)
– Lake elevation: 634.41 feet
– Tailwater elevation: 642.21 feet
Water Flow: (as of February 17th)
– Chickamauga Dam: ~ 81916 cfs (spilling)
– Nickajack Dam: ~ 90960 cfs (spilling)
Observed Species Information
– Upper section of Lake:
Bass: Fishing is good.
Many anglers are targeting Smallmouth Bass in this section of the lake throwing A-rigs, jerk baits, and jigging minnows along rocky banks impacted by current. Live bait such as shiners and shad are great in these areas as well. Finding deep holes throughout river channel and fishing the drop off ledges where fish are holding is bringing success to anglers as well.
– Lower Section of Lake:
Bass: Fishing is good.
Many anglers are throwing A-rigs, jerk baits, and swimbaits around creek mouths/channels off of main river. Throwing these along grass edges on river channel banks also gets plenty of bites. Due to low visibility in most of the lake, anglers are targeting coves and creeks that are clearer than the river channel.
Catfish: live bait on current break edges below dam
05 Feb 2025
Report Contributor, Nathan Rogers, Region III, Creel Clerk
The weather was warmer throughout the weekend with lows around the 40’s and highs throughout the day as warm as 55. Current throughout the reservoir and below dams has picked back up. The water levels near the full pool; the latest depth and discharge rate I have recorded it below. For any discharge or lake elevation info, check out the TVA Lake Info App.
Reservoir Conditions
Water Temp:
– Upper end of Lake: 44.5 degrees Fahrenheit
Water Clarity:
– Tennessee River (River Channel): 4 feet
Water Level: 633.74 feet
Water Flow: (as of February 1st)
– Chickamauga Dam: ~ 24024 cfs (spilling)
– Nickajack Dam: ~ 31638 cfs
Observed Species Information
Bass: Fishing is good.
Upper Section of the lake:
Many anglers are targeting Smallmouth Bass in this section of the lake throwing A-rigs, jerk baits, and jigging minnows along rocky banks impacted by the current. Live bait such as shiners and shad are great in these areas as well. Finding deep holes throughout the river channel and fishing the drop-off ledges where fish are holding is bringing success to anglers as well.
Crappie: small jigging minnows on current breaks and in mouths of creeks
Sunfish/Bream: live worms in calm water around structures such as laid-down trees, submerged debris, or bridge pylons.
January 23th – 26th, 2024
Report Contributor, Nathan Rogers, Region III, Creel Clerk
The weather has been cold throughout the weekend with lows in the upper teens and highs throughout the day as warm as 51. The current throughout the reservoir and below dams has slowed compared to previous weeks. The water levels were 2 feet below full pool on the 26th; the latest depth and discharge rate I have recorded is below. For any discharge or lake elevation info, check out the TVA Lake Info App.
Reservoir Conditions
Water Temp:
– Upper end of Lake: 40.6 degrees Fahrenheit
– Lower end of Lake: 41.6 degrees Fahrenheit
Water Clarity:
– Tennessee River (River Channel): 3.5 foot
Water Level: 634.08 feet
Water Flow: (as of January 26th)
– Chickamauga Dam: ~ 7080 cfs
– Nickajack Dam: ~ 8800 cfs
Observed Species Information
– Bass: Fishing is good.
– Lower section of the lake:
Most anglers are catching Largemouth Bass in this portion of the lake. Fishing transition areas such as pea gravel to larger rocky structures with A-rigs, jerk baits, and swimbaits all with a more natural color. Bluff walls impacted by current and other rocky structures are holding fish as well with anglers throwing shad-like minnows and swimbaits. Live shad in these areas is the most successful practice. Many anglers are targeting grass edges along river channel banks.
Upper Section of the lake: Many anglers are targeting Smallmouth Bass in this section of the lake throwing A-rigs, jerk baits, and jigging minnows along rocky banks impacted by the current. Live bait such as shiners and shad are great in these areas as well.
04 Sept 2024
Forecast Contributor Ethan Castle – Whitwell High School Bass Team
Fishing has been a little tougher lately even though the numbers have gone down a little the size has stayed around for the most part. water temps have been hanging in the low 80s for the most part. Flipping grass has been the main thing lately using a missile baits d bomb. throwing a white chatter bait or a dropshot with a robo worm in morning dawn on eelgrass edges in the river will also produce some good fish.
25 July 2024
Forecast Contributor Ethan Castle – Whitwell High School Bass Team
Fishing has been good for the most part and has not slowed down. Water temps have been ranging in the mid to high 80s. The fish seem to be biting in a bunch of different ways lately. I have still been staying offshore for the most part doing a lot of graphing trying to find big schools in 18 to 20 feet of water throwing a big crankbait in chartreuse blue back for the most part, on the slower days you can throw a big worm in plum or June bug and a big football jig in a blue craw color. There are a few good mats of grass starting to show up in the river that you can throw a frog on in the mornings and evenings especially if they have some current flowing.
05 June 2024
Forecast Contributor Ethan Castle – Whitwell High School Bass Team
Fishing has been really good lately. Water temps have been in the low 80s. Most of my fish have been coming out deep in 15-20 feet of water. I have been throwing a big crank bait with chartreuse and blue back, or a green pumpkin football jig for the tougher days. You can also throw a 5 inch Scottsboro swim bait at them and catch some bigger ones. Fishing grass clumps have been producing big ones as well, mainly around 8-12 feet of water. throwing a white or green pumpkin chatter bait has been the main bait, and for the tougher days you can throw a zoom ol monster in plum or junebug color and catch them.
17 April 2024
Forecast Contributor Ethan Castle – Whitwell High School Bass Team
Water temps have been reaching in the 70 and 72 degrees range these past few days. The majority of the bass are pulling up on beds and some post spawners but there are still a few pre-spawners. If you are going to sight fish any white craw Texas rigged has worked for me or a pink trick worm. I have still been catching a bunch on grass lines in the 7 foot or less range leading into spawning flats. Mainly throwing a Chatterbait in a shad color and on the days that the water gets dirty I will switch to a chartreuse and white with a gold blade. On the tougher days I have been throwing a Texas rigged craw with a 1/4 oz weight in a blue craw color and fishing really slow.
10 April 2024
Forecast Contributor Ethan Castle – Whitwell High School Bass Team
Fishing has been pretty good lately I’ve been catching a bunch of numbers lately with some chunks mixed in. Water temps have been in the 63 to 67 range. For the most part bass are in the pre-spawn stage and a few post spawn already. I’ve been fishing grass lines in the 6-to-8-foot range throwing chatter baits in shad colors and rattle traps in a copper color and catching a bunch in the 2-pound range with some 3s and 4s mixed in. When the fishing gets tough on some days, slowing down and throwing a simple Senkos will work too.
20 March 2024
Forecast Contributor Ethan Castle – Whitwell High School Bass Team
Fishing has been pretty good lately. water temps have still been in the high 50s to low 60s. I’ve been catching fish throwing a crankbait around chunk rock and on rip rap in a craw color. I have also been catching some on grass lines with chatter baits leading into flats in the 8-foot range. There are still some fish to be caught in the creek channels on an A-rig too.
12 March 2024
Forecast Contributor Ethan Castle – Whitwell High School Bass Team
Fishing has been fair to good lately. Water temps have been in the high 50s to low 60s some days. Most of my fish have still been coming off of rip rap throwing a shad-colored crankbait and flipping a craw-colored jig. I’ve also been catching a few fish off of flats in the 8 foot or less range throwing a Chatterbait and a rattletrap in shad patterns.
27 Feb 2024
Forecast Contributor Ethan Castle – Whitwell High School Bass Team
Water temps have been pretty stable staying in the 49-to-53-degree range. The water has cleared up some from last week but still dingy in areas. Most of my fish have still been coming off of rip rap throwing craw-colored crankbaits and flipping a Zorro HP jig. Be sure to watch for big logs as I have still been seeing a few and wear your life jackets.
21 Feb 2024
Forecast Contributor Ethan Castle – Whitwell High School Bass Team
Water temps have been ranging from 47 to 51. The dams still have the flood gates open and the turbines wide open so there has been a lot of current. The water has been clearing up a little day by day. Fishing has been a little slow, but they are still biting. Fishing rip rap has been the main producer with any craw-colored crankbaits and a Zorro HP flipping jigs in a craw color. I have also still been catching a few in ditches, live scoping in between 12 and 15 feet of water with a Damiki rig. Make sure to watch for logs in the river channel there has been a bunch of big floaters lately and make sure to wear your life jackets.
14 Feb 2024
Forecast Contributor Ethan Castle – Whitwell High School Bass Team
Water temps have dropped just a bit ranging from 47 to 52 degrees. With all this rain we have been having the dams have been flowing a lot of water and flood gates have been open causing the water to get good and dirty. The rip rap bite has still been producing and has been getting better and better as the sun comes up, with the dirty water any bright color crankbait and rattle traps will work. I have also caught a few bass in ditches ranging from 12 to 15 feet, live scoping and throwing Damiki rigs in a shad color.
23 Dec 2022
Forecast Contributor – Nathan Rogers – TWRA Region III Creel Clerk
NEW
Water current was swift due to the heavy rains of previous weeks in the area. The fishing was not negatively impacted though, the fish are still biting. Anglers are primarily catching smallmouth bass on the upper end of the reservoir, while on the lower end a few anglers are finding success targeting crappie and catfish.
Water temp: 48-50 degrees Fahrenheit
Reservoir elevation: 634.05 feet
Headwater elevation: 640.88 feet
Water visibility: 4 feet
Angler Notes
Bass: On upper end of reservoir, anglers are targeting bass (smallmouth, spotted bass) with swimbaits, Alabama rigs, crankbaits, and jigs. Fishing rocky banks and current breaks/eddies.
Crappie: On the upper end of reservoir, crappie are being caught using small Bobby Garland jigs in non-current areas off of barge ties and bridge pillars. On lower end, crappie are being caught near bluff walls and bridge pillars.
Catfish: Drifting cut bait near main channel on lower end.
Other species: anglers have also been catching white bass, yellow bass, drum, and sunfish species on small jigs and blade baits. Bank anglers have had success with catching the species listed above as well.
16 Dec 2022
Forecast Contributor – Josh Bean – TWRA Region III Creel Clerk
NEW
Reservoir conditions: Fishing is fair on Nickajack at the moment. Most fish are being caught in the upper end of the reservoir. Water Temp – 53.4-54.7. Lake Elevation – 633’
Bass – On the upper end of the reservoir bass anglers have been focusing on current breaks near deep water (e.g., tributary mouths, pockets, and points on the downstream end of islands) with jigs, finesse lures, and live shad. On the lower end, not many fish are being caught. Grass is very limited now, but most fish are still being caught on jerk baits, A-rigs, and lipless crank baits.
Catfish – Anglers can be successful targeting catfish reservoir wide using live or cut bait.
18 Nov 2022
Forecast Contributor – Josh Bean – TWRA Region III Creel Clerk
NEW
Reservoir conditions: Fishing is fair on Nickajack at the moment. Most fish are showing up around grass. Fishing on upper end of lake is fishing well. The water temperature varies between 57.9 and 61 degrees. The lake elevation is 633 feet.
Bass: On the upper end of the reservoir, bass anglers have been focusing on current breaks near deep water (e.g., tributary mouths, pockets, and points on the downstream end of islands) with jigs, finesse lures, and live shad. On the lower end, not many fish are being caught. Grass is very limited now, but most fish are still being caught around grass on frogs, flukes, jerk baits, A-rigs, and lipless crank baits.
Catfish: Anglers can be successful targeting catfish reservoir wide using live or cut bait.
04 Nov 2022
Forecast Contributor – Josh Bean – TWRA Region III Creel Clerk
NEW
Reservoir conditions: Fishing is fair on Nickajack at the moment. Most fish are showing up around grass. Fishing on upper end of lake is fishing well. The water temperature varies between 60 and 64 degrees. The lake elevation is 633 feet.
Bass: On the upper end of the reservoir bass anglers have been focusing on current breaks near deep water (e.g., tributary mouths, pockets, and points on the downstream end of islands) with jigs, finesse lures, and live shad. On the lower end of the reservoir most fish are being caught frogging the grass, jerk baits, flukes, and swimbaits.
Catfish: Anglers can be successful targeting catfish reservoir wide using live or cut bait.
Panfish: Some anglers are having success fishing with crickets on the upper end of the reservoir.
28 Oct 2022
Forecast Contributor – Josh Bean – TWRA Region III Creel Clerk
NEW
Reservoir conditions: Fishing is fair on Nickajack at the moment. Most fish are showing up around grass. Fishing on upper end of lake is fishing well. The water temperature varies between 67 and 70 degrees. The lake elevation is 633 feet.
Bass: On the upper end of the reservoir bass anglers have been focusing on current breaks near deep water (e.g., tributary mouths, pockets, and points on the downstream end of islands) with jigs, finesse lures, and live shad. On the lower end of the reservoir most fish are being caught frogging the grass, jerk baits, flukes, and swimbaits.
Catfish: Anglers can be successful targeting catfish reservoir wide using live or cut bait.
Panfish: Some anglers are having success fishing with crickets on the upper end of the reservoir.
14 Oct 2022
Forecast Contributor – Josh Bean – TWRA Region III Creel Clerk
NEW
Reservoir conditions: Fishing is picking up on Nickajack at the moment. Most fish are showing up around grass edges close to deep water. The water temperature varies between 67 and 70 degrees. The lake elevation is 633 feet.
Bass: On the upper end of the reservoir, bass anglers have been focusing on current breaks near deep water (e.g., tributary mouths, pockets, and points on the downstream end of islands) with jigs, finesse lures, and live shad. On the lower end of the reservoir, most fish now are being caught deep on humps, roadbeds, and ledges with jigs, swimbaits, shaky heads, and drop shots. Some fish are now being caught punching and frogging the grass.
Catfish: Anglers can be successful targeting catfish reservoir wide using live or cut bait.
Panfish: Some anglers are having success fishing with crickets on the upper end of the reservoir.
23 Sept 2022
Forecast Contributor – Josh Bean – TWRA Region III Creel Clerk
NEW
Reservoir conditions: Fishing is picking up on Nickajack at the moment. Most fish are showing up around grass edges close to deep water. The water temperature varies between 74 and 78 degrees. The lake elevation is 633 feet.
Bass: On the upper end of the reservoir, bass anglers have been focusing on current breaks near deep water (e.g., tributary mouths, pockets, and points on the downstream end of islands) with jigs, finesse lures, and live shad. On the lower end of the reservoir, most fish now are being caught deep on humps, roadbeds, and ledges with jigs, swimbaits, shaky heads, and drop shots. Some fish are now being caught punching and frogging the grass.
Catfish: Anglers can be successful targeting catfish reservoir wide using live or cut bait.
Panfish: Some anglers are having success fishing with crickets on the upper end of the reservoir.
16 Sept 2022
Forecast Contributor – Josh Bean – TWRA Region III Creel Clerk
Reservoir conditions: Fishing is slow on Nickajack at the moment. Most fish are deep on humps and ledges, but some are showing up around grass edges close to deep water. The water temperature varies between 81 and 85 degrees. The lake elevation is 633 feet.
Bass: On the upper end of the reservoir, bass anglers have been focusing on current breaks near deep water (e.g., tributary mouths, pockets, and points on the downstream end of islands) with jigs, finesse lures, and live shad. On the lower end of the reservoir, most fish now are being caught deep on humps, roadbeds, and ledges with jigs, swimbaits, shaky heads, and drop shots. Some fish are now being caught punching and frogging the grass.
Catfish: Anglers can be successful targeting catfish reservoir wide using live or cut bait.
Panfish: Some anglers are having success fishing with crickets on the upper end of the reservoir.
09 Sept 2022
Forecast Contributor – Josh Bean – TWRA Region III Creel Clerk
NEW
Reservoir conditions: Fishing is slow on Nickajack at the moment. Most fish are deep on humps and ledges, but some are showing up around grass edges close to deep water. The water temperature varies between 81 and 85 degrees. The lake elevation is 633 feet.
Bass: On the upper end of the reservoir, bass anglers have been focusing on current breaks near deep water (e.g., tributary mouths, pockets, and points on the downstream end of islands) with jigs, finesse lures, and live shad. On the lower end of the reservoir, most fish now are being caught deep on humps, roadbeds, and ledges with jigs, swimbaits, shaky heads, and drop shots. Some fish are now being caught punching and frogging the grass.
Catfish: Anglers can be successful targeting catfish reservoir wide using live or cut bait.
Panfish: Some anglers are having success fishing with crickets on the upper end of the reservoir.
02 Sept 2022
Forecast Contributor – Josh Bean – TWRA Region III Creel Clerk
NEW
Reservoir conditions: Fishing is slow on Nickajack at the moment. Most fish are deep on humps and ledges, but some are now showing up around grass. The water temperature varies between 81 and 85 degrees. The lake elevation is 633 feet.
Bass: On the upper end of the reservoir, bass anglers have been focusing on current breaks near deep water (e.g., tributary mouths, pockets, and points on the downstream end of islands) with jigs, finesse lures, and live shad. On the lower end of the reservoir, most fish now are being caught deep on humps, roadbeds, and ledges with jigs, swimbaits, shaky heads, and drop shots. Some fish are now being caught punching and frogging the grass.
Catfish: Anglers can be successful targeting catfish reservoir wide using live or cut bait.
Panfish: Some anglers are having success fishing with crickets on the upper end of the reservoir.
26 Aug 2022
Forecast Contributor – Josh Bean – TWRA Region III Creel Clerk
NEW
Reservoir conditions: Fishing is slow on Nickajack at the moment. Most fish are deep on humps and ledges, but some are now showing up around grass. The water temperature varies between 81 and 85 degrees. The lake elevation is 633 feet.
Bass: On the upper end of the reservoir, bass anglers have been focusing on current breaks near deep water (e.g., tributary mouths, pockets, and points on the downstream end of islands) with jigs, finesse lures, and live shad. On the lower end of the reservoir, most fish now are being caught deep on humps, roadbeds, and ledges with jigs, swimbaits, shaky heads, and drop shots. Some fish are now being caught punching and frogging the grass.
Catfish: Anglers can be successful targeting catfish reservoir wide using live or cut bait.
Panfish: Some anglers are having success fishing with crickets on the upper end of the reservoir.
19 July 2022
Forecast Contributor – Josh Bean – TWRA Region III Creel Clerk
NEW
Reservoir conditions: Fishing is slow on Nickajack at the moment. Most fish are deep on humps and ledges, but some are now showing up around grass. The water temperature varies between 84.5 and 87 degrees. The lake elevation is 633 feet.
Bass: On the upper end of the reservoir, bass anglers have been focusing on current breaks near deep water (e.g., tributary mouths, pockets, and points on the downstream end of islands) with jigs, finesse lures, crankbaits, and swimbaits. On the lower end of the reservoir, most fish now are being caught deep on humps, roadbeds, and ledges with jigs, swimbaits, shaky heads, and drop shots. Some fish are now being caught punching and frogging the grass.
Catfish: Anglers can be successful targeting catfish reservoir wide using live or cut bait.
12 Aug 2022
Forecast Contributor – Josh Bean – TWRA Region III Creel Clerk
NEW
Reservoir conditions: Fishing is slow on Nickajack at the moment. Most fish are deep on humps and ledges, but some are now showing up around grass. The water temperature varies between 84.5 and 87 degrees. The lake elevation is 633 feet.
Bass: On the upper end of the reservoir, bass anglers have been focusing on current breaks near deep water (e.g., tributary mouths, pockets, and points on the downstream end of islands) with jigs, finesse lures, crankbaits, and swimbaits. On the lower end of the reservoir, most fish now are being caught deep on humps, roadbeds, and ledges with jigs, swimbaits, shaky heads, and drop shots. Some fish are now being caught punching and frogging the grass.
Catfish: Anglers can be successful targeting catfish reservoir wide using live or cut bait.
05 Aug 2022
Forecast Contributor – Josh Bean – TWRA Region III Creel Clerk
NEW
Reservoir conditions: Fishing is slow on Nickajack at the moment. Most fish are deep on humps and ledges, but some are now showing up around grass. The water temperature varies between 84.5 and 87 degrees. The lake elevation is 633 feet.
Bass: On the upper end of the reservoir, bass anglers have been focusing on current breaks near deep water (e.g., tributary mouths, pockets, and points on the downstream end of islands) with jigs, finesse lures, crankbaits, and swimbaits. On the lower end of the reservoir, most fish now are being caught deep on humps, roadbeds, and ledges with crankbaits, jigs, shaky heads, and drop shots or flipping around grass.
Catfish: Anglers can be successful targeting catfish reservoir wide using live or cut bait.
29 July 2022
Forecast Contributor – Josh Bean – TWRA Region III Creel Clerk
NEW
Reservoir conditions: Fishing is slow on Nickajack at the moment. Most fish are on humps and ledges, but some are now showing up around grass. The water temperature varies between 84.5 and 87 degrees. The lake elevation is 633 feet.
Bass: On the upper end of the reservoir, bass anglers have been focusing on current breaks near deep water (e.g., tributary mouths, pockets, and points on the downstream end of islands) with jigs, finesse lures, crankbaits, and swimbaits. On the lower end of the reservoir, most fish now are being caught deep on humps, roadbeds, and ledges with crankbaits, jigs, shaky heads, drop shots, or flipping around grass.
Catfish: Anglers can be successful targeting catfish reservoir wide using live or cut bait.
Panfish: Anglers are having success with crickets and nightcrawlers in the backs of coves around brush.
22 July 2022
Forecast Contributor – Josh Bean – TWRA Region III Creel Clerk
NEW
Reservoir Conditions: Fishing is fair on Nickajack at the moment. Most fish are on humps and ledges, but some are now showing up around grass. The water temperature varies between 84.5 and 87 degrees. The lake elevation is 633 feet.
Bass: On the upper end of the reservoir, bass anglers have been focusing on current breaks near deep water (e.g., tributary mouths, pockets, and points on the downstream end of islands) with jigs, finesse lures, crankbaits, and swimbaits. On the lower end of the reservoir, most fish now are being caught deep on humps, roadbeds, and ledges with crankbaits, jigs, shaky heads, drop shots, or flipping around grass.
Catfish: Anglers can be successful targeting catfish reservoir wide using live or cut bait.
Panfish: Anglers are having success with crickets and nightcrawlers in the backs of coves around brush.
15 July 2022
Forecast Contributor – Josh Bean – TWRA Region III Creel Clerk
NEW
Reservoir conditions: Fishing is good on Nickajack at the moment. Most fish are on humps and ledges, but some are now showing up around grass. The water temperature varies between 84.5 and 87 degrees. The lake elevation is 633 feet.
Bass: On the upper end of the reservoir, bass anglers have been focusing on current breaks near deep water (e.g., tributary mouths, pockets, and points on the downstream end of islands) with jigs, finesse lures, crankbaits, and swimbaits. On the lower end of the reservoir, most fish now are being caught deep on humps, roadbeds, and ledges with crankbaits, jigs, shaky heads, and drop shots or flipping around grass.
Catfish: Anglers can be successful targeting catfish reservoir-wide using live or cut bait.
Panfish: Anglers are having success with crickets and nightcrawlers in the backs of coves around brush.
08 July 2022
Forecast Contributor – Josh Bean – TWRA Region III Creel Clerk
NEW
Reservoir Conditions: Fishing is good on Nickajack at the moment. Most fish are on humps and ledges. The water temperature varies between 84.5 and 87 degrees. The lake elevation is 633 feet.
Bass: On the upper end of the reservoir, bass anglers have been focusing on current breaks near deep water (e.g., tributary mouths, pockets, and points on the downstream end of islands) with jigs, finesse lures, crankbaits, and swimbaits. On the lower end of the reservoir, most fish now are being caught deep on humps, roadbeds, and ledges with crankbaits, jigs, shaky heads, and drop shots.
Catfish: Anglers can be successful targeting catfish reservoir wide using live or cut bait.
Panfish: Anglers are having success with crickets and nightcrawlers in the backs of coves around brush.
24 June 2022
Forecast Contributor – Josh Bean – TWRA Region III Creel Clerk
NEW
Reservoir Conditions: Fishing is good on Nickajack at the moment. Most fish are on humps and ledges. Catfish are biting very good on the Chickamauga Tailwater. Water temperatures vary from the upper 70’s to 84 in some coves. The lake elevation is 633’.
Bass: On the upper end of the reservoir bass anglers have been focusing on current breaks near deep water (e.g., tributary
mouths, pockets, and points on the downstream end of islands) with jigs, finesse lures, crankbaits, and swimbaits. On the lower end of the reservoir most fish now are being caught deep on humps, roadbeds, and ledges with crankbaits, jigs, shaky heads, and drop shots.
Catfish: Anglers can be successful targeting catfish reservoir wide using live or cut bait.
Panfish: Anglers are having success with crickets and nightcrawlers in the backs of coves around brush.
10 June 2022
Forecast Contributor – Josh Bean – TWRA Region III Creel Clerk
NEW
Reservoir Conditions: Fishing is good on Nickajack at the moment. Fish are starting show up more on humps and ledges. Catfish are biting very well on the Chickamauga tailwater. Water temperatures vary from the mid 70’s to 83 in some coves. The lake elevation is 633’.
Bass: On the upper end of the reservoir bass anglers have been focusing on current breaks near deep water (e.g., tributary mouths, pockets, and points on the downstream end of islands) with jigs, finesse lures, crankbaits, and swimbaits. On the lower end of the reservoir most fish now are being caught deep on humps, roadbeds, and ledges with crankbaits, jigs, shaky heads, and drop shots.
Catfish: Anglers can be successful targeting catfish reservoir wide using live or cut bait.
03 June 2022
Forecast Contributor – Josh Bean – TWRA Region III Creel Clerk
NEW
Reservoir Conditions: Fishing is good on Nickajack at the moment. Fish are starting show up more on humps and ledges. Catfish are biting very well on the Chickamauga tailwater. Water temperatures vary from the mid 70’s to 83 in some coves. The lake elevation is 633’.
Bass: On the upper end of the reservoir bass anglers have been focusing on current breaks near deep water (e.g., tributary mouths, pockets, and points on the downstream end of islands) with jigs, finesse lures, crankbaits, and swimbaits. On the lower end of the reservoir most fish now are being caught deep on humps, roadbeds, and ledges with crankbaits, jigs, shaky heads, and drop shots.
Crappie: A few anglers have been catching crappie with jigs and trolling around flats and creek channels.
Catfish: Anglers can be successful targeting catfish reservoir wide using live or cut bait.
27 May 2022
Forecast Contributor – Josh Bean – TWRA Region III Creel Clerk
NEW
Reservoir Conditions: Fishing is good on Nickajack at the moment. Fish are starting to transition away from spawning areas. Water temperatures vary from the mid 70’s to 83 in some coves. The lake elevation is 633’.
Bass: On the upper end of the reservoir bass anglers have been focusing on current breaks near deep water (e.g., tributary mouths, pockets, and points on the downstream end of islands) with jigs, finesse lures, crankbaits, and swimbaits. On the lower end of the reservoir most fish now are being caught deep on humps, road begs and ledges with crankbaits, jigs, shaky heads, and drop shots.
Crappie: A few anglers have been catching crappie up shallow with jigs and trolling around flats and creek channels.
Catfish: Anglers can be successful targeting catfish reservoir wide using live or cut bait.
13 May 2022
Forecast Contributor – Josh Bean – TWRA Region III Creel Clerk
NEW
Fishing is fair on Nickajack at the moment. Fish are starting to transition away from spawning areas. Water Temp – Varies from Mid 60’s to touching 73 in some coves.
Lake Elevation – 634’
Bass – On the upper end of the reservoir bass anglers have been focusing on current breaks near deep water (e.g., tributary mouths, pockets, and points on the downstream end of islands) with jigs, finesse lures, crankbaits, and swimbaits. On the lower end of the reservoir anglers have been targeting bass Shallow with jigs, whacky rigs, and shaky heads on brush, points, and some fish are being caught while sight fishing beds.
Crappie – A few anglers have been catching crappie with jigs and trolling around flats and creek channels.
Catfish – Anglers can be successful targeting catfish reservoir wide using live or cut bait.
15 April 2022
Forecast Contributor – Josh Bean – TWRA Region III Creel Clerk
Reservoir Conditions: Fishing is getting right on Nickajack. Anglers are catching more fish with temperatures rising. Water temperatures are in the upper 50’s to low 60’s, and the lake elevation is 634’. If you want to catch a variety of species, try fishing current breaks and steep rocky shorelines with crankbaits or blade baits on the upper end of the reservoir. Anglers have been catching largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, white bass, bluegill, and walleye below Chickamauga Dam.
Bass: On the upper end of the reservoir bass anglers have been focusing on current breaks near deep water (e.g., tributary mouths, pockets, and points on the downstream end of islands) with jigs, blade baits, crankbaits, and swimbaits. On the lower end of the reservoir anglers have been targeting bass shallow with jigs, big swimbaits, and shaky heads on brush, points, and rip-rap banks.
Crappie: A few anglers have been catching crappie up shallow with jigs and trolling around flats and creek channels.
Catfish: Anglers can be successful targeting catfish reservoir wide using live or cut bait.
Walleye: A few anglers have been catching walleye below Chickamauga Dam on live shiners.
08 April 2022
Forecast Contributor – Josh Bean – TWRA Region III Creel Clerk
Reservoir Conditions: Fishing is getting right on Nickajack. Anglers are catching more fish with temperatures rising. Water temperatures are in the upper 50’s to low 60’s, and the lake elevation is 633’. If you want to catch a variety of species, try fishing current breaks and steep rocky shorelines with crankbaits or blade baits on the upper end of the reservoir. Anglers have been catching largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, white bass, bluegill, and walleye below Chickamauga Dam.
Bass: On the upper end of the reservoir bass anglers have been focusing on current breaks near deep water (e.g., tributary mouths, pockets, and points on the downstream end of islands) with jigs, blade baits, crankbaits, and swimbaits. On the lower end of the reservoir anglers have been targeting bass Shallow with jigs, lipless crankbaits, shaky heads on flats, points, and rip-rap banks.
Crappie: A few anglers have been catching crappie on jigs in current breaks and eddies on the downstream side of islands.
Striped Bass and White Bass: Anglers have been catching a few striped bass on the lower end of the reservoir using crankbaits and Tennessee rigs.
Catfish: Anglers can be successful targeting catfish reservoir wide using live or cut bait.
Walleye: A few anglers have been catching walleye below Chickamauga Dam on live shiners.
18 March 2022
Forecast Contributor – Josh Bean – TWRA Region III Creel Clerk
Reservoir Conditions: Fishing has picked up some on Nickajack. Anglers are catching more fish with temperatures rising. Water temperatures are in the lower to mid-50’s, and the lake elevation is 633’. If you want to catch a variety of species, try fishing current breaks and steep rocky shorelines with crankbaits or blade baits on the upper end of the reservoir. Anglers have been catching largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, white bass, bluegill, and walleye below Chickamauga Dam.
Bass: On the upper end of the reservoir bass anglers have been focusing on current breaks near deep water (e.g., tributary mouths, pockets, and points on the downstream end of islands) with jigs, blade baits, crankbaits, and swimbaits. On the lower end of the reservoir anglers have been targeting bass shallow with jigs, lipless crankbaits, shaky heads on flats, points, and rip-rap banks.
Crappie: A few anglers have been catching crappie on jigs in current breaks and eddies on the downstream side of islands.
Striped Bass: Anglers have been catching a few striped bass on the lower end of the reservoir using crankbaits and Tennessee rigs.
Catfish: Anglers can be successful targeting catfish reservoir wide using life or cut bait.
Walleye: A few anglers have been catching walleye below Chickamauga Dam on live shiners.
04 March 2022
Forecast Contributor – Josh Bean – TWRA Region III Creel Clerk
Reservoir Conditions: Fishing has not changed much from last week and is still pretty slow. Weather patterns seem to be the main reason for this. The lake elevation is at 634’ and water temperatures are in the mid to upper 40’s, with some embayments reaching 50. If you want to catch a variety of species try fishing current breaks and steep rocky shorelines with crankbaits or blade baits on the upper end of the reservoir. Anglers have been catching largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, white bass, bluegill, and walleye below Chickamauga Dam.
Bass: On the upper end of the reservoir bass anglers have been focusing on current breaks near deep water (e.g., tributary mouths, pockets, and points on the downstream end of islands) with jigs, blade baits, and swimbaits. On the lower end of the reservoir anglers have been targeting bass with Tennessee rigs, jigs, lipless crankbaits and jerk baits on flats, points, and rip-rap banks.
Crappie: A few anglers have been catching crappie on jigs in current breaks and eddies on the downstream side of islands.
Striped Bass: Anglers have been catching a few striped bass on the lower end of the reservoir using crankbaits and Tennessee rigs.
Catfish: Anglers can be successful targeting catfish reservoir wide using live or cut bait.
Walleye: A few anglers have been catching walleye below Chickamauga Dam on live shiners.
25 Feb 2022
Forecast Contributor – Josh Bean – TWRA Region III Creel Clerk
Reservoir Conditions: Fishing has been pretty slow this week on Nickajack. Weather patterns seem to be the main reason for this. The lake elevation is at 633’ and water temperatures are in the mid to upper 40’s. If you want to catch a variety of species try fishing current breaks and steep rocky shorelines with crankbaits or blade baits on the upper end of the reservoir. Anglers have been catching largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, white bass, bluegill, and walleye below Chickamauga Dam.
Bass: On the upper end of the reservoir a few bass anglers have been focusing on current breaks near deep water (e.g., tributary mouths, pockets, and points on the downstream end of islands) with jigs, blade baits, and swimbaits. On the lower end of the reservoir anglers have been targeting bass with Tennessee rigs and jigs on drop offs and humps.
Crappie: A few anglers have been catching crappie on jigs in current breaks and eddies on the downstream side of islands.
Striped Bass: Anglers have been catching a few striped bass on the lower end of the reservoir using crankbaits and Tennessee rigs.
Catfish: Anglers can be successful targeting catfish reservoir while using live or cut bait.
11 Feb 2022
Forecast Contributor – Joey Root – TWRA Region III Creel Clerk
Reservoir Conditions: The lake elevation is at 633’ and water temperatures are in the low to mid 40’s. If you want to catch a variety of species try fishing current breaks and steep rocky shorelines with crankbaits or blade baits on the upper end of the reservoir. Anglers have been catching largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, white bass, bluegill, and walleye below Chickamauga Dam.
Bass: On the upper end of the reservoir a few bass anglers have been focusing on current breaks near deep water (e.g., tributary mouths, pockets, and points on the downstream end of islands) with jigs, blade baits, and swimbaits. On the lower end of the reservoir anglers have been targeting bass with Tennessee rigs and jigs on drop offs and humps.
Crappie: A few anglers have been catching crappie on jigs in current breaks and eddies on the downstream side of islands.
Striped Bass: Anglers have been catching a few striped bass on the lower end of the reservoir using crankbaits and Tennessee rigs.
Catfish: Anglers can be successful targeting catfish reservoir while using live or cut bait.
Jan 2022
Forecast Contributor – Joey Root – TWRA Region III Creel Clerk
Reservoir Conditions: The lake elevation is at 632.2’ and water temperatures are in the upper 40’s. With the cold inconsistent weather this region has experienced recently, fishing at Nickajack Reservoir has been relatively slow. Currently, the reservoir is experiencing high flows and dirty water following the large rain events. These conditions generally create difficult angling conditions. As the weather and reservoir hydrology stabilizes fishing should improve.
Bass: On the upper end of the reservoir, a few bass anglers have been focusing on current breaks near deep water (e.g., tributary mouths, pockets, and points on the downstream end of islands) with jigs, blade baits, and swimbaits.
Catfish: Catfish can be caught reservoir wide using live or cut bait.
