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Great Falls Reservoir Tennessee Fishing Report: 28 May 2025
Report Contributor – Will Schibig, Region III Creel Clerk
Reservoir Conditions –I feel like I start each report every week with water conditions on Great Falls have been very much up and down. The water level was well above the summer pool and is now sitting at 800’ and is falling. Surface water temperatures have dropped reservoir-wide, with all the inflow coming off the plateau, with the amount of rain we have had. Temperatures are in the low to mid 60s on the upper end and in the upper tributaries. The lower end has surface water temperatures in the low 70s, with the warmest waters being in the Rocky & lower Collins rivers. Water clarity depends on where the flow of the latest muddy water that has washed in from the most recent rain. In general, water clarity is poor reservoir-wide, with 2-3’ being the average. The average inflow per day into the reservoir has risen from 2,500 cfs earlier this week to 18,400 cfs today. The TVA is combating that by spilling nearly 18,000 cfs of outflow on average per day. Floating debris has been a serious issue this week, especially on the lower end. Be very cautious and take it slow through trash mats.
Bass – Fishing has been slow. Some anglers have had fun when the right windows arose while fishing the flooded cover. Anglers caught fish on frogs and flipping flooded trees and grasses on the lower end. Anglers also got bites fishing the original shoreline with vibrating jigs and Texas rigs. If the current is good, target bridge pylons or any current breaks with a crankbait or spinnerbait.
Crappie & Sunfish – Fishing has been slow. I haven’t seen much activity with the crappie with the water being up. If you want to target crappie fish deep treetops, bridge pylons, or docks with brush in the 15-25’ range with bright colored jigs. Some anglers have had success with bluegill near overhanging limbs, plucking off cicadas. Worms, jigs, or popping bugs should work on these main riverbanks.
Muskellunge – Fishing is slow. Fishing will be difficult for this mainly sight feeder. Bucktail spinners or baits that give off lots of motion would be wise to use around river mouths like the Calfkiller, Cane Creek, and Rocky Rivers.
21 May 2025
Report Contributor – Will Schibig, Region III Creel Clerk
Reservoir Conditions- The reservoir elevation has been fluctuating a lot recently with the latest weather movements. It has risen from 795’ to a high of 800’ and is currently falling. Inflow to the reservoir has been as high, on average per day, as 27,000 cfs this week. The outflow from Great Falls Dam has been as high, on average per day, as 23,000 cfs this week. Surface water temperatures have consistently been in the high 60s, reservoir-wide and in the tributary arms. Water clarity has been murky, 4’ of visibility or less. Depending on how long ago the rain event was depends on where the mass of muddy water will be in the reservoir as it flows downstream. Be cautious of floating debris on the lower Collins River, and from the Hwy. 70 bridge downstream.
Bass- Fishing is slow. Some fish are being caught shallow on the bank, but it’s mostly quantity over quality. Anglers are catching these fish on jigs, crankbaits, and swimbaits. With the amount of current rolling through the reservoir, you may be able to find fish schooled on current breaks like channel bends, points, or bridge pylons. These fish may either be in the slack water in the eddies or on the current side of the structure, so check both.
Crappie- Fishing is slow. There are a few spawners being caught on the upper part of the tributary arms, but for the most part, crappie are being caught on the same trees in the 15-20’ range with jigs and minnows.
Muskellunge- Fishing is good. Anglers were catching big muskie on the upper end of the reservoir before it muddied up. Bigger fish were coming from open water, while 30” class fish were being caught around structure. Jerk/ glide style baits are still the best, I’m told the bucktail bite will get better with warmer water temperatures.
14 May 2025
Report Contributor – Will Schibig, Region III Creel Clerk
Reservoir Conditions – The water level on Great Falls has risen from 795’ to 800’ in the past few days. Great Falls is taking in between 3,000-5,000 cfs of inflow each day this week, depending on the rain that day. Great Falls Dam has been generating 6,000-9,000 cfs of outflow on average per day. The murky water finally made its way into the reservoir. The upper end of the reservoir is blown out with muddy, cold water, as of this writing, and should make its way downstream. Depending on the weather, it could clear up in a few days or stay turbid with more rain on the way. The surface water temps have dropped into the 60s reservoir wide, with the Rocky River being the warmest, with surface water temperatures still in the low 70s. Floating debris is an issue reservoir wide wide so proceed with the utmost caution.
Bass fishing is slow. With the inconsistency of the water conditions, the bite is hit or miss. Some fish are being caught in shallow cover with frogs, flipping, and wacky rigs. If the current is good, you could probably find fish staged on current breaks on bridge pylons, schooled up. Crankbaits, swimbaits, or umbrella rigs for these circumstances. The fish don’t seem to be dialed in on the cicadas yet, from angler reports, but will be soon. Poppers and frogs will be a fun way to catch them once that bite begins.
Crappie fishing is decent. There were still some crappie being caught spawning shallow on treetops earlier this week. Maybe as conditions stabilize, they will finish up with this last moon phase. The bite with these high-water conditions right now is catching fish in the 15-20’ range off the brush tops with bright colored jigs and minnows.
07 May 2025
Report Contributor – Will Schibig, Region III Creel Clerk
Reservoir Conditions -Great Falls has risen 5’ since last week and is currently sitting at 795’. The water has also cooled substantially; the lower end of the reservoir has dropped up to 10 degrees at 64, and the upper end has dropped up to 12 degrees at 57 degrees. The water clarity is murky with 3-5’ visibility from the dam to roughly the Calfkiller, where it improves to 6-8’ visibility. The average inflow per day into Great Falls is roughly 3,000-5,000 cfs each day. Great Falls Dam is generating 4,000-5,000 cfs per day in outflow. Be cautious of floating debris reservoir-wide.
Crappie – Fishing is good. This past week, there were still spawners up shallow on the treetops, but with the cold front, the fish have been pushed to the 10-20’ range on these same treetops. The bite is still good, but not as hot as before the cooldown.
Bass – Fishing is slow. With the high, cooler water, the bass bite isn’t as consistent as the crappie. Fishing channel swings banks or treetops with crankbaits, jigs, or spinnerbaits will produce some bites.
Muskellunge- Fishing is slow. With the murkier water, muskie won’t be able to track a bait as well, but will be less reluctant to strike. Target muddy banks with flashy baits or baits that move a lot of water. The upper end of the reservoir will be a better chance at a bite, while the bigger fish are around the mouths of the Collins and Rocky Rivers.
30 April 2025
Report Contributor – Will Schibig, Region III Creel Clerk
Reservoir Conditions – Great Falls Dam is averaging daily 1,200-3,000 cfs of outflow this past week and is averaging 1,500-3,000 cfs of inflow this week. Reservoir elevation is currently sitting at 790’ and is stable for now. The warmest waters are found on the lower end and in the Rocky & Collins rivers, with surface water temperatures in the mid-to-high 60s. The water clarity in these areas is poor, with 3-5’ visibility being the average. The upper end of the reservoir, near Plumlee Ford, has cooler water temperatures in the low 60s and clarity as good as 10-12’. The Calfkiller and Cane Creek are also cooler than the other tributaries. Cane Creek has exceptional clarity, while the Calfkiller is murky.
Bass- Fishing is good. Bass are still being caught on chunk rock transition banks with docks or brush with crankbaits, spinnerbaits, or finesse presentations.
Crappie- Fishing is excellent. The final wave of crappie have moved up, reservoir-wide, to spawn. Fish are being caught shallow near the base of downed trees in 3-8 FOW. Lots of limits with 13-14” fish being mixed in.
Muskellunge- Fishing is good. Some good bite windows occurred this week, with several fish being caught on the upper end of the reservoir. Twitch baits on shallow, muddy banks with timber.
24 April 2025
Report Contributor – Will Schibig, Region III Creel Clerk
Reservoir Conditions- Great Falls Dam is generating 1,800 cfs of outflow on average and taking in 1,350 cfs of inflow. The reservoir elevation has been dropped to 788’ the last few days but is expected to skyrocket to 797’ in the upcoming days. Water is still cooler and clearer on the upper end (8’, 62 degrees) versus the lower end (4’ 66 degrees). The tributaries have about the same water qualities (4’ 66 degrees).
Crappie- Fishing is decent. The bite isn’t as hot as it has been in April, but limits are still being caught by anglers. Anglers with the most luck are catching fish schooled up on either deep brush or suspended off trees in the channel in 20-25 FOW. Lots of crappie still have eggs and probably have pulled off with the water getting drawn down, these fish may still go up and spawn again shallow on brush with the water coming back up.
Bass- Fishing is good. Target mud banks with brush or rock transition banks with trees. Spinnerbaits, crankbaits, flipping and wacky rigs should be players. Bass are in all three stages of the spawn.
Muskellunge- Fishing is decent. Target Musky shallow on mud banks with downed trees or standing timber in the 3-5’ range from the Hwy 70 bridge downstream. Pull baits or glide baits.
16 April 2025
Report Contributor – Will Schibig, Region III Creel Clerk
Reservoir Conditions-
Great Falls elevation has dropped several feet this week. The current reservoir elevation sits at 791.5’. Great Falls Dam is generating 3,770 cfs of outflow on average per day. Great Falls is experiencing an average per day of 3,393 cfs of inflow into the reservoir. The Collins and Rocky Rivers are both experiencing 4-7’ of water visibility and surface water temperatures in the low 60s. The Calfkiller River has 3-5’ of visibility and surface water temperatures in the high 50s. The upper end of Great Falls, around the Hwy 111 bridge, has 8-10’ visibility with water temperatures in the mid-50s. The lower end of Great Falls has 3-5’ visibility and temps in the low 60’s.
Bass fishing is decent. The largemouth are pulled up on the rocky banks with wood staging to spawn. If it wasn’t for this recent drop in water elevation, I’d say they would be on bed right now. I have reports of big largemouth in the 3-5lb class range being caught on the Collins River arm. Weights have been good in the last few weekend tournaments, so this is a good time to go.
Crappie- Fishing is good. The bite is still good, but not as hot as the last few weeks. Most of the crappie are post-spawn and have pulled off the bank and trees. Schools of fish are roaming off the bank 5-10’ down and can be found on deep structure 20-30’ deep. There are still some fish on trees, but not the quality.
White bass- Fishing is decent. Some white bass are being caught mid-reservoir by trolling crankbaits and crappie jigs over the channel at 2mph and baits 5-10’ down. .
03 April 2025
Report Contributor – Will Schibig, Region III Creel Clerk
Reservoir Conditions have been volatile like most springs are on Great Falls. The water level has been up and down but is expected to rise again with the newest storm incoming. Current water levels are at 790’. Great Falls dam is releasing 3500-4500 cfs per day on average. The inflow to Great Falls is 2,500-3,500 cfs per day on average. The lower end of the reservoir has been in the 60s with a 4’ visibility average. The upper end of the reservoir has better visibility with 9-12’ clarity and surface water temperatures in the mid-to-high 50s. The Rocky, Calfkiller, and Collins rivers all have similar conditions with 3-5’ visibility and low 60’s surface water temperatures.
Bass fishing has been decent. Largemouth bass are being caught on mud flats with trees. The smallmouth bite up the Collins has slowed, with fish moving upstream of Hennessy Bridge due to low water conditions.
Crappie fishing is excellent. Reservoir-wide, you can catch crappie on any brush on mud banks as shallow as 5’ and as deep as 20’. Most crappie being caught are in the 10-12” range, with some slabs mixed in. With the water temperatures hitting the 60s, the bite may die down while the fish spawn.
Muskie- Fishing is decent. The muskies are closing out their spawn, and hungry post spawn fish are being sought after with glide baits and paddle tail swim baits on mud flats with logs mixed in on the upper end of the reservoir.
18 March 2025
Report Contributor – Will Schibig, Region III Creel Clerk
Reservoir Conditions-
Great Falls Dam has been experiencing volatile water conditions this week due to this past weekend’s storms. The reservoir elevation is currently sitting at 795’, but did peak at 802’ which was an 11’ foot rise from the previous week. Great Falls experienced an average inflow of 52,000 cfs per day and an average outflow of 46,000 cfs per day. Those figures have gone down to an average of 10,000 cfs of inflow per day, and an average of 12,900 cfs of outflow per day as of 3/18/25. The surface water temperatures did warm some, with averages being in the mid-to-low 50’s. The warmest water temperatures can be found in the Collins and Rocky River arms. Water clarity is poor reservoir-wide, expect the upper main Caney Fork arm to clear up first. Be cautious of floating debris reservoir-wide.
Bass- Fishing is decent. Anglers are catching largemouth targeting wood structures on sunny mud banks with crankbaits, umbrella rigs, and jigs. Spotted bass can be caught on rock transition banks with wood structures or rock slides with jigs, shakey heads, or crankbaits. Smallmouth have been caught up in the Collins River.
Crappie- Fishing is great. Anglers are having great success targeting crappie reservoir-wide around tree tops or other submerged brush piles. Crappies are being caught as deep as 18-20’ or as shallow as 5-10’ on sunny days in turbid water. The Rocky and Collins River arms are producing the most fish.
Muskellunge- Fishing is decent. Muskie anglers are seeing or getting followed by muskie while fishing rock transition banks with downed trees on the upper end of the reservoir. Pull-pause baits are getting the most action. Anglers have reported muskies within close distance to big balls of shad.
Catfish- Fishing is slow. Anglers are targeting catfish with livers near the bottom on main lake mud banks in 18-20 FOW.
12 March 2025
Report Contributor – Will Schibig, Region III Creel Clerk
Reservoir Conditions-
Great Falls Dam has been releasing roughly 1,300 cfs of outflow per day, on average, but is projected to hold for the next few days. The reservoir elevation has risen 4’ from last week and currently sits at 791’. The inflow into Great Falls reservoir is still around 1,400 cfs per day on average. Expect this to rise with the incoming storms this weekend. Water clarity is greatest on the upper end around the Hwy. 111 bridge, with visibility up to 13’. From the Calfkiller outflow downstream, the clarity is 4-6’ reservoir wide. Surface water temperatures are the warmest in the Rocky, Collins, and Calfkiller river arms as well as the lower end of the reservoir from Hwy. 70 bridge downstream. Surface water temperatures in these areas have warmed into the low-to-mid 50’s. Be aware of floating debris from rising waters, especially on the lower Collins River arm. There has been a mini threadfin shad kills throughout the reservoir; these are a natural occurrence when water temperatures get in the 40’s. With warming water temperatures, this should subside.
Bass- Fishing is decent. Anglers are catching largemouth targeting wood structures on sunny mud banks with crankbaits, umbrella rigs, and jigs. Spotted bass can be caught on rock transition banks with wood structures or rock slides with jigs, shakey heads, or crankbaits. Smallmouth have been caught up in the Collins River.
Crappie- Fishing is great. Anglers are having great success targeting crappie reservoir-wide around tree tops or other submerged brush piles. Crappie are being caught as deep as 18-20’ or as shallow as 5-10’ on sunny days in turbid water. The Rocky and Collins River arms are producing the most fish.
Muskellunge- Fishing is decent. Muskie anglers are seeing or getting follows from muskie while fishing rock transition banks with downed trees on the upper end of the reservoir. Pull-pause baits are getting the most action. Anglers have reported muskie within close distance to big balls of shad.
Catfish- Fishing is slow. Anglers are targeting catfish with livers near the bottom on main lake mud banks in 18-20 FOW.
04 March 2025
Report Contributor – Will Schibig, Region III Creel Clerk
Reservoir Conditions-
Great Falls Dam is releasing 1,700 cfs of outflow, on average, per day. The reservoir elevation is sitting at 787’ but is relative to change based on generation scheduling. The upper end of the reservoir has up to 12’ of visibility and around 48-degree water temperature. The lower end of the reservoir is murkier with 4-6’ of visibility and slightly warmer. The Collins River arm has the warmest water with temperatures in the lower 50’s and around 5’ visibility. The Rocky River has similar conditions with 4’ of visibility and low 50s as well. The Calfkiller is low and not accessible by propped boat, the mouth has a 53-degree reading.
Bass- Fishing is decent. Anglers are having the most success with largemouth while fishing wood structures on sunny mud banks with crankbaits and umbrella rigs. Spotted bass can be caught around channel swing rock banks with wood and docks mixed in with finesse presentations like shakey heads and ned rigs.