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Chickamauga Lake Fishing Report: 2 Reports
24 April 2024
Forecast Contributor – Billy Wheat, Follow on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/riprapfishingadventures and www.riprapfishing.net
Chickamauga is in a full rotation from spawn to prespawn to post to shad spawn to bluegill spawn! The water level is 681 and the temperatures are 70-72 degrees. The Senko is hot! The swimbait is hot! The ole flipping stick with plastics is hot!
24 April 2024
Forecast Contributor – Nathan Rogers, Region III Creel Clerk
The weather was cooler throughout the weekend warming up after Monday morning. The water temps throughout the lake are still climbing with water temperatures in the main river being roughly 3 degrees cooler than creeks/inlets. Visibility in creeks is also much lower than the main river channel. The water level is climbing closer to summer pool being 3 feet from full; 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:
– Upper end of lake (River Channel): 61.7 degrees Fahrenheit
– Hiwassee River: 69.1 degrees Fahrenheit
Water Clarity:
– Tennessee River (River Channel): 4 feet
– Creeks/Inlets: 2.5 feet
– Hiwassee River: 3.5 feet
Water Level: 680.8 feet
Water Flow: (as of April 24th)
– Watts Bar Dam: ~ 6350 cfs
– Chickamauga Dam: ~ 10880 cfs
– Ocoee#1 Dam: ~ 720 cfs
– Apalachia: ~ 770 cfs
Observed Species Information
Bass: Fishing is getting better. Many anglers are finding fish in creeks and channels on drop-offs throwing finesse techniques such as dropshot, Texas, Shaky head, Damiki, and other soft plastic rigs. Some still target with live bait and attract some bits as well. When fishing water with low visibility, throwing brighter colors and baits with flair garnered some bites.
Crappie: Fishing is fair. Crappie are still being found in creeks in shallow water but also found in deeper channels as well. Rocky banks with shallow submerged structure are where most anglers are finding fish. Try throwing Bobby Garland style jigs or live minnows. Trolling creeks is also still a good practice.
16 April 2024
Forecast Contributor – Billy Wheat, Follow on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/riprapfishingadventures and
www.riprapfishing.net
Chickamauga water level is 680 and the water temperature is in the 60s and climbing up fast. If you like throwing big baits now is the time for the 6–8-inch Swimbait! The grass is good in 3 to 8 feet of water and rotation is full swing for the spawn. Topwater is fun as well as the Wake Baits! But yet again the shell beds and offshore structures that aren’t that deep can hold the mother load on a Swimbait or Jerk bait!
17 April 2024
Forecast Contributor – Nathan Rogers, Region III Creel Clerk
The weather was warmer throughout the weekend with heavy winds arriving late in the week. The warm weather increased water temps throughout the lake with water temperatures in the main river are roughly 3 degrees cooler than creeks/inlets. The water level is up roughly 4 feet following the rain events; 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:
– Lower end of lake (River Channel): 67.1 degrees Fahrenheit
– Upper end of lake (River Channel): 65.1 degrees
Water Clarity:
– Tennessee River (River Channel): 4 feet
– Creeks/Inlets: 3.5 feet
Water Level: 680.1 feet
Water Flow: (as of April 17th)
– Watts Bar Dam: ~ 6350 cfs
– Chickamauga Dam: ~ 10880 cfs
Observed Species Information
Bass: Fishing is getting better. Many anglers are finding fish in creeks and channels on drop-offs throwing finesse techniques such as dropshot, Texas, Shaky head, Damiki, and other soft plastic rigs. Some still target with live bait and attract some bits as well. When fishing water with low visibility, throwing brighter colors and baits with flair garnered some bites.
Crappie: Fishing is fair. Crappie are still being found in creeks in shallow water but also found in deeper channels as well. Rocky banks with shallow submerged structure are where most anglers are finding fish. Try throwing Bobby Garland style jigs or live minnows. Trolling creeks is also still a good practice.
Striped Bass: Fishing is slow. Anglers are fishing below the dam in current with skipjack/shad as bait. The bite is slow, but anglers are still reeling in quality size striper.
Sunfish (Bream): Fishing is fair. Using worms on shallow banks and structure with worms or crickets.
10 April 2024
Forecast Contributor – Billy Wheat, Follow on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/riprapfishingadventures and
www.riprapfishing.net
Chickamauga is 680 and the temperature is 61-65 the big Swimbait is strong on the main channel bluffs and rocks. Traps are great in the mouths of pockets before it gets super shallow. The last transition banks before the flats are great for staging bass. If you’re wanting to bed fish get a Senko or a creature bait and stay light on the weight. Don’t leave the spooks at home or the old standard Texas rig beat on the wood.
10 April 2024
Forecast Contributor – Nathan Rogers, Region III Creel Clerk
The weather was warm throughout the weekend with storms arriving early in the week and staying cloudy throughout. The overcast cooled creeks back a few degrees. Water temperatures in the main river are roughly 3 degrees cooler than creeks/inlets. The water level is up roughly 4 feet following the rain events; 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:
– Lower end of lake (River Channel): 61.0 degrees Fahrenheit
Water Clarity:
– Tennessee River (River Channel): 3.5 feet
– Creeks/Inlets: 3.5 feet
Water Level: 679.9 feet
Water Flow: (as of April 10th)
– Watts Bar Dam: ~ 7630 cfs
– Chickamauga Dam: ~ 10880 cfs
Observed Species Information
Bass: Fishing is getting better. Many anglers are finding fish in creeks and channels on drop-offs throwing finesse techniques such as dropshot, Texas, Shaky head, Damiki, and other soft plastic rigs. Some still target with live bait and attract some bits as well. When fishing water with low visibility, throwing brighter colors and baits with flair garnered some bites.
Crappie: Fishing is fair. Crappie are up shallow due to spawning in backs and mouths of creeks. Rocky banks with shallow submerged structure are where most anglers are finding fish. Try throwing Bobby Garland style jigs or live minnows. Trolling creeks is also still a good practice.
03 April 2024
Forecast Contributor – Billy Wheat, Follow on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/riprapfishingadventures and
www.riprapfishing.net
Chickamauga has been on the rise up to 678 and may go up another foot. The flats are getting busy with the Rat-l-trap and the wood in the transition banks are waiting on a flipper or a Spinnerbait. Some fish are pulling up on the beds while others are still on the A-rig and Jerk bait. Pick your poison it’s getting to be that time of year when it’s all going down at the same time. Water temperature is 62-65. Water level is. 678. Always remember if the current runs go to the current breaks and points.
27 March 2024
Forecast Contributor – Billy Wheat, Follow on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/riprapfishingadventures
and www.riprapfishing.net
Chickamauga water level is 677 water temperature is 57- 61. With the dirty water in the creeks the Chatterbait and Square Bill around the wood is great. Traps on the flats are good as well especially with the presence of grass. The creek mouths both main and secondary are great for a Swimbait or Trap on the upper points with a current break. If it gets tough on you get the dropshot out and hit the shell beds with any grass at all around them.
2 Reports
20 March 2024
Forecast Contributor – Billy Wheat, Follow on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/riprapfishingadventures and www.riprapfishing.net
Chickamauga is hanging around at 776 the water temperature is 58-63. The 2.5-3-inch Swimbait still gets bit! It’s time for the big baits Glides and Big Paddle Tails will catch some big ones on the shallow shell beds and points with stumps. The 1/2-ounce jig in a crawfish pattern is a big bite as well. Current breaks and main channel docks are great places for the jig and a square bill. Always have a shakey head on this time of year around wood or docks.
March 16th – March 18th, 2024
Forecast Contributor – Nathan Rogers, Region III Creel Clerk
The weather was warm throughout the weekend, but a cold front arrived Monday morning dropped lows down to the 30s again. Heavy storms Friday morning warmed creeks but also dirtied them with mud and debris. Water temperatures in the main river are roughly 3 degrees cooler than creeks/inlets. The water level came up roughly 2 feet following the Friday rain events; 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:
– Upper end of lake (River Channel): 55.2 degrees Fahrenheit
– Lower end of lake (River Channel): 57.2 degrees Fahrenheit
Water Clarity:
– Tennessee River (River Channel): 3.5 feet
– Creeks/Inlets: 1.5 feet
Water Level: 677.9 feet
Water Flow: (as of March 18th)
– Watts Bar Dam: ~ 24800 cfs
– Chickamauga Dam: ~ 51250 cfs (spilling)
Observed Species Information
Bass: Fishing is getting better. Throwing jerk baits, shallow diving crankbaits, lipless crankbaits, and smaller swimbaits on shallow island flats and points brought great success to several anglers. Some still target with live bait and attract some bits as well. When fishing water with low visibility, throwing brighter colors and baits with flair garnered some bites.
Crappie: Fishing is fair. Crappie are starting to move into shallower water in creeks and inlets on the lower end of the lake. Try fishing Bobby Garland jigs or other smaller swimbaits near rocky points/flats in shallow water (less than 10 feet). On the upper end of the lake, crappie are still near creek mouths and inlets starting to venture to backs of creeks.
Striped Bass: Live bait (shad, skipjack) below dam in current breaks.
White Bass: Small jigs in current below dam
Walleye: Longline trolling crankbaits with planer boards in current below dam. Drift jigging the bottom with small to medium sized jigs. Some had luck jigging near banks and submerged brush as well.
14 March 2024
Forecast Contributor – Billy Wheat, Follow on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/riprapfishingadventures and www.riprapfishing.net
Chickamauga is definitely doing great with the water temps on the rise you have to watch these bass will jump into super shallow water and hit a buzz bait or swim jig in the dirt! Look for the main channel bass to smoke a jerk bait or 5-7” paddle tail and as always, the A-rig. Its jig time as well the rising temperature will have them killing that jig. Main channel is the grass shell beds and stumps all of these are related to some sort of current break. The creek fishing is wood find a lay down catch a big one. Put your big boy britches on and throw that Glide Bait around the trees. Water level is 676. Water temperature is 53-56 and rising.
11 March 2024
Forecast Contributor – Nathan Rogers, Region III Creel Clerk
The weather was warm Monday evening but colder for the morning. Rainy days from the previous weekend warmed creeks but also dirtied them with mud and debris. Water temperatures in the main river are roughly 3 degrees cooler than creeks/inlets. The water level has been lower than usual for the past few weeks so be cautious when launching at certain ramps; 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:
– Tennessee River (River Channel): 56.8 degrees Fahrenheit
– Creeks/Inlets: 59.2 degrees Fahrenheit
Water Clarity:
– Tennessee River (River Channel): 3.5 feet
– Creeks/Inlets: 1.5 feet
Water Level: 678.9 feet
Water Flow: (as of March 11th)
– Watts Bar Dam: ~ 24800 cfs
– Chickamauga Dam: ~ 51250 cfs (spilling)
Observed Species Information
Bass: Fishing is getting better. Throwing jerk baits, shallow diving crankbaits, and smaller swimbaits on shallow island flats and points brought great success to several anglers. Some still target with live bait and attract some bits as well.
Crappie: Fishing is fair. Crappie are starting to move into shallower water in creeks and inlets on the lower end of the lake. Try fishing Bobby Garland jigs or other smaller swimbaits near rocky points/flats in shallow water (less than 10 feet).
07 March 2024
Forecast Contributor – Billy Wheat, Follow on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/riprapfishingadventures and www.riprapfishing.net
Chickamauga elevation is 676 the water temperature is moving up in the mid-50s. The big baits are starting to play well. The Glide 6-10 inch and the paddle tails 5-8 inch are getting some attention. Shell beds any wood and grass is great especially if you have an area with all 3. The trap bite is 2-6 feet drop in the flats and ditches. The scoping and A-rig is happening in 12-25 around bait. Change is happening for sure as water temperatures are rising so be versatile and don’t be afraid to throw a big bait.
February 16th – 18th – 24
Forecast Contributor – Nathan Rogers, Region III Creel Clerk
The weather was warm Friday to start the weekend but then a cold front hit that night bringing temps down. This cold front seemed to really impact the fishing with hardly any surveyed anglers recording even a bite that Saturday morning. Water temperatures are starting to warm in the Tennessee River channel and stay somewhat cooler in the Hiwassee. The water level was up due to the heavy rains throughout the region in previous weeks; 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:
– Tennessee River (main lake): 50.1 degrees Fahrenheit
– Hiwassee River: 47.9 degrees Fahrenheit
Water Clarity:
– Tennessee River (main lake): 3.5 feet
– Hiwassee River: 3.5 feet
Water Level: 678.9 feet
Water Flow: (as of February 18th)
– Watts Bar Dam: ~ 57670 cfs (spilling)
– Chickamauga Dam: ~ 76000cfs (spilling)
Observed Species Information
Bass: Fishing is fair. Using live bait (shad/minnows) on bluffs and main channel banks with deep water. Some anglers had success with swimbaits and lipless crankbaits in these areas too. During some recent surveys, anglers used square bill crankbaits and A-rigs on rocky banks and flats that garnered some bites.
Crappie: Fishing is fair. Using live minnows and/or Bobby Garland jigs in mouths of creeks/sloughs around submerged brush. Trolling small crankbaits or jigs in shallow creeks.
Walleye: Fishing is fair. Trolling crankbaits upstream in current below dam. Drifting downstream jigging 3/8th to 1/2-ounce jig heads with hair or small swimbaits.
22 Feb 2024
Forecast Contributor – Billy Wheat, Follow on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/riprapfishingadventures and www.riprapfishing.net
Chickamauga elevation is 676 and the dam is rolling look for schools of bait in the creek mouths and back in the deeper creeks and put the scoping baits to work. The jerk bait bite is fire along with the glider any wood 3-12 feet can hold some big ones. The A-rig bite can off the chart right in the 8-15 range especially around the shell beds my choice of A-rigs are Big Daddy’s Baits Dayton Boat dock Rig, Driftwood Custom Baits Peanut Rig and The Stealth Rig. The 3–5-inch baits are great. Remember any grass you find fish it 2-6 feet throw that Rat-l-trap and that Swimbait.
16th – 18th – 24
Forecast Contributor – Nathan Rogers, Region III Creel Clerk
The weather was warm Friday to start the weekend but then a cold front hit that night bringing temps down. This cold front seemed to really impact the fishing with hardly any surveyed anglers recording even a bite that Saturday morning. Water temperatures are starting to warm in the Tennessee River channel and stay somewhat cooler in the Hiwassee. The water level was up due to the heavy rains throughout the region in previous weeks; 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:
– Tennessee River (main lake): 50.1 degrees Fahrenheit
– Hiwassee River: 47.9 degrees Fahrenheit
Water Clarity:
– Tennessee River (main lake): 3.5 feet
– Hiwassee River: 3.5 feet
Water Level: 678.9 feet
Water Flow: (as of February 18th)
– Watts Bar Dam: ~ 57670 cfs (spilling)
– Chickamauga Dam: ~ 76000cfs (spilling)
Observed Species Information
Bass: Fishing is fair. Using live bait (shad/minnows) on bluffs and main channel banks with deep water. Some anglers had success with swimbaits and lipless crankbaits in these areas too. During some recent surveys, anglers used square bill crankbaits and A-rigs on rocky banks and flats that garnered some bites.
Crappie: Fishing is fair. Using live minnows and/or Bobby Garland jigs in mouths of creeks/sloughs around submerged brush. Trolling small crankbaits or jigs in shallow creeks.
Walleye: Fishing is fair. Trolling crankbaits upstream in current below dam. Drifting downstream jigging 3/8th to 1/2-ounce jig heads with hair or small swimbaits.
14 Feb 2024
Forecast Contributor – Billy Wheat, Follow on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/riprapfishingadventures and www.riprapfishing.net
Chickamauga is at 680 and rolling. The main channel bite is great with a Swimbait or Chatterbait. The bigger Spinnerbait is the ticket on the shell beds. The trap bite in the creeks is fire you just have to find them on the flats or points and grass is great to find in this situation. The conditions as of now are just go fish for a BigN! They are biting just cover water and use your electronics if you find them, they will bite!
2 Reports Posted
Chickamauga – 2-7-24
Forecast Contributor – Billy Wheat, Follow on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/riprapfishingadventures and www.riprapfishing.net
Chickamauga is really doing good with the water flow we are having the Swimbait bite and Chatterbait bite is great! The river bars are super especially if there is any grass at all on them. The trap bite is just as well in the creeks as they are holding a ton of shad right now. The A-rig and Jerk bait on the chunk rock banks 8-12 feet are sweet as well as the flat side crankbait bite. This all due to the steady water flow now. Water temperature is 44-48 depending on where you are. The water level is 677.
Chickamauga Reservoir February 3rd-5th 2024
Forecast Contributor – Nathan Rogers, Region III Creel Clerk
The weather was warm again this weekend with clear bluebird skies. Temperatures were around the mid to upper 30’s at night and reaching as high as 60. Water temperatures are still cool throughout the main channel but warmer in creeks and the Hiwassee; latest depth I recorded is below. For any discharge or lake elevation info, check out the TVA Lake Info App.
Reservoir Conditions
Water Temp:
– Tennessee River (main lake): 44.5 degrees Fahrenheit
– Hiwassee River: 48.9 degrees Fahrenheit
Water Clarity:
– Tennessee River (main lake): 3.5 feet
– Hiwassee River: 2.5 feet
Water Level: 677.35 feet
Water Flow: (as of February 5th)
– Watts Bar Dam: ~ 46300cfs
– Chickamauga Dam: ~ 57000cfs (spilling)
– Apalachia: 3100cfs
– Ocoee #1: 2000cfs
Observed Species Information
Bass: Fishing is fair. Using live bait (shad/minnows) on bluffs and main channel banks with deep water. Some anglers had success with swimbaits and lipless crankbaits in these areas too. During some recent surveys, anglers used square bill crankbaits and A-rigs on rocky banks and flats that garnered some bites.
Crappie: Fishing is fair. Using live minnows and/or Bobby Garland jigs in mouths of creeks/sloughs around submerged brush. Trolling small crankbaits or jigs in shallow creeks.
Walleye: Fishing is fair. Trolling crankbaits upstream in current below dam. Drifting downstream jigging 3/8th to 1/2-ounce jig heads with hair or small swimbaits.
Catfish: Fishing is fair. Cut bait on river channels was the best practice observed.
Redear Sunfish (Shellcracker): caught in mouths of creeks and inlets with worms or minnows.
01 Feb 2024
Forecast Contributor – Billy Wheat, Follow on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/riprapfishingadventures and www.riprapfishing.net
Water level is just below 677. Water temperature is 43-48. The current is running great through the dams which is always great the feeding activity levels are always high when this is happening. The main channel current breaks with an A-rig with 3-4.5-inch Swimbaits can get the job done. DT6 cranking or flat sides cranking will get you bit for sure. If you find any grass in the creeks or flats a Swimbait, Rat-l-trap and Chatterbait will catch them. 2-8 feet seem to be the zone when the current is running like this.
Chickamauga Reservoir January 26th-31st 2024
Forecast Contributor – Nathan Rogers, Region III Creel Clerk
The weather was oddly warm on Friday with rough storms with heavy rain and winds coming in late that night and Saturday. Temperatures were around the mid to upper 40’s’s at night and reaching as high as 51. After the storms moved out, the weather got much cooler the rest of the weekend. Water temperatures are cool throughout the lake with lots of current from the storms and increased pool level; latest depth I recorded is below. For any discharge or lake elevation info, check out the TVA Lake Info App.
Reservoir Conditions
Water Temp:
– Tennessee River (main lake): 44.5 degrees Fahrenheit
Water Clarity:
– Tennessee River (main lake): 3.5 feet
Water Level: 676.8 feet
Water Flow: (as of January 31st)
– Watts Bar Dam: ~ 46200cfs
– Chickamauga Dam: ~ 59700cfs (spilling)
Observed Species Information
Bass: Fishing is fair. Using live bait (shad/minnows) on bluffs and main channel banks with deep water. Some anglers had success with swimbaits and lipless crankbaits in these areas too. During some recent surveys, anglers used square bill crankbaits and A-rigs on rocky banks and flats that garnered some bites.
Crappie: Fishing is fair. Using live minnows and/or Bobby Garland jigs in mouths of creeks/sloughs around submerged brush.
Walleye: Fishing is fair. Trolling crankbaits upstream in current below dam and drifting downstream jigging.
Catfish: Fishing is fair. Cut bait on river channels was the best practice observed.
24 Jan 2024
Forecast Contributor – Billy Wheat, Follow on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/riprapfishingadventures and www.riprapfishing.net
The water level is 677 and the water temperature is 40-43. The water flow is strong and that sets up for a great Swimbait bite especially on the shell beds in the main lake. Catch them on a 2.5 to 3.8 Swimbait with a 3/16 to 3/8 Swimbait head. The A-rig is great along with a 5-7 ft deep Jerk bait. The crankbait DT 6 is great because these conditions set the bass up usually above the 8 ft mark. Current breaks and shell beds are great for all of these baits. If you find grass the Chatterbait and Rat-l-trap are great as well. As far as the big baits the Glide and the big shad hard Swimbait 6-10 inches will get bit. Remember learn to read the current, find the shell beds or timber and catch a BigN!
14 Jan 2024
Chickamauga Reservoir January 13th-14th 2024
Forecast Contributor – Nathan Rogers, Region III Creel Clerk
The weather was cold Saturday morning and Sunday morning with some steady winds. Temperatures were around the mid to upper 20’s at night and reaching as high as 44. Water level was low due to expectation of heavy rain incoming the following day; latest depth I recorded is below. For any discharge or lake elevation info, check out the TVA Lake Info App.
Reservoir Conditions
Water Temp:
– Tennessee River (below Watts Bar Dam): 45.9 degrees Fahrenheit
– Tennessee River (main lake): 45.4 degrees Fahrenheit
Water Clarity:
– Tennessee River (below Watts Bar Dam): 4.5 feet
– Tennessee River (main lake): 4.5 feet
Water Level: 676.0 feet
Water Flow: (as of January 8th)
– Watts Bar Dam: ~ 47000 cfs
– Chickamauga Dam: ~ 49500 cfs (spilling)
Observed Species Information
Bass: Fishing is fair. Using live bait (shad/minnows) on bluffs and main channel banks with deep water. Some anglers had success with swimbaits and lipless crankbaits in these areas too. A-rigs and jerk baits around docks and rock walls garnered some bites as well.
Crappie: Fishing is fair. Using live minnows and/or Bobby Garland jigs in mouths of creeks/sloughs around submerged brush. Also seen catches around bluff walls and deep current breaks.
Walleye: Fishing is fair. Trolling crankbaits upstream in current below dam and drifting downstream jigging.
10 Jan 2024
Forecast Contributor – Billy Wheat, Follow on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/riprapfishingadventures and www.riprapfishing.net
The water is pulling hard elevation is 680 on the lower end and 682 in the upper end. With this dirty high water, it’s time to get the big Chatterbait, black, blue rattle jig, square bill, Rat-l-trap and a thumping Spinnerbait. Any wood that is in the water and any current breaks near points or creek mouths need to be hit. This is the time the big bass get tight and feed big. Any shallow shelled or rocky point that diverts the current need to be hit hard. Find the clearer water throw the A-rig and Swimbait especially around grass edges.
04 Jan 2024
Forecast Contributor – Billy Wheat, Follow on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/riprapfishingadventures and www.riprapfishing.net
The water temperature is 45-48. The water level is 677. The current flow is low. The jerk bait bite is full tilt. We smoked them yesterday on it. 8-12 ft banks and channel swings. The 2.5-4-inch Swimbait getting bit especially around and under baitfish. If you happen to find some grass on the flats that is fishable the trap and Chatterbait will do it. Never leave home in the winter without the A-rig somedays it is off the chart!
26 Dec 2023
Forecast Contributor – Billy Wheat, Follow on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/riprapfishingadventures and www.riprapfishing.net
The current has slowed some and the water is on the rise. When this happens don’t panic just find the grass on the river bars and flats the bait will pour into these areas. Don’t be surprised in the winter months that these fish will hit a topwater buzz bait especially a Big Daddy Baits Hairy Buzzer or a Driftwood Custom Baits Head Banger with a small Swimbait on it. The Chatterbait is a heavy hitter in the skinny water along with the Rat-l-trap.
But remember when that water current ramps up the jerk bait, A-rig, 4–5-inch Swimbait, Dt6-8 and a Glide can get it done. Don’t forget the small baits 2.5 to 3.5 Swimbaits can catch them good. The deep creeks can be great if you put your electronics to use get the Scoping Baits out and find the bait balls light line and small Damiki style minnows are awesome. The new Whiptail and Drift Shad from Driftwood Custom Baits are new and hot! Big Daddy Baits are also making a smaller version of the Booger Spin! The water temperature is 48-52. Water level is 677-678.
13 Dec 2023
Forecast Contributor – Billy Wheat, Follow on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/riprapfishingadventures and
The bass this week are killing an A-rig and a Swimbait. The 2.5 to 3.5 on the A-rig is great. The 4–6-inch Swimbait either a boot tail or a round tail on a 3/8 are the ticket. Look for the bait around underwater points, creek mouths and grass especially if the grass is near a shell bed. The old trusty Jerk bait is always a player in depths of 3-12 feet. Going deeper requires a 2.8 or Blade bait. One bait people count out in the winter is a big Spinnerbait 3/4 to 1 ounce as well as the Chatterbait these baits catch some Hawgs in the winter for sure. The water temperature is 51-52 degrees. Water level is 676-677.
07 Dec 2023
Forecast Contributor – Billy Wheat, Follow on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/riprapfishingadventures and www.riprapfishing.net
The bass are loving a 2.8 to 3.5 Swimbait for sure. The other bait that they are mashing is a Chatterbait around the grass lines. The 2.8 is definitely awesome around or under the bait. Keep the crankbait tied on from a square bill to a DT10 those transition banks are starting to get good. The flats are pretty good with a 1/4 -5/8 oz Rat-l-trap bait! Water temperature is 52-55. Water level is 676.
30 Nov 2023
Forecast Contributor – Billy Wheat, Follow on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/riprapfishingadventures and www.riprapfishing.net
The bass are feeling the cold weather but that makes them get the urge to eat and the baits of choice are Rat-l-trap style baits as well as medium running crankbaits and square bills. Grass edges, shell beds and hardcover are key places to find the biggest bass of the year. The jerk bait, A-rig and 2.5-to-4-inch swimbait can be fire this time of year.
The Glide baits are great when setting your sights on a Chickamauga giant depths range from 3-12 feet any stumps trees or rocks are great especially if there is some grass nearby. As the water settles in 50s and gets to the high 40s these big bass will start group up and get on those current breaks hot and heavy. Water level is 676 and water temperature fluctuates in the 50s.
15 Nov 2023
Forecast Contributor – Billy Wheat, Follow on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/riprapfishingadventures and www.riprapfishing.net
The good news is the current is getting better and better as they drop the upper lakes and pull the water through the great Tennessee River system. The water levels are settling into the winter stages and the bass will start to group up in the schools that make the opportunity better for anglers that fish the shell beds and current breaks. But we must never rule out the opportunity for grass bass. The aquatic vegetation that survives the drawdown can be awesome for those magical moments that produce a Giant bass for those who stand strong during this time.
We leave the fickle world of small baits and step into the world of Glides and big paddling tails that entice the big bite of our life! The square bills got bigger our jigs become bulkier! The time to target the biggest bass in the pond starts now! The big stumps and standing timber associated with the nearby shell beds and steep drops are now being targeted with 5–8-inch Swimbaits and A-rigs along with the jerk baits and 3/4 to 1 oz traps. But never forget the frog bite in shallow vegetation if it’s available fish it!
Water levels are 677 and the water temperatures are going to go down from the 60s into the 50s. One of the number one baits is the Chatterbait ranging from 3/8 to 1 oz. Don’t forget the Crankbaits this time of year from 5-15 feet. Remember safety first use your maps and wear your life jacket.
08 Nov 2023
Forecast Contributor – Billy Wheat, Follow on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/riprapfishingadventures and www.riprapfishing.net
The grass mats are hanging on for dear life! If they are there the frog is it! The scatter edge is open for many baits from a Chatterbait to a Buzz bait! Let them try to tell you how fired up they are! The main thing in the fall is stay with the bait!!! If you’re a slow fisherman with a jig or worm you’re fine. The transitional banks with deeper trees and docks put you right at home. The diehard offshore fishermen can look forward to the shell bed bite as the dropping water sets them up! Watch for birds they are here! Get some smaller baits rigged so you can throw a mile it’s coming. Water temperature is 64. Water level is 678.
01 Nov 2023
Forecast Contributor – Billy Wheat, Follow on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/riprapfishingadventures and www.riprapfishing.net
The bass just felt another drop in the water we lost some mats and the water got colder but that’s good news for the lower section of the lake as these drops into winter pool happen it brings the Hydrilla beds down to lay over which is good. Then it scatters the grass in front of the beds. The frog is great, and the toad is great as well seems somedays they like one better.
The Rat-l-trap and Chatterbait are great on the edges and scattered grass. The Swimbait and Crankbait start to play as well as some of the bass start to drop off the side of the shell beds. These bass will bite the Swimbait and Crankbait as well as the A-rig! The sleeper is the Jerk bait! Always have a Jerk bait tied on! Don’t be afraid to have some finesse baits on those smaller Top waters and Little Swimbaits can really help you this time of year. The water level is 679-680. Water temperature is 56-60.
25 Oct 2023
Forecast Contributor – Billy Wheat, https://www.facebook.com/riprapfishingadventures
and www.riprapfishing.net
Water level is 679. Water temperature is 65-67. The water flow is up and down. The frog bite is great, but you have to put your time on the mats. If you see or hear nothing move on! When you see or hear activity stop and beat it down. Froggin and Punchin! Keep that Topwater Pop-R or Buzz bait on the deck for those minnow munchers on the edge!
The flats and back of creeks this time of year can be great with Ratltrap baits and Whopper Ploppers. If you’re having trouble with that go to deeper creek bends and tapering points next to deep water. The square bill and jerk bait could be the deal. If the action is slow then take the finesse baits out and use your electronics to find the deeper bass. The dropshot and Ned Rig are great choices to get bit!
18 Oct 2023
Forecast Contributor – Billy Wheat, Follow on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/riprapfishingadventures and www.riprapfishing.net
The water level is pretty much jumping around 680-679 so the shad are starting to pour into the mats where the bluegill already live. This being said now is a good time to experiment with the sizes of Frogs you throw as well as the type of baits you throw in and around the mats. Weedless weightless Swimbaits and Flukes are a great alternative to the frogs when the shad start work their way in the mats.
The transition banks are starting to show up with a jig a spinnerbait and a square bill. The jerk bait is starting to shine as well. The chunky rock banks with a faster drop is where the jerk bait and A-rig are a great option as the shad are getting thick. The main points and 6-8 feet shell beds on the main river are bigger chatter baits and swimbaits. That RatLtrap bite in the back of the creeks us going on to but everywhere. Move around cover much water if you find them stand on them because they move around a bunch. Water temperature is 64-67.
04 Oct 2023
Chickamauga Lake – 10-4-23
Forecast Contributor – Billy Wheat, Follow on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/riprapfishingadventures and www.riprapfishing.net
Bass are on the chase and busting those small baitfish so downsize your swimbaits buzz baits and Topwater baits this has been going on for 30 plus years on the TN River systems and probably longer match hatch! The Driftwood Custom Baits Head Banger 3/16 and 1/4 oz little buzzers will get them to bite! The smaller Pop-Rs can do the same! The small flukes can also be a blast!
Switching gears to the big side of life if you don’t care about numbers and you are looking for the big bite! Big Gizzards and Big Shiners and Big Bluegill imitators are a must! Glides and Big Jointed Swimbaits will catch some Big Ones! Be careful as the water starts to drop down always wear a life jacket and USE YOUR MAPPING! Electronics will help you navigate be mindful of your surroundings. Water temperature is 76-80. Water level is up and down 682-681 May drop anytime! Safety First!!!!
27 Sept 2023
Forecast Contributor – Billy Wheat, Follow on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/riprapfishingadventures and www.riprapfishing.net
Bass are on the chase and busting those small baitfish so downsize your Swimbaits Buzz baits and Topwater baits this has been going on for 30 plus years on the TN River systems and probably longer match hatch! The Driftwood Custom Baits Head Banger 3/16 and 1/4 oz little buzzers will get em to bite! The smaller Pop-Rs can do the same! The small flukes can also be a blast! Switching gears to the big side of life if you don’t care about numbers and you are looking for the big bite!
Big Gizzards and Big Shiners and Big Bluegill imitators are a must! Glides and Big Jointed Swimbaits will catch some Big Ones! Be careful as the water starts to drop down always wear a life jacket and USE YOUR MAPPING! Electronics will help you navigate be mindful of your surroundings. Water temperature is 76-80. Water level is up and down 682-681 May drop anytime! Safety First!!!!
21 Sept 2023
Forecast Contributor – Billy Wheat, Follow on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/riprapfishingadventures and www.riprapfishing.net
Upper region of the lake is very grassy with the Chatterbait and Swim Jig either in a shad pattern or bluegill pattern. The Big Swimbaits are starting to play as the big Gizzard Shad are moving in heavily. If you want to get bit with numbers downsize! If you want to swing for a big bite, then get a big bait and go to work.
The midsection of the lake was great on a Speed Worm and “The Jig” for me fishing the deeper grass edges normally what they are doing in that area kind of pertains the rest of the way down. The water temperature is ranging from 76-80. Water level is around 681.
14 Sept 2023
Forecast Contributor – Billy Wheat, Follow on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/riprapfishingadventures and www.riprapfishing.net
Bass are being caught on Chatter baits and Swim Jigs in bluegill patterns and shad patterns in the grass flats. The grass edges that fall into the river channel can be targeted with dropshots and Neko rig worms with the assistance of live scope or 360. The mats are hit and miss with the Frog or a Top Toad the Copper Red
Baits Tsunami frog walks unbelievable and draws some awesome strikes the Top Toad is great in the scattered mats.
If the current is turned up the big Swimbait and big Chatterbait are great in the shad colors. Find a good edge in the grass and get the big stick out with a punch weight from 1 oz to 1.5 oz. Paired with the new Driftwood Custom Baits D425 and big braid. Topwater baits are Pop-Rs and Pencil Popper style baits. Water temperature is 80-82. Water level is 682.
06 Sept 2023
Forecast Contributor – Billy Wheat, Follow on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/riprapfishingadventures and www.riprapfishing.net
The good news is that there are some Frog bass around but not everywhere! The more consistent bite is schoolers and punchers! The grass lines are long and continuous so make sure you look for the irregular features in that grass line especially when the current is running! I stress this you must watch the current if it cranks up try to put yourself in position to intercept these schools that set up on the shell beds and current breaks!
The baits are The Tsunami Frog by Copper Redbaits the D425 puncher by Driftwood Custom Baits and the Saltless Ol Big Stick by Jaw Dropper Plastics! The Chatterbait is always the Jack Hammer and one of the best trailers is a Spunk Shad which has a very realistic swimming action! Scattered grass and hard grass edges are places the bass hunt for a meal and if see Bluegill in the grass. Frog if possible if not I throw a swim jig if I see big gizzards, I throw a swim bait. Try to let the conditions tell you what you need to be doing. The water is full the water temperature is 80-85.
31 Aug 2023
Forecast Contributor – Billy Wheat, Follow on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/riprapfishingadventures and www.riprapfishing.net
The good news is the water is cooling down some and the Bluegill and Big Gizzards are becoming very active. The cooler temperatures at night are helping and the grass mats are starting to pop with the bug eating bluegill are getting fired up! This means get your Frogs and Punchers ready. The Big Gizzard activity means get the Big Glide Baits and Big Swimbaits out and swing for a giant.
On the Topwater side the Big Whopper Plopper and Big Walking Baits are big fish catchers. These all can be used on the grass lines, bluffs and lay down trees. Always be mindful of water flow on the Tennessee River system and don’t forget the offshore shell beds football jigs, big worms and Carolina rigs are the slower presentations the quicker presentations are 8-15 feet Crankbaits, big spinners baits and swimbaits 5-7 inches. The finesse approach is Neko rig and light dropshots along with the wacky rig Senko on the grass edges. Water temperatures are 78-82. Water level is varying from full to a foot low.
17 Aug 2023
Forecast Contributor – Billy Wheat, Follow on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/riprapfishingadventures and www.riprapfishing.net
Early morning Topwater great with a Pop-R, Pencil Popper or a Spook. The shad pattern seems to get more strikes. The big Chatterbait 3/4 paired with a 4.25- or 5-inch Swimbait I like the Driftwood Custom Baits paddle tails in a shad or bluegill pattern on the grass edges or shell beds when the current is running.
August is a great month to swim that worm and swim that jig in the grass. Remember to pay attention to the water flow schedule it positions the fish and usually will group them up. Water level is full and water temperatures are 80-85.
10 Aug 2023
Forecast Contributor – Billy Wheat, Follow on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/riprapfishingadventures and www.riprapfishing.net
Bass are definitely schooling around the grass edges the spooks Buzz bait and Pop-Rs are doing some work. Swim Jigs and Chatter baits are also a good bet especially if they’re pulling water. The finesse game in the grass is a light dropshot or a Neko rig with a finesse worm.
The offshore is great to run if the water is pulling. Big Spinnerbait and a Big Chatterbait is a great choice when gunning for a big one. Water level is full. Water temperature is 81-83.
02 Aug 2023
Forecast Contributor – Billy Wheat, Follow on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/riprapfishingadventures and www.riprapfishing.net
The bass are really liking the Pencil Popper type baits the Shower Blow the Cane Walker and the Yozuri baits are great. The dropshot heavy or light gets bit with that RoboWorm or the Dawn flatworm by Driftwood Custom Baits. The Swim Jig is great in a bluegill pattern or a shad pattern with a little glimmer blue in it. Most of this happens around a good grass edge or a shallow shell bed. The Jaw Dropper Plastics hook worm or the Zoom Mag Speed Worm depending on the depth of the grass will determine your weight size we run a 1/8-3/8.
The brand new D4.25 is really great now it’s a very versatile bait used alone or as a trailer you can even punch it! The 6th Sense square bill is a great player around the rock and wood. Always look for things that are different or out of the ordinary on your depth finder one small area can make a huge difference for you. You don’t always have to fish really deep this time of year just did the bait the difference in an area and that can make all the difference. As always on the Tennessee River if you get the right current flow, you can blast them I. A short amount of time. Water temperature is 85. Water level is full.
27 July 2023
Forecast Contributor – Billy Wheat, Follow on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/riprapfishingadventures and www.riprapfishing.net
The schoolers are starting to pop up make sure you have the small shad swimbaits on a spinning rod so you can throw it a mile! The Shower Blow and the Pop-R are great as well! The grass seems to be key and actually right now it’s not going to take much as our grass is way behind this year but when you find the good grass that is 2-4 high that’s money! Watch the current like a hawk if surges and runs for a little while that can be the window to mash them on a big plug big Swimbait or the get bit Scrounger! I love a Hair Jig and a Flutter Spoon. But if you fire them on a loud you can smoke them quick! When everything seems to be slow the finesse tactics are the way to go Dropshot, Neko Worm, Ned Rig even a mini-Carolina rig is awesome! Water temperature is 84-87. Water level is high a little but dropping.
19 July 2023
Forecast Contributor – Billy Wheat, Follow on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/riprapfishingadventures and www.riprapfishing.net
The good news is they are starting to chase really good the Topwater bite is fun around grass edges and on top of some of the shallower humps. The Spook and Pencil Popper type walking baits are great but sometimes they just want the old Pop-Rs. If you’re having trouble getting bit change to a jerk bait small in profile or a small Swimbait. The grass is great stay light stay big stay slow because they are some nice ones in that grass. That big worm is great! The bream colors in the swim jigs are starting to get hit pretty hard. The offshore fish depending on the current would be flutter spoons and Scroungers. Water temperature is 83-85. Water level is full.
12 July 2023
Forecast Contributor – Billy Wheat, Follow on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/riprapfishingadventures and www.riprapfishing.net
The big worm is a killer right now! The shell beds or the grass get the biggest one you can and a big stick and take it to them! My friend today had an 8.1 Hawg! Grass and bait! Current and shell beds! Get the Swim Jigs and get the dropshot and pink worm out! Pick your poison but pay close attention to the current if it turns on you can really hurt em! Water temperature is 83-85! Water level is full.
06 July 2023
Forecast Contributor – Billy Wheat, Follow on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/riprapfishingadventures and www.riprapfishing.net
The good news is the water has been running up in the day when the water is not running the grass bite is there for you with a Senko, big worm and swim jig. If you like to punch grass or flip grass that is great as well. I saw some bluegill bedding today so that wacky rig and frog works well in the skinny water. When the current kicks on a big crankbait, flutter spoon, Carolina Rig, Swimbait, Neko Rig worm and a football jig can be great. But as always, we know that Hair Jig fires them up and catches big ones. If it’s a tough bite the dropshot and Scrounger are getting it done. Water temperature is 80-84. Water level is full.
28 June 2023
Forecast Contributor – Billy Wheat, Follow on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/riprapfishingadventures and www.riprapfishing.net
The bass are trying to get a little excited about this water starting to move a bit! Here’s the decisions you make each day! If you’re ledge, shell bed or hump fishing by all means go do it! If you fish really shallow go do it! The water level permits that now! When the water drops back, and they pull water more consistently just fish offshore! If there is no water moving but you have high water you can go shallow.
Learn the water levels and the current schedule it will increase your chances for a better day. Shallow water lighter weights more natural presentation! Deeper water heavier weights but shad, Crawfish and Bluegill imitation baits. The water level is max full plus a little! The water temperature is still cool for this time of year 76-81. But it’s getting Hot !
21 June 2023
Forecast Contributor – Billy Wheat, Follow on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/riprapfishingadventures and www.riprapfishing.net
The electronics on your boat are so important right now. From looking on the ledges to scoping in the grass. The thing I’ve seen this week is either go big or go small. The big Swimbait 5-7 inch gets bit then a 3.3 gets bit. A 12-inch worm gets bit then a 5-inch worm gets bit. When you get around them and they are grouped it seems they don’t care they are competing and mad! Make sure you keep that Topwater, Jerk bait, Fluke, Spook, Pop-R or whatever you like to throw when they are schooling because when they come up, they are chewing.
The big worm seems to be the go-to for the slow go. In the grass and on the ledge or shell bed. The Senko is right beside of it! The clients I had last week caught a 10 pounder a 7-pound 3/4 both on the Senko. They were patient and persistent and it paid off. The water temperature is 79-82 every time I think it’s going to get hot and warm up it tricks me! When the current starts running things are going to go crazy because we’ve had low to none. The flutter spoon and the big crankbait are always on my deck when deep fishing. But I do love that Scrounger with a Fluke!
14 June 2023
Forecast Contributor – Billy Wheat, Follow on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/riprapfishingadventures and www.riprapfishing.net
The cold front we got kind of spun em out a little, but the good news is it’s going to get hot! That means run the water! These fish may be a little difficult to fire now but when they get on the water schedule they’ll fire up and eat! The hair jig and scrounger are great! Hopping the big spoon is great! If things are tough get a dropshot a Neko or Carolina rig! If you don’t have the patience, go to the grass and throw the trolling motor down and cover water with a Chatterbait or Swim Jig! The early Topwater bite on a ShowerBlow or Spook is good just fish the grass edge dropping in the river channel! Water temperatures are all over 76-82! But are going to change get your sunscreen out!!!
07 June 2023
Forecast Contributor – Billy Wheat, Follow on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/riprapfishingadventures and www.riprapfishing.net
The water is warm, and the bass are loving the grass and ledges. Swimming the big worm in the grass seems to get their attention pretty well when you get around them, but you have to be persistent. The bream beds are still hopping, and the wacky rig Senko is great. Look for that early morning bite with that Topwater around those longer shallow points with grass. When you go to the ledges don’t forget the pressure these fish get on this lake sometimes you have to throw a worm or football jig or even a dropshot but if you can fire them up on a big bait it’s a ball of fire for a while! Water temperature is 79-82. Water level is full!
31 May 2023
Forecast Contributor – Billy Wheat, Follow on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/riprapfishingadventures and www.riprapfishing.net
5-31-23
The grass bite is great early swimming a worm and a Swim Jig also the Swimbait on a light head will get some action. Keep that Zara Spook tied on for sure. The ledges and deeper shell beds are great if you can’t fire them schools on a crankbait or hair jig get the scrounger and dropshot out and finesse them. These fish get pressured pretty fast so don’t be afraid to finesse fish. In the creeks fish the wood and grass keep they big worm and Chatterbait on and cover water. The water temperature is 76-81. Water level is full.
24 May 2023
Forecast Contributor – Billy Wheat, Follow on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/riprapfishingadventures and www.riprapfishing.net
5-24-23
The Spook bite is good early on the points especially with grass the Swim Jig and big worm is very effective on the scattered grass and the spoon bite is good, but you have to look for them on your electronics on the main channel points and shell beds. The Scrounger and 5–6-inch Swimbait will definitely work but you have to ride and look for them. The Carolina Rig Brush Hog is good in 5-12 feet especially on gravel with scattered grass. The water is starting to move some so check the dams release schedule. Water temperature is 77-81. Water level is full.
17 May 2023
Forecast Contributor – Billy Wheat, Follow on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/riprapfishingadventures and www.riprapfishing.net
5-17-23
Bass are starting to show up on the offshore ledges pretty good. Electronics are key in this situation looking for irregular features in the ledges are key but takes time if you’re willing to put that time in it can definitely pay off. The Carolina Rig and Big Standup Shakey head are for the slower presentation but if you find a school that Big Daddy’s Baits Hair jig is phenomenal to fire them up. Swimbaits and big Crankbaits are premium when you get them fired up. The other deal is the grass and lay downs for the grass it’s hard beat the Swim Jig and Chatterbait and with the grass being low in the water column now you can even throw shallow Crankbaits over it. The lay down trees are Texas Rig Worms and Jigs. Water temperature is 80.5 -78 and the lake is Full Pool.
10 May 2023
Forecast Contributor – Billy Wheat, Follow on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/riprapfishingadventures and www.riprapfishing.net
5-10-23
Bass are running the shad hard in the morning the Chatterbait and Swim Jig are great. The number one deal when the shad slowdown is the standard Big Green Pumpkin worm and a Senko Texas Rig around the grass and lay down trees are great. Water temperature is in the 70s and things are getting active. The elevation is super close to full! Don’t forget that Carolina Rig Bite with the Brush Hog can be Awesome!
03 May 2023
Forecast Contributor – Billy Wheat, Follow on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/riprapfishingadventures and www.riprapfishing.net
5-3-23
Bass are feeling this cold front, but things are looking up! Starting out with water temperatures in the low 60s and afternoons in the high 60s the shad are getting frisky again and the bass are in and out! The bluegill and Shellcrackers are bedding now! The Senko is the ticket around those bream beds! The Chatterbait and Swim Jig is getting bit dang good when you find those Shad are present. I personally like the Carolina Rig and Swimbait on the shell beds along with a 5xd Strike King crankbait. Water level is 681.82 almost full!
27 April 2023
Forecast Contributor – Billy Wheat, Follow on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/riprapfishingadventures and www.riprapfishing.net
4-27-23
I’m trying to think of something right now you can’t catch a bass on around here! Topwater, flipping, square bill and Senko are all working with the water creeping up and up and the water temperature that dropped starting to rise these bass are feeling it! They are in all stages and a big one can hit you on any cast! From 1foot to 20 feet a wacky rig to a Carolina rig. Now is the time to just have fun and go fishing on Lake Chickamauga. The shad spawn is hit and miss but it’s coming on strong! Bluegill and Shellcracker beds are popping up so it’s time for “Frogging On The Chick Baby”.
19 April 2023
Forecast Contributor – Billy Wheat, Follow on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/riprapfishingadventures and www.riprapfishing.net
4-19-23
The bass are still coming and going from the spawning areas with the Swimbait bite getting great! The ditches and deeper grass are really starting to do well. The shell beds are good especially if you can find some grass near them. The Swimbait size ranges from 4-7 inches with a 1/4 to 1/2-ounce head. Flip the wood when you get near it with a jig or plastic bait. There was a little bit of a shad spawn beginning so get those Swim Jigs and Spinnerbaits ready. Any time they are on the beds it’s hard to beat a wacky rig Senko. Water temperature is from 65-70. Elevation remains 679-680.
12 April 2023
Forecast Contributor – Billy Wheat, Follow on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/riprapfishingadventures and www.riprapfishing.net
4-12-23
The spawn is going strong the rotation has really picked up the last couple of days. Water temperature is 61-71 depending on your depth. Bass are in and out the wood has become very promising with a Texas Rig worm or Jig. They are also in the ditches, points and deeper brush. The lack of current is lacking but the grass is great with a Swimbait or Chatterbait in a shad pattern. The small crankbaits are playing a pretty good role around 5-8 feet gravel and chunk rock (transition banks). The Buzz bait can be great with chop on the water in 2 feet or less. Elevation remains 679-680.
31 March 2023
Forecast Contributor – Billy Wheat, Follow on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/riprapfishingadventures and www.riprapfishing.net
NEW
With water between 57-65 the bass are starting to feel the urge to get ready to spawn but not all of them many are still on main channel shell beds are still being occupied and will continue while the rotation starts. Spinnerbaits, Shallow Crankbaits and Chatterbaits are great to search around wood and docks and for sure in the grass. Slowdown baits are Texas Rig Lizards and Brush Hogs. Shakey heads are great, and you always need a Senko style bait. Always look for grass it can be super this time of year with a Rat-L-Trap style baits. Always wear your PFD while navigating.
14 Oct 2022
Forecast Contributor Hensley Powell – www.hensleypowellfishing.com – Follow on Facebook
NEW
On Chickamauga I’ve been catching them on a frog, punching, a little spinner bait and a small buzz bait. All the good fish have come from punching isolated mats, small mats that’s by themselves and still green. The frog fish is knowing where there at and throw and throw at them until they bite. I’m expecting this cooler weather to improve the frog bite. It’s a tough bite but we’re catching good quality fish. I’m catching 15 fish a day with three or four good fish four to six pounds. Last trip out we had around 10 hits on a frog and around six bites punching but all six of those were three to five and a half pound fish. You might punch 10 mats before you get bit but if you get bit, it’s a good fish.
16 Sept 2022
Forecast Contributor Hensley Powell – www.hensleypowellfishing.com – Follow on Facebook
NEW
On Chickamauga and Nickajack I’ve been punching isolated mats and getting some pretty good quality fish. I’ve been catching two or three out of one mat and then having to find another one. In the bigger mats the bites have been seldom but the isolated mats it will always have two or three fish in them. I’m also catching fish on a small spinner bait really well. The spinner baits have been different colors, but it seemed like the small willow blade size is what mattered. The bass are eating the small minnows right now. Also catching fish on a small buzz bait right now. A small Zorro head knockers. I’ve also been told people are catching some good fish on an A-Rig out from the grass. The frog bite may turn on in the next week or so.
01 July 2022
Chickamauga
Forecast Contributor Hensley Powell – www.hensleypowellfishing.com – Follow on Facebook
NEW
One day we caught 27. We’re still fishing ledges and caught a handful of four-to-five-pound fish. The next day they didn’t pull hardly any water. It was a lot tougher, but we still caught fish and a few nice fish, but we had work for them. One day we caught them on a ¾ ounce football head jig. The next day they weren’t biting good, and we ended up having to drop shot and basically finesse them into biting. There’s still a lot of schools out there and I found one that there were still 40-50 fish in it.
24 June 2022
Chickamauga Forecast
Contributor Hensley Powell – https://www.hensleypowellfishing.com – Follow on Facebook
NEW
Everything is pretty much the same on Chick and Nickajack. I’m catching them on drop shots Neko rigs and ¾ ounce football head jigs. A lot of the bass have moved on out to 22 to 24 feet of water. There are some big schools. A lot of the schools are full of 2 ¾ pounders to 3 pounders. Every now and then you get a 4 or 5 pounder but there’s not that many. I’m catching 30 fish a trip right now. It will stay like this until at least until the end of July.There is some good fish being caught on Chick punching grass that hasn’t topped out. People are just finding clumps of grass. You’re not getting many bites but when you do, you’re getting a big bite.
03 June 2022
Forecast Contributor Hensley Powell – www.hensleypowellfishing.com – Follow on Facebook
NEW
Since they started pulling a little bit of water it’s big time on the ledges. I’m catching them from 13 feet to 26 feet deep. There’s some good bass out there. Now where they didn’t pull water for a while there’s also a lot of fish that have pulled up in the grass. So, there’s big schools on ledges and a lot on the hydrilla that’s growing up.
27 May 2022
Forecast Contributor Hensley Powell – www.hensleypowellfishing.com – Follow on Facebook
NEW
It’s pretty much the same as last week with a lot of ledge fishing. With all this rain they’re starting to pull a lot of water and that’s really going to help things out. The last three weeks most of the time your boat is facing upriver because there’s no current. Now they’re pulling current. I’m catching them anywhere between 13 to 22 feet depending on the spots. But it’s pretty much all on ledges and a lot on the river itself. Before they were pulling water, I would have to slow it down and throw a Neko rig, a jig, soft plastics with a big shakey head and stuff like that. We’ve caught a few on a swimbait but with the current I’m going to be throwing a crankbait. I expect the month of June will be really good on the ledges.
20 May 2022
Chickamauga
Forecast Contributor Hensley Powell – www.hensleypowellfishing.com – Follow on Facebook
NEW
The ledges are filling up with fish. There’s more and more bass coming out there. They started coming out around two weeks ago and they’re healing up after the spawn and feeding really well. It’s wide open on ledges right now. Once you get on them and get them fired up it’s every cast.
13 May 2022
Chickamauga
Forecast Contributor Hensley Powell – www.hensleypowellfishing.com – Follow on Facebook
NEW
There’s a lot of bass starting to pop up offshore. You still have some up for the spawn but there’s just a lot moving out. Where they’re filling up Watts Bar and just got Chickamauga to full pool it’s leaving this one without a lot of current. The offshore fish are kind of hard to catch due to the lack of current. They’ll suspend a lot, and you’ll have to catch one and then leave them alone for a little while and come back. There’s still a flight going on to bed right now, but the majority are starting to pull out on the ledges.
22 April 2022
Chickamauga
Forecast Contributor Hensley Powell – www.hensleypowellfishing.com – Follow on Facebook
I’ve seen several fish on bed. I’ve seen a few big ones but there’s more bucks than females so far. We took wacky rigs and Sinkos Texas rigged and flipping them. We caught a few off the beds but we would come out a few feet and would pick up a female here and there about six feet outside the bed. There’s a bunch of flights of fish coming and going right now. The water is slowing coming up. On the full moon weekend there were fish coming up everywhere. We fished some stump beds with a wacky rig and caught some. We caught one seven, and a couple between four and five and one that was close to six pounds. We caught a bunch in the two-to-three-pound range.
25 March 2022
Chickamauga
Forecast Contributor Hensley Powell – www.hensleypowellfishing.com – Follow on Facebook
I’ve been catching them out from the spawning pockets and not up in them. More on the river on any hydrilla stubble that’s out in front of the pockets. They’re scattered but I’m working that back and forth with a chatter bait and a lipless crankbait. I’m covering a lot of water out in front of every creek, every pocket and everything else. I’m putting the boat in around seven to eight feet of water and throwing up into three to four feet and catching them in the five-to-six-foot range right at the drop of it. The stubble seems to be a little thicker right there.
18 March 2022
Chickamauga
Forecast Contributor Hensley Powell – www.hensleypowellfishing.com – Follow on Facebook
The water temperature Thursday was over 60 degrees on the river. Chickamauga is still running behind Nickajack. I’m catching them on a chatter bait and rattle trap on any clumps of grass you can find isolated clumps. They’re not staging well here yet and it’s more a situation where you pull up and catch one or two and then come back two hours later and catch another one.
11 March 2022
Chickamauga
Forecast Contributor Hensley Powell – www.hensleypowellfishing.com – Follow on Facebook
We had all that rain and the lake went above summer pool and then they started drawing the water down about 12 inches every 24 hours for days and days and it’s kind of got the lake messed up. Fish are scattered instead of staged up really good. I think once that water gets back to winter pool and levels out it’s probably going to get really good really quick. The water going up so quick scattered all the shad and all the fish. There’s not any shad balled up. The cold front coming through should help group everything back up a little better.
28 Jan 2022
Forecast Contributor Hensley Powell – www.hensleypowellfishing.com – Follow on Facebook
Powell states that some people are catching bass in the creeks and the primary baits are a Damiki Vault, an A-Rig, and a jerk bait. Target the steeper banks, look for shad and then run your baits, especially the A-rig, parallel to the steep bank. Some of the fish are as deep as 20 feet. There aren’t many in numbers, but the sizes have been good. Powell stated since the last cold front fishing has slowed down quite a bit.
03 Dec 2021
Chickamauga
Forecast Contributor Hensley Powell – https://www.hensleypowellfishing.com/ – Follow on Facebook
Powell is in the annual boat transition period and waiting on his new boat to get in and rigged so he hasn’t been on the water in a couple of weeks. However, he reports that other guides he’s talked to are having most of their luck with an A-rig and a jerk bait for bass.
Mid Nov 2021
Forecast Contributor Hensley Powell – https://www.hensleypowellfishing.com/ – Follow on Facebook
I’m catching bass on a Damiki vault blade bait and an A-rig. I’ve talked to other guides and that’s what they’re catching bass on as well. If you see birds throw the Damiki vault under them. It’s been effective in six to ten feet of water out from the grass and the A-rig has been good at the edge of the grass. I’ll have info on crappie soon as I have some crappie guide trips lined up.
22 Oct 2021
Chickamauga
Forecast Contributor Hensley Powell – https://www.hensleypowellfishing.com/ – Follow on Facebook
Powell states lots of fish are being caught in the jumps. Schools of 100 bass are being seen come up on the surface and anglers are catching fish after fish on top water baits. Both largemouth and smallmouth are being caught. Also, the frog bite is better than it’s ever been according to some anglers right now. It’s safe to say bass fishing is doing well on Chick right now.
17 Sept 2021
Chickamauga
Forecast Contributor Hensley Powell – https://www.hensleypowellfishing.com/ – Follow on Facebook
Powell states he’s still catching bass on topwater with a smaller white buzz bait around shallow hydrilla grass in places. He’s also catching bass punching the grass mats. He is using a black and blue Missile Baits D Bomb for his best results. Powell is still catching a few out deep but the better results for numbers are shallow covering water.
03 Sept 2021
Chickamauga
Forecast Contributor Hensley Powell – https://www.hensleypowellfishing.com/ – Follow on Facebook
I’m catching a lot on topwater. I fished deep and I fished shallow with topwater and if I caught fish deep, I’d catch one to three off a spot. Then I’d go shallow and cover water and catch three to five in an area and then I may go 20 minutes before I caught the next one. I was catching the shallow ones over grass and it was mostly hydrilla. I didn’t throw a frog, but I’ve been told some are catching them pretty good on a frog. I’ve been fishing mid lake to the lower end and other than duckweed I’ve not see where you can throw a frog.
27 Aug 2021
Chickamauga
Forecast Contributor – Billy Wheat and Blue Water Resort – http://www.bluewaterdayton.com/
Bass are being caught in shallow water and deep water. There are many variations of techniques that can work this time of year. The Topwater bite is one of the best ways to catch these bass. Topwater baits this time of year can vary from a Topwater walking bait to a Frog. The grass plays a big factor in these areas. The grass may be in 2-3 feet of water down to 15-20 feet of water. Remember this if you fish shallow stay light if you fish below 8 feet go heavier on your weight but not heavy the worms and jigs need to be natural in presentation don’t crash the grass but swim baits through it or just touch it. If you experience thick grass mats you may have to punch it with a heavy weight or run a frog over it. Current breaks on main river points or bluff walls are a great Topwater area as well. But as always, the plastic worm is hard to beat. Watch for baitfish in the mats and watch for schoolers August and September are great months to catch a giant bass.
13 Aug 2021
Forecast Contributor Hensley Powell – https://www.hensleypowellfishing.com/ – Follow on Facebook
Hensley Powell states things are steady on Chick with bass following bait balls. Fish are still being caught on ledges in 24-25 feet as well as some on top water. If the bass are busting the minnows almost any bait works. If you can catch them coming up in the jumps you can whack them. You have to move around a lot to find them.
06 Aug 2021
Chickamauga
Forecast Contributor Hensley Powell – https://www.hensleypowellfishing.com/ – Follow on Facebook
Hensley Powell states things are much the same on Chickamauga this week. “A lot of the fish are starting to bust up. I’m starting to see schooling bass following two-inch minnows in bait balls and that shouldn’t be happening yet, but it is. I’m still catch fish on ledges but there coming up in the jumps. We’re catching them on ledges in 24-25 feet and some on top water. If they were busting minnows, you could just throw about anything in there to catch them. They had the minnows pushed up and they were feeding like crazy on them. We’re not catching anything big but catching a lot of two and three pounders,” said Powell.
30 July 2021
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25 June 2021
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04 June 2021
21 May 2021
Chickamauga – Hensley Powell, https://www.hensleypowellfishing.com/, https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100028485888798, reports that a lot of the fish have moved out on ledges. They started showing up out there around two weeks ago. But since it’s got hot in the last few days, they’re really starting to make a move. Anywhere from the dam up to Hwy 60 bridge there’s ledge fish popping up everywhere. There are still some just going on bed. I saw a seven pounder Wednesday on bed. The majority of the fish from Sequoyah down have spawned but from Sequoyah up to the 60 bridge it’s about 50-50.
14 May 2021
07 May 2021
30 April 2021
Chickamauga –
https://www.hensleypowellfishing.com/, https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100028485888798, reports he caught 19 pounds of bass on wacky rigs with an 8 pounder off a bed while sight fishing. He stated with the shad spawn spinnerbaits and flukes are a good way to go right now.
