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Douglas Lake Fishing Report: 19 Sept 2024
Forecast Contributor Brad Burkhart – Follow on Facebook
Anyone that lives in Tennessee will tell you that September fishing is tough. So, with that being said, you have to put the odds in your favor. Here’s my baits, Spook, spinner bait, jig, and mid running crank bait.
My favorite areas. Mid lake bluffs, the flats above I40, and as far as you can go in the river.
Spinner bait and jig for the bluffs, spook and crank bait on the long tapering flats, and when you’re in the river (above Walter’s bridge) throw it all. Wind is key, as the temps cool shad move shallow, and wind will move them around so always fish the windy areas.
Good luck, God Bless
Message me to book a guided trip.
All info can be found on my site. https://www.killerbassbaits.com/
Brad Burkhart
@bradburkhartprofishing
07 Aug 2024
Forecast Contributor Brad Burkhart – Follow on Facebook
Good morning, everyone. Hope all is well. It’s HOT I mean it ain’t middle of September hot, but we are well on our way. With that being said, don’t think I’m crazy but the bass are starting to move back somewhat shallow. I’ve had good success targeting bluffs and they’re a specific reason. The distance needed to move shallow from deep back and forth is shorter than those bass that are living at the end of a break on the main channel.
Early morning try topwater and glide baits, mid-day focus on the wood with a shakey head or big worm. And lye afternoon stick to a big walking topwater like a spook around the ends of laydowns with shade. Watch your electronics, the bait will tell you the zone you need to target.
Good luck. God bless.
Message me to book a trip.
Brad Burkhart
@bradburkhartprofishing
25 July 2024
Forecast Contributor Brad Burkhart – Follow on Facebook
Good day all. Hopefully you are drying out from all the rain we’re having.
With all this rain the topwater bite has picked up and so has some shallow techniques. Thai time of year the offshore bite starts to wane, and this is when the doc bite gets really good.
Not all docks are created equal. I typically target the ones with a deep-water access, and the ones on points or with brush around of even boats parked in them are a bonus. I use a 1/2 oz killer bass baits green pumpkin football jig with the same color 4” chigger craw. Most bites happen as the jig falls on the initial skip. Be sure to let it fall vertical……you may need to strip some line out as it falls. The jig doesn’t necessarily have to go all the way to the bottom.
Good luck and stay cool.
*Message or email me to book a guide trip, I also do electronics trip if that is your need as well.
God Bless!
Brad Burkhart
@bradburkhartprofishing
27 June 2024
Forecast Contributor Brad Burkhart – Follow on Facebook
Summer is in full swing and so are the bass. 25’ in the morning going to 30’ by mid-day.
Thai is when you need to rely on your electronics, start looking at main river ledges or breaks that trail out to the channel.
3/4oz football jigs, Carolina rig, and drop shot is my choice. The drop shot is an automatic bite and I’ve been catching several right under the trolling motor.
*If you need help with your electronics or finding summer bass shoot me an email or message on social media. We would love to take you fishing.
God Bless!
Brad Burkhart
@bradburkhartprofishing
06 June 2024
Forecast Contributor Brad Burkhart – Follow on Facebook
Fishing is great right now on Douglas lake. The weather is nice, the water temps are still cool ……. And with that the bite is somewhat different than years past.
The schools of offshore bass that Douglas is known for are just not out there “deep” yet. But the bite is still very good. I’m have a lot of success fishing the shallower areas that serve as stop offs between the spawning areas and the summer haunts. These places include flats with ditches, main channel bushes that are close to deep water, and also the docks on the main channel.
My baits of choice are Carolina rig, Neko rig, also a spinner bait and football jig.
Don’t worry, the water will warm and the schools will be in 35’ before you know it.
Hope this helps,
To book a trip with me go to https://urldefense.com/v3/__http://www.killerbassbaits.com__;!!PRtDf9A!uW9yt4gD5yOE72IytOkNBpJlGuAb54EfVBbksruYmQLe5n6VFGCUwoLYwN9BbioJ0MXvlQDLC-ONMQHPEYRskHjHI3flQ-M$ and click on the guide service tab, or you can give me a call or email. Thanks.
God Bless!
Brad Burkhart
@bradburkhartprofishing
02 May 2024
Forecast Contributor Brad Burkhart – Follow on Facebook
The spawn is upon us. These are the days can be awesome or awful. I have a two-step approach that will hopefully get you more good than bad.
Pre spawn. Now this is relative to the areas you’re in. Prespawn bass can be staging on steep rocky banks, or they can be 200yds offshore on a long bar….
You have to consider where you are and fish accordingly.
Steep banks? It’s hard to beat a spinner bait or Jerk bait….
Long offshore stuff? Nothing beats a Carolina rig Step two Spawn. It’s actually easy, run as many pockets or bays that are protected and facing north as you can with a wacky rigged Senko or trick worm.
Good luck everyone.
And God Bless!
Brad Burkhart
Killer Bass Pro Guide Service
@bradburkhartprofishing
18 April 2024
Forecast Contributor Brad Burkhart – Follow on Facebook
Hello all, thank goodness it’s April, that means one thing…. throw a spinner bait.
Fishing a spinner bait is a dynamic way to catch and find fish this time of year. I target the secondary point that have a decent slope like a 45 degree with rock. If I’m catching mostly bucks and already spawned out females, then I know they’re in a post spawn deal. But if they are fat females then I follow it up with a wacky rigged Senko and continue on deeper into the pocket or creek.
The lower end of the lake is fishing really good. I start around shady grove and work my way down the lake.
Good luck everyone.
And God Bless!
Brad Burkhart
Killer Bass Pro Guide Service
@bradburkhartprofishing
28 March 2024
Forecast Contributor Brad Burkhart – Follow on Facebook
The temps are heating up and so is the fishing. My favs right now are a shallow square bill, spinnerbait, and also a jerk bait. There are several schools that are still deep, and they are moving shallow every day. If you stay from muddy creek to the I40 bridge and concentrate on the inside of the creeks and pockets, you’ll be fine.
Good luck everyone and happy Easter.
He has Risen!!
Brad Burkhart
Killer Bass Pro Guide Service
@bradburkhartprofishing
09 Feb 2024
Forecast Contributor Brad Burkhart – Follow on Facebook
With the last few warm days, I hope everyone has had a chance to get out on the water. These sunny winter days lend themselves to cranking and can be some of the best fishing.
I have had success cranking a dt8 in dark brown craw on main lake channel swing banks. On these same banks I will pitch of cast a jig to any and all wood or just anything that looks good.
The I40 bridge area and the area around the mouth of muddy creek
Good luck to everyone this week on the water and as always God bless.
Brad Burkhart
Killer Bass Pro Guide Service
@bradburkhartprofishing
12 Oct 2023
Forecast Contributor Brad Burkhart – Follow on Facebook
Hello everyone. Hope all is well. The weekend is finally here, and I bet a lot of y’all are headed fishing.
Douglas has been both good and bad as of late, just like every lake every fall. But the days that are producing the best are the somewhat cloudy but always windy days. I know we can’t pick or weather, but we can pick our days…..so to ensure you have a good day, put the odds in your favor. Those cooler mornings are great for topwater which is picking up daily. And the windy afternoons are made for one thing…..a spinner bait. Add some shallow cover such as brush, docks or rocks and just burn the banks down.
Good luck to everyone this week on the water and as always God bless.
Brad Burkhart
Killer Bass Pro Guide Service
@bradburkhartprofishing
07 Sept 2023
Forecast Contributor Brad Burkhart – Follow on Facebook
As summer tries it’s best to fade so do the water temps. This time of year, can be one of the most frustrating time to fish, but fear not…. these tips could help you make a good day fishing a great one.
Fish docks, a lot of our anglers overlook docks simply because they are afraid of losing their lures or they feel they “can’t skip”. Well, you can’t learn by not doing. Put a 7’ Phenix rod in your hand, line it with some 17lb P-Line Tactical fluorocarbon, tie your favorite chatter bait of jig on and get to work. I catch so many fish by being able to put a bait in front of bass that seldom see a lure.
Fish bluffs, shad and bass alone are migrating shallow, and they can get shallow on a bluff quicker than they can make it to the back end of a pocket. Parallel the bluff with a jerk bait or spinner bait or pitch it with a jig.
Fish bait balls. Have you ever pulled into a cove and saw it full of shad schooled up in the middle and you fish the bank? Why? Tie a square bill or a jerk bait and actively the schools. Forget the bank. This time of year, they will suspend (and sometimes break) around the shad and pick off the weak ones.
Hope the info helps y’all.
If you want to book a trip hit me up on social media or check out https://urldefense.com/v3/__http://www.killerbassbaits.com__;!!PRtDf9A!qUfq5KZu6D7B6P38pzOVBBx9G6_ljw-G3vBCc0WUo5fom4Y_y9T5JTpWGZcXVhhGSYtWmHU46mZUMZJgGC5rkIizMmumHNU$
Also, I am offering maps with prime locations and corresponding notes if you don’t have time for a trip. I offer trips/maps for Norris Douglas Cherokee Watts Bar Chickamauga Ft Loudon
God Bless!
Brad Burkhart
Killer Bass Pro Guide Service
@bradburkhartprofishing
17 Aug 2023
Forecast Contributor Brad Burkhart – Follow on Facebook
As the heat of the summer finally hits its high, believe it or not the bass will start to head back to the shallows.
Shad schools are starting to show up in the late afternoon in deep pockets and all over the rivers above the fork. This can either be a great or an awful time to fish… I really enjoy late summer early fall fishing and this when I start fishing docks ALOT Don’t get fancy, I use a 1/2 oz green pumpkin football jig (they skip like a flat rock) paired with a like color 4” chigger craw. I use 17lb P-Line tactical fluorocarbon because it skips easier than 20 but is strong enough to get them out.
Early morning target deep bluffs with over hanging limbs with a top water for a quick big one then hit the docks. Won’t be long till we’re slinging top water baits all day.
God bless!!!! Message me if you want to book a trip.
Brad Burkhart
@bradburkhartprofishing
27 July 2023
Forecast Contributor Brad Burkhart – Follow on Facebook
Short & Sweet……, the real “summer bite” has finally showed up. Yes, you can still catch them and yes, they’re still offshore in depths of 28-35’ of water but here’s the deal…..if TVA isn’t pulling a lot of water or if you aren’t on the water at daybreak…..it’s a little tough.
My bait choices haven’t really changed, I’m still using a 3/4oz football jig, Carolina rig and occasionally a 5.5” hollow belly swimbait but I am now relying more on a drop shot than the others. Stick to the same depths, and areas but drop instead of the others.
Yes, you can vertically drop on them to catch them, but you have to have a minimum of 30’ of water between you and them or they won’t hardly bite. My advice, cast to them.
My favorite drop shot worm is a robo obviously….. but I prefer the 7” over the popular 6”.
Hope this helps!!
God Bless and stop by @bassproshops for all your bait/tackle and even license needs.
*Message me on social media to book a day of fishing.
Hope this helps.
Good luck and God Bless
Brad Burkhart
@bradburkhartprofishing
20 July 2023
Forecast Contributor Brad Burkhart – Follow on Facebook
The offshore bite is still surprising very good. Although quality items are hard to come by. Pay close attention to the generation schedule as it definitely helps to group the bass where they’re easier to home in on.
The baits that have been producing best are Carolina rigged Zoom speed craw, a 3/4 oz football jig, and a 6” hollow body swimbait on a 1oz head. With all the pressure it’s best to locate the bass with forward facing sonar so you don’t spook them by riding them with down scan.
Stick to the main lake stuff that falls straight into the actual channel.
Hope this helps.
Good luck and God Bless
Brad Burkhart
@bradburkhartprofishing
22 June 2023
Forecast Contributor Brad Burkhart – Follow on Facebook
Offshore fishing is in full swing. Gone are the days of running the banks and catching them good. You can still put fish in the boat fishing shallow, but you definitely have to work at it and be choosey where you decide to fish.
Off the bank the zone right now is 28-30’. The best way to target them is a football jig or Carolina rig. You can still catch them on a spoon or hair jig also but it’s an early morning thing.
Pay close attention to the generation schedule as it can make for a great day or a long one.
FYI, the more you ride or scan these deep fish the less likely they are to bite. So, if you do ride them, give them a bit and come back or just pull up and start fishing. Good luck! And God Bless!!
Brad Burkhart
@bradburkhartprofishing
08 June 2023
Forecast Contributor Brad Burkhart – Follow on Facebook
It’s time! It’s time to start planning your fishing trip by when and when not TVA is going to run generators. As the water keeps warming the “ledges” of Douglas Lake will continue to see a constant population of new arrivals show up. Right now, 20-25 feet deep is the key zone but as we all know 35’rs are right around the corner. The two most consistent technique to get bit right now are a 3/4oz football jig and a Carolina rig. Don’t get fancy with either. Green pumpkin on the jig and a full-size brush hog in the same color will get the job done.
Be persistent but understand that all deep spots are not created equal. Pay attention to ledges that closely coincide with spawning areas. If you want to see it in real time or need a little tune up on the offshore game give me a call or email to book a trip. I offer 8,6, and 4hr trips.
Thanks for reading, also follow along with my trips and tournaments on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. All the products you need can be found at Bass Pro Shops right here in Sevierville, Tn on your way to the lake.
God Bless!
Brad Burkhart
@bradburkhartprofishing
01 June 2023
Forecast Contributor Brad Burkhart – Follow on Facebook
6-1-23
Good morning! Douglas is fishing really good right now. It’s really a “do what you like” lake right now. There are still plenty of bass shallow around wood, bushes with the best of this bite being first thing of the morning. Swim jigs, spinner baits, and flipping creature baits are working very well……don’t forget about topwater too.
The shallow bite is leaving on a daily basis, but that means one thing……it’s offshore season. If you like fishing in the middle away from the bank, then get at it!! The schools are moving offshore by then minute. Majority of the fish are setting up in 20’ or so and are ready to bite. Early June is my favorite time to fish a spoon and hollow belly swim bait……if that’s not your thing a Carolina rig always works…..it’s just a little slower.
Good luck everyone and watch out for the high school kiddos this weekend.
God bless!!
Brad Burkhart
@bradburkhartprofishing
25 May 2023
Forecast Contributor Brad Burkhart – Follow on Facebook
5-25-23
Fishing has been great on Douglas Lake this week. The shad spawn is making for some great topwater action. After the sun breaks the shad up there is a great bite around any bushes or shallow cover. The baits I’m liking lately are a chartreuse/white double willow 1/2oz killer bass baits blade, also a jackhammer in clear water Shad too.
As far as the offshore deal, it’s starting to heat up and will be fire in the next two weeks. If you venture off the bank throw a 3/4oz head with a 5-6” bait.
Good luck!!! God bless!!!
Brad Burkhart
@bradburkhartprofishing
11 May 2023
Forecast Contributor Brad Burkhart – Follow on Facebook
5-11-23
Love is in the air in more ways than one. The fish are definitely in a spawning mood, but with that being said…. there are several already well into the post spawn phase of the year as well.
If you want to have fun…..here’s the deal, and it’s so easy.
It’s all about cover, trees, bushes, grass, docks…..anything in the water. These are the areas where you start. The bait choice is easy as they will bite about anything at any one time. My favorite is a bass pro shops stick-o in watermelon/red flake. Rig it wacky and skip it close to any of the cover and hold on. The secret to working a stick-o or Senko as commonly referred to is SLOW. Let the bait fish itself. Oh yeah, they’ll eat a buzz bait too really good of the morning due to the Shad spawn.
Good luck and God Bless
Brad Burkhart
@bradburkhartprofishing
03 May 2023
Forecast Contributor Brad Burkhart – Follow on Facebook
5-3-23
The spring bite is still in full swing. It’s really fun out there now. You can catch one on about anything but my go to this time of year is a spinnerbait, a Pop R, and a pit boss pegged with a 1/2 oz weight.
I slow roll the steeper banks leasing in and out of spawning coves keeping my boat on a 45* angle so I can cast to the bank and work it out to about 10’ deep. I flip any cover going down the bank with the pit boss (my fav color is junebug). When I get to the back of the cove or if it flattens out, I fan cast the popper to everything that I think may be a bed area. Work the topwater slow….this is what gets the bites. If you’re in an area that is full of post spawners, then switch to a buzz bait. Post spawners are more apt to chase than a bass that is still locked into the spawn cycle.
Good luck y’all. Hope this helps.
If you want to see this in real time, I still have a few may days available and am already booking into June.
God Bless
Brad Burkhart
@bradburkhartprofishing
13 April 2023
Forecast Contributor Brad Burkhart – Follow on Facebook
4-13-23
Hello Spring!
Good day all. Douglas is fishing very well right now. One of the easiest bites to get on is the spinner bait deal.
Now this work’s about all over the lake, all you need is some steep bank (preferably dark shale) that leads into a spawning flat or pocket. It’s best to parallel the bank and sit your boat in about 15’, that way you will cover the vast majority of the strike zone this time of year. I also like to fish a glide bait now too…..even if they don’t eat it they will most often go back to where they came from and a quick pitch with a jig or Senko will catch that fish every time.
Wanting to see it is “real time” I have spots available for guide trips. Just shoot us a message. Thanks!!
God Bless
Brad Burkhart
@bradburkhartprofishing
29 March 2023
Forecast Contributor Brad Burkhart – Follow on Facebook
Cold or not. Spring is here. Traps, cranks, and blades are the deal.
Here’s my early spring deal.
Pick the major creeks like Muddy, Flat, McGuire…after that. Find the actual smaller creeks that feed the main creek. Start at the mouth and start winding a shallow crank bait. Any rock, or wood is key but really bait is the deal. After the warm rains these areas get slammed with bait and bass as well.
Most of these creeks or drains will have a deep side and a shallow side. Hit the deep with a crank or spinnerbait and go at the shallow with a lipless. Once you catch one, you’re liable to catch several.
Good luck. God Bless
Brad Burkhart
@bradburkhartprofishing
16 March 2023
Forecast Contributor Brad Burkhart – Follow on Facebook
NEW
Good day all. Hope everyone is well. With all the rainfall we have been getting Douglas Lake has a lot of color. This works to your advantage though.
Stained water gives bass and any fish for that matter the feeling of security….puts them next to cover…..and with the warming water, gets them to biting.
Start at the mouth of creeks and work your way in. Shallow cranks are your best friend. Seek out the creeks that actually have run ins in them. A lot of times the rain is warmer than the lake and the creek water coming in will warm the back of the creek and draw the fish like crazy.
Good luck. And as always
God Bless!
Brad Burkhart
@bradburkhartprofishing
13 Jan 2023
Forecast Contributor Brad Burkhart – Follow on Facebook
NEW
Happy late new year everyone! Hope y’all have had a good 2023 so far.
With all the ups and downs in the weather so far, the fishing has been about the same. I’ve had trip’s lately where we had tried to force the bass to be places, they’re just not. Believe it or not, the crankbait bite is still pretty good. Pick those partly sunny days with some wind and you should have a good day. You can’t go wrong with a craw or red colored shallow crankbait say 6-10’ deep. Stay just inside small pockets that are right off the main channel with sharp points entering on either side. The lower end of the lake is producing somewhat when you find stained water.
Hope this helps.
God bless!!
Brad Burkhart
Killer Bass Baits and Pro Guide Service.
@bradburkhartprofishing
23 Dec 2022
Forecast Contributor Brad Burkhart – Follow on Facebook
NEW
Merry Christmas all!
Fishing on Douglas Lake has been fair-good. This is the time of year that you only need 3-4 baits in the deck. I’ve been staying from Indian Creek to point 5, working the 45-degree rocky channel swing banks.
Jerk bait/A-rig
Main channel banks and bluff ends. Pay attention to your electronics, I prefer Lowrance HDS Live-12 with active image. If the shad are around the 12-15’ mark chunk with either bait until they tell you what they want. Shad colors all the way!
Crank Bait
DT6 or Jaw Jacker (Petey model) If you have a high sunny windy day some of the best fishing is with a plug. Keep your colors simple here. Natural craw colors.
Jig
1/2 oz Killer Bass Baits killer jig on the same banks you have been fishing and don’t pass up a single lay down or log. Slow down and work the jig all the way down both sides of the cover.
If it’s really cold, it’s never a bad idea to just slow down and drag a jig all over these rock banks.
Lots of bigs are caught in the winter.
Good luck and give these lures a try…..and for sure try the Jaw Jacker “homemade” plugs. East TN is home to some of the best locally made plugs and the Jaw Jacker is a gem.
God Bless!!
Jesus is the ONLY reason for the season
Brad Burkhart
Killer Bass Baits and Pro Guide Service.
@bradburkhartprofishing
04 Nov 2022
Forecast Contributor Brad Burkhart – Follow on Facebook
NEW
The weather is great and so is the fishing. I have narrowed my bait selections to three rods now
Trap, DT 6, spook
Stay in the creeks, the better ones are stained but not muddy.
I’m fishing the backs of creeks and short pockets from Muddy Creek to Taylor’s Bend. Focus on baitfish. If there’s no shad present, then the likelihood of bass being there is the same.
Parallel the deeper side of the creeks with the dt…… stay off the shallow side and wind the trap. I usually pick the spook up and bomb the very backs of the pockets and drains in these areas.
Good luck y’all. God Bless!
*Message me to book a trip
-USCG Certified and fully Insured
Brad Burkhart
@bradburkhartprofishing
28 Oct 2022
Forecast Contributor Brad Burkhart – Follow on Facebook
NEW
Welcome fall fishing! It’s finally here. There are really no secrets to fall fishing other than cover a ton of water. My trips this week have been hit and miss. Yes, we’ve caught fish every trip, but some days were better than others. I use three baits during the fall…..these are my choices so you can adjust to make it work for you.
Square bill, for the backs of creeks that are full of shad. I burn it thru the shad and am looking for reaction bites.
Spook, this is a must in fall. A Sammy, Vixen, Gun fish, whatever you like but a big walking bait is a utility bait in the fall. Backs of creeks, bluffs, docks, you name it.
Jerk bait, I throw a jerk bait in steeper areas, but more importantly I fish it in the dead middle of creeks or pockets….right out in the middle where shad are apt to suspend and so do bass.
The lower end of the lake is really coming alive and every time it rains the creeks/pockets will get good. Stained water is helpful, and wind always helps the bite in the fall.
Hope this helps. Keep pluggin, I’ll see you on the water.
God bless!
Brad Burkhart
@bradburkhartprofishing
23 Sept 2022
Forecast Contributor Brad Burkhart – Follow on Facebook
NEW
Well, it’s finally arrived….cooler weather. Here’s the lowdown. I’ve been out a lot this week and you have several options to choose from. The lower end is all about shad, run in and out of the shorter pockets until you see Shad working the surface, from there three baits have worked best for me….spook, jerk bait, and square bill. Fish the shad balls until they tell you it’s time to leave, usually mid-morning around 10am
Next, run up stream and hit all the bridge pilings once the sun gets up and casts a shade strip on the water, here I just chunk a spook and if they’re there they’ll bust it.
Third option, when you get to the Walters Bridge area hit the flats with a trap and every piece of wood you see pitch it with a jig….work your way up as far as you feel safe.
Spook (clear shad)
Jerk bait (pearl shad Lucky Craft)
Jig (mudbug Killer Bass Baits)
Square bill (Aurora shad Lucky Craft)
Trap (lucky craft LV500 pearl shad)
Good Luck, God Bless!
*Find me on Facebook or Instagram
Killer Bass Pro Guide Service
Brad Burkhart
@bradburkhartprofishing
09 Sept 2022
Forecast Contributor Brad Burkhart – Follow on Facebook
NEW
Good day to all! It’s starting like every year, and it’s going to get better and better and better. So, here’s the run down.
Whether your mid-section, down the lake or at the forks of the rivers…get to the backs of the pockets. This is the time of year that you very likely could burn a tank of gas and then catch 15 in one small creek. The secret is bait, Shad that’s balled up and working the surface. If you find this, you can almost bet you’ve found feeding bass. It’s like this every year, pull that trolling motor up and start running to the backs of the creeks and looking. With the falling water be careful because some creeks/pockets can be a little sketchy but that’s where they are.
My go-tos are a lucky craft square bill (Shad color) and any walking topwater like a spook or Sammy.
Good luck y’all
God Bless!
*Find me on Facebook or Instagram
Killer Bass Pro Guide Service
Brad Burkhart
@bradburkhartprofishing
26 Aug 2022
Forecast Contributor Brad Burkhart – Follow on Facebook
Fishing has hit that time of year when most start pulling out the bows for early archery season and putting the rods away for another long winter but don’t be that person!! Yes, fishing is tougher, but you can still have great days in the water.
Shad are starting to move and school and so are the bass. With that being said here are my tips for early fall success.
-Head upriver, the river on Douglas (French broad) comes from the mtns of NC and it’s going to cool faster than the lake. Shad wake up, bass wake up and you can feel like you’re on a different body of water way up stream. Topwater early….then target any and all wood in the water
-skip the docks, the docks between Dandridge and I40 bridge are my favorite. When the water starts to drop and leaves most cover high and dry, bass relating to the shoreline will head to the docks that get let out by cable and are constantly in the water providing overhead protection. Topwater the sides of the docks early then skip with a jig when the sun gets high.
Keep your head up and keep slinging. Some of the best fishing is just right around the corner
God Bless!
*Find me on Facebook or Instagram
Killer Bass Pro Guide Service
Brad Burkhart
@bradburkhartprofishing
Aug 2022
Forecast Contributor Brad Burkhart – Follow on Facebook
Hello all. Hope you all are doing good. Fishing has gotten tough during the day so with that I would suggest a night trip. As a younger man I was raised on Douglas Lake night fishing with fluorescent line and loved every minute of it. Most any main channel point will produce but I like to fish the humps and ledges that I fish during the day. The Dandridge area has a lot of these types of spots. I use my Lowrance electronics and typically find them holding in the same depths as daytime. 25-35’ is the zone. Carolina rig, 3/4 oz football jig are my go too.
Good luck all and as always God Bless
*Please pray for the families of southeast Ky as they desperately need healing after the awful flooding
**Shoot me a message if you’d like to book a guide trip, night/day
Good luck y’all. And as always God Bless!
Killer Bass Pro Guide Service
Brad Burkhart @bradburkhartprofishing
15 July 2022
Forecast Contributor Brad Burkhart – Follow on Facebook
NEW
Well, seems like we are either dodging storms or 90* days lately. And the fishing is no different, we are either dodging good days or not so good days.
At first light I am getting bit on a spook or lucky craft gun fish on deep bluff ends, the ones that have overhangs on them like the bluff across from Dandridge is good for a couple. After the sun gets up the deep bite can drive you crazy. If you utilize your electronics to find the offshore fish the best way to get them to bite is drop shot directly over them and also a small spoon vertical jigging.
If you get desperate and have given up on the deep stuff, take your drop shot and fish the bridges such a as Dandridge, Indian creek, and the two in front of Swan’s marina.
Skipping docks are slowly getting some bites and should pick up anytime.
Good luck y’all. And as always
God Bless!
*Find me on Facebook or Instagram
Killer Bass Pro Guide Service
Brad Burkhart
@bradburkhartprofishing
24 June 2022
Douglas Lake
Forecast Contributor Brad Burkhart – Follow on Facebook
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Good day all. Hope everyone is doing well. Here’s the latest report I have for Douglas Lake. The fish have moved into their summer haunts and although we’re not in the “dog days” of summer it sure feels like it. Most bass have left the shallows and moved offshore, which is what Douglas is known for but unlike past years they seem a little nervous of the boat already (usually not this way till mid-July). So, with that in mind you’re going to have to get familiar with the good ole drop shot and big shakey head. The offshore bass have been pressured so much already this season they know every lure has to offer at Bass Pro Shops. The upper end of the lake seems to be fishing decent, but schools are starting to show up on the lower end also (shady grove and below).
In times gone by you could idle the deep humps, long underwater points, etc. with your Lowrance electronics then turn around and cast to them and catch them but
they’ve gotten so boat shy. I hate to say it, but forward-facing sonar is dominating. Stay back off these guys and drop your trolling motor and “look” for them. This keeps that big Mercury off their heads and makes them a lot less spooky. When you see them pitch the drop shot (6” robo worm) and dead stick it. I mean don’t move it. I know several anglers don’t have Active Target from Lowrance or other forward-facing sonar so the ride, mark, cast method is still your best bet, but boy have I been amazed at how easier the bass are to catch when you don’t idle them.
The target depth to look is 25-30’. I use a 3/8 oz tungsten drop shot sinker and about a 12-16” leader. The shakey head I spoke of is a 1/2-3/4 oz jig head and a 6” zoom trick worm. Hope this helps. And if you need help shoot me a message on fb or Instagram to book a guide trip. Thanks. God Bless!
* Have a few summer spots If you want to book a trip.
* Find me on Facebook or Instagram
Killer Bass Pro Guide Service
Brad Burkhart
@bradburkhartprofishing
17 June 2022
Douglas Lake
Forecast Contributor Brad Burkhart – Follow on Facebook
The fishing…..we’ll it’s fishing. I think you can catch one about any way you like but quality is not showing up like it should. Is it pressure? Are the bigs dead? Or are they just playing hard to get? Who knows? But it’s actually fun right now if you’re just wanting to catch some bass. Topwater such as spooks are working around flooded bushes close to deep water (which aren’t hard to find) and follow that bite up with a wacky rig Senko. When the sun gets super high, and you want to head for the ledges the technique that’s producing time after time is the old drop shot.
The offshore deal is best around 28-30’ deep and I’m using a red craw 7” robo worm with a 3/8 oz killer bass baits tungsten drop shot weight. Casting to them is perfectly fine but I have been setting up right over top them and dropping straight down.
Good luck all.
God Bless!!
*I have a few summer spots If you want to book a trip.
*Find me on Facebook or Instagram
Killer Bass Pro Guide Service
Brad Burkhart
@bradburkhartprofishing
03 June 2022
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Hello friends. Hope all is well, and everyone had a great Memorial Day. The fishing…..we’ll it’s fishing. I think you can catch one about any way you like but quality is not showing up like it should. Is it pressure? Are the bigs dead? Or are they just playing hard to get? Who knows? But it’s actually fun right now if you’re just wanting to catch some bass. Topwater such as spooks are working around flooded bushes close to deep water (which aren’t hard to find) and follow that bite up with a wacky rig Senko. When the sun gets super high, and you want to head for the ledges the technique that’s producing time after time is the old drop shot.
The offshore deal is best around 28-30’ deep and I’m using a red craw 7” robo worm with a 3/8 oz killer bass baits tungsten drop shot weight. Casting to them is perfectly fine but I have been setting up right over top them and dropping straight down.
Good luck all.
God Bless!!
*I have a few summer spots If you want to book a trip.
*Find me on Facebook or Instagram
Killer Bass Pro Guide Service
Brad Burkhart
@bradburkhartprofishng
27 May 2022
Forecast Contributor Brad Burkhart – Follow on Facebook
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Fishing has slowed some, but not so much that it’s not good. The big spawn of last week leaves you dealing with temperamental biting bass and can sometimes leave you scratching your head. But head up! The wave of spawners are turning into eating machine post spawners quick.
Start off with a topwater early morning and if the bite holds keep tossing it. I like buzz baits and poppers during this time…. If you are fishing heavy bushes/lay downs I use a Bass Pro Shops “humpin toad” in either black or white. After that bite wains….if it does, switch to a Bass Pro Shops “Stick-O” …… green pumpkin or June bug.
The offshore deal will improve everyday but isn’t fully wide open all over the lake. Concentrate on the upper portion of Douglas Lake and hit all the stuff that looks fishy, and you should have a great day.
If you would like to book a guide trip with me, I offer 4,6-, or 8-hour trips and can cater to your needs….whether it’s learning your electronics, bait selection, or just a fun day of fishing…. I can help you out.
My email address is below so shoot me a message for booking info.
Thanks, and as always God Bless!!
*The baits mentioned are on the shelves at Bass Pro Shops/ Kodak Tn.
Brad Burkhart
@bradburkhartprofishing
13 May 2022
Douglas Lake
Forecast Contributor Brad Burkhart – Follow on Facebook
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I’ve got two words for you …… Shad Spawn!
It is so easy to go out and have fun on Douglas Lake right now. The shad are spawning on the upper end of the lake and boy! Is the fishing great. Stick to the section of I40 to Walters Bridge and concentrate on the creeks and pockets with bushes/wood mix. Dirty water makes it better and will put the bass tight to the cover. Baits I’m using now with clients to consistently get but are a Killer Bass Baits char/white spinnerbait. A white chatter bait and also a Killer Bass Baits glimmer blue swim jig. Good luck y’all and God Bless. See you on the water.
*The baits mentioned are on the shelves at Bass Pro Shops/ Kodak Tn.
Message me if you’d like to book a guide trip, summer trips are filling up.
Brad Burkhart
@bradburkhartprofishing
22 April 2022
Douglas Lake
Forecast Contributor Brad Burkhart – Follow on Facebook
Hello and hope everyone is doing fine. This is going to be a short and sweet fishing report, very sweet. Man!! They are chewing on Douglas Lake right now. Here’s the deal……. Creeks, drains or Run-ins that’s the deal. Go the very backs of these and if you see shad, you are in the right place……and if there is a piece of wood, dock, or brush pile then you may have hit the jackpot.
I have had a lot of success with this for a couple of trips now and it will continue until the water gets hot. The bait selection is sooo easy….spinnerbait, chatter bait, small walking topwater or buzz bait and a square bill they all work, and you very well could catch a bass on each lure out of the same pocket. Should you pick up a jig and flip the wood???? Maybe, but my advice is cover as many of the pockets as you can, and you will give yourself a higher percentage of catching ole’ big.
Good luck, and as always…..buy your stuff at Bass Pro Shops and catch your bass at Douglas Lake!!
God Bless!!!!
Message me if you’d like to book a guide trip, summer trips are filling up.
Brad Burkhart
@bradburkhartprofishing
15 April 2022
Douglas Lake
Forecast Contributor Brad Burkhart – Follow on Facebook
Here’s my tips for this week’s fishing report for Douglas Lake.
Early April means one thing to me on Douglas….throw a spinner bait and throw it all day. My choice is obviously a Killer Bass Baits “killer blade”, double willow, 1/2oz, color: char/white.
I choose a 1/2oz over a 3/8oz because it gives me the ability to slow it down and get it a little deeper in the brush or rocks and also, I can throw it a mile into the wind, which seems to blow every day.
Areas I look to are actually short creek fed pockets with scattered wood. The wood can be a tree or even a single log sticking up out of the water. My “perfect” spot is a strep 45* bank that leads into a short creek fed hollow that has some random scattered wood in the center toward the back of the pocket.
Always chunk the blade on 17lb Pline tactical and the rod length I use is a 6’10”mh.
Now don’t tell anybody but the stretch of pockets between Indian creek and the I40 bridge are some of my favorites….it’ll be our secret.
Good luck, and remember God loves ya!!
>Message me if you’d like to book a guide trip, summer trips are filling up.
Brad Burkhart
@bradburkhartprofishing
08 April 2022
Douglas Lake
Forecast Contributor Brad Burkhart – Follow on Facebook
Well, we’ve had a few great days lately but looks like this coming weekend things may change. How do we go from 70* to a 70% chance of snow??? Easy, move to East Tennessee lol.
Here’s my tips for this week’s fishing report for Douglas Lake.
Early April means one thing to me on Douglas, throw a spinner bait and throw it all day. My choice is obviously a Killer Bass Baits “killer blade”, double willow, 1/2oz, color: char/white.
I choose a 1/2oz over a 3/8oz because it gives me the ability to slow it down and get it a little deeper in the brush or rocks and also, I can throw it a mile into the wind, which seems to blow every day.
Areas I look to are actually short creek fed pockets with scattered wood. The wood can be a tree or even a single log sticking up out of the water. My “perfect” spot is a strep 45* bank that leads into a short creek fed hollow that has some random scattered wood in the center toward the back of the pocket.
Always chunk the blade on 17lb Pline tactical and the rod length I use is a 6’10”mh.
Now don’t tell anybody but the stretch of pockets between Indian creek and the I40 bridge are some of my favorites….it’ll be our secret.
Good luck, and remember God loves ya!!
Message me if you’d like to book a guide trip, summer trips are filling up.
Brad Burkhart
@bradburkhartprofishing
18 March 2022
Douglas Lake
Forecast Contributor Brad Burkhart – Follow on Facebook
Spring fishing is in full swing, and the bite is getting better every day. This is my favorite time of the year to bass fish on Douglas Lake and following are some tips that have been putting bass in my Nitro Z21XL
On the main lake target the points that lead into the spawning bays such as the points outside of Indian creek and also the points leading into McGuire creek. My favorite baits to use are a jerk bait and jig, I fish the jerk bait in somewhat open water maybe 8’ parallel off the side of the bank and I pitch or cast the jig to any wood laying in the water.
In the flats or back waters, you just can’t beat a lipless crankbait. Get in the backs of the spawning flats where they lead right up to the bank. No structure needed. If it’s just mud that’s great. Slowly wind/almost drag it back to you. Color choice is easy. Red, red, red…..
hope this helps you put more fish in the boat.
God Bless!!!! See you on the water.
Good luck and God bless!
Brad Burkhart
@bradburkhartprofishing
04 March 2022
Douglas Lake
Forecast Contributor Brad Burkhart – Follow on Facebook
Hello all and THANK YOU LORD for the beautiful week. The warm weather has the bite singing, grass growing, and the bass moving. To maximize your time in the water, find any slow sloping main channel bank with rock, such as bluff ends where they flatten out or the inside of channel swing banks. It’s easy fishing right now buys and girls. Shallow cranks such as DT’s Shad raps, rock crawlers, traps, and the ever-popular orange kicker blade spinner bait. The key is the rock…..with the heavily stained and mostly muddy conditions the bass need something to both put their back against and also provide warmth. So, find isolated rocks and you’ll find the bass. Hope this helps!!!! As always God Bless.
Good luck and God bless!
Brad Burkhart
@bradburkhartprofishing
18 Feb 2022
Douglas Lake
Forecast Contributor Brad Burkhart – Follow on Facebook
We have made it to mid-February, and this is usually the time the bite gets the toughest on Douglas Lake, but the warm days have actually been good for the bass. Catches on shallow running crank baits are picking up and some have actually started to work into the first edges of the flats. I’m still staying on the main channel swing portions of the lake. Craw colored cranks, and red lipless baits are great, and you can’t go wrong with them. Don’t forget about the tried-and-true jerk bait and A-Rig. It won’t be long until you can tie a trap on and just go fishing. Everyone have fun. And don’t forget God loves ya!!
Good luck and God bless!
Brad Burkhart
@bradburkhartprofishing
11 Feb 2022
Douglas Lake
Forecast Contributor Brad Burkhart – Follow on Facebook
Hello all, hope everyone is staying well. Fishing has been spotty but decent on average. With the lake level bottomed out the fish are finding fewer places to hide. It’s a great time to wind shallow crank baits on main channel swing rock banks and always stop and cast or pitch a jig around any wood or cover is sure to get you a bite. Also, jerk baits and a-rigs are working as usual.
Shallow cranks I like the dt 6,8, and 10 series but I keep my colors simple. Reds and browns
Jig is also very basic…..brown
My jerk bait colors are dictated by the water color. If it’s stained or dirty, I like chartreuse shad colors. Clear water I prefer American shad……and I use lucky craft pointers exclusively. I match my a-rig colors the same way.
Good luck and God bless!
Brad Burkhart
@bradburkhartprofishing
Jan 2022
Douglas Lake
Forecast Contributor Brad Burkhart – https://www.facebook.com/bradburkhartprofishing
Good day all!!! Hope everyone is enjoying this East Tennessee snow.
The bite on Douglas has been fairly good up to today. Shallow crank baits, jerk baits, and jigs have been consistent for putting bass over the rail.
Focus on main channel swing banks and also the swing banks in the larger creeks such as Muddy Creek and the mouth of Indian and McGuire creeks. Also, an A-rig is a great option for catching a big one.
When the snow ends and begins to melt it will muddy the water pretty good. We will discuss that situation when it arises. For the time being…..stay warm, and if you do go fishing……take pics or it didn’t happen!!! Lol
God Bless!!!
Brad Burkhart
@bradburkhartprofishing
10 Dec 2021
Forecast Contributor Brad Burkhart – https://www.facebook.com/bradburkhartprofishing
Ho Ho Ho holy moly! It has been cold and we are definitely in winter pattern for sure. With that being said my go to bait is a 1/2oz football jig…….I prefer a Killer Bass Baits football jig in any of the natural colors. Black/Blue, J-Craw, Brown, Roadkill they are all some of my favorites. As far as trailer I use only, and I mean only one type and two colors green pumpkin or blk w/ blue flake 4” chigger craw. Target the main lake and only the deeper creeks if you get off the main.
I generally stay toward the lower end of Douglas Lake in the point 5 to McGuire creek ride the points and pay attention to your electronics….you’ll see them and that will give you the right depth to fish. I throw the jig on 12lb P-Line Tactical fluorocarbon, so it gets to the bottom fast with less drag and also let you detect those light bites.
I also fish the upper end too and one of my favorite areas up is the rock banks around the I40 bridge.
Good luck y’all. And always….
God Bless!!
Brad Burkhart
@bradburkhartprofishing
03 Dec 2021
Douglas Lake
Forecast Contributor Brad Burkhart – https://www.facebook.com/bradburkhartprofishing
Hello y’all. Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving and we are now looking toward Christmas.
The bite in Douglas has turned into a feast or famine gig. One day you catch them really good, one day you don’t. But here’s my best advice.
I prefer the area between Dandridge and the I40 bridge.
My three go-to baits are a jerk bait, a Dt6, and a jig.
You just have to fish a, but you see what kind of mood they’re in. On sunny days with no wind….stay on the main channel and pitch a jig to isolated wood and rock points on steeper banks. When the wind blows pick the jerk bait or Dt6 up and hit the windy side of the lake just as hard as you can go. A chatter bait is also a good bait to chunk but only if you catch them up shallow in small pockets adjacent to the main channel.
When you’re in late fall, early winter you can’t go wrong winding a plug. “Wind’em till ya find’em y’all”
God bless!!
Brad Burkhart
@bradburkhartprofishing
26 Nov 2021
Douglas Lake
Forecast Contributor Brad Burkhart – https://www.facebook.com/bradburkhartprofishing
As we move deeper into fall and closer to winter most of the bass are moving to their wintertime haunts. Wake this happens you can’t beat running the bluffs. My favorite three techniques/lures are an umbrella rig, a jerk bait, and of course a shallow crank bait.
During this time of year, the sun can be your best friend. On the sunny days the bait i.e.. shad and crawfish will pull shallow to warm in the bright sun and so will the bass. This is the day that I like to chunk and wind a shallow crank like the Rapala dt-6 in some sort of craw color……dark brown craw is my favorite
When you catch the sky’s cloudy a lot of the fish will suspend and roam a lot more. This is when I fish the jerk bait and umbrella rig. As far as the jerk bait goes, I like a big profile like the lucky craft 100 series…grab one with three hooks and it’ll be the right size, and remember a jerk bait is supposed to imitate a Shad so don’t get crazy with the colors. Umbrella rig is a catch 22…… you really can’t go wrong or right but I usually throw a rig that has 5 wires/4 blades. Rig the outside with smaller baits and the single inside bait a bit larger. Color choices are the same as the jerk bait. Hope this helps and remember you can get all this tackle at Bass Pro Shops in Kodak, Tn right next to Douglas lake.
God Bless!!! Happy Thanksgiving!!!!!
Brad Burkhart
@bradburkhartprofishing
Mid Nov 2021
Douglas Lake
Forecast Contributor Brad Burkhart – https://www.facebook.com/bradburkhartprofishing
The bottom has just about dropped out of beautiful Douglas lake, but the bite hasn’t slowed, shallow cranking and tossing a spinner bait around is a fun and easy way to catch them right now but as the water continues to cool be sure to target in on isolated wood in creeks and pockets right off the main channel. The spinner bait is a great option for this, but a jig comes in pretty handy.
Don’t totally give up on topwater yet either. Some of the best topwater trips I have had were on sunny days in mid to late November.
Good luck out there and be safe.
God bless!!!!
22 Oct 2021
Douglas Lake
Forecast Contributor Brad Burkhart – https://www.facebook.com/bradburkhartprofishing
Things are still producing like last week. Fish isolated wood on flats close to the channel but the best fishing in my opinion is the Taylor’s bend to I40 bridge area. Several of the pockets right off the channel are loaded with bait (which is key) but not all are loaded with fish, but when you catch one…..you will catch many more. A three and a four pounder were the highlights of the day. The fishing was fun but not easy by no means. We rotated thru square bills, jerk baits, spooks, and an occasional spinner bait when the situation arose.
The best advice I can give you is don’t stay anywhere long. Run the pockets till you find them.
Hope this helps you put more bass in the boat…. for all your fishing needs stop by and see my friends at the Bass Pro Shops in Kodak, Tn. Tell them I sent you!!! God bless!!! See you on the water.
Brad Burkhart
@bradburkhartprofishing
17 Sept 2021
Douglas Lake
Forecast Contributor Brad Burkhart – https://www.facebook.com/bradburkhartprofishing
September, usually one of the toughest months of the year to fish for bass. The dock deal is working pretty good though. I’m catching the majority of the bass right now on a 1/2 oz killer Bass baits football jig tipped with a 4” green pumpkin chigger craw. Now skipping isn’t something you pick up right off the bat, you’ll have to practice a bit. Practicing skipping is like anything else, the more you do it the better you’ll be. Having the right set-up will help you along the way better. I use a 7’ medium heavy Trident series killer bass rod, a Johnny Morris platinum bait casting reel and 17lb Pline Tactical fluorocarbon. So many people use a rod that’s too long and hello e that’s too heavy. Using this general setup will make it so much easier. You may even want to start off with a 6’8 or 6’10” rod. The shorter the rod, the easier it will be to skip. When going they the motion try to keep your bait parallel to the water’s surface when releasing the bait.
So…….hit the docks and get to catching. The topwater bite is picking up and I’m sure we’ll be covering that in the weeks to come.
God Bless!!
Brad Burkhart
@bradburkhartprofishing
03 Sept 2021
Douglas Lake
Forecast Contributor Brad Burkhart – https://www.facebook.com/bradburkhartprofishing
Cooler nights are on the way folks, the shad are still schooling in the coves and pockets and are starting to work their way down lake a tad…… I’m still targeting the bass that are following them with square bills, top waters, and jerk baits.
Now last week I mentioned docks and trust me this is my favorite time to fish them. Early to mid-September can be some of the toughest bass fishing conditions there are but the docks are your ticket to having a good day. The best ones are the ones that stick the farthest off the bank and are close to deep water OR the docks in the very backs of the pockets in the shallowest water possible.
The baits I use are pretty simple. Chatter bait, buzz bait (with a zoom horny toad) and a 1/2oz killer Bass baits football jig tipped with a Berkley green pumpkin chigger craw.
Don’t be married to any of them, fish the particular dock the way it needs….. and also, it probably won’t hurt to have a popper tied on too….. good luck and remember, the areas between the dock and the bank is the juice…..especially if there is a walkway.
Happy skipping’ God Bless!!!
Brad Burkhart
@bradburkhartprofishing
27 Aug 2021
Douglas Lake
Forecast Contributor Brad Burkhart – https://www.facebook.com/bradburkhartprofishing
Good day all!!! It’s Friday!!! And that means one thing, it’s time to hit the lake tomorrow. Brad here from Killer Bass Pro Guide Service. Believe it or not fall is approaching, just like I stated last week the shad are starting to move shallow and so are the bass. Fall is my favorite time of year and it’s a great time to get on the water……I’m finding schools of shad in the backs of creeks and pockets directly off the main channel. Deep water close by is a bonus because overnight they will come up from the channel and move to the flat shallow portions of these areas in search of cooler temps, and guess what?? The bass are right with them. My top lures this time of year are a Lucky Craft Sammy, a Lucky Craft 2.5 square bill, and a Luck Craft 110 jerk bait…..yep, a jerk bait. Few lures out fish a jerk bait when targeting bass chasing and busting big schools of shad because the ones that won’t chase the plug, or bust the topwater will SMASH the jerk bait
The areas I start looking on Douglas lake are upriver around the Taylor’s bend area, and as the temps cool work your way down stream.
Good luck y’all……God Bless!!!!
Brad Burkhart
@bradburkhartprofishing
20 Aug 2021
Douglas Lake
Forecast Contributor Brad Burkhart – https://www.facebook.com/bradburkhartprofishing
The bite is starting to pick up really good up lake, and by up lake I mean the “river”. Falling water creates current and current breaks. The area I like to start in is Taylor’s Bend and I work my way up. Hit the shallow flats that have isolated wood, my favorite bait to fish around this type of cover is a senko……wacky, flip, neko…..any way you want to rig it will work. Also, look for the schools of bait that are gathering up, that will put you in the right places. Early morning you can catch them around these same pieces of wood on a Killer Bass Baits spinnerbait, or chatter bait, even a topwater or square bill will work but when the sun gets high pick up the senko and go to work.
The night bite is shallowing up and the bass are starting to migrate to the banks halfway thru the night. Topwater is a great choice too on these steeper bluff type banks. Cast a buzz bait or whopper plopper parallel to the shore and hold on.
**With all the flooding, the lake is rising fast and will have several pieces of debris floating, PLEASE BE SAFE OUT THERE**
Hope this helps ya catch a few more.
•You can purchase any of the tackle I spoke about at Bass Pro Shops in Kodak, TN.
•Give me a shout to book a great fall topwater trip!!!
God Bless!!!
Brad Burkhart
@bradburkhartprofishing
13 Aug 2021
Forecast Contributor Brad Burkhart – https://www.facebook.com/bradburkhartprofishing
Good grief it’s been hot. But the fishing actually has been decent. Early mornings and late afternoons are the best for daytime fishing, but night still offers the most consistent and comfortable time to hit the water after those ole’ bass. Believe it or not schools of shad are already starting to gather in the backs of pockets and creek shallows looking for that cooler/oxygenated water and baits that I like during this period are lipless cranks, square bills, and also topwaters. So, when you head out for the “daylight bite” keep this in mind. (Find the bait)
Nighttime spots are still the same main lake points, bluff corners, and mid depth offshore humps. And yes…..I’m still chunkin the same stuff, drop shot, jig, and 10” worm, but don’t forget about the little 6” U tail worm Texas rigged. Yes, it’s small but that sometimes leads to big bites. Remember. More pressure, high boat traffic means you have to think outside the box. Summertime can be a bear but keep these tips in mind and you may have a big enough “switch”.
*****FYI*****
Late summer early fall is my favorite time to skip boat docks!!
•For all your tackle needs head over to Bass Pro Shops in Kodak, Tn, they are getting stocked back up pretty good on all your favorites. And when you start throwing a topwater around…..I like the Lucky Craft Gunfish, and Sammy. Hope this helps.
Be safe, and God Bless!
Brad Burkhart
Killer Bass Pro Guide Service
Bass Pro, Nitro, Mercury Pro
@bradburkhartprofishing
06 Aug 2021
Douglas Lake
Forecast Contributor Brad Burkhart – https://www.facebook.com/bradburkhartprofishing
The water is dropping y’all and that means one thing. Topwater is turning on. I don’t know what causes it but every year you can mark your calendar by falling water and topwater fishing.
Drop shotting the offshore stuff is still producing bites and also casting a mag finesse’ worm in red bug is very good too. I’m still catching them in the 28-30’ range but as the summer goes the Bass will surely move shallower looking for the Shad that have already moved up.
Late afternoons and early morning chunk a big three hooked spook or the big whopper plopper around long tapering points that run into the channel or hit the bluff ends…….don’t run the entire bluff…..just hit the ends.
Night fishing is still the best but they are starting to eat the topwater stuff better and better each day.
All the tackle I have mentioned can be picked up at our local Bass Pro Shops in Kodak, Tn. And please follow our fb page Killer Bass Baits & Pro Guide Service to keep up with our trips and other great info.
God bless y’all…….happy fishin!!!!
Brad Burkhart
@bradburkhartprofishing
30 July 2021
Douglas Lake
Forecast Contributor Brad Burkhart
FB: https://www.facebook.com/bradburkhartprofishing
On average the most consistent bite that I have found is in the upper part of the lake. I’ve been catching most from Dandridge bridge to Taylor’s Bend. Believe it or not the Bass have started to move a tad shallow, the hotter it gets during the summer the more oxygen bass need to be comfortable….and in really hot water that can be found in the upper water column due to several factors like wind/wave action and also wakes from boats. So, with you will find schools in the mid 20’ range. I’m still relying on a drop shot to get bites and a Carolina rig will produce also. Now, with the hotter temps you’ll also notice that shad are rising to the surface and so will Bass so keep a big spook or whopper plopper tied on just in case.
The night bite is still good. Big Colorado blade spinner bait or 10” worm, and always a jig will suffice. Stick with basic colors y’all.
Good luck. God bless!!!
Brad Burkhart
@bradburkhartprofishing
23 July 2021
Douglas Lake
Forecast Contributor Brad Burkhart
FB: https://www.facebook.com/bradburkhartprofishing
Well, nothing much has changed in the world of Bass fishing on Douglas lake. The water temps are still slowly creeping up and so is the heat.
Daytime fishing is tough at best, with the most bites coming early mornings and late afternoons. Topwater along bluff walls and bridge pilings are decent but you have to have the presence of Shad……no bait no Bass. It’s time to chunk those big topwater baits too……spooks, ploppers, etc. after the sun gets high get to the drops and ledges that make Douglas lake famous but start looking a shallower. The norm is 30-35’ I know but with high temps a lot of time Bass will move shallower again (18-20’) in search of better oxygen. Just this week we caught several during the day in 18’ on drop shots and mag shakes heads.
After dark is still your best bet. Big worms, and single blade Colorado spinner baits in the 5/8-3/4oz variety will do just fine. Look in the same drop offs as the day but also cover the usual main channel points too.
Happy Fishing God Bless!!!
Brad Burkhart
@bradburkhartprofishing
09 July 2021
02 July 2021
18 June 2021
11 June 2021
28 May 2021
30 April 2021
Douglas Lake –
also reports on Douglas that he’s not catching the numbers as before but there are still some males hanging around brush with a few spawning females in 8 to 12 feet of water and some in less. Also, there are some real deep suspended fish in the major creeks 25 to 30 feet deep over some deeper water. These fish are pretty hard to catch.
