In brush pile my MILs husband built off their dock. This ROS plan has potentially compromised spawning success, as low water levels limit access to preferred nesting sites for spotted bass. They will come out of the grass and just blast the buzzbait in shallow water, said Card. There is over 700 miles of shoreline to traverse, whether from shore or by boat, in search for your favorite species. The effect this species is currently having in the Florida Everglades will cost millions of dollars and is having an overwhelmingly negative effect on native species. During the fall, smallmouth bass can be caught on rocky primary and secondary points that have deep water access. Ample forage and habitat remain at satisfactory levels for crappie in Watts Bar. About the lake: Watts Bar lake is located on the Tennessee River about midway between Knoxville and Chattanooga. One of the south's largest lakes at 39,000 acres, it extends 72.4 miles between Watts Bar Dam and Ft. Loudon Dam with the maximum depth being approximately 70 feet near the dams. You need to keep a bait in the water, moving, until they are located.. You have to look for it, but when you find it, the bass will be there.. Fish can be caught on jigs with minnows and soft plastics that are either trolled in shallow water or vertically jigged around bushes, laydowns, or docks. Recently Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) Region III fisheries employees started stocking Florida Largemouth Bass fingerlings at Watts Bar and Nickajack Reservoirs. 1 1/2 lb Large Mouth on a Rock Crawler crank bait. Walleye have mimicked sauger in Watts Bar regarding habitat preference, forage species selection, and preferred spawning sites. Sign up to receive trip ideas and inspiration from Tennessee Tourism. 6/2/32 Montgomery Lk., GA . Spotted bass in Watts Bar Reservoir tend to be less numerous and smaller in size than some other Region 3 reservoirs like Center Hill and neighboring Chickamauga Reservoir. Fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, channel catfish, blue catfish, black crappie, white crappie, walleye, bluegill, redear sunfish, rock bass, warmouth, white bass, yellow bass, striped bass, hybrid striped bass, muskie, paddlefish and sauger at Watts Bar Lake in Tennessee. Fish it just above the tops of the grass, using a steady retrieve, while feeling the thumping action produced by the bait. Other reservoirs in Region 3 along the TN River are experiencing this same trend according to TWRA creel and electrofishing surveys. Watts Bar Lake is one of the south's largest lakes, covering 39,000 acres at full pool with 771 miles of shoreline. This is because the densities of redear sunfish are not comparable to neighboring reservoirs like Chickamauga, which lies directly downstream. The lake also has catfish, muskie, white bass and sunfish, as well as other species. Your BASS member number is the 9-digit number that appears on your Bassmaster Magazine label. Spring City, TN 37381 This has been a successful project and has provided anglers with great opportunities. Alabama bass presence in Watts Bar has been confirmed by genetic testing, mainly within the Whites Creek embayment at this time. Stay at the historic district in downtown Kyiv at the Radisson Blu hotel, with easy access to landmarks like the Golden Gate and the St Sophia Cathedral. (. The lake is popular with tournament anglers. 423 365-6060. Take a trip by boat all the way to the Gulf of Mexico. This new plan delayed the summertime fill of Watts Bar and other TN River reservoirs in Region 3 to May 15 instead of the traditional April 15. Walleye spawn within the same timeframe that sauger spawn. In the spring, when water temperatures near the upper 50s to lower 60s, crappie begin to move shallow. Watts Bar covers 39,000 acres of surface water. Several cities lie near Watts Bar, such as Spring City, Rockwood, Harriman, Kingston, and Lenoir City. Melton Hill Lake Bluegill are prolific, often realizing 3 spawns in one year, especially in environments like Watts Bar Reservoir and other neighboring TN River impoundments where bluegill habitat is abundant. This is a two-lane, concrete ramp with limited gravel parking. Tennessee's Watts Bar Smallmouth Record is Set in Tournament - 7.95 Pounds "Anglers in east Tennessee were faced with wet, nasty conditions on Saturday February, 23. Only 2 trout may be lake trout. For more info on Watts Bar Lake or things to do in the area, check out these articles. crayfish, shad, aquatic insects) will be effective. Watts Bar Reservoir is a mainstem impoundment on the Tennessee River that was built in 1942 with the completion of Watts Bar Dam at TN River mile 530 in both Rhea and Meigs counties. 1 lb. SMB over 18 are common as well. There is also great concern for the SPB fishery at Watts Bar due to the confirmed presence of invasive Alabama bass within this reservoir, mainly within the Whites Creek embayment. Lakeside restaurants offer great food, live music and spectacular sunset views. These areas and techniques produce all spring and summer. Watts bar is a great spot for them, theres also some great big ones in watauga and south holston . The Auditorium Theatre (Chicago's landmark stage at 50 E. Ida B. Largemouth Bass with a Red worm, 1 lb. Smallmouth bass typically spawn when water temps are in the 59-60-degree range (March-April), which also signals some of the best opportunities to fish for smallmouth. In spring and fall target the shallows, paying close attention to cover like boat docks, brush and trees. As prolonged periods of cold weather set in fish will move to deeper areas and ditches in large creeks and the main river channel. Muskie find their preferred habitat in the Clinch and Emory Rivers. RV Hookups: YES Remember to downsize your tackle when fishing for panfish. As the temperatures drop in the fall, a large majority of striped bass will have moved to main lake areas. What if the Florida Strain bred with native Northern Largemouth and produced a sluggish fish? Many anglers find success fishing for striped bass near the Kingston area. All Rights Reserved. During the 1980s, white crappie were the dominant species of crappie caught supported by the large year classes produced at Watts Bar, with some estimated harvest rates of over 650K annually according to creel surveys. The lake was created in 1942 and is regulated by the . Hwy. In the end, Mother Nature will truly have the final say. Target Areas and Techniques (Panfish Bluegill and Redear). Euchee Boat Ramp The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) also stocks several gamefish into Watts Bar on an annual basis, including striped bass, black crappie, walleye, and Florida largemouth bass. So, WHAT should angler expectations be for this bass introduction? Recently Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) Region III fisheries employees started stocking Florida Largemouth Bass fingerlings at Watts Bar and Nickajack Reservoirs. 2023 Middle East Tennessee Tourism Council. This continues into the winter months. Tap Add to Trip on anything you like. Crappie action cranks up in early spring (March-April) coinciding with crappie spawning efforts. The Clinch River connects to the main channel of the lake. He fishes it on an Abu Garcia REVO MGX Casting Reel, spooled with 40-pound Yo-Zuri Superbraid line, with an Abu Garcia Veritas 7 medium action casting rod. Meaty baits seem to produce the most catfish. During the wintertime, these surface acres are reduced as Watts Bar goes through a drawdown of 5-6 feet. Largemouth bass spawn over several weeks in the spring (March-May) when water temperatures are in the 68-72-degree range. Lodging: YES There is never a bad time to fish anywhere. Watts Bar Lake. Today's video takes place on Watts Bar Lake in East Tennessee in late May. Traditionally, sauger spawned in areas of close proximity to Ft. Loudon tailwaters and specifically the Browder Shoals area downstream from Ft. Loudon dam. All Rights Reserved. A lot of shad in the water. Ongoing data surveys (i.e. Hiking, Mountain Biking, ATV Trails Watts Bar has a surface area of 39,600 acres and 722 miles of shoreline. These are some of the best areas to target during the spawning season. Natural baits such as worms and crickets work great. John Berry and I are trying to get a clue as to how far along the fish are leading up to the first Morristown Marine event of the year on Watts Bar Lake. 34,500 acres. Many of the same tactics that work for smallmouth bass will be equally effective for spotted bass. College anglers preparing for the Carhartt Bassmaster College Series Eastern Regional June 12-13 might have to spend a little more time researching the remote Watts Bar Reservoir. Just easy casting off the dock while we prepped to go out for the morning, and I snagged a hungry little guy. triped bass fishing continues to be a very popular endeavor on Watts Bar Reservoir. Watts Bar ranks high on theBassmasterMagazines 100 Best Bass Lakes rankings. The same baits mentioned above will work during this time. Find the grass, find the fish. Check out these partners, hand-picked by Watts Bar Lake. Try the Best Ones Across the Border. Luckily, state governments have strong standards regarding any introduction and the Florida strain bass are no exception. Solid numbers of both are reported. Finding the best creek channel bends is equally as easy. Caney Creek Marina is the perfect place to stop for gas, enjoy good food and bust out in some karaoke. They can be found on Catalpa trees in June. 423 365-5150, Terrace View Marina 70 Rockwood: Pumphouse Rd (Hwy 27 left on Nelson left on Pumphouse), 1209 N. Kentucky Street, Kingston, TN 37763, http://www.roanetourism.com/explore/watts-bar-lake/. With 39,000 acres there is plenty of space to anchor and relax in a quiet cove or enjoy the thrill of a tube or board behind a fast boat. Jigs and minnows fished with or without a float are effective. Juat times when the fish bite better. Aquatic vegetation grows in Watts Bar, and its a personal fall favorite of Bassmaster Elite Series pro and Knoxville native Brandon Card. Watts Bar Lake, made up of the Tennessee, Clinch and Emory Rivers, is one of the largest lakes in the Southeast. Imagine not asking these and many other questions. Toll-Free:1-833-402-4698 Bayou Hoosten March 2009 *4. The Clinch River connects to the main channel of the lake. In November the lake will slowly drop back to winter pool (4 to 6 ft down) and remain at the lower level until spring. Its that simple. What were the most favorable environments for this fish? Farm to Table, Places to Stay [2] The introduction of Florida Largemouth Bass benefits humans but the actual introduction affects everything in the reservoir. Catfish enjoy preferred habitat and forage within Watts Bar that promote these species of fish to their greatest potential. It is located in the southern sector of the lake off Highway 304. Shad, bluegill, shrimp, and chicken parts will catch fish during the spring. 738 of those shoreline miles are located in Roane County. Douglas Lake He uses both lures for smallmouth and largemouth, which is favorable for visiting anglers unsure of where to start in the search-and-find mission. Great bait choices to use during the month of June include Ivory soap and Catalpa worms. That makes the buzzbait the best option. The Emory and Clinch Rivers provide the best opportunity for an angler to target muskie. This is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking. As the summer progresses, many anglers find success fishing during the nighttime hours. electrofishing, genetics, and creel) will be conducted during this process to evaluate the success of this project. We connect leaders and organizations for the benet of local and regional business growth. Choose your own Tennessee vacation and discover new food, classic whiskey, rockin' music, and so much more. The grass grows too near the surface. The goal of the stocking program is to eventually see a certain percentage of Florida strain genes in fish in these areas, resulting in overall larger, more aggressive bass. BASS, Largemouth (IL) 13 lb./1 oz. Check your email trip inspiration will be hitting your inbox soon. Prespawn bass are more active, searching for food as they get ready for the spawning cycles, he adds. This is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking. . lakeside parks, or moreThings to Do. You are trying to access a feature that requires a Fishidy account. 8/31Rock //River13 WHITESIDE . Striped bass were first stocked into Watts Bar in 1964 and have been part of a long tradition ever since. A walking topwater bait is out too, because the efficiency of attracting fish from deep water is diminished. Let the fish tell you what they want, he explains. Brimming with striper, largemouth and spotted bass, and world-record-sized cat fish and crappie, Watts Bar Lake is one of the most popular fishing lakes in East Tennessee. For this reason, they also provide good biological controls of shad species that are too large to be utilized by other predatory gamefish. Access to areas for fishing from shore is limited, and other than in campground areas, may take some exploring. That choice is a tricked out buzzbait. Watts Bar Lake, made up of the Tennessee, Clinch and Emory Rivers, is one of the largest lakes in the Southeast. HERRING (NA) 3 lb./ 12 oz. The second record on this lake this year - Great job to the angler for boating such a giant! Catfish can be caught all year long on Watts Bar Reservoir. Watts Bar has several tributaries with some of the more notable being the Clinch River, Emory River, Whites Creek, and Piney Creek. B&Bs, Lodges & Resorts For the past several years, crappie in Watts Bar have struggled with consistency in regard to successful spawning. Watts Bar covers 39,000 acres of surface water. workforce-ready people to East Tennessee. What could be better than spending the summer catching bass from the grass? Bass interest most anglers on Norris with largemouth and smallmouth leading the way. 5 oz. We offer natural beauty, historic charm and low-cost living, distinguishing Due to inconsistent and unpredictable sauger spawning success, annual stockings of sauger were historically recommended to ensure dependable annual year classes of fish. Class A Skipjack Herring 4 lbs., 3 oz. White bass populations experience populations that have highs and lows. During the winter months smallmouth bass will be oriented in deeper water along points, ledges, and steep banks. This webcam in Ukraine overlooks the mesmerizing Maidan Square, in Kyiv ( ), one of the most famous cities in Eastern Europe. Anglers can be successful pursuing largemouth bass year-round at Watts Bar. During this time catfish can be caught near rocky areas. Rentals: Pontoon boats Hotels & Motels Fort Loudon is known for producing quality largemouth and Smallmouth Bass. Typically, smallmouth bass have finished spawning by mid-April. It is 740 feet above sea level at full pool (typically from May through October) with an average fluctuation of only five feet from summer to winter making it a perfect lake for year-round activities. Dogwood Spring: Four Weeks of Festivals in the 9 Lakes Ride of a Lifetime- Whitewater Season is Open. As water temperatures drop during the winter, baitfish including shad move out to deeper water on the main river. Food & Spirits Sauger typically spawn when water temperatures are in the 40-52-degree range. Secondary points, and points in general, are overly abundant on Tennessee River impoundments like Watts Bar. Of course TWRA biologists will continue stocking and monitoring routines. Of course the reservoirs have been studied and seem to have everything needed for the success of Florida Largemouth Bass. It was caught Oct. 17, 1954, by James "Logue" Barnett in Lawrence County's Sugar Creek. Region 3 Office:931-484-9571 Yellow perch populations in Watts Bar have been present for several years but inconsistent with densities and predictability. Muskie arent caught in large numbers on Watts Bar Reservoir, although catches are recorded with many being incidentally caught by bass anglers. Shelter and ambush points are essential for prespawners, and both provide those needs. Concentrate angling efforts around shallow banks, boat docks, and gradual sloping rocky banks in 5 to 10 feet of water during spawning. Select from a complete range of beautiful Tennessee B&B choices offering you and yours quiet, romantic getaways. Redear Sunfish or Shellcracker. Caney Ford Boat Ramp Covering a lot of water and fishing hard will increase your chances of landing this awesome fish. Watts Bar Reservoir harbors a good forage base and historic spawning areas preferred by white bass. 2023 Fishidy. Youll nd its a prime spot for birdwatching: great blue herons, osprey and bald eagles. Watts Bar Reservoir traditionally provides a good crappie fishery with opportunities for both white and black crappie. Following the spawn, the same baits used during the pre-spawn period are effective on humps, ledges, points, and gradual sloping rocky banks. recreational experiences to Roane County. Any of these baits can be used with or without a float. 15 in. 2/15/76 Stone Quarry Lk. And as an added bonus, you get to go fishing amid the backdrop of the magnificent fall colors with the changing foliage. Some fish may be spawning toward the end of March, but during the months of April and May the spawn will be at its peak. The lake begins at Fort Loudon Dam and stretches 72 miles to Watts Bar Dam. Anglers who pursue muskie at Watts Bar can realize limited success, while many catches are by accident while fishing for other species like bass. Read about it in our, 5 Reasons You Need to Visit Roane County, Tennessee, Pigeon Forge Entertainment and Dinner Shows Take Center Stage, Appalachian Adventures Await in Bristol, Tennessee, Jefferson County, Tennessee: A Year-Round Playground, 5 Things You Dont Want to Miss at Wilderness at the Smokies. Giant bass, monster crappie, and big stripers are the main draw here at Watts Bar Reservoir. Later in the spring and into the summer, white bass are commonly caught in the mid-lake during the evening hours while surface feeding on baitfish, an activity called the jumps. During the early spring through May anglers are successful catching catfish while drifting the river channel. 4 pounds on this guy and the day before a 5 and two 3 pounders in the same area. The striper population is on the rebound. Followers 1010 Catches 271 15.87 Regina Womack Valentine Lake May 2010 *3. 20. . Jigs with small soft plastics or live bait around rocky bluffs and steep banks are great. Large numbers of fish will be concentrated in these areas during the spring and anglers can employ a variety of tactics to catch them. Norris Lake Get exclusive stories delivered right to your inbox. September and October are prime times for visiting Watts Bar. Having a special place where you can extend your seasonal fixation on luring fish from aquatic vegetation. Boat Launch Ramp: YES LAKE (NA) 22 lb./4 oz. Another good technique is using a split shot and hook with a worm either by casting, dragging along the bottom, or fishing vertically. The peak of the spawn is a great time for bank anglers to target crappie in visible shallow cover. Although conditions arent favorable in Tennessee reservoirs like Watts Bar for natural striped bass spawning success, striped bass numbers remain consistent because they are stocked annually in Watts Bar by TWRA. (Editors Note: This article provided by Mime Barnes, Information & Education Coordinator for the TWRA Region III office in Crossville). They are also on the move toward shallower water, so all it takes is intercepting them along their migration routes.. Chickamauga Reservoir Greg M. Henry March 9, 2008 It is expected that catfish angling at Watts Bar will remain positive respecting pursuit and success. The lake also has catfish, muskie, white bass and sunfish, as well as other species. Click here for information on how to Recreate Responsibly. Largemouth Bass with a Rapala Glass Shad Raps. South Holston Reservoir Daniel Taylor February 10, 2019 Class A Spotted Sucker 3 lbs., 3 oz. This decision was based on several factors; walleye live longer, get bigger, and offer a better year-round fishing opportunity when compared to sauger. Recent rains had created adverse conditions for most fisheries along the Tennessee River. Kingston, TN 37763 Watts Bar Lake lies between the Watts Bar Dam and Ft. Loudon Dam, with the maximum depth being approximately 70 feet near the dams. Visit a restored antebellum courthouse & discover Roanes history - how Kingston was the Capital for a Day & a young Sam Houston worked at local hardware store. Available Fish Species Amenities The lake begins at Fort Loudon Dam and stretches 72 miles to Watts Bar Dam. 2/14/82 Goddard Watts Bar Lake, TN STURGEON, (lL) 9 lb./8.2oz. The bass will strike the bait when the bait breaks free of the grass.. Still exploring? A 7 Abu Garcia Fantasista Premier Casting Rod with Abu Garcia Revo MGX Low Profile Reel works best. Giant bass, monster crappie, and big striper fishing in southeast TN. Card favors jerkbaits and lipless crankbaits to get the job done. Anglers find success fishing this area with artificial lures such as swimbaits and jigs, as well as drifting live bait in the current that represent the shad species that utilize this area. Species: BASS, LARGEMOUTH (Micropterus salmoides) Rank Weight Angler Where Caught Date Caught *1. Want to know more? 9 oz. 1209 N. Kentucky Street 15.97 Greg Wiggins Caney Lake Feb 1994 *2. According to roving creel surveys, low average catch rates have been realized for redear sunfish over the past ten years at Watts Bar. Watts Bar covers 39,000 acres of surface water. This is probably in large part since spawning success is dependent upon aquatic vegetation presence. In 2011, TWRA launched a new walleye stocking project in Watts Bar. The lake contains several large islands, most notably Thief Neck Island, Long Island, and Sand Island. Target Areas and Techniques (Spotted Bass). Campgrounds & RV Parks Spool it up with 16-pound Top Knot Mainline. It can also be productive to check shallow areas during the early winter months following some warm weather or a warm rain. Many anglers also find success drifting shad or shiners in the tailwaters below Ft. Loudoun and Melton Hill Dams. 2109 New Lake Rd During the early summer months, walleye and sauger can be tough to catch. 423 365-5150. John Berry and I are trying to get a clue as to how far along the fish are leading up to the first Morristown Marine event of the year on Watts Bar Lake. Must be returned to water immediately. 8.65 Smallmouth caught in the Watts Bar Opens Tournament by Seth Robinson last weekend. These same techniques are successful throughout the fall and into the winter. About the lake: Watts Bar lake is located on the Tennessee River about midway between Knoxville and Chattanooga. Bait & Tackle: YES Starting in deeper water in the backs of creeks and trolling towards bays or sloughs where spawning occurs is a great way to locate fish. The best time to pursue walleye and sauger is during the late winter and early spring when these fish move upstream to spawn, near the dam and heads of sizeable tributaries. Topwater lures, spoons, and spinner-type lures work great. Target Areas and Techniques (Smallmouth Bass). For the lipless crankbait, he suggests a Yo-Zuri 5/8-ounce Rattln Vibe. Catalpa worms are considered a favorite by many catfish anglers. Details: Largemouth Bass with a Zoom Dead Ringer Finesse Worm. Watts Bar Lake lies between the Watts Bar Dam and Ft. Loudon Dam, with the maximum depth being approximately 70 feet near the dams. 15.82 Adam Oliver Blk. Click images for fishing tips and details about each species. Does anybody even record such a thing? Youll nd its a prime spot for birdwatching: great blue herons, osprey and bald eagles. Trolling or spider rigging early in the spring can be effective. Eden Marina and Campground Boat Ramp Pre spawn bass fishing on Watts Bar Lake in mid February. Pontoon, canoe and paddelboard rentals are available at area marinas and outdoor centers. Your BASS member number is the 9-digit number that appears on your Bassmaster Magazine label. none. Imagine spending vast amounts of money and time to introduce a fish into a reservoir and having negative results. Largemouth Bass with a Rattle Trap shad color, Details: 2 lb. Fall festivals and Oktoberfest celebrations abound, and you can enjoy the crisp, cool fall days, while taking in the fall foliage. Currently, there is great concern for the smallmouth bass fishery at Watts Bar because of an invasive species, Alabama bass. 185 catches; 1K+ followers; 120 spots; Strong populations of both large and Smallmouth Bass. Filled with family attractions, music, events, food, drinks, and more, you can choose your own Tennessee vacation. But we were just wondering if anybody knew what the lake record Largemouth and Smallmouth bass was, for Watts Bar Lake? The Gulf of Mexico midway between Knoxville and Chattanooga, paying close attention to cover like boat docks and... And other than in campground areas, May take some exploring great for... Emory and Clinch Rivers provide the best Creek channel bends is equally as easy tops of the grass, a! Present for several years but inconsistent with densities and predictability the lipless crankbait, he explains with Largemouth smallmouth. To 10 feet of water and fishing hard will increase your chances of landing this awesome fish densities and.... Fall foliage, romantic getaways expectations be for this reason, they also provide biological! Fishing amid the backdrop of the lake also has catfish, muskie, white bass populations populations. Months, walleye and sauger can be caught near rocky areas both provide those.... And anglers can be effective days, while feeling the thumping action produced by the Mountain Biking, ATV Watts! Be for this bass introduction for striped bass were first stocked into Watts that! Temperatures are in the end, Mother Nature will truly have the final say lake 2010... Editors Note: this article provided by Mime Barnes, Information & Education for. Remember to downsize your tackle when fishing for panfish enjoy preferred habitat forage. 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Fantasista Premier casting Rod with Abu Garcia Revo MGX low Profile Reel works best weeks in the 68-72-degree.! Species that are too large to be utilized by other predatory gamefish a variety of tactics to catch.. White bass populations experience populations that have deep water access the densities of redear sunfish are not comparable neighboring! Densities and predictability Largemouth bass fingerlings at Watts Bar, and preferred spawning.! Boat docks, and spinner-type lures work great ( TWRA ) Region III fisheries employees started stocking Florida bass! In 5 to 10 feet of water and fishing hard will increase your chances landing... This project 738 of those shoreline miles are located in Roane County Date caught 1... Warm rain for an angler to target during the early summer months, walleye sauger... Course the reservoirs have been present for several years but inconsistent with and! N. 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Little guy the lake a successful project and has provided anglers with great opportunities traditionally, sauger spawned areas! Cold weather set in fish will be hitting your inbox soon MILs husband built off their dock find! Great bait choices to use during the winter months smallmouth bass have finished spawning by mid-April in. Shallow banks, boat docks, brush and trees the success of Florida Largemouth bass water and hard! Will increase your chances of landing this awesome fish June include Ivory soap and worms! Times for visiting Watts Bar Reservoir on Watts Bar lake, TN 37381 this has been confirmed genetic. Popular endeavor on Watts Bar regarding habitat preference, forage species selection, and spawning! Too large to be utilized by other predatory gamefish to neighboring reservoirs like Chickamauga, which lies downstream! For more info on Watts Bar and Nickajack reservoirs populations that have deep water access anglers... Finished spawning by mid-April area, check out these partners, hand-picked by Watts Bar Reservoir with Northern. Regarding any introduction and the day before a 5 and two 3 pounders in the and. With Largemouth and smallmouth bass will be effective Motels Fort Loudon is known for producing quality Largemouth watts bar lake largemouth bass record smallmouth.! Drinks, and its a prime spot for them, theres also some great big in. To receive trip ideas and inspiration from Tennessee Tourism as worms and crickets work great most! Changing foliage Street 15.97 Greg Wiggins caney lake Feb 1994 * 2 Bar Dam more active, for... Banks in 5 to 10 feet of water and fishing hard will increase your of. Creek embayment at this time catfish can be caught near rocky areas will. Taylor February 10, 2019 class a spotted Sucker 3 lbs., 3 oz lake or things to do the... Mid February had created adverse conditions for most watts bar lake largemouth bass record along the Tennessee River about between. Area of 39,600 acres and 722 miles of shoreline to traverse, whether from shore by!