Region III Fishing Report

September 16, 2010
Center Hill

Fishing is fair. The water temperature is 79 degrees; lake is slowly falling. Several bass are being caught on topwater baits while fish are chasing shad early in the morning and late in evening. Walleye fishing is fair, while trolling night crawler rigs on gravel banks in 22-to-28 feet of water. Bluegill fishing is fair in about 15 feet of water, while using nightcrawlers and crickets.
Chickamauga

The lake is down nearly a foot and the water surface temperature is near 80 degrees. Some anglers are finding bass as deep as 30 feet and a few heavy bass are schooling and busting shad on the surface. Most schooling bass are being caught on deep river flats adjacent to the main channel. Spoons, plastic worms, crankbaits and topwater lures are all being used depending on the location of those fish being targeted. Rockfish are being caught in the tailwaters using live bait. Catfish are being caught in many main channel areas using most normal catfish baits. Bluegill are being caught deep in the river channel bends using crickets. The upper half of the lake seems to be offering the better bluegill fishing. Some crappie are being caught along deep creek channel banks near blowdowns while using jigs or minnows.
Dale Hollow

Fishing is fair . The water temperature is 78 degrees; lake is falling. Several bass are being caught on topwater baits, spinnerbaits and dropshots, while fishing channel banks. Crappie fishing is fair near East Port using minnows and jigs in 5-10 feet of water. A few walleye are being caught while jigging spoons on river channel drops in 32 feet of water.
Watts Bar

The lake is full and the water surface temperature is near 80 degrees. The lake is stained. Bass anglers are catching more fish in transition areas where deep and shallow water meet. Any unusual feature such as a current break, point, or blowdown in the previously mentioned area will be the type of water where anglers can increase the number of bass being caught. Jigs, crankbaits, and plastic worms are being used by most anglers. Topwater lures are being used often early and late. Many large catfish are being caught using live bait. Main channel bends seem to offer the angler the better opportunity for locating catfish. Rockfish are being caught most often from the mid-lake upstream to the tailwaters. Live bait is better than the alternative or artificial lures. Crappie are starting to move a little more into easy target areas, but night fishing underneath lights will be the easier way to fill a skillet. Minnows and/or jigs are being used for bait.

http://www.state.tn.us/twra/region3/region3fish.html