2022 06 18 TN River Nickajack

[coldfront]

with summer hard upon us, limited precipitation events (rain) and increased temperatures, went out early.  On water about 30 minutes before the eastern horizon even began to color... so about 5:15 AM.  Put in at a ramp 'down on the river' and was intrigued to see the first 'cheese' (floating, filamentous algae) mats of the year. 

it's the weekend, so TVA wasn't pulling much current as it often the case.  Chickamauga Dam was releasing 7500 cfs.  Nickajack Dam was releasing ZERO.  so it was a slowly rising water level.Water temps were 85°F.  will probably stay here and even a little warmer up until we hit summer solstice June 22nd and days start getting shorter again...  bit of a breeze in the early morning that died off as the sun came up.  water clarity was good - about 1.5 - 2 feet.  MIlfoil is coming up nicely and the shallow areas are well-carpeted.

active fish were on weed edges on ledges.  some surface activity, so I tried a small shower blows walking popper.  No interest.  Switched over to a Zoom horny toad and began to get action.  Steady up until about 9:00 AM when the sun was fully over the mountains...  managed 15 - 20 (not really keeping track) in those first few hours.  No giants, just good solid river fish around 2 pounds.  Most of the 'biters' were in/around American Pondweed (deers-tongue for some of you all). 


Fish would hit it hard and then STREAK for deeper water.  Good day for long rods and fast gear ratios.  even so, one or two I just could NOT catch up to...


as usual, a couple of tournaments going on around me.  stayed out of the way of the guys 'on the clock' and had a solid, enjoyable day.
off water at 11:30 AM.  trying to get ahead of the weekend party goers in an effort to get loaded/off the dock without delays.  almost made it.



because I really want to be clear, I don't call the 'green stuff' GRASS... the type of vegetation matters...

[Mike Cork]

Thanks for the report. Love the green stuff you got there, the leafs on top are great for toads and the hydrilla behind it is great for punching, that is if the fish will pull off the ledges and get in the "grass"

[coldfront]

these are main river... so under that milfoil it's about 1 foot.  slowly filtering out to 2-3 where the pondweed is... and then rolling off the ledge into 20-30 plus feet and 'clean' bottom.
working on learning stuff I should know... but it's different for me.  way different.

that's the fun.  right?

[Mike Cork]

If I can learn something each time I get out it's a success! With all the tools we have available I'm always amazed at what I learn. I just wish I could remember it all and put it to good use all at the same time

[Donald Garner]

CF, congrats as always on the catching my good man.  Love that picture you posted also.  It got the heart beating a little faster.  I could just see a big ole bass come and smashing a  big ole ribbon tail worm swimming through it 

[coldfront]

CF, congrats as always on the catching my good man.  Love that picture you posted also.  It got the heart beating a little faster.  I could just see a big ole bass come and smashing a  big ole ribbon tail worm swimming through it 

thanks Don.  I have also been playing a bit with speed worms.  trying to take a page out of my Florida friends playbook.  that's a work in progress for sure...