Chickamauga 10 April 2021

coldfront · April 12, 2021, 07:37:23 AM

Day started cloudy, rainy. at times heavy as thunderstorms were rolling through. No lightning, so that was good. Water was stained and river was running 'hot' at around 90K cfs. Lake still not at summer pool so about 2-3 feet low. TVA should start filling around April 15. guessing a big wave of spawners will show up as full moon is April 28.
Water temps in pockets/coves was 65°F and 58°F on main lake/river. call water clarity 'slight stain'. some coves clear faster than others. Wind was low early in day, but picked up as day went on. by mid-day, a strong southern wind blowing against the current made for some rough boating (big standing waves combined with rollers)

Put in midlake and ran upriver looking for potential pre-spawn wave, but water levels remain low. backed out and tried points, eddies looking for staging fish. no takers on a jig/chunk. same for swimbait.
decided to scrap that plan and hit some bluff walls, transition areas. a few smaller fish on the tube. switched to dropshot and got nothing. tried new to me technique of neko rigging and started getting bit.all small (nothing over 2 pounds) but welcome just the same.
probably 'went' for 10-15 bass (mostly spots with a few largemouth and one smallie tossed in). Nabbed a couple of warmouth that were clearly working on the spawning colors and one overly-frenetic channel cat.

Mike Cork · April 12, 2021, 08:22:52 AM

Thanks for a great report. I always love your reports on the TVA lakes, so much to consider from all the normal factors plus discharge that creates current and level increase to less current and lower levels. Each day is going to fish differently.

You are entered in the Dobyns Rod Champion Series Rod giveaway. Keep posting reports for more entries.

Donald Garner · April 12, 2021, 07:29:15 PM

CF
Tks for sharing the trip with us. I always enjoy reading your reports and checking out those scenic pictures of the area.

coldfront · April 13, 2021, 11:07:59 AM

thanks Don. know I normally post photos. just never got the phone out for the little guys and with the rain... well, not this time.but I am looking at getting a waterproof camera. some really good ones out there for little $$ and excellent MP levels.
figure a story without photos is kind of like a peanut butter sandwich without apricot jam.

Old blue · April 19, 2021, 05:36:16 PM

I'm heading down to fish and camp in Dayton at end of April on Chicamaunga. Will the bass be spawning then? Suggestions on where to go nearby would be greatly appreciated, as I'm running a tin boat, 40 mph.
Staying at blue water resort.

coldfront · April 21, 2021, 07:44:07 AM

Quote from: Old blue on April 19, 2021, 05:36:16 PM
I'm heading down to fish and camp in Dayton at end of April on Chicamaunga. Will the bass be spawning then? Suggestions on where to go nearby would be greatly appreciated, as I'm running a tin boat, 40 mph.
Staying at blue water resort.

read billy wheat's reports on bluewater resort. see if you can email/'talk to him. but you're right where you should be. think shallow. think backwaters.

Old blue · April 21, 2021, 10:20:52 AM

Thank you Cold Front. Will check out Mr Wheat.

Old blue · April 21, 2021, 10:22:15 AM

And look for opportunities up the creek and backwaters nearby.