2022 03 20 Chickamauga TN River

[coldfront]

had some time to kill today, so trailered up the Vexus and headed out around 9AM this morning.  Late start.  Air temps were just getting to 40°F, but clear skies and bright sun with light winds started the day.  Air temps were 65°F at 4:30PM when I loaded up the boat and headed home.

Water temps were 53°F/54°F main-lake/river but backwaters, pockets were up to 60°F by mid-afternoon.  Fish are moving and heading back... but it's still early and they won't really 'push' for a few weeks yet.  Temps looking at the next two weeks should allow water to warm up a few degrees... but doubt we see main lake temps hitting upper 50's for another two weeks...  right around first of April is my bet.

Water clarity:  1 foot visibility and stained from recent rains (some were heavy). 


I spent my day running, looking and effectively scouting.  Most mainlake/bluff points were covered up...lots of anglers staking out back of coves  and fishing mid-depths.  I kept going, looking for quiet space, solitude.

had one fish hit/run on a soft plastic... but couldn't get another sniff.  changed tactics and went to a moving bait... chatterbait (my nemesis!) and had a solid day.  couple of little fellas that were maybe about 2 lbs.  Had one on that was much bigger.  possibly a 6... had her whipped and to the side of the boat, but screwed around while trying to land her, lost angle, tension and she took one final flip and was gone.  made it through the first FIVE jumps...  so got everything but the photo.

my fish today came in less than 2 feet of water.  might be hard to tell, but they're all really 'silver/gray/pale'.  waters cold but no 'red lips'.  interesting day.
most memorable part of the day?  watched a blue heron grab a NICE crappie (12-13 inches).  Sat and watched it... always like to see how they try and take those bigger fish down...

[Mike Cork]

A six pounder warn out at the side of the boat... call that a professional release

Thanks for the great report