Center Hill: Fishing is fair. Water temperature is 68 lake is falling. A few bass are being caught on jigging spoons under shad in 30 feet of water. A few smallmouth are being caught while trolling top water on lake points near the dam. Crappie is fair while fishing jigs and minnows around laydown trees in 10-to-15 feet of water.
Chickamauga: The surface elevation was 679.2 feet on 10/29/12. This was 2.8 feet below the summer mean elevation. The surface water temperature was in the upper 50's. Bass are being caught on various baits. Buzzbaits and lipless lures are very popular for many anglers. The most productive bait that most anglers are selecting is the frog. This bait fished over grass beds is the better choice for quality and quantity of bass. The lower end of the lake is the better area for those searching for crappie. Dock pitchers are catching many while using an assortment of jigs. Bluff wall anglers are catching a few fish. The bay trollers are catching the majority of the quality fish. Crankbaits are their weapon of choice. Catfish are being caught by those that seek them. Shad is the best bait. The main river is the target area. Current is a factor that may determine the outcome of a trip. Too little or too much current is not good. Striped bass and white bass are being caught on some days in the tailwaters. Shad, jigs, and spoons are the baits or lures most anglers select.
Cordell Hull: Fishing is fair. Water temperature is 67 degrees; lake is at winterpool. A few bass are being caught on crankbaits and spinnerbaits while fishing in the creeks on deeper banks. Crappie fishing is fair near the dam while using jigs and minnows around laydown trees in 10 feet of water. Sauger fishing is slow.
Dale Hollow: Fishing is fair. Water temperature is 66 degrees; lake is falling. A few smallmouth are being caught on shad while fishing points in 30 feet of water. Largemouht are being caught in the rivers on crankbaits and spinerbaits in 2-to-10 feet of water. Crappie are being caught on minnows around laydown trees near East Port in 10-to-15 feet of water.
Nickajack: The lake elevation on 10/29/12 was normal. The surface water temperature on the same date was in the 50's. Crappie are being caught in the dead water in the area of the "Riverpark". Minnows and/or jigs are being used for bait. Smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, and spotted bass are being caught by those using crankbaits, jigs and livebait. Catfish are being caught on meaty baits in the same area. A few white and striped bass are being caught on live bait, jigs, or spoons. The area of the lake downstream in the Marion County area is popular for those that love to fish for catfish and largemouth bass. Main river drifters are using meaty baits to catch several catfish. Bass are being caught by those using frogs over grass beds. Some schoolers are being caught below the interstate bridge.
Watts Bar: The 10/29/12 lake elevation was 740.7 feet. This is the elevation considered normal. Bass anglers are catching fish in many areas. Secondary banks, river points and cuts seem to be the better areas for bass anglers. Most shad are in the main channel. Bass are being caught on jigging spoons, crankbaits, and live bait. The better areas are where the greatest shad activity is. Crappie are being caught by many anglers in large secondary areas. The target depth should be greater than 12 feet. Some anglers are tightlining with minnows and/or jigs, other anglers are trolling crankbaits. The best color changes almost everyday. Bluegill are being caught along rocky banks in main lake and secondary areas. Small jigs or worms are being used by most folks to catch bluegill. The cooler ambient temperature is lowering the lake surface temperature to levels last observed in the early spring. Catfish are being caught my those fishing the main channel. Shad and other meaty baits from various sources are being used to catch catfish. White bass and striped bass are being caught in the tailwaters. Jigs, shad and spoons are being used more often than other baits or lures.