Chickamauga: The surface water temperature is 82 degrees. The lake elevation as of 9/09/12 was 681.9 feet. This is the normal elevation for the calendar. A lot of bass are chasing baitfish near the grass in selected areas. Most anglers have not been able to find the lure to entice those baitfish chasers. A few anglers are catching bass in the usual summer locations that include humps and points in main lake water, but the grass seems to be the most targeted area. Plastic worms and topwater buzzbaits are being used most often for bait. White bass are being caught at times while breaking the surface. Topwater lures can be used to catch these surface bait chasers. Striped bass are being caught in the tailwaters while using an assortment of artificial offerings that most anglers have in their arsenal, but the skipjack and yellowtail will catch more fish and bigger fish. Crappie anglers are catching fish in open water large bay areas around suspended baitfish. Docks are also popular areas for many anglers. Jigs and minnows are equal opportunity offerings. Catfish drifters are catching fish during times when the current is running. Most meaty baits will catch a catfish.

Cordell Hull:  Fishing is fair.  Water temperature is 78 degrees. Lake is stable.  A few bass are being caught while fishing topwater baits around grass near Gainesboro.  Crappie fishing is fair while fishing with minnows around laydown trees in 10 feet of water.  A few walleye are being caught while trolling the channels near Gainesboro in 25 feet of water. 

Dale Hollow:  Fishing is fair.  Water temperature is 83 degrees. Lake is fallng.  Several largemouth are being caught while using umbrella rigs and swimbaits in the rivers on the flats.  Several fish are being caught while fishing squarebill crankbaits around laydown wood in 2-to-5 feet of water.  A few walleye are being caught while jigging spoons in 32 feet of water. 

Nickajack: The surface water temperature is 82 degrees. Bass are being caught along river grass. Early and late in the day topwater lures are being used around the grass edges. Bright light creates conditions that are favorable for the rat or frog bite. Plastic worms are also being used to catch bass. Catfish drifters are catching fish in the main channel while using the typical baits normally used by those targeting catfish. Riverpark anglers are catching all the basses while using a variety of artificial and live bait. An unusual summer problem is creating conditions with challenging circumstances for anglers. That unusual problem is heavy current. Sometimes the current is so heavy that the proper presentation and placement of lures becomes difficult. A few gifted anglers are catching slab crappie in large water areas while using selected artificial lures. Most of these crappie are being caught in water adjacent to the main channel

Watts Bar: The lake surface elevation as of 9/09/12 was 740.2 feet and steady. The lake is clear and at the elevation expected for the calendar. Current levels will be the normal until the expected drawdown beginning November 1st. The tailwater anglers are enjoying prime striper fishing. Melton Hill tailwaters may be better than Ft. Loudon tailwaters at the present time. Jigs, topwater lures, spoons and shad are the primary weapons most anglers choose to target stripers. Some white bass are being caught in the same areas. Topwater lures and spinner-type lures are the lures many choose.  Large bay or creek areas with structure are the locations those anglers seeking crappie will begin the search. Electronics will help locate the target areas. 15 feet of water would be a good depth to begin the search. Jigs and minnows are equal opportunity offerings. More white crappie are being caught than black crappie. Most black crappie are being caught in current related holes or around docks. Bass anglers are catching more than they have in a while. Main lake humps, points, and drops especially with unusual features will increase the odds of catching fish. Jigs, worms, And crankbaits are the most popular baits and the target area normally dictates the offering. Mid lake humps located in the main channel are where most white bass are being caught.  Spinner-type lures and spoons are being used more than other lures. Bluegill can be caught near docks and around bluff areas in the main channel while using crickets and worms. Catfish drifters are catching fish in the main channel. Any meaty bait can catch a catfish. Some anglers are using wieners.