Here is the TWRA Fishing Report:
Chickamauga: The lake is full. Surface water temperature is 82 degrees. River flats are being targeted more often than humps by bass anglers. Topwater lures and plastic worms are being used by bass anglers in search of the elusive grass bass. Some big bass are being caught, but quality and quantity are eluding most anglers. A new bait that resembles the old "Johnson Spoon" is being used in combination with a plastic worm to catch a few fish. The hook size with the stock version is questionable. Some dock shooters are catching crappie, however the open water guys are catching the bigger crappie. Minnows, jigs, and crankbaits are the primary crappie enticers. Catfish drifters are catching catfish in the main channel while using the typical baits generally associated with catfish angling. River current diversions and crickets are a winning combination for bluegill. 25 feet is a good depth to begin the bluegill search. The size of the bluegill being caught may be smaller than past years. Striped bass are being caught in greater numbers in the tailwaters. The "Rig", shad, and topwater lures can be a complete arsenal capable of luring any tailwater striper.
Cordell Hull: Fishing is fair. Water temperature is 80 degrees, lake is fairly stable. A few good bass are being caught on horny toads, in the grass, near Gainesboro. A few fish are being caught on crankbaits, while fishing offshore structure near Grandville. Walleye fishing is fair in the river channel near Gainesboro.
Dale Hollow: Fishing is slow. Water temperature is 82 degrees. Lake is falling. A few bass are being caught at night while fishing jigs and spinnerbaits in 15-to-20 feet of water, on points. A few walleye are being caught while jigging spoons on drops in 32 feet of water.
Nickajack: Riverpark anglers can expect a fair shot of catching catfish, bluegill, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, spotted bass, white bass, and a few striped bass. Different lures, techniques and equipment is required depending on targeted species. Worms or crickets used for bait along the bottom will offer the greatest opportunity for catching bluegill. Meaty baits used along the bottom with heavier rigging will offer opportunities for trophy catfish. Jigs, crankbaits, or shad are being used to catch all other tailwater fish. Timing is largely luck and can be the most important difference between a great trip or just a trip. The lake area is giving up a few largemouth around the grass by those using plastic worms or topwater baits. A few schoolers are being caught near Nickajack Dam.
Watts Bar: The lake is full and the most recent surface temperature reading was 81degrees. Many anglers are catching striped bass while using shad as bait. Some striped bass were being caught on topwater lures and jigs. Low light conditions are better when looking for an explosive topwater bite. Some bragging size smallmouth bass are being caught by those targeting stripers. A few slow biting crappie are being caught by tightliners targeting brush in 15 feet of water in open secondary locations. Minnows or jigs can be substituted for equal results. Mixing up the offerings generally will result in larger numbers of fish being caught. Bass are being taken in primary areas most often while using plastic worms or jigs. Some feeder creek shallow water bass are being caught while using topwater lures early or late in the day. Mid lake primary humps are being targeted by white bass anglers. Spinner-type lures are being used for bait. Catfish are being caught in the main channel. Most meaty baits can be used to catch plenty of fish. Wieners are popular for many catfish seekers. River, rocks, and crickets are a combination many use that target bluegill.