Fresh Lenoir City Fishing Reports

Freshwater Drum are the unsung heroes of the fishing world, delivering non-stop action and some of the most thrilling fights you'll find. These underappreciated fish bite nearly year-round, eagerly hitting both artificial baits and minnows. While other anglers twiddle their thumbs waiting for "popular" species, Drum keep your rod bending with fast, aggressive strikes. Using a simple free-line setup with just a hook and minnow, you’ll reel in Drum consistently. Want bigger ones? Artificial baits are the go-to, triggering epic battles that’ll leave you grinning. As a bonus, you’ll often hook other overlooked gems like White Bass while targeting Drum, adding even more excitement to your trip. If you’re after numbers and a good time, Freshwater Drum fishing is the way to go. They’re feisty, fun, and ready to make every cast count!

The Tennessee Angler Recognition Program (TARP), offered by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, celebrates anglers who catch trophy-sized fish. Open to all ages, the program recognizes 27 qualifying species with certificates featuring artwork by renowned artist Joseph R. Tomelleri. It encourages catch-and-release while providing TWRA with valuable data on large fish. Anglers can earn Master Angler status at various levels—starting with five trophy fish for Level I—complete with certificates, patches, and additional rewards. Learn more at **hidden content** This year, I’m proud to have guided multiple clients to earn these prestigious certificates, with many achievements coming from standard trips—not just trophy-focused outings. It’s a testament to the quality of fishing opportunities in Tennessee and the skill of my guests. Ready to join the ranks of recognized anglers? Book a trip with me and let’s get you on the water!

As spring progresses and water temperatures rise, Flathead Catfish (Pylodictis olivaris) are becoming increasingly active in rivers and reservoirs. With longer days and warming waters—typically above 60°F—Flatheads emerge from their winter dormancy to feed aggressively in preparation for spawning. This seasonal shift marks an excellent opportunity for anglers targeting trophy-sized fish. On a recent guided trip, a guest landed two impressive Flathead Catfish, showcased in the photos for this report, at an underwater creek mouth—a prime staging area as these fish prepare to migrate upstream in rivers to spawning sites like logjams or undercut banks. This exciting catch demonstrates the potential for big fish during the pre-spawn season, even on standard trips. For the best results, target structure-rich areas such as creek mouths or deep holes with live baits like bluegill, shad, or crawfish, which Flatheads eagerly pursue. Night fishing is particularly effective, given their nocturnal feeding habits. With Flatheads feeding voraciously to prepare for spawning (typically at 70–80°F), now is the perfect time to hook a fish of a lifetime. Join the action and experience the thrill of Flathead Catfish fishing! Book your guided trip with Captain Billy on FishingBooker.com and let’s target those big cats together. Check local regulations and water conditions, as spawning timelines may vary. Tight lines!

Spring’s almost here, and the catfish are starting to stir! As a guide out on the water this weekend, I’m seeing them move into shallower zones to feed up before the spawn. Submerged creek mouths and large shallow coves are holding fish right now, especially as water temps nudge into the low 50s°F. That’s triggering blues and channels to get active, and they’re hitting cut bait and stink bait hard near cover. I’ve noticed birds working some of the coves, a solid sign that baitfish are schooling up—catfish are right there with them, feeding on shad and crawfish drawn to these spots. The warmer afternoons have been key; that’s when I’m finding the bite picks up. With no pleasure boaters crowding the water yet, it’s quiet out there, making this a prime stretch to fish. If you’re looking to land your first catch of the year, now’s the time to target these shallow haunts!

The end of Summer / Fall White Bass run has started! Each year in the Spring and in the Fall the White Bass like to run up to our dams to feed! It makes an excellent time to have FUN on the water or catch some fish for a fish fry if the waterway is clean enough! It's like the changing of the guard as the Striped Bass and the Freshwater Drum leave the area and the White Bass come in. I fully believe White Bass (and Drum) are more fun to catch than watching a balloon float around for hours which is what most Striper guides do! Check out my guide service if you are interested in this type of trip or others!

On June 17, 2024, we had a successful day on the waters of Tellico Lake, targeting blue catfish. We explored a shallow backwater area where the water was around 5 feet deep and found that the anchor bite was more productive than dragging, especially in a shady spot near a choke point. We landed two large blue catfish showing signs of the spawning season, along with several smaller ones. This area would be great for setting out jugs and filling coolers with these catches. Tellico Lake is unique in East Tennessee as it's the only lake where the smaller catfish are not contaminated. They removed the transformers that were poisoning the lake, making the catfish safe to eat. If you're interested in a trip where you can actually enjoy the catfish you catch, feel free to contact me for more information!