Fresh Watts Bar Lake Fishing Reports

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Lenoir City

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Fresh Fishing Reports from Watts Bar Lake

Hot and Sultry

June 6, 2025

The crappie bite on Chickamauga today was strong early, but all but shutdown mid-morning. Marked lots of fish on brushpiles in 13-20 FOW, but even minnows didn't trigger a bite. Very hot and muggy and not a breath of wind. Water temps were 80-82 degrees at the surface.

Was hot on Chickamauga today, but anything is better than the heavy rain and gusty winds we've had lately. The surface water temperature is 80 degrees and beginning to clear. A five species day, including a few nice crappie.

TARP Program in Tennessee

May 31, 2025

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!

Jason, Glenn and the river spin

May 29, 2025

Got out for a full day trip with Jason and Glenn. We hit the river in hopes of catching smallmouth and largemouth. The bite was good and we boated around 40 fish.

Finger Food

May 28, 2025

Finally got a break in what has been a bad stretch of weather on Lake Chickamauga. Landed 29 crappie today; unfortunately lots of small fish mixed in . Water temperature was 72 degrees and the fish were taken either trolling or tightlining over brushpiles.

What anglers said about fishing in Watts Bar Lake

June is spawning season making fishing a little tougher but they are still there.

5.0 / 5

June is spawning season making fishing a little tougher but they are still there.

Markybob Catfishing

Captain let us know the big and small catfish we’re mixing more than normal with the spawn so it was harder to target the big boys but we landed lots of healthy 10 to 15 pounders. We were fishing for fillets to eat so it was perfect. He said post spawn was best to find hungry trophy fish

5.0 / 5

Markybob Catfishing

Don’t miss the opportunity to fish this water. Truly special. I flew in from Idaho and God willing I’ll be back!!!

5.0 / 5

Don’t miss the opportunity to fish this water. Truly special. I flew in from Idaho and God willing I’ll be back!!!

Chattahookem Fishing Charters

If you want to have a fun day on the water catching fish, Captain Aaron Massey is the man to see.

5.0 / 5

If you want to have a fun day on the water catching fish, Captain Aaron Massey is the man to see.

Tennessee River Adventures Inc.

For my first time doing this I through we would get anything but was I wrong we caught a lot of different species of fish

5.0 / 5

For my first time doing this I through we would get anything but was I wrong we caught a lot of different species of fish

Running River Fishing Charter

The most picturesque large body of water that offers plenty of options for fishing a lot of different species. Truly something for everyone.

5.0 / 5

The most picturesque large body of water that offers plenty of options for fishing a lot of different species. Truly something for everyone.

Murray Fishing

Always remember that this is fishing. Not catching. Nothing is guaranteed.You may not always catch your targeted fish for different reasons. The bite was slow,but, Cody still put us on fish. My boys just couldn’t get a Striper in the boat. They did enjoy the good fight though while they were hooked up.

5.0 / 5

Cody Daniels Guide Service

Being very experienced fishermen, we consider Blake to be Outstanding. Very friendly and interactive. Very knowledgeable about his waters. Have to say one of the very top guides we’ve ever used. Made our trip to Chattanooga very enjoyable and successful!

4.7 / 5

Running River Fishing Charter

. Once you know your time of departure, you need to know the exact location of where you are departing from. The exact location is not specified unless you ask the time, but not the location

4.7 / 5

. Once you know your time of departure, you need to know the exact location of where you are departing from. The exact location is not specified unless you ask the time, but not the location

Smith Fishing Adventures LLC

I wish we had visited Tennessee later in March. I think the leaves would have been breaking bud then.

5.0 / 5

I wish we had visited Tennessee later in March. I think the leaves would have been breaking bud then.

Tennessee River Adventures Inc.

Maybe not the quantity that we hoped for but the size and quality made up for it

5.0 / 5

Maybe not the quantity that we hoped for but the size and quality made up for it

Chattahookem Fishing Charters

Fishing in February is tough, do not come into it thinking it will be the best fishing of your life! That said, if you have the right guide, you WILL be successful. Smith Fishing Adventures, LLC, is why we were able to catch as much as we did.

5.0 / 5