Fresh Watts Bar Lake Fishing Reports

Over 60 white and yellow bass were caught and the largest were kept. Several crappie and a small largemouth were caught as well. The biggest crappie (to 13.5 inches) were kept. All fish were taken by pushing and pulling jigs and crankbaits in 16-24 foot depths. The crappie fishing should only get better as lake levels and temperatures stabilize.

A short trip today yielded a few nice crappie and white bass and a couple of largemouths. Lots of small fish kept the action lively.

Took 2 excellent clients out for a morning trip, no moon, perfect conditions, and yet the bite was very slow. Water temps are dropping very fast (less than 60F at surface) which are pushing the bait fish hard. My observations and those of other catfish anglers seem to suggest that afternoon trips are best when the bait fish run up to the shallows. Even though slow my client caught a 59 1/2 inch Dinosaur Lake Sturgeon. Amazing catch, a unicorn in these waters.

Got out on the water with Ryan who was in town for a few days from Colorado. After talkkng it over, we decided to go to the river and hit a pattern that’s been productive in the past. The bite was not dissapointing, with Ryan hooking uo with several quality fish. Unfortunately, the best ones got away but he still managed to rip plenty of jaws while enjoying a southern fall.

Got some beautiful crappie and white bass spider-rigging with jigs and crankbaits around shad baitballs.

Catfishing in the fall is a great time to land a real pig. Once the water temps get to the low 60's, they are on the move trying to load up for winter weight. Fish eat year round, but when the water temps get below 55, catfish like most fish tend to slow down their metabolism to conserve heat, and don't range as much. Locating and fishing channel junctions during the day, and fishing creeks and creek mouth during the later afternoon/evening is your best bet. Having a good boat with the right electronics, good bait, and water knowledge is key.