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Spring Striped Bass Run!
March 19, 2024 Lenoir City 1 photo
Lenoir City Report Photo 0
Bass (Striped)
Bass (Striped)

Trip Summary

As the season turns and spring begins to assert its influence, the Striped Bass migration is in full swing along our local rivers. Anglers are reporting exciting opportunities as these prized fish either stage or make their way upriver. What makes this season particularly thrilling is the proximity of prime live bait to where the Striped Bass are congregating. Anglers are finding some of the most best bait species close to the staging areas of the Striped Bass. Catching this bait adds an extra layer of excitement to the fishing experience! One of the key advantages of this setup is the ability to swiftly transport the live bait to the desired fishing spot. With the Striped Bass often found just a mile or so upriver from where the bait is caught, anglers are maximizing their chances of success by ensuring the bait is as fresh and lively as possible. It's essential for anglers to confirm with their chosen captains that they have the capability to procure and maintain this specialized live bait. Additionally, ensuring compliance with newer Coast Guard regulations, including the presence of Type 1 Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) aboard the vessel, is paramount for a safe and enjoyable fishing experience. As the Striped Bass season continues to unfold, anglers are encouraged to seize the opportunity to combine the thrill of catching lively bait with the exhilarating challenge of reeling in some of the strongest fighting fish in our waterways. Tight lines and happy fishing to all! Tight lines and happy fishing!
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William Clabough
Lenoir-city, Tennessee, United States
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If you’re staying in East Tennessee and you’d like to spend a day on a lake or river, Captain William Clabough will make your wish come true. Surrounded by beautiful nature, you’ll spend several hours fishing rich freshwater grounds and ...

Other reports from this captain

Spring 2025 Flathead Catfish Fishing Rep
Spring 2025 Flathead Catfish Fishing Rep
April 20, 2025
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!
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Spring time is coming! Catfish are star
Spring time is coming! Catfish are star
March 1, 2025
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!
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End of Summer / Fall White Bass Run!
End of Summer / Fall White Bass Run!
September 8, 2024
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!
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