Two weeks ago while on vacation to Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Park, I had the opportunity to fish below Jackson Lake dam. I caught several cutthroat trout on power bait and a few lake trout on white twister tail grub.
Last Saturday I convinced some friends to go to Dale Hollow Lake to catch some big rainbow trout under the floating lights as I have done in the past. We got their early and caught some large bream, shell crackers, and a few catfish. I found a large school of alewives which are similar to shad and netted up a couple dozen with a throw net. We fished a couple of points with them and caught several nice small mouth bass. We got set up before dark and waited with out any luck. Two thunder storms past by us, maybe because I brought my rain suit this time.
Three hours past with out even a bite and given the bag of jerky and venison sausage had been eaten, we decided to start the long trip home. I remember why I don’t go night fishing often. I am still recovering from the trip.
Early in the week I would try to redeem myself with the same friends. We went below Fort Loudon Dam and caught several catfish and small strippers. Several fishermen were out and every one was catching small strippers in the 5 lb class.
Below Melton Hill Dam some better strippers are being caught in the evening while they are generating. The willow flies (May flies) are starting to show up on the Tennessee River. Fish will soon follow. I have not seen the schools of shad minnows, but it will not be long.
For you that are a little more adventurous (nutty), it is noodling (grabbling) time. If you always thought you wanted to try, but did not know how or where to go. Here are some abbreviated instructions.
1) Get someone else to go for encouragement. They will be happy to belittle you into sticking your hand into a waiting catfish mouth. After the first one clamps down on your hand and gives you the same exhilaration as being electrocuted followed by you jerking a creak into your neck, your buddy is always there for words of wisdom, like you should have held on, you had him, and you big wuss.
2) Most of the time the fish are just deep enough that you can’t breathe while shoving you hand back into holes or under launch ramps where you’re not sure what else is lurking in there. Gloves are also a necessity or your hand will look like you lost a battle with a belt sander.
3) Then it is your buddies turn and you will have the opportune to give him the same support he gave you earlier.
If you would like to see some pros watch.
catfishgrabblers.com
Take someone fishing, Greg