Now that most hunting seasons are closed, except for a few upland game seasons which close at the end of February, outdoors interests are changing to fishing. Whether actually going or just getting their gear ready or putting out brush piles for the upcoming spring fishing, folk are getting ready to hit the lake. The mild winter has had its share of heavy rains; swelling and mudding most lakes and rivers. In between the rains fisherman have reported catching several crappie, but few keepers. Most reports are on the Tennessee River, Chickamauga, and Hiwassee River. I have experienced these results on the upper end on Chickamauga. The bass fishing on the lower end of Chickamauga is the best it’s been in years. The recently introduced strain of Florida largemouth is helping in the 25 lbs. plus, 5 fish limit weigh in at tournament. Recently talking to TWRA biologist, he reported that several fish over 12 lbs. have been caught this winter. Jerk baits and the Alabama rigs seem to be deadly on the larger fish.
Since the first of the year I had been fishing the Clinch River below Norris Dam. It is seldom affected by the weather. At first the fishing was the best it’s been in years. The first time we went we had caught over 50 fish before catching 14 that we could keep. The Clinch River has a slot limit of 14 inches to 21 inches that have to be released and you may keep one fish over 21 inches. That day high school friend Cliff Moyers and I also released a rainbow that was 23 ½ inches long and a brown that was 24 inches long. On a later fishing trip with my nephew, he commented that he had never seen a fisherman more excited about catching smaller fish than larger ones. We were a little concerned that we may not catch a limit of keepers to put on the smoker, which is my preferred method of preparing them.
Normally we fish out of my small 14 foot john boat with a 9.9 Johnson when it is generating. The biggest drawback is that the seats are so low. After 3 or 4 hours with your knees in your chest and no chance of standing without risking a plunge into the frigid waters because of the boat is so unstable, you can hardly stand and your back bothers you for a day or two. Longtime friend John Ray has made a couple trips with me. On trips where he joins me we use his john boat which is larger and more stable, making for a more enjoyable trip.
Since the first trip we have caught fewer fish in the slot, lately only averaging 4 or 5 in the slot and none above the slot. We also have been catching fewer brown trout and brook trout. But we have always been able to get a limit.
Take someone fishing,
Greg