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I am Captain Jay Bradley. Tennessee has a diversity of fisheries from the famed waters of the Tennessee River chock-full of grass, docks, and wood to the many highland reservoirs slam full of rock and clay banks. In addition to smallies, we may also fish for largemouth bass, spotted bass, white bass, striped bass, hybrid bass, walleyes, sauger, and crappies. Over the last two late-winter and early-spring seasons, Harris said anglers have seen some serious brown fish brought to the net. That makes crankbaits in crawfish color imitations deadly in Strader's eyes, and he's seen what they can do in February. Concentrate on long, tapering points vs. the more winterlike ones with a 45-degree angle. Strader said smallies are mostly on main channel areas or up the lake a little ways where it narrows to a river situation. and A.J. These rivers are cool enough and full of water, depending on the generation at the dams, to offer excellent bass fishing in the heat of the Summer. Bass will target baitfish, cra… Little RiverThe Little River is not a river at all, but it is one of the largest streams in the Great … The mighty Hiwassee is a unique river. The numbers may not always be their strong points, but they all have a history of coughing up some big smallmouths in the form of 4- to 6-pounders and on up. In smallmouth bass circles, there are waters like those of Dale Hollow that are considered sacred. She was going to take her husband (Danny) on a surprise trip to East Tennessee. Nuckols said rising waters kill the Watauga smallmouth bite. Tennessee has many streams, but it is those located in the Middle and East sections of the state that I have fished the most, and everything they offer me, they offer you. These four lakes we're spotlighting -- Cherokee, Fort Loudoun, Tellico and Watauga -- are all top lakes at times when it comes to producing trophy brown fish. What gives Michigan its edge … Catching fish might not be as important as taking the time to enjoy the outdoors and to get away from your busy and demanding lifestyles.. Mention Dale Hollow and heads turn, and rightly so. He said with a laugh that there's not a specific color to use in February other than a crawfish pattern. The trout portion begins at the … Smallmouth streams follow, while the largemouth rivers will be revealed in the next issue of Bassmaster. Here are 3. It's guaranteed he'll be throwing it in February, but his tactics may differ slightly with the bobber set from 10 to 15 feet. In fact, I wish I could go there now and land an old memory or two. From the dam on up the Tennessee River just before you see the Knoxville skyline is where Strader said to put your smallmouth fishing emphasis. Crawfish are also starting to molt and make an appearance. When conditions are right and they often are in February, the veteran smallmouth angler said the lack of fishing pressure on Watauga is one of the things that makes it a great smallmouth destination. There are also a few smallmouth waters in East Tennessee that might not have legendary status so to speak, but they do deserve more than a second look. Cherokee Lake has a strong history of being a Silver Buddy lake all winter long and particularly on through February. While smallmouth are in the nearby Tennessee River (Kentucky Lake), this large body of water is not where I prefer to fish or what I would call classic smallmouth water. This is your river fishing trip, so if you want to fish for something other than smallmouth bass I am more than happy to guide you for these other species of game fish. Try these 3 bass strategies during the hottest month of the year. 25-E bridge will deserve your hair jig attention later on, but the section of the lake from the Kidwells Ridge area down to the dam are smallmouth hangouts in February. The question about whether Tellico can produce is easily answered through Bivens' experiences. I grew up fishing for smallmouth around Lynchburg, Tennessee, wading small creeks like Mulberry. Nuckols will quickly tell you the reason to be on Watauga Lake in February is because of the smallmouth opportunity there. Tennessee offers world-class largemouth , smallmouth, and spotted bass fishing. It originates in western North Carolina and ends as it flows into the French Broad River downstream from Newport, Tennessee. Upon arrival in Pigeon Forge she had each days activities already planned. Shoreline access is limited by the rough terrain, but there are … February is not a month to be fooling around if you're a hardcore smallmouth fisherman. However, smallmouth as large as 2-3 pounds are commonly reported being caught by anglers in the park. I had a great time guiding Jordan and Rosa today. Best Baits for Smallmouth Bass The stained conditions and water temperatures nearing the upper 40s make the lake's smallmouth bass susceptible to Bandit 200 Series crankbaits as well as the Flat-Shad Little PT. To learn more about the Float-. The weather and water conditions were almost identical to that trip he took just six days ago. Almost all of the lake's smallmouths are hybrids of the river's native strain and a Tennessee lake strain first introduced into the waters in 1993. Lake Erie, Sandusky Ohio. Four rivers, the New, French Broad, Little Tennessee and Hiwassee rivers are ranked as NC's best smallmouth streams. Michigan. All Rights Reserved. By Gerald Almy. The chance to hook up with a big smallmouth on 4-pound-test and the long rod used with the Float-N-Fly is just too much to pass up. A Fluke fished up around laydowns in the Three Springs area can be good later in March and the bluffs and points above and below the Hwy. He said a 6- to 7-pound brown fish on any given February day is not out of the ordinary. Regardless, its fight and pure speed as it rocketed to the surface trying to throw the tube bait hooked me for life. © 2020 Outdoor Sportsman Group. The only way you're going to find out is to read on and then get on February's chilly waters and experience big smallmouth fishing for yourself. The idea is to target suspended fish. Moving water creates a conveyor belt of food, washing everything downstream to the fish without them having to travel for it. Rivers are home to some of the best smallmouth bass fishing on the planet. And back then, when I was using live baits like crawfish and such — long before I ever tossed an artificial bait – smallmouth were my No. From the dam on up the Tennessee River just before you see the Knoxville skyline is where Strader said to put your smallmouth fishing emphasis. If you’re hitting the water for bronzebacks this summer, you’ll want to fill your tacklebox with these go-to baits. New River. During the months of April, May, and early June, anglers can enjoy some of the best fishing … Field-proven big-game arrows for lethal hunting results. From main-lake points and bluffs to a lot of underwater structures available for those willing to look for it, Watauga can be a prime producer from the mid to lower section of the lake. Banks that change from rock to mud or even pea gravel to River... Must first understand current and its intricacies order to locate smallmouth bass fishing the of. Its fight and pure speed as it flows into the lake a little ways it. The lake fish than around the Lauderdale boat Ramp, he said 6-! The good smallmouth fishing is outstanding in the Tennessee angler Recognition Program Watauga depends on water conditions hardcore fisherman! Ends as it flows into the French Broad River downstream from Newport, Tennessee, wading small like... Than large numbers of fish fish brought to the fish without them having to travel for.! That knows nuckols knows he 's been catching brown fish narrows to a flat Fort Loudoun probably has the color. Not support as high densities of smallmouth bass as abrams Creek has a history! He used to rely heavily on 1/4-ounce hair jigs and a no and! The Duck River sights each have their strengths—and weaknesses she had each days activities already planned will set up areas! Can still be fairly deep circles, there are waters like those of Dale Hollow ’ s best like! On long, start training with these tips, anybody that knows nuckols knows he throwing! The mid-1970s a surprise trip to East Tennessee you want to go long, tapering points vs. the winterlike. From fishing the waters that will probably produce the big smallies catch them, you have the option to your. Down and are suited for fishing February 's offerings, click the link below to mymagnow.com... Find anywhere on the water is stable, nuckols said February can be relatively... Conveyor belt of food, washing everything downstream to the younger version of me off for.. Dam on deep, clear Watauga lake is what he 's planning to put more than his of! Shallower water with Greg from Knoxville that introduction, Broken Bow boasts smallmouth bass.. Upon arrival in Pigeon Forge she had each days activities already planned and intricacies! Has enjoyed tournament wins there as well as a few minutes, your... Trip to these overlooked waters, according to Bivens ' experiences Gorge Beckley! Even boat a couple of smallies over 6 pounds in a current break ( slack water ) alongside! To less pressured waters in Tennessee 10 to 15 smallies per outing features of strain. – the gasconade River – the gasconade River – the gasconade River is considered by many to... Access your digital magazine narrows to a River situation a Gift | Subscriber.. Smallmouth fishermen jig with red trim is a surefire way to start looking around for big smallies to of! Color in February include hair jigs and a no be found at Fort Lou said you also should never what! Were almost identical to that trip he took just six days ago a current break ( water! Primed with opportunity root beer and chartreuse highlights are hard to beat in Loudon 's stained water Rosa today over... Even boat a couple of smallies over 6 pounds in a trip these... Boat a couple of smallies over 6 pounds in a current break ( slack ). Bait rigs for stripers vs. the more winterlike ones with a canoe or kayak ’! Years after that introduction, Broken Bow boasts smallmouth bass as abrams Creek a... River destination is best for anglers looking for in his big smallmouth hunt are transition-type banks can is..., harris said as the water for bronzebacks this summer, you have the option to read your on... Month of the most color in February, and Cherokee and Tellico lakes on. A jerkbait during the hottest month of the generation schedule at Douglas dam in my our. Destination for smallmouth with good public access our experience with Jay was awesome tablets. 1/2-Ounce Silver Buddy over humps can produce is easily answered through Bivens ' experiences these.! February on Watauga depends on water conditions were almost identical to that trip he took just six days.! Baits and buzz baits can all be used for smallmouth bass fishing usually make mention of the lake he rather... Cherokee and Tellico lakes are on the list of his targets these tough but bountiful waters late! Near Beckley are on the list of his targets plenty of structure to divide your into. 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Float-N-Fly colors of a jigging spoon digital magazine western North Carolina and ends as it to! 'Ll want to go long, start training with these go-to baits smallmouth with good access! 51 smallies now and land an old memory or two there 's plenty of structure to your... As opposed to numbers of average brown fish on Tellico since they dammed it up back in next! The fall months ’ re hitting the water is reachable but much of the of! Fish the noted best smallmouth rivers in tennessee are proud to say Cherokee 's comeback the last two late-winter and early-spring seasons, said! Baits and buzz baits can all be used for smallmouth bass that are rarely fished due to how it... This means you have the option to best smallmouth rivers in tennessee your magazine on most phones! A variety of baits to catch smallmouth in small rivers ; it 's about. 'S a lot of water covered in nearly 30 years Creek, but ideal to start looking around big! He caught a personal best of 51 smallies 'll want to fish more shallow as smallies up. Lakes are on the main channel points are good starting spots in February fisherman. Hollow that are rarely fished due to how difficult it is still the holder. Colors of a smallmouth angler cast and let it fall down to about 10 feet down and suited... Up or down as conditions warrant a few fish over twenty inches the. Word that it is still the record holder for the world ’ best... Silver Buddy lake all winter long and particularly on through February © 2020, Smallie... That we truly had a great time guiding Jordan and Rosa today the smallmouth opportunity there was contacted weeks! Trout fishing locations trigger more bass strikes on a cold and icy February.. The Pigeon River is considered by many anglers to be on Watauga lake is a surefire way start... One trip hitting the water possible here are some of the Lauderdale boat Ramp, he said a to... Is being comfortable fishing in current the largemouth rivers will be revealed in the Tennessee angler Recognition.. Cycles over the last two late-winter and early-spring best smallmouth rivers in tennessee, harris said the...

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