Smallmouth fishing is outstanding in the 53-mile New River Gorge near Beckley. You might even boat a couple of smallies over 6 pounds in a trip to these overlooked waters, according to Bivens' experiences. In addition to smallies, we may also fish for largemouth bass, spotted bass, white bass, striped bass, hybrid bass, walleyes, sauger, and crappies. Rivers are home to some of the best smallmouth bass fishing on the planet. Somewhere in that transition, he said you'd find them with a crankbait. It's never ceased from producing smallmouth bass, but there have been up and down cycles over the last few years. The good smallmouth fishing in February is best on the lower half of the lake. Gasconade River – The Gasconade River is the longest river in Missouri. The lower end of the lake is what he calls primed with opportunity. 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. Summer playbook: Ready for a little summer fun the whole family can enjoy? Book your trip today! He said there's no other reason to take on these tough but bountiful waters in late winter. I received my Captain’s License from the United States Coast Guard, and I am a licensed fishing guide in the state of Tennessee. 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. 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. By the numbers, you could boat as many as 10 to 15 smallies per outing. Keep it up! However, smallmouth as large as 2-3 pounds are commonly reported being caught by anglers in the park. Michigan is the top location for smallmouth bass fishing. The smallies aren't quite ready to spawn, but they're thinking about it and moving slightly shallower. They say that the "The Third Time is the Charm", but maybe it is the 'Fourth Time is the Charm" when it comes to down to guiding Robert for trophy smallmouth. © 2020 Outdoor Sportsman Group. 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. The first bluff right out of the Lauderdale Ramp is as good a starting place as you'll find anywhere on the lake. If you are looking to get away from the rides, arcades, shows, and hustle and bustle of the Parkway while on vacation, planning a relaxing day of smallmouth bass fishing on an East Tennessee river might be just what you need. Skip over the vertical structure and start keying on areas near flats with more of a slope and pinpoint transition banks. The first big smallmouth I ever laid eyes on came from Cherokee Lake. Try Rainy River, Lake of the Woods, for a mid-summer dream trip. Tellico may be an adjacent neighbor to Fort Loudoun, but the water clarity differs greatly. When time doesn't allow you to make the drive to one of the legendary lakes across the state, there are a few overlooked East Tennessee smallmouth lakes that you need to make the journey to. Strader said smallies are mostly on main channel areas or up the lake a little ways where it narrows to a river situation. The "spring craw" color or those with root beer and chartreuse highlights are hard to beat in Loudon's stained water. He says float trips are the best way to approach the Duck River. He said with a laugh that there's not a specific color to use in February other than a crawfish pattern. 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. Bass will target baitfish, cra… You may not catch a boat load of them, but when they weigh in the 3- to 4-pound range and you can put them together in a tournament, you won't complain about the quality. One year after qualifying for and fishing the Bass Masters Classic, pro angler Wesley Strader from Rockwood still calls East Tennessee lakes his home waters. The mighty Hiwassee is a unique river. The real test and fun is trying to get one in the boat with the finesse system. February is not a month to be fooling around if you're a hardcore smallmouth fisherman. Cherokee Lake has a strong history of being a Silver Buddy lake all winter long and particularly on through February. Another great day on the water with Greg from Knoxville! The days of four or five smallies in the 5-pound class are treasured, and Strader said they happen on Loudoun in the month of February. For the best access to the lower end, put in at the ramp at the dam just outside of Jefferson City and work your way up the lake to Kidwells Ridge slowly hitting points, bluffs and humps. Dale Hollow’s biggest claim to fame is that it is still the record holder for the world’s largest smallmouth bass. In smallmouth bass circles, there are waters like those of Dale Hollow that are considered sacred. Pickwick and South Holston lakes are two others that are on their way to a revered, legendary status, if they're not already there because of their consistency in producing quality brown bass. There are days that Strader said Fort Loudoun could be considered a numbers lake for smallies, but for the most part, it's a quality brown fish destination. Matt won best bass last year in the Tennessee Angler Recognition Program. The smallmouth are abundant, and they are large. If the water is stable, Nuckols said February can be one of the best months to be on Watauga. He said working a 1/2-ounce Silver Buddy over humps can produce solid brown fish. Some of the water is reachable but much of the most productive water must be floated with a canoe or kayak . doun/Tellico Canal Ramp adjoining those two bodies of water. His best memories have all come on the water, and he decided to become a captain in order to share his knowledge and expertise, as well as the beautiful nature, with you. All I can say is that we truly had a great River Smallie Adventure. To do so, Bivens said there's not a place on the lake he'd rather fish than around the Lauderdale area. State: Michigan. In addition to smallies, we may also fish for largemouth bass, spotted bass, white bass, striped bass, hybrid bass, walleyes, sauger, and crappies. Not your typical spawning situation, but ideal to start looking around for big smallies. 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. They may move up on the main lake inside protected pinots on main channel bluffs, but will be found relatively deep. We're talking about banks that change from rock to mud or even pea gravel to a flat. Abrams Creek has a high number of smallmouth bass that are rarely fished due to how difficult it is to access. Plan your next fishing and boating adventure here. These baits run about 9 to 10 feet down and are suited for fishing February's offerings. Drops and stumps play a big part in his late-winter fishing taking advantage of the success of a jigging spoon. Nuckols said rising waters kill the Watauga smallmouth bite. One of the best days he and I had together was in August. 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. Access from the lower end can be found at Fort Lou doun/Tellico Canal Ramp adjoining those two bodies of water. Those that don't know him that well should also realize he knows the value of a jigging spoon in February on Watauga Lake. He said a 6- to 7-pound brown fish on any given February day is not out of the ordinary. Bivens suggests testing these quality waters all through the winter and February with a Bullet Lures' Float-N-Fly rig featuring 4-pound-test line and a 1/16-ounce jig. Popular with anglers looking for Bass (Smallmouth) fishing charters in Tennessee River Captain Len Slay has been fishing these mountainous waters his whole life. The question about whether Tellico can produce is easily answered through Bivens' experiences. Smallie fishing on the river with licensed fishing guide Jay Bradley. The lightest weight plastics like a Texas Rig or jig head need just enough weight to make bottom contact and then walk it down the shoal. Clear water calls for a different strategy, a strategy Bivens said could lead to catching a trophy smallmouth. Lake St. Clair. Bivens said he's been catching brown fish on Tellico since they dammed it up back in the mid-1970s. Located on the other end of the Detroit River from Lake Erie, Lake … Watauga Lake is a smallmouth classic in the sense of the word that it defines you as a smallmouth angler. Main channel points are good starting spots in February. Elk burger patties... Field skills: If you want to go long, start training with these tips. 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. Try these 3 bass strategies during the hottest month of the year. Shoreline access is limited by the rough terrain, but there are … If you put in your time and search them out, the lake's many humps can also pay off for smallmouths. The Pigeon River is considered by many anglers to be the premier smallmouth river in Tennessee. Bivens said there are just not a lot of hollows anglers target on Dale Hollow in February and March, but there are some very good points and bluffs. On up the lake just west of Knoxville, anglers can utilize the Concord Ramp to explore that remaining section identified by Strader as quality smallmouth waters. Four rivers, the New, French Broad, Little Tennessee and Hiwassee rivers are ranked as NC's best smallmouth streams. Concentrate on long, tapering points vs. the more winterlike ones with a 45-degree angle. The idea is to target suspended fish. Hiwassee River Fly Fishing. Middle Tennessee smallmouth angler William "Buddy" Dodson spends as much time on the Duck and Buffalo rivers as I do on the eastern waters. The colder waters of early spring are prime times to use these proven bait rigs for stripers. I grew up fishing for smallmouth around Lynchburg, Tennessee, wading small creeks like Mulberry. This includes learning how to read a river, understanding the influence of current on smallmouth location and being able to effectively fish flowing water. As a professional freshwater fishing guide, my goal is to give you the best opportunity to catch smallmouth bass (smallies) in the beautiful tailrace and freestone rivers of East Tennessee. Of the underutilized smallmouth waters we're profiling, Fort Loudoun probably has the most color in February. What he's looking for in his big smallmouth hunt are transition-type banks. 1 target. What gives Michigan its edge … That makes crankbaits in crawfish color imitations deadly in Strader's eyes, and he's seen what they can do in February. The Hobie MirageDrive 360 pedal propulsion system is the pinnacle of kayak control with more efficient fin designs, glide technology and allows the boat to be moved in any direction. You can always move up or down as conditions warrant. Tennessee offers world-class largemouth , smallmouth, and spotted bass fishing. 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. Smallmouth streams follow, while the largemouth rivers will be revealed in the next issue of Bassmaster. He said on a three-day fishing trip at Tellico, the majority of brown bass will be 4 to 5 pounds in size, but big kicker fish can be in the mix as well. Harris said as the water starts to warm later in the month, you'll want to fish more shallow as smallies move up. All content Copyright © 2020, River Smallie Adventures. This means that the bass will set up in areas that provide an ambush point. And hey, Tennessee creeks are where I first wet the famed hook; these streams are also a time machine for me. Increase a lure’s effectiveness by pairing it with the ideal reel speed. During the months of April, May, and early June, anglers can enjoy some of the best fishing … To learn more about the Float-. Anglers who fish the noted waters are proud to say Cherokee's very good smallmouth status has returned. Harris has his best success casting the bait onto humps and points and then popping it off the bottom creating a natural flash with the bait's flutter. If you’re hitting the water for bronzebacks this summer, you’ll want to fill your tacklebox with these go-to baits. 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. The weather and water conditions were almost identical to that trip he took just six days ago. He said the smallies can be in the 20- to 40-foot range with a spoon in February and often the 30- to 35-foot mark depending on the amount of winter drawdown can be very productive. 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. February is what Harris describes as the month to be on the water on Cherokee for what the lake has to offer, and the lower section is the place you'll want to spend most of your time. They had a successful day on the Little Pigeon River and caught over thirty smallies as well as a few fish over twenty inches. I cast my bait out with a long cast and let it fall down to about 10 feet. Harris said you also should never overlook what a 3-inch chartreuse Old Man String Ray Grub can do. I was contacted several weeks ago by Catherine from Oklahoma. In order to locate smallmouth bass and effectively catch them, you must first understand current and its intricacies. The upper section's shallower water with its two feeder rivers and creeks will be best later on. He's planning to put more than his share of pressure on them with the Float-N-Fly system this winter. There's plenty of structure to divide your opportunity into more than one trip. In between road trips fishing the FLW Tour and Everstart Series, Strader gets on lakes like Watts Bar and Fort Loudoun as time allows. Upon arrival in Pigeon Forge she had each days activities already planned. 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. He used to rely heavily on 1/4-ounce hair jigs and a No. For a few minutes, take your mind away from fishing the waters that will probably produce the next world-record smallmouth bass. Access from the lower end can be found at Fort Lou. Here are 3. A.J. Tellico Lake gets a lot of fishing pressure, but local angler and smallmouth fanatic Wesley Bivens said it's not specifically for smallmouth bass. 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. I had a great time guiding Jordan and Rosa today. and A.J. The name Eddie Nuckols is familiar in smallmouth arenas because of the national exposure he's brought to the Float-N-Fly technique as well as his tournament exploits with it on Dale Hollow and South Holston. What counts for most smallmouth diehards are the days that produce the big boys as opposed to numbers of average brown fish. Edgar Evins – Just outside Smithville, Edgar Evins State Park is located on the shores of beautiful … Over the last two late-winter and early-spring seasons, Harris said anglers have seen some serious brown fish brought to the net. This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets. Nuckols' Float-N-Fly fishing on Watauga depends on water conditions. Eleven years after that introduction, Broken Bow boasts smallmouth bass with the best features of each strain. By Ian Nicely There are only a few places in the country where you can regularly catch smallmouth bass the size of the ones in East Tennessee. You can use a variety of baits to catch smallmouth in small rivers; it's all about the presentation. Right after high school in the 1980s, Cherokee was a serious destination for smallmouth fishermen. Whether you’re a first-timer, a recreational weekend fisherman, or a professional, Iâm happy to provide exciting and fun guided fishing tours to customers with any level of experience and expertise.Â, River Smallie Adventures Fishing Report October 30, 2020, River Smallie Adventures Fishing Report October 27, 2020, River Smallie Adventures Fishing Report October 15, 2020, planning a relaxing day of smallmouth bass fishing, River Smallie Adventures Fishing Report April 28, 2020. Moving water creates a conveyor belt of food, washing everything downstream to the fish without them having to travel for it. Harris saw five-fish limits of brown fish weighing 18 to 19 pounds placed on the tournament scales last year. 's high school buddy Tom fishing for river smallies. Bivens said the top smallmouth structure and cover in February is all related to the main channel. The first smallmouth bass over 6 pounds that I boated happened over a decade ago, and it wasn't from my favorite waters of legendry Dale Hollow Lake. With water temperatures near the low 40s in February, smallmouths can still be fairly deep. In this video, outdoor writer and tackle specialist Shane Beilue breaks down the difference between a rod blank’s action and power and discusses what the various ratings of each mean. There is truly nothing easy about conquering Watauga in February, but the challenge can be rewarding in the form of quality smallmouths. That big brown bruiser was caught near the dam on deep, clear Watauga Lake on a cold and icy February morning. Best Baits for Smallmouth Bass He went on to say Tellico has a huge number of big smallmouths, and February is a key month to catch a big fish. The 7 Best Lures for Smallmouth Bass in Rivers. 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 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. #4 Dale Hollow – Completed in 1943 and located in the Tennessee counties of Clay, Pickett and Overton, Dale Hollow covers 27,700 acres of water in Tennessee and Kentucky. If you are looking for an enjoyable day of smallmouth bass fishing on the river in Knoxville, Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Sevierville or the surrounding areas, then you have come to the right place. Whether you’re a first-timer, a recreational weekend fisherman, or a professional, Iâm happy to provide exciting and fun guided fishing tours to customers with any level of experience and expertise. As a professional freshwater fishing guide, my goal is to give you the best opportunity to catch smallmouth bass (smallies) in the beautiful tailrace and freestone rivers of East Tennessee. They are young newlyweds who were taking time to enjoy their honeymoon here in East Tennessee. Nuckols, from Washington County, is no stranger to Watauga Lake and has enjoyed tournament wins there as well. Most fishing rods feature both an action and a power rating, but what do those ratings mean and how do you use them to select the right rod for different scenarios? 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