Pointer 78
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And unfortunately, Chickamauga came in at #12 in the country. The mayhem continues.
BASSMASTER magazine makes it's 2017 picks for best bass lakes in the U.S.A.
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rsimms
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Here's the details about other top lakes and the entire list: http://bit.ly/2tuBcr7
silvertalon
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We will soon see the effects of the Florida Bass stocking on Watts Bar. I think its been over two years. If they take , it could be a new ball game for the area and perhaps relieve some of the tx pressure on the Chick! Glad to see we came in 12th. maybe less pressure, maybe not.
I keep hearing everyone say how in the next couple years all these lakes will be better than Chickamauga . How fast do you think bass grow. Took nearly 10 years before anyone saw serious differences on Chickamauga . Also , let's not forget ...they still stock em in Chickamauga . I hope they thrive in all the lakes but don't think it's going to make much of a difference in just a few years .
silvertalon
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Its about 1 lb plus per year for bass growth. More for FL strain. Fingerlings that have survived stocking should be keeper size by years end and will be spawning 2018 if not already this year. Bass spawn at 12" or so. Cross breeding will also take a couple of seasons so, in two or three years should start to show some 6-7 lbr's from the original fingerlings. Nick was stocked as well. A TWRA biologist should be able to estimate this better than me. I think I'm fairly close tho.
HunterDuck25
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Interesting to see Watts Bar above Guntersville on that lists Southeastern division.
They do not grow quite that fast, they will hit 2lbs quick but after that it's typically 1/2lb per year. The one thing that really helped push Chickamauga back to where we are now is the grass and a good spawn or two. I think it will take a decade or so to really see the results but having grass on WB would really help, without the grass those fingerlings could easily be food for other species of fish.
I thought I would point out the lakes listed in the top 25 that are easy driving distance for me from where I am moving to. I have been getting asked by a bunch of folks how I would be missing the Chick. I keep saying that is true but there are great lakes there. emoAngel Just about 10 miles from me is (22) Lake Ouachita, then about an hour drive from me is (17) Lake Dardanelle and (20) Lake Millwood. Yea, looks like I will be suffering. emoBigsmile Jmax
silvertalon
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Maumelle- W. Little Rock. And a couple of days on Table Rock (3hrs), will make you wonder why you've lived in TN Valley for so long. Also just a few hrs to Ray Hubbard and Fork. Caddo is even closer. You will stay busy! If you hit Table Rock, PM me for some start-up firecracker spots. There's some big Brownies there too!
My parents had a year round camper on Watts Bar all of my teen years... I had a 14' tom boy bass boat when I was 14 years old and ran all over that lake... well.... as far as my 5 gallon tank would take me anyway.
Fishing was ok but not great... I was more interested in searching the campgrounds for girls so that is the only areas I really fished. Miss those days...
I am wondering though... is there a "best" section of the lake? I am considering leasing a seasonal camp site like my parents did on Watts bar and so much has changed I didn't know if there was a better area of the lake to be in or not. it is a huge lake...
Greg
Fishing was ok but not great... I was more interested in searching the campgrounds for girls so that is the only areas I really fished. Miss those days...
I am wondering though... is there a "best" section of the lake? I am considering leasing a seasonal camp site like my parents did on Watts bar and so much has changed I didn't know if there was a better area of the lake to be in or not. it is a huge lake...
Greg
I was talking with one of the local guys there at the Village the last time we were there and he told me the "Hot" lake right now that is the big secret is Lake Nimrod. It is only about 30/45 minutes from there and it is taking 25 pound plus to win a five fish tournament there on a regular bases. I have never fished that lake but will surely be doing so. emoAngel Jmax
I used to fish the river end quite a bit from March through May and caught many 20+ bags on banks with heavy current. I'd guess midlake would give you the best combination of current, flats, sloughs and river ledges to keep you happy year round.
porthos33
Well-known member
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Right, b/c if it is still true, chick allows gill netters and b/c of that they don't stock the striper. I know I saw gill nets everywhere last year, but never saw any this year which was odd.</p>
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Right, b/c if it is still true, chick allows gill netters and b/c of that they don't stock the striper. I know I saw gill nets everywhere last year, but never saw any this year which was odd.</p>
