Don't look now but we may be about to have a disastrous 2017 spawn.

[Jmax]

Maybe disastrous spawn is not the right words but a bad one none the less. I have watch with reservations as the TVA has let the lake rise more then three foot over the last week or so. I use to think that was great. However after watching bass on the warmer early winters set up beds and then watch as the lake fell leaving them high and dry I have gotten to where I want a low water spring. emoGeezer That way the beds stay in the water and the worst is the eggs have to mature in deeper water. With more rain on the way both here and to our north I don't see the levels getting any lower in the next week or so. Starting to hope it stays raining so the water levels are kept up. I know the TVA is only concerned about the flooding and uses the Chick to control the water levels down below us but it is sure nice when both their concerns and the spawn coincide.

The schedule rise of the lake is as always the first part of April, lets all hope that either we see a drop very soon and quickly or the lake stays high. This warmer Spring is nice but not always a good thing. Jmax

 

[hoop235]

Great comment, I was wondering the same thing??

 

[Creekrunner6]

Good Perspective, I was thinking the same thing the other day. The lake only looked 2.5-3 ft below full summer pool.

 

[bucktail]

Saw yesterday where TVA is raising the lake for a special Barge delivery to nuclear plant and then will be lowering it back down.

 

[Mikie]

They are delivering a turbine to watts- bar and they have the water up for the barge to deliver it. It is suppose to go back down in about 2 weeks. Hope it doesn't mess everything up.

 

[Hook1]

I don't know. That sounds like a really bad window with the longer days and warmer water. It could really screw up the first wave but I hope it doesn't

 

[Muskrat]

Mikie - 3/7/2017 8:32 AM

They are delivering a turbine to watts- bar and they have the water up for the barge to deliver it. It is suppose to go back down in about 2 weeks. Hope it doesn't mess everything up.

Thanks Mike -- I was wondering what was going on ? emoScratch I know it's messed my fishin' up. emoConfused

 

[south599]

I believe that's about the same story for the past couple of years they dropped water level for special shipments to plants in north Bradley.

 

[Fishheadspin]

Every year someone starts this thread! Dont jump to conclusions! be positive! Bass have been around for a billion years! They will survive it!

 

[rsimms]

I'm making calls to TWRA and TVA about this. I will be writing a story and will advise when it's posted.

 

[churly]

Pray for a flood! 2003 was a historic flood and the best spawn and recruitment this river has ever seen

 

[fishinvol]

The last several spawns have been outstanding . We will be fine .

 

[Jmax]

churly - 3/7/2017 2:39 PM

Pray for a flood! 2003 was a historic flood and the best spawn and recruitment this river has ever seen

I remember that one too. The water was up into the shrubs of folks living along the lake. There were Fry clouds everywhere. The high water gave the Fry good places to hide. Great spawn that year. emoThumbsup Jmax

 

[saltyduck]

I talked to Dennis Tumlin about this exact thing yesterday and he is having TWRA communicate with TVA and believes there is a strong chance that TVA will leave the water at 680. You guys are correct that TVA has brought the water up for a turbine that is being delivered to Watts bar this week.

 

[gabronzeback87]

Kinda thought that the water has been up for winter pool myself. Wasnt sure.

 

[Kirk]

I was out on the lake all day yesterday. Water is covering stuff that shouldn't be under water right now. Fish are acting sort of weird too. I thought it was just me and I had forgotten how to fish until I talked to a few at the dock.

 

[rsimms]

Here is what I got from TVA and TWRA: http://bit.ly/2lBGCNv

 

[pinsandfins]

Thank you Mr Simms for that information. I'd have to argue with Mr Jolley tho. I do not think he realizes that water temps are as high as they have ever been this time of year and the fish are already spawning. I know of several big females caught last week with bloody tails. If they do drop it back to 676 ot 677 it will effect the spawn in a negative way.

 

[fishinvol]

I've been out nearly everyday and haven't seen any signs of bass spawning . Doesn't mean there aren't some but the major waves of spawners aren't until April . Mother Nature generally has a way of working things out .

 

[churly]

Anytime fish get shallow, their tails get bloody. We're a few weeks and a cold spell or two away from seeing any major spawn if I was to guess.