Fishing the Chick

[Jtewes]

The short time I've been on this site, I've really enjoyed reading the reports from Chickamauga. I have fished the lake one time but was in the head waters just below WattsBar dam. I caught a bunch of spots, and really enjoyed myself.

If I were to get a little more serious about some largemouth and smallmouth, where would I need to put in? I would be traveling from Maryville. I am thinking the Harrison Bay area would put me about mid lake. Is the lake easy to navigate? I do have a GPS. I've read that spinnerbaits seem to be good. What other baits? Is late February a good time for bass?

Sorry for the questions, but just really interested in this lake.

Thanks
JemoBigsmile

 

[Jtewes]

Jtewes - 1/4/2008 11:38 PM

The short time I've been on this site, I've really enjoyed reading the reports from Chickamauga. I have fished the lake one time but was in the head waters just below WattsBar dam. I caught a bunch of spots, and really enjoyed myself.

If I were to get a little more serious about some largemouth and smallmouth, where would I need to put in? I would be traveling from Maryville. I am thinking the Harrison Bay area would put me about mid lake. Is the lake easy to navigate? I do have a GPS. I've read that spinnerbaits seem to be good. What other baits? Is late February a good time for bass?

Sorry for the questions, but just really interested in this lake.

Thanks
JemoBigsmile

I guess I will figure her out myself.emoScratch emoScratch

JemoBigsmile

 

[DHaun]

Jtewes - This area is still new and limited to a much smaller number of anglers. Your question might be better on the general dicsussion forum where it will get more views and more potential responses.

I put in a Harrison bay today. That's a good central location to start. Just stay between the buoys and yuo will be fine running in the Winter. I fish spoons and jerkbaits in the Winter and based on some of thre reports a drop-shot has been working out on the ledges and spinner baits anywhere shallow you can find bait. Good Luck!

 

[Pointer 78]

I tell you Jeff, the spinnerbait bite is lousy until the water warms to at least the mid 50's. Winter baits down here as with any lake in the area, include blade lures like Silver Buddies, jerkbaits, especially deep diving ones like the Lucky Craft Staysee, shakeyhead worms, dropshots, and jigs work best. I don't care for spoons unless you're wanting to catch yellow bass. When fishing a jig, shakeyhead, or maybe a worm, remember to fish it slooooow. If you think you're fishing it slow, it's still too fast. I'm curious though why you'd want to drive all the way down here. Ft. Loudon/Tellico are great lakes and they're close. Anyways, just because you'd be a newbie on the Chick, I'd take David's advice and launch out of Harrison Bay. It's a safe start to the river.

 

[jon the fisherman]

Pointer 78 - 1/5/2008 9:46 PM

Ft. Loudon/Tellico are great lakes and they're close.

The grass is always greener

 

[Jtewes]

Folks,,,thanks for the info.

David,,I posted here because I knew the frequent posters had access to this area. I appreciate the advise.

Pointer, I thank you for the details. After reading the reports, Chickamauga sounds like a fun lake to chase some green and brown fish. We are very close to Loudon/Tellico and do spend a lot of time on those lakes, but we do fish Douglas and Cherokee, which is more than an hour drive, more than any other lakes. So we are willing to travel.

JTF,,,Grass is greener???????? That's kinda what I was hoping. Doesn't Chickamauga have grass in it? emoLaugh emoLaugh

I need to hook up with you for a Watts Bar trip. I've only fished that lake once in my life.

Again,,,,,I really appreciate the information you guys shared.

JemoBigsmile

 

[Pointer 78]

If you're targeting brown fish, you have to add a crankbait to your arsenal. Shad or brown crawfish colors work for me when their biting. You probably know this already, but look for the biggest ***** rocks you can find.

 

[Jtewes]

Pointer 78 - 1/5/2008 10:13 PM

If you're targeting brown fish, you have to add a crankbait to your arsenal. Shad or brown crawfish colors work for me when their biting. You probably know this already, but look for the biggest ***** rocks you can find.

Thanks Pointer. We probably won't come down to late February or early March.

JemoBigsmile

 

[jon the fisherman]

Jtewes - 1/5/2008 10:04 PM



JTF,,,Grass is greener???????? That's kinda what I was hoping. Doesn't Chickamauga have grass in it? emoLaugh emoLaugh

I need to hook up with you for a Watts Bar trip. I've only fished that lake once in my life.


JemoBigsmile

we can go anytime Jeff....but there aint no grass hereemoBang