needed flow for below Chick dam

[smbass77]

i know fishing the tailrace and areas below the Chick dam is all based on current. But how much current is needed to turn on the bass? Is 23,000 enough? or does it need to be higher to trigger the bite?

 

[rsimms]

23 would normally be enough... but for me, it's also about time of year. I have a tough time catching bass in tailwaters in hottest part of summer. Hopefully others have better advice than me.

 

[smbass77]

that certainly helps, thanks! Debating to fish upriver or down lake this weekend at Nickajack. When I saw the flows averaging 23,000 this weekend it has me wondering what is best.

 

[Aries 181]

As of 3:20 PM, the flow is 24,260 below chick, over 40K at nick, and 21,726 at the bar. Can someone please explain why such a difference in flow rates and if the big difference is good for the bite.

Bill

 

[smbass77]

not sure if this completely correct, i'm certainly no expert ha.

but i think the flow rate at Nick was higher because they are lowering that lake in the event they need to drop the lakes further up stream.

 

[rsimms]

Aries 181 - 8/10/2016 3:25 PM

As of 3:20 PM, the flow is 24,260 below chick, over 40K at nick, and 21,726 at the bar. Can someone please explain why such a difference in flow rates and if the big difference is good for the bite.

Bill

Depending on rainfall and other variables, TVA routinely releases water downstream in a "stairstep" fashion. Chickamauga sometimes breaks pattern because there are minimum flows required for the Moccasin Bend Sewage Treatment Plant, and flood control factors which apply to Chattanooga that aren't always in play other places up and down the river. There are some very sophisticated computers (and people) who manipulate and control all that. It is a pretty amazing balancing act.