Watts Bar 12-29

[Daniel Tn]

Went Wednesday and Friday at Watts Bar in two different locations. I put in at Hornsby and fished on Wednesday. Fished the Hog Pen and around the boat ramp with tuffie minnows and floats. Caught a few bluegill and some drums but that was it. The water is pretty much at winter pool right now and it was REALLY difficult launching and loading at Hornsby.

So when I went back today, I put in at the ramp above Watts Bar dam. Started off really bad. I was by myself and trying to launch from a ramp I've only launched out of once. There was another boat coming in and I was hurrying trying to get out of their way and in pulling my trailer out I noticed my rope was caught on my trailer and about to snap. I had to stop and try and fix that...which resulted in me wading out to my belly in 48 degree water to rescue my boat. Well I was done that far...decided to fish anyway. Made a quick run to a cove not far from the dam and threw a 1/8 oz jig and grub. Got into some 1-2 pounders. Drum that is. And a 2 pound Smallie for a kicker fish. I started to get a little cold from being wet and headed on in early. Loading the boat was alot better than launching but I don't guess I'll be fishing by myself any time soon. It works alot better with a partner to atleast hold the rope out of the way.

Water clarity is WAY down there. In some places you can see bottom 4-5 feet in calm water. Temperatures varied...if the sun was hitting good it would hit around 49 and 50. In the shady areas it was 45 or so. Fish were more aggressive than what I thought they'd be. I caught them from 8 feet to 30 feet. Most coming from in between that...my boat sitting in around 19 feet and casting towards the shore line where it dropped off.

 

[J-Dub]

What makes Hornsby difficult to launch at this time of year? I've always wondered about winter fishing on that lake, especially for smallmouth, and especially in the lower end of the lake, but I'm not sure about what ramps have good depth this time of year. Sorry you had such a bad time launching the boat. I've had that happen to me but not in the cold. BRRRRR

 

[drumking]

Daniel, I fish a lot by myself and I have finally figured out a way to launch my boat and is easy. I have attached a caribiner to one end of my anchor rope and I snap that onto the cleat of my boat. When I back my trailer very near the water, I get out and set the anchor on dry land, then back the trailer into the water and let the boat float off. Pull the trailer out and park it. Then you just have to pick up the anchor and pull the boat to yourself. Piece of cake. I don't know why it took me so long to figure this out. (Perfect place for a zinger from Fat Albert. I deserve one).emoGeezer

 

[Fat Albert]

<font color="#6600ff">Naw, I think I will let this one pass.... but I could have...lol  </font>

 

[ficht158]

for wintertime launch the best ramps for different areas of the lake would be:
ramp at the dam
lakeside (whites creek) there is a ramp fee but very secure
rockwood city park
caney creek
ladd landing

all of these ramps have courtesy docks.

 

[jon the fisherman]

be careful at Ladd landing, there is a huge hole in the ramp that has busted the seal on a few tires and also has claimed an axle. The best ramp is at Caney Creek with Rockwood a close second.

Good report Daniel, thanks for sharing

 

[Daniel Tn]

Launching at Hornsby right now is a pain because the paved part of the ramp ain't in but a foot or two of water at the most. Then you just have the lake bottom. When I finally got my boat to float off the trailer there was a good foot or two of water beneath my truck door. Launching the boat wasn't that bad because I didn't have to get out of the truck. Loading the boat was the bad part because if you're like me and by yourself, once you drive the boat on the trailer and secure it with the winch, I have to step onto the trailer and then into the back of my truck. Then jump out of the back to get in the cab to pull the boat and trailer out. So when there's a foot and a half of water at the truck door and probably 2 feet at the bed...well you're gonna get your feet wet at Hornsby right now. Water is toooo low.

If I go back I'll definatly give that anchor launching tip a try. That is pretty smart. I think for the next few weeks or so I'm going to be making some crappie beds to go plant in a few spots.