AREA FISHING REPORT

CARTERS — Bass have picked up, according to Buddy Callahan at Bart’s Bait Shop. Lake is at slightly above full pool with temperatures in the mid-60s. Finesse worms are successful as bait for bass. Fishing should continue to improve through the weekend. Sand color finesse worms have been successful recently. Striper fishing is not as good, with fish not moving up the river as normal. CENTER HILL — Fishing is fair.The water surface temperature is 56 degrees, and the lake is unstable. Several bass are being caught on spinnerbaits while fishing around laydown trees in the creeks. Some good smallmouth are being caught with Carolina rigged lizards on gravel banks in eight to 10 feet of water. A few walleye are being caught above Pate Ford on jigs. CHICKAMAUGA — The water surface temperature is 60 degrees.The lake elevation is ahead of filling schedule and already is slightly below summer pool. Shallow water crappie are being caught in most areas of the lake on minnows and jigs. Bass are being caught along secondary drops and shallow bays on crankbaits, spinnerbaits and plastic worms.The number of bass that are being caught has slowed a little since the last report, but the fishing is still good. Catfish are in the shallow bays and the water leading into them.White bass and a few rockfish are being caught in the area upstream from Eave’s bluff using jigs or shad. GUNTERSVILLE — Fishing has been steady this week, according to Justin Erby at Waterfront Grocery. Bass fishing is best in four to six feet of water over green grass using Bayou Boogies, shad and lizzards. Spinnerbaits are successful in deeper water. Crappie are being caught near bridges and in the flats on baby shad or minnows. HIWASSEE — Fishing has been down recently, according to Dustin Lankford at Hawassee Marine Bait and Tackle.The only fish really biting lately is crappie, which can be caught in six to eight feet of water. Live bait and small grubs are the best bait when fishing for crappie.The lake level is up and muddy and the water temperature is in the 50s. Bass fishing has dropped off recently and it is the wrong time of year for catfish. NICKAJACK — Not much happening with recent bad weather, but some bass have been caught recently, according to Chris McNabb at Sullivan’s Grocery Fishing Supplies.The water color is good and temperature is in mid-50s. Bass should be biting more as the weather improves, with crankbait being the best choice for bait. Crappie are being caught on minnows and jigs, and bream are starting to pick up a little bit on crickets and worms. WATTS BAR — The water surface temperature is 58 degrees.The lake is ahead of the filling schedule and slightly below normal summer level. A few striped bass are being caught using shad in the upper arms of the lake.Those areas upstream from the I-75 bridge have been the most productive.White bass are being caught in the same areas on jigs and crankbaits. Bass are being caught along the banks close to the main channel upstream, but the better areas seem to be on the lower end of the lake. Lipless crankbaits, shallow square billed lures and jigs are all being used for bass. Crappie anglers are catching a few in scattered areas near brush and docks. Catfish are being caught in secondary bays and creek channels. Reports are a few sauger are still being caught in all the normal sauger areas. WEISS — Not many folks have been fishing with the high winds lately, according to Carolyn Landrem at JR’s Marina.The water temperature is in the upper 50s. Bass are being caught deep while bumping the bottom with minnows and jigs. Larger bass can be caught on crankbaits on main river channel and secondary points. Some bream are starting to be caught around docks using crickets and worms. Catfish can be caught using cutbait. Some good sized crappie are being caught while bumping the bottom.