Watts Bar Lake Fishing Guide Part 2

• Watts Bar Lake boasts excellent fishing prospects.
• White and black crappie are prominent species.
• There are three types of catfish: channel, flathead, and blue.

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In the previous installment of our Watts Bar Lake fishing guide, we discussed the lake’s favorable bass fishing conditions and compared various bass species. However, the fishing fun doesn’t end there. In fact, the reservoir holds the Tennessee state record for many species, such as bigmouth buffalo, short-nose gar, river herring, yellow true bass, and golden red horse. But in this installment of our Watts Bar Lake fishing guide, we will focus on the best tactics for catching crappie and catfish. Read on to learn the ideal baits and seasons for these coveted species.

Crappie

Back in the 1980s, white crappie harvests far exceeded black crappie catches. However, now anglers report reeling in an equal amount of these species. Crappie fishing generally peaks during the spawning period in early Spring, during March and April. White crappie usually spawn in 60-65 degree water, and black crappie spawn later when the temperatures reach 62-68 degrees.

During the early portion of the spawning period, crappie move toward the reservoir’s shallow areas. Fishermen will have the most success starting in the deeper water and trolling or spider rigging toward the lake’s shallow regions. As the spawning period progresses, anglers can fish directly in shallow water, casting around bushes, laydowns, or docks and using jigs with minnows and soft plastics. After the spawn, crappie will move back to deeper waters. Anglers report night fishing to be especially good in this post-spawning period. They advise fishing under docks or brush piles and casting with jigs and minnows.

Catfish

Anglers can catch catfish year-round at Watts Bar. Unlike neighboring lakes like Chickamauga, Watts Bar does not permit commercial fishing. Therefore, the reservoir’s catfish populations remain bountiful. Blue catfish are the lake’s most prominent species, followed by channel and flathead. In addition, the reservoir offers a healthy habitat of forage, which sustains the catfish population.

During the early Spring, anglers can target catfish by cruising the river channel. Meaty baits—such as shad, bluegill, shrimp, and chicken pieces—will yield the best results. When June rolls around, Watts Bar catfish enter the spawning period. Fishermen can locate them around rocky areas and use Ivory soap and Catalpa worms for bait. However, as the summer progresses, anglers should navigate the mid-lake to the Ft. Loudoun Dam areas and use meaty baits. These same tactics will also be effective for the fall and winter.

Now you know all the tricks for reeling in crappie and catfish on Watts Bar Lake. So pack up the cooler, hook up the boat, and get ready for some unforgettable fishing trips!

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