How to Fish Chickamauga Lake: Best Patterns & Techniques

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Chickamauga Lake

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: Apr 26, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Chickamauga Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	50-65	Bass are transitioning from winter areas to pre-spawn staging areas, actively feeding to build energy for spawning. Fish are relating to transition routes like creek channels and ditch edges. Fish are showing increased activity in the shallows during warming trends, especially around bait concentrations, but will hold on deeper structure during cold fronts.	Edges of ditches and creek channels leading to spawning pockets, especially areas with grass clumps Main lake points and secondary points at creek mouths Steeper banks near deeper water Docks adjacent to deeper water	Bladed Jigs worked slowly through grass clumps Hard Jerkbaits worked around bait concentrations Swim Jigs around points and shallow areas with shad Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') along rocky banks	Shad schooling in creek mouths and around points Crawfish becoming active in rocky areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	48-58	Smallmouth bass transitioning from winter deep water spots to pre-spawn staging areas, following migration routes along channel edges and bluff walls Fish becoming more active and aggressive as water temperatures rise, with feeding increasing in preparation for spawn Groups of fish staging near spawning flats but relating heavily to nearby deep water access	Main channel bluffs and rock transitions where deep water meets pre-spawn staging areas Rock piles in 13-20 feet of water adjacent to potential spawning flats Current-swept points and channel edges with boulder structure	Blade Baits worked vertically along bluff walls and channel edges Football Jigs dragged slowly across rock transitions Ned Rigs worked methodically around rocky structure	Shad schools congregating in pre-spawn areas Crawfish becoming more active as water warms	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	52-65	Pre-spawn spotted bass are transitioning from winter deep water patterns to shallower staging areas, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning Fish are moving along transition routes between deep winter haunts and spawning flats, using points and steep banks as migration highways Feeding activity increases during warming trends, with fish becoming more aggressive as water temperatures rise	45-degree rocky banks with brush that provide quick deep water access Secondary points leading into spawning pockets Main channel bluffs near spawning flat transitions	Bladed Jigs worked along rocky transition banks Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') on points and steep banks Shakey Heads on vertical structure when fish are less active	Pre-spawn shad schools in transition areas Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Small baitfish in staging areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	52-62	Moving from deeper winter locations to shallower staging areas near spawning zones, actively feeding to build energy for spawn Congregating in protected coves and around emerging vegetation, becoming more active with warming water	Protected coves with emerging vegetation in 4-8 feet of water Secondary points leading into spawning bays in 6-12 feet Shallow brush piles near spawning flats in 8-15 feet	Crappie Spider Rigging Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9')	Shad schools in pre-spawn staging areas Small bluegill and juvenile sunfish near vegetation Emerging insects around new vegetation growth	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Catfish	58-68	Pre-spawn catfish are beginning to move from winter depths to staging areas near spawning flats, actively feeding to build energy reserves Fish are becoming more active with warming water, particularly during afternoon hours when water temperatures peak	Channel edges and ledges adjacent to spawning flats, especially near creek mouths Current breaks and eddies near shell bars and rock piles Deep water transitions leading to shallow feeding flats	Live Bait Rigs with fresh cut shad positioned near current breaks Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) along channel edges during cooler periods Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') near structure during afternoon warming periods	Shad schools concentrating near channel edges Bottom-dwelling organisms like mussels and crawfish near shell bars Smaller fish utilizing submerged vegetation as cover	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	58-64	Bass are in pre-spawn to spawn phase, actively moving into shallow areas and showing aggressive feeding behavior when baits are presented with speed Fish are relating heavily to shallow cover and staging areas, with recent reports showing they're actively chasing shad in 2-4 foot depths	Secondary points in spawning bays where fish are staging Docks providing pre-spawn staging areas and spawning cover Laydowns and shallow wood cover in 2-4 foot depths	Lipless Crankbaits retrieved quickly through shallow water Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) with medium retrieve near docks Swim Jigs slow-rolled near shallow cover	Shad - primary forage based on multiple recent reports Bluegill - secondary forage option noted in lake profile	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	55-65	Staging near spawning flats in pre-spawn, gradually moving shallow to establish nesting sites in protected areas Males become territorial and aggressive when guarding nests, while females move between deeper staging areas and shallow spawning zones Feeding activity increases during pre-spawn, with periodic pauses during actual spawning phase	Protected rocky areas in 2-6 feet of water near river channel edges for spawning Main channel bluffs and adjacent flats for staging areas Rock piles near dock areas that provide both cover and spawning substrate	Tubes worked slowly around rocky areas and spawning flats Ned Rigs for finesse presentation in clear pockets between structure Soft Jerkbaits for targeting pre-spawn fish moving up to spawning areas	Shad schools moving into spawning areas Crayfish becoming more active in warming waters Small baitfish relating to newly emerging vegetation	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Spotted Bass	58-68	During spring spawn, spotted bass will stage in pre-spawn areas before moving to spawning flats in 5-15 foot depths, especially near rocky banks and points with good sun exposure Fish become more aggressive and territorial during this period, especially males guarding nests, making them susceptible to reaction strikes	45-degree rocky banks with pea gravel or chunk rock in 5-15 foot depths Secondary points leading into spawning pockets and coves Shallow brush piles near deeper water access	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) targeting visible cover and spawning areas Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') worked parallel to spawning banks Spinnerbaits in stained water around shallow cover	Shad schools moving into spawning pockets Crawfish becoming more active in warmer water	Vibrant Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	58-68	Crappie are moving into shallow areas (2-8 feet) near vegetation and other spawning structure, becoming increasingly aggressive as water temperatures rise Fish are staging in pre-spawn areas and transitioning between deeper staging areas and shallow spawning zones Males are establishing and guarding nesting sites while females move in and out of spawning areas	Shallow submerged vegetation in protected coves and bays Secondary points leading into spawning bays Shallow brush piles near spawning flats Protected dock areas in 4-8 feet of water	Bobbers with small jigs suspended 2-4 feet deep near vegetation Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) around shallow cover Crappie Dock Shooting for fish holding under docks	Young-of-year shad Small bluegill and sunfish Aquatic insects	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Catfish	65-75	Catfish moving into shallower areas (5-15 feet) to prepare for spawning, particularly active during dawn and dusk periods Males seeking out and defending potential nesting sites near structure like laydowns and rock piles Increased feeding activity as fish build energy reserves for spawning	Shell bars and rock piles in 5-15 foot depth range, especially near creek channels Laydowns and submerged vegetation edges adjacent to deeper water Current breaks and eddies near spawning flats	Live Bait Rigs with cut bait or live shad positioned near structure Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') around spawning areas Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) near laydowns and vegetation	Shad schools moving into spawning areas Mussels on shell bars and rock piles Crawfish becoming more active in warming waters	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	72-78	Fish are transitioning from spawning areas to early summer patterns, actively feeding and relating to hard cover near spawning flats Early morning shad spawn activity is creating aggressive feeding windows, with bass ambushing bait around cover	Wood cover and stumps adjacent to spawning flats Points and creek channels with shad spawning activity Grass lines and matted vegetation in 2-8 foot range	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around wood cover and stumps Bladed Jigs for early morning shad spawn Swim Jigs along grass lines	Shad (actively spawning) Bluegill (beginning to bed	Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	58-72	Post-spawn smallmouth are actively feeding to recover energy, transitioning from shallow spawning areas to early summer patterns Fish are utilizing current breaks and rock structure as ambush points for feeding on shad Movement patterns show fish relating to transition areas between spawning flats and deeper summer haunts	Main channel bluffs with current breaks in 8-15 feet Rock piles adjacent to spawning flats in 13-20 feet Current-swept points with boulder structure	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked along bluff walls Drop Shot near rock piles and transition areas Tubes dragged through boulder fields	Shad schools gathering in current breaks Crawfish emerging from rocky structure	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	62-75	Fish transitioning from spawning areas to deeper summer haunts, actively feeding to recover energy Spotted bass staging near points and bluffs with access to both shallow and deep water Aggressive feeding behavior during morning and evening, following shad schools	Main lake and secondary points with rocky structure in 10-20 foot range 45-degree rocky banks with brush and rock piles Bluff walls near spawning pockets with access to deep water	Shakey Heads worked slowly along rocky points and bluff transitions Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') parallel to rocky banks Drop Shot targeting suspended fish near vertical structure	Shad schools beginning to gather in post-spawn patterns Crawfish active on rocky structure in moderate depths	Natural Baitfish Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	62-72	Post-spawn crappie are transitioning from shallow spawning areas to early summer patterns, actively feeding in and around submerged vegetation Fish are likely suspending near cover in the upper water column, taking advantage of emerging insect populations and warming water temperatures	Submerged vegetation in 5-12 foot depths, especially near spawning flats Protected coves with emerging weed growth Secondary points with vegetation near deeper water access	Bobbers with small jigs suspended at precise depths around vegetation Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) for more active fish Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) along weed edges to locate scattered fish	Insects, particularly emerging aquatic insects Small shad and shad fry Small bluegill and sunfish fry	Light Neutral Colors Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Catfish	65-75	Post-spawn catfish are actively feeding to recover energy, particularly during dawn and dusk periods Fish are transitioning from shallow spawning areas to deeper summer locations, using creek channels as migration routes Actively responding to current breaks and generation flows, concentrating around structure in these areas	Creek channel edges with adjacent structure like laydowns and rock piles Current breaks and eddies near shell bars Transition areas between spawning flats and deeper summer haunts	Live Bait Rigs with cut shad or whole bait positioned near structure Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') around current breaks Texas Rigs (Worming) dragged through mussel beds and shell bars	Shad schools moving along channel edges Freshwater mussels on shell bars Crawfish active in rocky areas and laydowns	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	78-89	Bass are establishing both shallow and deep summer patterns, with fish splitting between shallow vegetation/cover (2-15ft) and deeper offshore structure (35-45ft) Active feeding periods occur early morning and late evening, with fish relating heavily to current and bait movements Fish are showing selective feeding behavior, requiring slower presentations in deep water and reactive strikes in shallow cover	Submerged vegetation in 10-15 foot depth range Matted grass and vegetation mats in shallow water Main river channel ledges with adjacent brush piles Grass lines and edges near deep water access	Drop Shot with slow presentations for deeper fish Frogs/Toads worked over matted vegetation Bladed Jigs along grass lines Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) in thick cover	Shad schooling in open water and along vegetation edges Bluegill relating to shallow cover and vegetation	Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	72-85	Actively feeding on shad around docks and man-made structure, using these areas as ambush points during summer Moving between shallow feeding zones and deeper holding areas depending on time of day and sun conditions	Docks with deep water access, particularly those near channel swings Rock piles in 13+ feet of water serving as rest areas Main channel bluffs with current breaks	Spinnerbaits worked parallel to dock edges and through gaps Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) mimicking shad around structure Drop Shot for deeper rock piles when fish move off the docks	Shad schools around docks and in current breaks Smaller baitfish relating to rock structure	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors
Summer	Spotted Bass	75-89	Spotted bass actively feeding during early morning and late evening, suspending near deep structure during midday heat Following shad schools along main lake points and bluffs, making frequent feeding runs into shallower water Utilizing shade from bluffs and deep structure during bright conditions, moving to more aggressive feeding in stained water areas	Main channel bluffs with 20-30 foot depth adjacent to feeding areas Rock piles and brush on 45-degree banks with deep water access Secondary points with vertical structure near shad schools	Drop Shot with soft plastics worked vertically along bluff walls Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) parallel to steep structure Texas Rigs (Worming) worked through brush piles and rock transitions	Shad schools suspended in 15-25 foot range Smaller bass and sunfish relating to brush and rock structure Crawfish in rocky areas during early morning and evening periods	Natural Baitfish Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Crappie	75-85	Crappie are holding in deep brush piles (20'+ range) during summer, schooling around structure and feeding on shad Fish are likely to be most active during early morning and late evening, moving slightly shallower during these feeding periods	Deep brush piles in 20'+ of water, especially near creek channel bends Deep dock areas with artificial brush or structure Main lake points with submerged brush or timber	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Crappie Spider Rigging Hover/Mid-Strolling	Shad schools in deep water Small bluegill around brush structures	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Catfish	82-89	Active feeding during night and early morning hours due to high summer temperatures (82-89°F), with fish seeking cooler, oxygenated water near current breaks during the day Aggressive feeding behavior near shell bars and rock piles where mussel beds are present, especially during generation periods when current creates feeding opportunities	Current breaks and eddies near deep channel edges, especially during power generation Shell bars and rock piles with mussel beds in 15-25 foot depth range Creek channel intersections with submerged vegetation and laydowns	Live Bait Rigs with cut shad or whole bait positioned near current breaks Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) along channel edges and near structure Bottom fishing with heavy weights near shell bars and rock piles	Shad schools concentrated near channel edges and current breaks Mussels and invertebrates on shell bars and rock piles Small fish species utilizing submerged vegetation for cover	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns

Fall Fishing Guide for Chickamauga Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	65-82	Bass are actively feeding on shad and bluegill in shallow areas, particularly around grass edges and matted vegetation Fish are showing schooling behavior in 3-5ft clear water areas, especially during feeding periods Bass are transitioning between summer and winter patterns, moving into creeks and holding tight to cover	Grass mat edges and submerged vegetation in 3-5ft of water Backs of creeks with matted grass Main lake points with submerged vegetation Hard cover (laydowns, brush piles, docks) in shallow water	Frogs/Toads worked over matted grass Bladed Jigs around grass edges Hard Topwater (Walking) for schooling fish Shakey Heads on grass edges and shell beds	Shad schooling in shallow water and around grass edges Bluegill holding in and around grass mats Baitfish migrating into creek arms	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	55-68	Actively schooling on main river flats and steep channel edges, especially around rock piles in deeper water with current influence Concentrating near vertical structure like bluff walls, moving between 13-35 feet of depth as they follow baitfish	Isolated rock piles in 13+ feet of water along main river channel Deep main channel bluffs extending to 35 feet River flats with current where rock structure is present	Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) bounced off rock piles Drop Shot worked close to bluff walls out to 35 feet Football Jigs dragged along rocky structure	Shad schools relating to deeper structure Crawfish in rocky areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Fall	Spotted Bass	58-65	Spotted bass are actively staging on main channel bluffs, following shad schools in the fall transition period Fish are holding tight to vertical structure in 20-30 foot depth range, making targeted feeding movements to ambush prey	Main channel bluffs near deep water access, especially around the 58 bridge Rock piles and brush on 45-degree banks with deep water nearby Main lake and secondary points where spotted bass can ambush prey	Drop Shot with 1/4oz weight, worked within 2-3 feet of bluff walls Shakey Heads worked along rocky structure Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) targeting suspended fish near vertical structure	Shad schools in mid-depth water column Small baitfish relating to vertical structure	Natural Baitfish Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Crappie	55-68	Crappie are actively following shad schools as they migrate to deeper water, creating feeding opportunities around deeper structure Fish are transitioning from summer deep brush piles to intermediate depths, often suspending near channel edges and points	Deep brush piles near channel edges (15-25 feet) Main lake points with access to deeper water Creek channel bends with standing timber or brush	Crappie Spider Rigging Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling)	Shad schools migrating to deeper water Small baitfish around brush piles Juvenile sunfish near structure	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors
Fall	Catfish	58-72	Catfish actively feeding and bulking up for winter, following shad schools and focusing on current breaks near deep structure Fish moving between shallow feeding areas and deeper staging areas as temperatures fluctuate throughout the day	Deep channel edges adjacent to shallow flats where shad are present Current breaks near submerged rock piles and shell bars Creek channel intersections with the main lake, especially near structure	Live Bait Rigs with cut shad or whole bait positioned near current breaks Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) along channel edges and near structure Trolling Deep (20'+) following contours of main lake channels	Shad schools congregating in large numbers Mussels and benthic organisms on shell bars Smaller panfish near submerged vegetation	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Largemouth Bass	38-49	Largemouth bass are relating heavily to channel swings and creek arms, actively feeding on shad in 6-12 foot depth range Fish are showing preference for reaction strikes, particularly responding to moving baits like jerkbaits and crankbaits when encountering concentrations of bait Bass are utilizing transitions between shallow and deep water, especially near channel edges where they can quickly adjust their depth based on daily temperature changes	Channel swing banks with laydowns and rock Grass lines in 6-8 foot depth range Secondary points near creek channels	Hard Jerkbaits worked with long pauses Umbrella Rigs with medium retrieve speed Shallow Diving Crankbaits on channel swings Blade Baits worked vertically near structure	Shad concentrated in large schools Crawfish becoming active near rock and wood cover	Natural Baitfish Colors Vibrant Craw Colors
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	38-45	Smallmouth bass are holding tight to deep boulder structure, conserving energy and feeding opportunistically Fish are concentrating in main lake areas with current influence near rock structure, particularly in depths of 13+ feet	Deep boulder fields in 13-35 feet, especially near main lake channel edges Main channel bluff walls with rock structure Deep rock piles with current influence	Structure Jigs worked slowly along bottom in deep boulder areas Drop Shot with finesse presentations for inactive fish Blade Baits for active fish near current areas	Shad schooling in deeper water near structure Dormant crawfish in rocky areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Winter	Spotted Bass	45-52	Spotted bass are schooling near deep vertical structure, following shad schools and relating heavily to 45-degree rocky banks with brush Fish are making predictable feeding movements between deep water sanctuary and structure-rich feeding zones in 20-30 foot range	45-degree rock banks with brush piles adjacent to deep water Main channel bluffs with vertical structure Secondary points with quick deep water access	Drop Shot with soft plastics worked vertically along structure Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') worked parallel to rocky banks Blade Baits worked vertically through suspended bait schools	Shad schools suspended near structure Small baitfish relating to brush piles	Natural Baitfish Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Crappie	42-52	Crappie are suspending in large schools near deep brush piles and channel edges, moving minimally to conserve energy Feeding periods are shorter but more intense, typically during early morning and late afternoon	Deep brush piles in 20-30 foot range, especially near channel bends Creek channel edges and deeper dock areas Protected coves with deeper water access	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Hover/Mid-Strolling Crappie Spider Rigging	Suspended shad schools in deeper water Small baitfish relating to brush piles Dormant crawfish near deep structure	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Vibrant Assorted Colors
Winter	Catfish	45-55	Catfish concentrate in deeper channel swings and ledges, moving slower but still feeding opportunistically Fish tend to school more tightly in winter, particularly in areas with current breaks and deep structure	Deep channel swings and ledges near mussel beds, particularly in 20-35 foot depth range Current breaks and eddies near deep structure Deep holes adjacent to shell bars and rock piles	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Live Bait Rigs Structure Jigs	Winter-slowed shad schools in deeper water Bottom-dwelling creatures like mussels and crawfish Suspended baitfish near current breaks	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals

Key Seasonal Structures in Chickamauga Lake

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Edges of ditches and creek channels leading to spawning pockets, especially areas with grass clumps	Main lake points and secondary points at creek mouths
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Main channel bluffs and rock transitions where deep water meets pre-spawn staging areas	Rock piles in 13-20 feet of water adjacent to potential spawning flats
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	45-degree rocky banks with brush that provide quick deep water access	Secondary points leading into spawning pockets
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Protected coves with emerging vegetation in 4-8 feet of water	Secondary points leading into spawning bays in 6-12 feet
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Catfish	Channel edges and ledges adjacent to spawning flats, especially near creek mouths	Current breaks and eddies near shell bars and rock piles
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Secondary points in spawning bays where fish are staging	Docks providing pre-spawn staging areas and spawning cover
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Protected rocky areas in 2-6 feet of water near river channel edges for spawning	Main channel bluffs and adjacent flats for staging areas
Spring (Spawn)	Spotted Bass	45-degree rocky banks with pea gravel or chunk rock in 5-15 foot depths	Secondary points leading into spawning pockets and coves
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Shallow submerged vegetation in protected coves and bays	Secondary points leading into spawning bays
Spring (Spawn)	Catfish	Shell bars and rock piles in 5-15 foot depth range, especially near creek channels	Laydowns and submerged vegetation edges adjacent to deeper water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Wood cover and stumps adjacent to spawning flats	Points and creek channels with shad spawning activity
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Main channel bluffs with current breaks in 8-15 feet	Rock piles adjacent to spawning flats in 13-20 feet
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Main lake and secondary points with rocky structure in 10-20 foot range	45-degree rocky banks with brush and rock piles
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Submerged vegetation in 5-12 foot depths, especially near spawning flats	Protected coves with emerging weed growth
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Catfish	Creek channel edges with adjacent structure like laydowns and rock piles	Current breaks and eddies near shell bars
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Submerged vegetation in 10-15 foot depth range	Matted grass and vegetation mats in shallow water
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Docks with deep water access, particularly those near channel swings	Rock piles in 13+ feet of water serving as rest areas
Summer	Spotted Bass	Main channel bluffs with 20-30 foot depth adjacent to feeding areas	Rock piles and brush on 45-degree banks with deep water access
Summer	Crappie	Deep brush piles in 20'+ of water, especially near creek channel bends	Deep dock areas with artificial brush or structure
Summer	Catfish	Current breaks and eddies near deep channel edges, especially during power generation	Shell bars and rock piles with mussel beds in 15-25 foot depth range
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Grass mat edges and submerged vegetation in 3-5ft of water	Backs of creeks with matted grass
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Isolated rock piles in 13+ feet of water along main river channel	Deep main channel bluffs extending to 35 feet
Fall	Spotted Bass	Main channel bluffs near deep water access, especially around the 58 bridge	Rock piles and brush on 45-degree banks with deep water nearby
Fall	Crappie	Deep brush piles near channel edges (15-25 feet)	Main lake points with access to deeper water
Fall	Catfish	Deep channel edges adjacent to shallow flats where shad are present	Current breaks near submerged rock piles and shell bars
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Channel swing banks with laydowns and rock	Grass lines in 6-8 foot depth range
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	Deep boulder fields in 13-35 feet, especially near main lake channel edges	Main channel bluff walls with rock structure
Winter	Spotted Bass	45-degree rock banks with brush piles adjacent to deep water	Main channel bluffs with vertical structure
Winter	Crappie	Deep brush piles in 20-30 foot range, especially near channel bends	Creek channel edges and deeper dock areas
Winter	Catfish	Deep channel swings and ledges near mussel beds, particularly in 20-35 foot depth range	Current breaks and eddies near deep structure

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shad schooling in creek mouths and around points	Crawfish becoming active in rocky areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Shad schools congregating in pre-spawn areas	Crawfish becoming more active as water warms
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Pre-spawn shad schools in transition areas	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Shad schools in pre-spawn staging areas	Small bluegill and juvenile sunfish near vegetation
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Catfish	Shad schools concentrating near channel edges	Bottom-dwelling organisms like mussels and crawfish near shell bars
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shad - primary forage based on multiple recent reports	Bluegill - secondary forage option noted in lake profile
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Shad schools moving into spawning areas	Crayfish becoming more active in warming waters
Spring (Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Shad schools moving into spawning pockets	Crawfish becoming more active in warmer water
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Young-of-year shad	Small bluegill and sunfish
Spring (Spawn)	Catfish	Shad schools moving into spawning areas	Mussels on shell bars and rock piles
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shad (actively spawning)	Bluegill (beginning to bed
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Shad schools gathering in current breaks	Crawfish emerging from rocky structure
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Shad schools beginning to gather in post-spawn patterns	Crawfish active on rocky structure in moderate depths
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Insects, particularly emerging aquatic insects	Small shad and shad fry
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Catfish	Shad schools moving along channel edges	Freshwater mussels on shell bars
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Shad schooling in open water and along vegetation edges	Bluegill relating to shallow cover and vegetation
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Shad schools around docks and in current breaks	Smaller baitfish relating to rock structure
Summer	Spotted Bass	Shad schools suspended in 15-25 foot range	Smaller bass and sunfish relating to brush and rock structure
Summer	Crappie	Shad schools in deep water	Small bluegill around brush structures
Summer	Catfish	Shad schools concentrated near channel edges and current breaks	Mussels and invertebrates on shell bars and rock piles
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Shad schooling in shallow water and around grass edges	Bluegill holding in and around grass mats
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Shad schools relating to deeper structure	Crawfish in rocky areas
Fall	Spotted Bass	Shad schools in mid-depth water column	Small baitfish relating to vertical structure
Fall	Crappie	Shad schools migrating to deeper water	Small baitfish around brush piles
Fall	Catfish	Shad schools congregating in large numbers	Mussels and benthic organisms on shell bars
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Shad concentrated in large schools	Crawfish becoming active near rock and wood cover
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	Shad schooling in deeper water near structure	Dormant crawfish in rocky areas
Winter	Spotted Bass	Shad schools suspended near structure	Small baitfish relating to brush piles
Winter	Crappie	Suspended shad schools in deeper water	Small baitfish relating to brush piles
Winter	Catfish	Winter-slowed shad schools in deeper water	Bottom-dwelling creatures like mussels and crawfish

Bait Colors by Season for Chickamauga Lake

Season	Species	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Catfish	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Catfish	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Light Neutral Colors Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Catfish	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors
Summer	Spotted Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Crappie	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Catfish	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Fall	Spotted Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Crappie	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors
Fall	Catfish	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Vibrant Craw Colors
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Winter	Spotted Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Vibrant Assorted Colors
Winter	Catfish	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals