How to Fish Watts Bar Lake: Best Patterns & Techniques

Watts Bar Lake

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: May 11, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Watts Bar Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	55-62	Bass are actively transitioning from winter areas to pre-spawn staging areas, following shad schools and relating to structure in 10-12 foot depths Fish are feeding opportunistically on both shad and crawfish, showing increased activity as water temperatures rise into the upper 50s	Docks positioned between deep water and spawning flats, serving as staging areas Rock banks and rip rap in 10-12 foot depths Points and ledges adjacent to spawning pockets	Umbrella Rigs worked through schools of shad and along transition areas Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') worked along rock banks and rip rap Shakey Heads worked slowly around docks and structure	Shad schools congregating in creeks and pockets Crawfish becoming active around rocky areas and rip rap	Natural Baitfish Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	52-62	Pre-spawn crappie are transitioning from deeper winter areas to staging areas near spawning flats, actively feeding to build energy reserves Fish are spooking easily but actively feeding, requiring stealth in presentation while taking advantage of their increased appetite Suspending at mid-depths around 14 feet, especially near creek channel edges leading to spawning areas	Creek arms with brush piles, particularly where channels transition to spawning flats Suspended cover in 12-15 foot range near creek channels Secondary points in major creek arms with gradual depth transitions	Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) along creek channel edges to locate active fish Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') once schools are located Crappie Spider Rigging to effectively cover water depths where fish are suspended	Shad schools suspending in creek arms Small bluegill and sunfish near brush piles	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	52-62	Spotted bass are transitioning from winter patterns to pre-spawn staging, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning Fish are moving from deeper winter holding areas to transitional structure, following shad schools and becoming more aggressive	Rocky points and riprap areas adjacent to spawning pockets Transition areas where bluff walls meet creek channels Secondary points with mixed rock and brush in 8-15 foot range	Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') worked parallel to rocky banks Bladed Jigs around shallow structure and through scattered brush Shakey Heads worked slowly on rocky points and transitions	Shad schools moving into pre-spawn staging areas Crawfish becoming more active on rocky structure	Natural Baitfish Colors Vibrant Craw Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Catfish	58-68	Pre-spawn catfish are transitioning from winter patterns, becoming more active and starting to move into warming creek channels and flats Fish are staging near spawning areas but still focused on feeding heavily to build energy reserves Most active during warmer afternoons when water temperatures peak	Creek channel swings adjacent to spawning flats in 8-15 feet Rock piles and rip rap areas that warm quickly Deeper holes near tributary mouths where water temperatures are more stable	Live Bait Rigs with cut bait or live shad positioned near channel edges Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') working structure in creek channels Carolina Rigs dragged slowly along transitional areas between channels and flats	Shad schools congregating in creek channels Bluegill beginning to move shallow Bottom-dwelling crawfish becoming more active in rocky areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	52-62	Transitioning from winter deep water patterns to shallower pre-spawn staging areas, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning Relating strongly to current breaks and rock structure, becoming more aggressive in feeding behavior as water temperatures rise	Main lake rocky points adjacent to deeper water, especially those with current influence Rip rap banks and bluff walls in transition areas between winter and spawning locations Secondary points in major creek arms with rock structure in 8-15 foot depth range	Jerkbaits worked slowly with long pauses around rocky points Football Jigs dragged along rocky bottom transitions Tubes worked along bluff walls and rock transitions	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy and becoming more active on rocky structure Shad schools staging in creek arms and along main lake points	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	45-55	Fish are moving from wintering areas to pre-spawn staging points, following channel edges and transition areas Feeding activity is increasing as water warms, with fish actively pursuing shad and other baitfish in preparation for spawn Most active during low light periods, especially around current-influenced areas near the dam	Channel swings and deep points adjacent to spawning flats Current-swept areas near the dam where generators are running Shallow secondary points in major creek arms	Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along channel edges and points Blade Baits worked vertically in current areas Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) retrieved steadily through transitional areas	Shad concentrating in pre-spawn staging areas Bluegill beginning to move shallow in warmer pockets	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	58-72	Pre-spawn to spawning behavior with fish moving from deeper staging areas to shallow spawning flats Males actively building and guarding nests in protected areas while females move between staging and spawning zones Increased aggression and territorial behavior around nesting sites	Protected shallow coves and pockets with hard bottom Areas between docks with morning sun exposure Secondary points leading into spawning bays Laydowns and brush in 2-6 feet of water	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around shallow cover and beds Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') along transition areas Spinnerbaits near shoreline cover during cloudy conditions Wacky Rigs for finesse presentation to bedding fish	Bluegill gathering in spawning areas Shad schools in pockets and creek arms Crawfish becoming more active in warming shallows	Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors Vibrant Craw Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	58-68	Crappie are actively moving into pre-spawn areas, suspending 5' off bottom around brush piles and humps in 14' water, showing increased spooking tendency due to spawning instincts Fish are staging in creek arms and coves, particularly relating to transitional structure between deeper water and spawning areas	Brush piles in larger creek arms and coves, especially those near deeper water Humps in 14-20' of water with nearby deep water access Protected areas in creek arms with gradual depth transitions	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked slowly 5' off bottom with 7-8' initial sink time Underspins paired with swimbaits for slow rolling presentation Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) from distance due to spooky fish	Shad schools suspending in creek arms Small sunfish/bluegill around brush piles	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Spotted Bass	58-68	Spotted bass transitioning to spawning areas, staging on secondary points and moving into protected coves with hard bottom Males preparing and guarding nests in 3-8 foot depths, while females move between staging and spawning areas Aggressive feeding periods during pre-spawn, becoming more territorial during actual spawn	Protected rocky pockets and coves with hard bottom Secondary points leading into spawning areas Riprap banks with nearby deeper water	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around visible cover in spawning pockets Shakey Heads worked slowly on secondary points Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') along transition banks	Shad schools in pre-spawn staging areas Crawfish becoming active in rocky areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Catfish	68-75	Catfish are transitioning to spawning areas, becoming more aggressive and territorial around potential nesting sites like hollow logs, rock crevices, and undercut banks Pre-spawn feeding activity increases as fish prepare for spawning, with most active periods during dawn and dusk in the moderately stained water	Protected creek channels and coves with abundant woody cover and depths of 4-8 feet Rock piles and rip rap areas near spawning flats Channel swings adjacent to shallow flats where staging occurs	Live Bait Rigs with cut bait or whole shad positioned near spawning areas Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') around structure and spawning flats Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) targeting laydowns and brush piles	Shad schools moving into spawning areas Bluegill becoming more active in warming waters Bottom-dwelling invertebrates stirred up by increased activity	Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	55-65	Smallmouth bass transitioning to spawning areas in 2-8 foot depths, particularly on rocky flats and protected pockets near deeper water Males actively guarding nests while females stage in slightly deeper water, moving up periodically Aggressive territorial behavior around nesting sites, with increased feeding activity during pre-spawn	Protected rocky pockets and coves with gravel or small rock substrate Secondary points leading into spawning bays Riprap banks with deep water access	Tubes worked slowly along rocky areas and potential spawning flats Ned Rigs for finesse presentation around nesting areas Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') for covering water and locating active fish	Crawfish emerging in rocky areas Small shad in tributary areas Juvenile bluegill in shallow protected areas	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	42-52	Pre-spawn walleye moving into shallower areas near spawning grounds, particularly around river channels and current-swept rocky areas Actively feeding during low-light periods, taking advantage of the moderately stained water conditions Fish staging in transition areas between deep wintering holes and shallow spawning flats	Rocky points and riprap areas near river channel intersections Current-swept areas near the dam with gravel or rock bottom Shallow flats adjacent to deep water access points	Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along bottom transitions Blade Baits worked vertically in current seams Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with hair jigs near spawning areas	Shad congregating in pre-spawn staging areas Small bluegill in shallow warming bays	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	74-77	Fish are actively transitioning from shallow spawning areas to deeper summer haunts, staging on points and ledges along the way Feeding activity is increasing as fish recover from spawn, with most active periods around current generation and weather changes	Offshore ledges and channel edges where fish are staging during their post-spawn migration Main lake points, especially those with a gradual transition from shallow to deep water Main lake wood cover and laydowns near deeper water access	Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) worked along ledges and points where fish are staging Drop Shot for finesse presentations on rocky points when fish are less aggressive Neko Rigs around wood cover and during tough conditions Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for actively feeding fish around points	Shad schools moving to offshore structure Bluegill in shallow areas near wood cover	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	62-72	Post-spawn crappie are transitioning from shallow spawning areas back to deeper water, suspending near brush piles along creek channels Fish are actively feeding to recover from spawn, but may spook easily in the moderately clear water conditions	Brush piles positioned along creek channel edges in 10-19 foot depth range Secondary points in creek arms with gradual depth transitions Suspended cover near deeper water in larger creek arms	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Crappie Spider Rigging Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium)	Shad schools suspending near brush piles Small bluegill in and around cover	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	62-75	Post-spawn spotted bass actively feeding to recover energy, primarily targeting shad in the 5-15 foot range around structure Fish transitioning between shallow spawning areas and summer habitats, using points and ledges as staging areas Most active during morning and evening periods, utilizing the moderately stained water for ambush opportunities	Main lake points with transition from spawning pockets to deeper water Riprap banks and bluff walls adjacent to spawning areas Submerged brush and vegetation in 8-15 foot range near channel swings	Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') worked parallel to points and riprap Shakey Heads worked slowly along bottom structure Spinnerbaits around shallow brush and vegetation edges	Shad schools beginning to gather in post-spawn patterns Crawfish active in rocky areas during spring warming Small bluegill in shallow brush areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Catfish	68-78	Post-spawn catfish are actively feeding and recovering energy, moving from spawning areas to early summer patterns along channel edges and flats Fish are becoming more active during daylight hours due to moderate staining (2.3m Secchi) and warming conditions Catfish are utilizing the abundant woody cover and channel swings as transition routes between spawning areas and summer feeding zones	Creek channel intersections with main lake flats (8-15 feet) Brush piles and laydowns near channel swings Rocky points and riprap areas adjacent to spawning flats	Live Bait Rigs Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Carolina Rigs	Shad schools moving along channel edges Bluegill in shoreline areas and around brush Bottom-dwelling prey stirred up by recent rain events	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	62-72	Post-spawn smallmouth are actively feeding to recover energy, primarily targeting crawfish and shad in the 5-15 foot range during early morning and evening periods Fish are establishing summer migration patterns, moving between points and bluff walls while utilizing current breaks for feeding positions	Rocky points with access to deeper water, especially those influenced by current Rip rap banks in 5-15 foot depth range Bluff wall transitions where rock meets channel swings	Tubes worked along rocky bottom transitions Ned Rigs dragged slowly on points and rock structure Shakey Heads worked along bluff walls Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for actively feeding fish	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Shad schools moving into shallow feeding zones Small bluegill in shallow rocky areas	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	52-65	Post-spawn walleye are actively feeding to recover energy, targeting shad and bluegill in transitional areas between spawning grounds and summer haunts Fish are moving from shallow spawning areas to deeper structure, utilizing current-swept areas and points for feeding opportunities	Main lake points and channel swings adjacent to spawning bays Current-swept areas near dam structures where baitfish concentrate Secondary points with access to deeper water in 15-25 foot range	Live Bait Rigs worked along break lines and points Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') on windblown points Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for imitating shad	Shad schools congregating in post-spawn staging areas Bluegill beginning to move shallow for their spawn	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	78-86	Bass transitioning between deep offshore schools and shallow feeding zones, with primary activity around ledges and deep structure during midday (78-86°F water temps) Active feeding during low light periods in shallower zones, particularly around docks and laydowns Schooling behavior on main lake structure following shad movements, with individual fish relating to cover in creeks	Main lake ledges and channel swings with bottom transitions Deep offshore brush piles and humps in 15-25 foot range Shaded docks with deep water access Laydowns and riprap in 3-6 foot range during low light periods	Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) worked along ledges making bottom contact Drop Shot and Neko Rigs for finesse presentations on offshore structure Texas Rigs (Worming) for working brush and laydowns Hard Topwater (Popping) during early morning around shallow cover	Shad schooling in offshore areas and along channel edges Bluegill relating to shallow cover and dock areas Mayflies triggering surface feeding activity in certain areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Summer	Crappie	72-84	Crappie are suspending above brush piles in mid-depth ranges, actively feeding on minnows and small baitfish Fish are showing preference for structured areas in creek arms, maintaining consistent depth patterns around 10-19 feet	Brush piles in 10-19 foot depth range, especially in creek arms Main lake points with submerged brush or timber Deeper creek channel edges adjacent to brush piles	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium)	Minnows Shad Small Sunfish	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Chartreuse Colors
Summer	Spotted Bass	72-85	Spotted bass are actively feeding on shad schools around deep structure and ledges, with most aggressive feeding during dawn and dusk periods Fish are establishing offshore summer patterns, suspending near vertical structure and following bait schools throughout the day	Deep offshore ledges and structure in 15-25 foot range where shad schools concentrate Rocky points and bluff walls adjacent to deep water Submerged brush piles near channel swings and deeper structure	Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) worked along ledges and deep structure Football Jigs dragged on deeper rocky structure and ledges Carolina Rigs worked slowly through offshore structure and brush piles Drop Shot for suspended fish around vertical structure	Shad schools concentrating around deep structure Smaller baitfish relating to brush piles and rocky structure	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors
Summer	Catfish	78-86	Actively feeding in and around creek channels and channel swings, particularly near structure during summer months Most active during early morning, late evening, and nighttime hours when water temperatures are 78-86°F Utilizing woody cover and deep structure as ambush points for feeding on abundant shad and bluegill	Creek channels with adjacent stumps and woody cover Deep channel swings near river channels Rock piles and bluff walls adjacent to deeper water	Live Bait Rigs Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+)	Shad Bluegill	Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	72-86	Actively feeding on shad in the early morning and evening, utilizing bluff walls and rocky points as ambush locations Moving to deeper structure (15-25 feet) during bright midday periods, relating to rock piles and channel swings Actively using current breaks and eddies near main river channel areas for feeding opportunities	Main lake rocky points with deep water access Bluff walls adjacent to river channel areas Rip rap banks with current influence Offshore rock piles in 15-25 foot range	Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) worked along bluff walls and deep points Drop Shot with finesse presentations for suspended fish near structure Spinnerbaits worked through current breaks and eddies Football Jigs dragged on deep rocky structure	Shad schools suspending near structure Crawfish on rocky structure Small sunfish around shallow rock transitions	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors
Summer	Walleye	72-85	Suspending near thermocline in deeper water (18-30 feet) during daylight hours, moving shallower during low light periods Actively feeding when current is present from dam generation, particularly along channel edges and deep points Following shad schools and utilizing structure as ambush points	Main river channel swings with adjacent structure in 20-30 foot depth range Deep points near dam that experience current flow during generation Offshore structure near thermocline depth that provides access to both deep water and feeding zones	Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) worked along channel edges and points during current generation Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) when fish are holding tight to structure Trolling Deep (20'+) to cover water and target suspended fish	Shad schools suspended near thermocline Bluegill relating to structure edges Juvenile shad in current seams	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors

Fall Fishing Guide for Watts Bar Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	67-78	Bass actively chasing shad in shallow to mid-depth zones, with increased feeding activity noted around bait concentrations Fish transitioning between shallow feeding areas and deeper structure, responding to cooling water temperatures and bait movement Showing aggressive response to moving baits, particularly around current-swept areas and structure	Main lake points and channel swings with nearby deep water access Laydowns and brush piles along the main channel Boat docks in creek arms where bait is present Humps and bars in 8-12 foot range	Spinnerbaits worked around laydowns and dock edges Buzzbaits and topwater walking baits early and late in the day Hard Jerkbaits when fish are feeding on suspended bait Deep diving crankbaits on offshore structure	Shad - primary forage based on multiple reports Minnows - mentioned in recent catches Small baitfish - reports indicate matching smaller profiles	Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals Metallic Colors
Fall	Crappie	58-68	Crappie are actively schooling and following baitfish, particularly shad, as they prepare for winter. Fish are suspending near brush piles and creek channel edges in 12-18 foot depth ranges Feeding activity increases during low-light periods, with fish moving shallower to feed in the early morning and late evening	Main creek channel edges adjacent to brush piles in 14-18 foot depth range Secondary points in larger creek arms where channels swing close to structure Deeper brush piles near the mouths of major creek arms	Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) with small swimbaits along channel edges Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') around brush piles Crappie Spider Rigging near suspended schools	Shad schools congregating in creek arms Small sunfish near brush piles Young-of-year baitfish	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Chartreuse Colors
Fall	Spotted Bass	65-75	Spotted bass actively chasing shad in stained water conditions, with increased feeding activity around hard structure and rip rap Fish are scattered and mobile, requiring coverage of multiple areas to locate active fish Showing preference for areas with cleaner water pockets within the generally stained conditions	Riprap banks with nearby grass patches, especially in cleaner water pockets Rocky points and irregular shoreline features with access to deeper water Hard structure areas near shad schools, particularly in 4-12 foot depth range	Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') worked parallel to riprap and structure Spinnerbaits around grass edges and through cleaner water pockets Bladed Jigs worked through scattered grass and near structure	Shad schools actively moving along shoreline structure Baitfish relating to grass edges and riprap	Natural Baitfish Colors Pink Colors Chartreuse Colors
Fall	Catfish	65-75	Catfish begin transitioning from summer patterns to deeper water, actively feeding to build reserves for winter. They follow baitfish migrations into creek channels and river channels Feeding periods become more concentrated during afternoon hours when water temperatures peak, with fish moving between deep structure and adjacent flats	Main creek and river channel bends with adjacent flats, especially near channel swings Deep brush piles and laydowns near channel edges Rock piles and bluff walls intersecting with deeper water	Live Bait Rigs with cut bait or live shad positioned near channel edges Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) near structure and channel swings Carolina Rigs worked slowly along deeper structure	Shad schools congregating in creek arms and channels Bluegill relating to brush piles and woody cover Bottom-dwelling prey species like crawfish near rock piles	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	58-72	Actively feeding on shad in shallow to mid-depth rocky areas, particularly during low light periods Beginning transition to slightly deeper structure as water cools, following baitfish movements	Rip Rap banks with access to deeper water Rocky points adjacent to channel swings Bluff walls with scattered rock	Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') Spinnerbaits	Shad Crawfish	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Walleye	52-68	Walleye are actively feeding to build up reserves for winter, following baitfish schools (primarily shad) as they migrate to deeper structure Fish are showing increased activity during low-light periods, moving shallower during dawn/dusk to ambush prey along points and channel swings	Deep points and channel swings intersecting with river channels, especially those near dam areas Main lake points and underwater humps adjacent to deep water Current-swept areas near the dam when generators are running	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') with aggressive jigging action to trigger reaction strikes Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') worked along structure breaks and points Blade Baits worked vertically through suspended baitfish schools	Shad schools migrating to deeper water Bluegill relating to structure edges	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Largemouth Bass	40-48	Bass are holding tight to deep vertical structure, particularly near channel swings and bluff walls, following schools of shad Fish are moving slowly and requiring extremely slow presentations, with extended pauses triggering strikes	Bluff walls intersecting with river channel swings in 18-30 feet Deep rock transitions near channel edges Flats adjacent to river channels where shad schools are present	Umbrella Rigs worked slowly through suspended fish Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) slow-rolled along bottom Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') in current areas Bladed Jigs worked extremely slowly with long pauses	Gizzard Shad schooling in 18-30 foot depths Smaller baitfish relating to channel edges	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors
Winter	Crappie	38-45	Crappie are suspending over deeper water near creek channels and brush piles, typically in the 14-20 foot range Fish are schooling tightly in winter and feeding more actively during warmer parts of the day Movement patterns show fish relating closely to deep structure while making shorter movements to feed	Deep brush piles positioned near creek channel bends in 15-25 foot range Main lake points where creek channels intersect with deeper water Suspended schools over deeper creek channels in larger creek arms	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') with precise presentations over identified schools Hover/Mid-Strolling with small soft plastics when fish are suspended Ice Fishing Jigs worked slowly through the water column when fish are holding tight to cover	Suspended shad schools in creek arms Small sunfish relating to brush piles Young-of-year baitfish in deeper water	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Winter	Spotted Bass	42-52	Spotted bass are concentrating near steep breaks and hard structure, actively feeding during warmer parts of the day Fish are following shad schools in deeper water, particularly around bluff walls and deep points Feeding windows are shorter but more intense, typically during stable weather periods	Deep bluff walls with nearby channel swings (15-25 feet) Rocky points extending into deeper water Riprap areas near deep water access	Blade Baits worked vertically along steep structure Shakey Heads worked slowly on rocky bottom transitions Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) targeting suspended fish following shad	Schooling Shad in deeper water Smaller Bottom-oriented Prey	Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors
Winter	Catfish	42-52	Catfish congregate in deeper, stable water zones around 20-35 feet, particularly in channel bends and deep holes where temperatures remain more constant Feeding activity becomes more concentrated in specific locations and occurs during warmer parts of the day, typically early afternoon Fish become more lethargic and prefer larger, high-protein meals over frequent small feedings	Deep channel bends and holes, especially where creek channels meet the main lake basin Deep water adjacent to bluff walls that provide vertical structure Areas where multiple types of structure intersect, such as rock piles near channel edges	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Live Bait Rigs Trolling Deep (20'+)	Concentrated schools of shad in deeper water Bottom-dwelling prey like crawfish and small bluegill Dead or dying baitfish that sink to deeper water	Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors Vibrant Craw Colors
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	40-48	Smallmouth bass concentrate in deep wintering areas (18-30 feet) near river channel edges and bluff walls, typically schooling in tight groups Fish become more active during stable weather patterns and will move up to feed on shad schools during warming trends	Deep river channel bends with adjacent rock structure in 18-30 foot range Steep bluff walls near deep water access Deep rocky points that transition into the main river channel	Blade Baits worked vertically along channel edges and structure breaks Drop Shot with small profile baits for pressured fish Damiki Rig when fish are suspended and relating to bait schools	Shad schools concentrated in deeper water Smaller baitfish holding tight to deep structure	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Winter	Walleye	40-45	Walleye are maintaining active feeding patterns in the moderate winter temperatures (low 40s°F), particularly around current-influenced areas near the dam Fish are relating strongly to deep structure and vertical presentations, suggesting suspended feeding behavior in distinct depth ranges	Dam areas with current influence when generators are running Deep river channel swings with defined structure Deep points adjacent to river channel edges	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Blade Baits Trolling Mid Depth (10-19')	Shad schools suspending near structure Bluegill relating to deeper cover	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors

Key Seasonal Structures in Watts Bar Lake

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Docks positioned between deep water and spawning flats, serving as staging areas	Rock banks and rip rap in 10-12 foot depths
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Creek arms with brush piles, particularly where channels transition to spawning flats	Suspended cover in 12-15 foot range near creek channels
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Rocky points and riprap areas adjacent to spawning pockets	Transition areas where bluff walls meet creek channels
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Catfish	Creek channel swings adjacent to spawning flats in 8-15 feet	Rock piles and rip rap areas that warm quickly
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Main lake rocky points adjacent to deeper water, especially those with current influence	Rip rap banks and bluff walls in transition areas between winter and spawning locations
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Channel swings and deep points adjacent to spawning flats	Current-swept areas near the dam where generators are running
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Protected shallow coves and pockets with hard bottom	Areas between docks with morning sun exposure
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Brush piles in larger creek arms and coves, especially those near deeper water	Humps in 14-20' of water with nearby deep water access
Spring (Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Protected rocky pockets and coves with hard bottom	Secondary points leading into spawning areas
Spring (Spawn)	Catfish	Protected creek channels and coves with abundant woody cover and depths of 4-8 feet	Rock piles and rip rap areas near spawning flats
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Protected rocky pockets and coves with gravel or small rock substrate	Secondary points leading into spawning bays
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Rocky points and riprap areas near river channel intersections	Current-swept areas near the dam with gravel or rock bottom
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Offshore ledges and channel edges where fish are staging during their post-spawn migration	Main lake points, especially those with a gradual transition from shallow to deep water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Brush piles positioned along creek channel edges in 10-19 foot depth range	Secondary points in creek arms with gradual depth transitions
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Main lake points with transition from spawning pockets to deeper water	Riprap banks and bluff walls adjacent to spawning areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Catfish	Creek channel intersections with main lake flats (8-15 feet)	Brush piles and laydowns near channel swings
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Rocky points with access to deeper water, especially those influenced by current	Rip rap banks in 5-15 foot depth range
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Main lake points and channel swings adjacent to spawning bays	Current-swept areas near dam structures where baitfish concentrate
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Main lake ledges and channel swings with bottom transitions	Deep offshore brush piles and humps in 15-25 foot range
Summer	Crappie	Brush piles in 10-19 foot depth range, especially in creek arms	Main lake points with submerged brush or timber
Summer	Spotted Bass	Deep offshore ledges and structure in 15-25 foot range where shad schools concentrate	Rocky points and bluff walls adjacent to deep water
Summer	Catfish	Creek channels with adjacent stumps and woody cover	Deep channel swings near river channels
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Main lake rocky points with deep water access	Bluff walls adjacent to river channel areas
Summer	Walleye	Main river channel swings with adjacent structure in 20-30 foot depth range	Deep points near dam that experience current flow during generation
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Main lake points and channel swings with nearby deep water access	Laydowns and brush piles along the main channel
Fall	Crappie	Main creek channel edges adjacent to brush piles in 14-18 foot depth range	Secondary points in larger creek arms where channels swing close to structure
Fall	Spotted Bass	Riprap banks with nearby grass patches, especially in cleaner water pockets	Rocky points and irregular shoreline features with access to deeper water
Fall	Catfish	Main creek and river channel bends with adjacent flats, especially near channel swings	Deep brush piles and laydowns near channel edges
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Rip Rap banks with access to deeper water	Rocky points adjacent to channel swings
Fall	Walleye	Deep points and channel swings intersecting with river channels, especially those near dam areas	Main lake points and underwater humps adjacent to deep water
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Bluff walls intersecting with river channel swings in 18-30 feet	Deep rock transitions near channel edges
Winter	Crappie	Deep brush piles positioned near creek channel bends in 15-25 foot range	Main lake points where creek channels intersect with deeper water
Winter	Spotted Bass	Deep bluff walls with nearby channel swings (15-25 feet)	Rocky points extending into deeper water
Winter	Catfish	Deep channel bends and holes, especially where creek channels meet the main lake basin	Deep water adjacent to bluff walls that provide vertical structure
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	Deep river channel bends with adjacent rock structure in 18-30 foot range	Steep bluff walls near deep water access
Winter	Walleye	Dam areas with current influence when generators are running	Deep river channel swings with defined structure

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shad schools congregating in creeks and pockets	Crawfish becoming active around rocky areas and rip rap
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Shad schools suspending in creek arms	Small bluegill and sunfish near brush piles
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Shad schools moving into pre-spawn staging areas	Crawfish becoming more active on rocky structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Catfish	Shad schools congregating in creek channels	Bluegill beginning to move shallow
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy and becoming more active on rocky structure	Shad schools staging in creek arms and along main lake points
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Shad concentrating in pre-spawn staging areas	Bluegill beginning to move shallow in warmer pockets
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill gathering in spawning areas	Shad schools in pockets and creek arms
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Shad schools suspending in creek arms	Small sunfish/bluegill around brush piles
Spring (Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Shad schools in pre-spawn staging areas	Crawfish becoming active in rocky areas
Spring (Spawn)	Catfish	Shad schools moving into spawning areas	Bluegill becoming more active in warming waters
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish emerging in rocky areas	Small shad in tributary areas
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Shad congregating in pre-spawn staging areas	Small bluegill in shallow warming bays
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shad schools moving to offshore structure	Bluegill in shallow areas near wood cover
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Shad schools suspending near brush piles	Small bluegill in and around cover
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Shad schools beginning to gather in post-spawn patterns	Crawfish active in rocky areas during spring warming
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Catfish	Shad schools moving along channel edges	Bluegill in shoreline areas and around brush
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Shad schools moving into shallow feeding zones
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Shad schools congregating in post-spawn staging areas	Bluegill beginning to move shallow for their spawn
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Shad schooling in offshore areas and along channel edges	Bluegill relating to shallow cover and dock areas
Summer	Crappie	Minnows	Shad
Summer	Spotted Bass	Shad schools concentrating around deep structure	Smaller baitfish relating to brush piles and rocky structure
Summer	Catfish	Shad	Bluegill
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Shad schools suspending near structure	Crawfish on rocky structure
Summer	Walleye	Shad schools suspended near thermocline	Bluegill relating to structure edges
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Shad - primary forage based on multiple reports	Minnows - mentioned in recent catches
Fall	Crappie	Shad schools congregating in creek arms	Small sunfish near brush piles
Fall	Spotted Bass	Shad schools actively moving along shoreline structure	Baitfish relating to grass edges and riprap
Fall	Catfish	Shad schools congregating in creek arms and channels	Bluegill relating to brush piles and woody cover
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Shad	Crawfish
Fall	Walleye	Shad schools migrating to deeper water	Bluegill relating to structure edges
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Gizzard Shad schooling in 18-30 foot depths	Smaller baitfish relating to channel edges
Winter	Crappie	Suspended shad schools in creek arms	Small sunfish relating to brush piles
Winter	Spotted Bass	Schooling Shad in deeper water	Smaller Bottom-oriented Prey
Winter	Catfish	Concentrated schools of shad in deeper water	Bottom-dwelling prey like crawfish and small bluegill
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	Shad schools concentrated in deeper water	Smaller baitfish holding tight to deep structure
Winter	Walleye	Shad schools suspending near structure	Bluegill relating to deeper cover

Bait Colors by Season for Watts Bar Lake

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