Learn how to fish Lake Harding on the Alabama - Georgia border in early spring at Spinnerbaits101.com.
Jerry
Monday, June 21, 2010
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Watauga Lake Smallmouths
Watauga Lake in Tennessee is a jewel of a smallmouth lake. Find out how to fish Watauga Lake at Spinnerbaits101.com.
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Wade Fishing the Little Tennessee for Smallmouths
Little Tennessee River
The Little Tennessee River begins in northeast Georgia's Rabun County and flows northwest approximately 135 miles through the Blue Ridge Mountains to join the Tennessee River. The Little Tennessee River is impounded by several dams on the lower end, most notably the 480 foot high Fontana Dam which creates Fontana Lake.
With my folks residing just north of Franklin, North Carolina, I have had multiple trips wade fishing the Little Tennessee River to catch smallmouth bass.
Wade fishing the Little Tennessee
The upper Little Tennessee River is loaded with smallmouth bass, some reaching five pounds or better which means you better bring the right gear. If you show up with a bream rod expecting only small fish, you're going to lose some lures from busted lines. I typically take one of my spinning rods that I would normally fish for spots with, strung with at least eight pound test.
Wade fishing requires that you keep your fishing gear to a minimum so my lures of choice are 1/4 ounce spinnerbaits, 1/8 ounce rooster tails with a single hook, and 3/8 ounce jigs. My dad likes to throw small jerkbaits, but I don't like toting treble hooks around on those slippery rocks.
I usually start with a jig, either naked with a green pumkin Paca Craw or standard with a Paca Craw trailer, fishing the potholes that are located between the rapids. If no takers, I will switch to a white/chartruese spinnerbait and fish closer to some rapids. My last resort is the roostertail. I fish the roostertail in and around the faster moving water and usually pick up some smaller smallmouths. One good thing about the smaller roostertail is that you will also catch rainbow trout on it, some up to twenty inches. This really isn't hard fishing, just a great time relaxing and enjoying a change of pace. By the way, if you wade the Little Tennessee River any other time than summer, you better bring some waders. That water is cold!
Where to fish
I usually fish the Little Tennessee River just north of Franklin, North Carolina around where Sawmill Creek enters the river (1). There is a deep hole just downriver of where the creek flows in that has produced more than its fair share of two pound smallmouths (2). Zoom out to get your bearings.
Conclusion
What I have found while wade fishing the Little Tennessee River for smallmouths is that it really doesn't matter what part of the upper Little Tennessee you are fishing, it's all good. The entire stretch from Franklin to Fontana Lake holds excellent smallmouth fishing with little pressure. Access can be a problem so either float it in a small boat and stop and wade or gain permission from the landowner to cross his property. Most locals are friendly if you treat them friendly.
I highly suggest this trip. Send the wife to mine for rubies, sightsee, antique shop...whatever. Just make sure on your next trip to the Smokies to avoid the over crowded trout streams and take in some smallmouth fishing on the Little Tennesse. You'll be happy you did.
Good fishin'
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Kowaliga Creek on Lake Martin
Kowaliga Creek is located at the lower end of Lake Martin and is known for its clear water and open space, not to mention the big spots that can be caught here. For a river fisherman, fishing Kowaliga Creek could be culture shock, but don't worry, I'll point you in the right direction and put you on fish...
Complete article can be found at Spinnerbaits101
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Slow Rolling a Spinnerbait on Lake Jordan
Lake Jordan
Lake Jordan is the last of the Coosa River impoundments and is located in central Alabama just north Wetumpka, Alabama. Lake Jordan is 6800 acres and made up of the upper section which is more river like and the lower section which has all the characteristics of a typical southern reservoir. Known for producing huge stringers of Coosa River spotted bass, Lake Jordan has hosted some major BASS events as well as large local tournaments with great results.
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