Old man winter still has a grip on the world for now, but spring is just around the corner. Water temps continue to head south, with current surface temps hovering around the mid 30’s in the river channel. Lake levels are going to hold around the 355 ft mark all week, but this next weekend might bring some added rainfall, which we may see a rise in levels depending on how much the TN River valley receives. Flow rates have been just above 100,000 cfs this past week, and will remain strong for a few more days.
What fishing has been done this past week, has been tough as expected. Many old timers have always commented that snow melt will make fishing tough! Warmer weather and warming water temps should spur on some good late winter/early spring fishing, but don’t forget about some of the cool weather fishing opportunities, such as sauger and stripe fishing. Sauger will begin their spawning once water temps warm close to the mid 50’s. Fishermen should target the creek mouths along the main river channel, and white bass (stripe) fishermen can try the Duck River along the ends of gravel shoals while tossing light colored jigs in the current. It’s again time for the trout stocking here in our area, with Tumbling Creek between Hwy 13 and Hwy 231 being stocked, as well as Hurricane Creek at Loretta Lynn’s at the bridge at the mill.
It’s that time of year for fishers and hunters to renew their hunt/fishing licenses, as the end of this month last years will expire. Licenses are available at Hunt’s Outdoors in Waverly, Bud’s Market in McEwen, Walmart, and both Casey’s general stores. Also using TWRA’s mobile app or going on-line to TWRA’s website; Tnwildlife.org.