Bass Fishing Report Lake Chatuge, Fontana Lake, Lake Glenville, Lake Burton- January 2018

WOW! It has been a COLD past couple of weeks in the Smoky Mountain region! The water temps are dropping extremely fast but don't be alarmed the fish are still chewing! This time of the year if you can brave the cold or get a warmer day to get on the water, you can do some damage to the fish! The bass group up really well in the winter and just like most times of the year the key to finding them on these deep clear reservoirs is finding the SHAD! There are 6 key techniques that we rely on in the winter that can be used on all of the lakes during the winter! Underspin, A-Rig, Football Jig, Jigging Spoon, Ned Rig and a Swimbait!

Lake Glenville
Water Temp: 43*
Clarity: 12ft
Water Level: -16
Pattern: The water is extremely far down but don't let it deter you from getting out there! It is tough to launch the boat because the launches are just about out of the water but the fish are eating! This time of the year the fish are grouping up in ditches and off shore in the stable deep water! Jigging spoons, Damiki Rig's, and underspins will catch some fish out deep. Dragging a jig will also prove itself as a worthy weapon! The two go to's this time of the year are a Megabass Vision110+1 and a Duo Realis Spybait! In windy conditions the jerkbait is the deal, where in calm conditions the spybait is.

Lake Chatuge
Water Temp: 48*
Clarity: 10ft
Water Level: -10
Pattern: A lot of fish are starting their winter time suspending! An a-rig, spoon, drop shot and underspin are and will continue to play throughout the winter. Off shore structure, humps and ditches will hold a lot of fish! On the occasional warm day look for some largemouth moving shallow on docks and wood with a jig! A ned rig is also a beast lure this time of the year on Chatuge!

Fontana Lake
Water Temp: 46*-51*
Clarity: 15ft
Water Level: -65
Pattern: Suspended fish are in good numbers throughout the lake! A lot of balls of threadfin and herring are hanging out in that 60ft-80ft zone. Points and the middle of pockets and creeks have a lot of fish! A small spoon is lethal on every species out deep! A small underspin is a great go to! There are a few fish to be had shllower with a jig and swimbait!

Lake Burton
Water Temp: 49*
Clarity: 10ft
Water Level: -10
Pattern: The water is down on Burton compared to past winters but the fish are doing great! There is not a lot of shore line structure in the water but the fish are really ganged up of shore! Creek channels, bluff walls and off shore humps and structure have big largemouth and spotted bass! Schooling fish will be present too! A single keitech, or an underspin will catch some solid fish! An a-rig will also put fish in the boat as well!