Lake levels are predicted to remain stable this week, but are up from last week, with levels around the 358.5 ft mark. Flow rates have been absent or slow this week, with less than 30,000 cfs when there is flow. Water temps remain in the mid to upper 80’s, depending upon time of day.
Fishing has been tough of late, bass have shown no perceivable pattern, with the fish seeming to be scattered and not active. Most fish seem to be choosing to feed after dark when it’s not as hot and flow picks up. Crappie have moved shallower, with the best catches in the 10-15 ft range, although no big numbers are being taken. It’s not unusual for crappie to move shallow as water quality diminishes at the hottest part of the year, and crappie and other fish move to more favorable water conditions. Catfish are being taken, especially when flow is present with baitfish around.
Squirrel season will begin this month, with the opening always the 4th Saturday in August. The velvet antlered deer season will also be this month, with the dates this year August 27th-29th. Limits are the same, with 1 antlered deer per day, not to exceed 2 for the season. More information can be found both in the hunting guide or at TWRA’s website; TnWildlife.org.