Lake levels continue to fall, with current levels holding just under the 356 ft mark. TVA is predicting a slow fall this week to just over 355 ft. Water temps are holding around the 80 degree mark, but a cold front is scheduled for later this week and should drop water temps some more. September 22nd is the official start of fall, and looks like we might see a taste of fall in the air soon. Falling water temps will help with the fishing, as most fish will be feeding up for the winter.
Crappie have been found shallow, in depths of 8-12 ft this past week, but expect them to head to deeper water as the lakes fall and water temps come down. Look for the crappie on drops in 12-15 ft of water. Bass continue to be found shallow, and not much activity is being found on the ledges. Most fish are small and are being taken on soft baits fished slow. Expect the top-water bite to improve this month, as the bass start chasing shad as the shad move off shore. Catfish are still doing good, as most fish have pulled out to the river channel drops, baits of choice are night-crawlers and liver, fished on top of the river drops and near cover on the drops.
Hunting seasons continue, with squirrel, and dove open. Teal and goose will closed this Sunday, September 19th. There are 3 segments of the dove season, with the current season ending on September 28th. Deer archery season will begin on September 25th. The new hunting/trapping guides are now out, so make sure to refer to the guide for more information.
With a CWD positive deer being found in Henry Co. , Henry Co. will now be in the CWD zone, where special limits and procedures will apply, also Weakley Co. has some restrictions as well due to where the deer was found.