Bass fishing enthusiasts cherish Lake Chickamauga for its thrilling freshwater fishing opportunities. Renowned as “The Land of the Giants” for Largemouth Bass, this lake consistently produces record-breaking catches, including hundreds of 10-pounders annually. Lake Chickamauga proudly holds the BFL one-day record of 5 bass over 40 lbs.
Notably, both the Tennessee state records for Largemouth Bass (15 lbs. 3 oz.) and Spotted Bass (6 lbs. 1 oz.) were set in this legendary lake.
Spanning 58.9 miles long with 810 miles of shoreline, Lake Chickamauga is a river channel lake, making it ideal for current-driven fishing. When the current flows, the fish are active and feeding, offering anglers an exciting challenge. This lake offers a variety of fishing techniques, promising an unforgettable experience where you could hook into a 10lb bass at any time.
Fun fact: Lake Chickamauga ranks 2nd In the ENTIRE U.S. for bass fishing.
Curious what it’s like? Here’s a sneak peek.
Keep scrolling to see the variety of bass that can be caught on Lake Chickamauga, as well as some pro tips!
Largemouth Bass Fishing on Lake Chickamauga
Thanks to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency’s (TWRA) Florida Largemouth Bass Stocking Project in 2000, which introduced over 3 million fingerlings, Chickamauga Reservoir has become a premier destination for Largemouth Bass fishing enthusiasts.
Recent TWRA surveys reveal that the Stocking Project has led to a significant increase in the average weight of Largemouth Bass in Lake Chickamauga since 2000, with a notable rise in the abundance of Largemouth Bass exceeding 15 inches.
Best Areas and Techniques for Largemouth Bass Fishing
Largemouth Bass can be successfully targeted year-round using a variety of baits, including spinners, topwater lures, lipless lures, swimbaits, blade baits, crankbaits, and jigs. During the winter, they tend to stay deeper but may move to shallower waters on warmer days. As spring progresses, they migrate towards shallower waters, especially near large creeks for spawning. In summer, Largemouth Bass can be found throughout the lake, particularly in shallower areas with vegetation or in the main channel near ledges and humps. Fall fishing calls for topwater lures, spinnerbaits, crankbaits, and plastic worms, focusing on flat, grassy areas or spots with structure. Aquatic vegetation is densest during this season, providing excellent fishing grounds.
Book a Fishing Trip on Lake Chickamauga | Fishing Report for Lake Chickamauga
Spotted Bass Fishing on Lake Chickamauga
With the influx of Largemouth Bass, Spotted Bass numbers have declined over the past decade. However, anglers targeting Spotted Bass often find success in the upper reaches and tributaries of the Hiwassee River. Spotted Bass spawn in water temperatures between 63-68 degrees and prefer gravel substrates.
Best Spots and Techniques for Spotted Bass Fishing
Spotted Bass can be caught using a variety of live bait and artificial lures. Traditionally, drifting shiners or shad below Watts Bar Dam from early spring through late winter has been effective. Crankbaits, jerkbaits, and finesse soft plastics that mimic their forage, such as gizzard and threadfin shad, are also productive. Rocky banks, bars, and shallow islands are prime fishing spots. Many techniques used for Smallmouth Bass are equally effective for Spotted Bass.
Book a Fishing Trip on Lake Chickamauga | Fishing Report for Lake Chickamauga
Smallmouth Bass Fishing on Lake Chickamauga
The population of Smallmouth Bass in the Chickamauga Reservoir has remained stable or even increased in recent years. The upper headwaters and the lower end of the reservoir offer the best habitat and highest numbers of Smallmouth Bass.
Best Spots and Techniques for Smallmouth Bass Fishing
Smallmouth Bass are often caught using jigs, small worms, trick worms, plastic worms, jerkbaits, and crankbaits. For the best results, target points and gravel flats during the spawning season in early spring (March-April). Use baits that mimic shad and crayfish to attract them.
After spawning, switch to topwater lures and swimbaits around rocky areas and bluff banks along the river. During the hot summer months, night fishing is ideal, focusing on points 15-25 feet deep and areas with nearby vegetation. In the winter, live bait works best, particularly around rocky banks with some current.
Book a Fishing Trip on Lake Chickamauga | Fishing Report for Lake Chickamauga
Fishing Gallery from Lake Chickamauga
Ready to book your guided fishing charter on Lake Chickamauga?
We aim to get you hooked on Spotted Bass, Largemouth Bass, and Smallmouth Bass using artificial lures. Please note: We are 100% Catch & Release (on all Bass).