Gills and shell crackers

Was looking for suggestions in middle TN area to gill/shellcracker fish with minimal boat traffic, as we kayak fish just looking for suggestions to find new areas.

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Down below is a Tennessee State forum. It may. ot hurt to ask there.

reelfoot and its many watersheds. I know its not mid state but great fishing!

There’s a river above McMinnville on the way to Dale Hollow. Good rock bass in there too. If you don’t mind a drive, Woods reservoir from Morris Ferry dock or park, head upriver and fish the edges of the river channel. Hope you don’t mind some crappie too. Lived in Manchester for ten years.

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Originally Posted by kayak for slabs

Was looking for suggestions in middle TN area to gill/shellcracker fish with minimal boat traffic, as we kayak fish just looking for suggestions to find new areas.

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Center Hill Lake is the closest lake to you with good bluegill and shell cracker. As a matter of fact shell cracker fishing there can be off the charts. JPP has bluegill but even though I live close I don’t fish it......it is just not known as a good bluegill lake. Old Hickory has a ton of bluegill...just not any size to them. Old Hickory has a big population of shell cracker also and they are a respectable size. I’ll even tell you where to go in the spring. Put in your kayak at Nat Caldwell Park and paddle up to the creek that feeds the lake. No boat worries there as it is not deep enough for boats. Fall Creek Falls state park lake has trophy bluegill fishing......very kayak friendly as no private owned boats allowed. Woods Reservoir has decent bluegill fishing. If I were you....and lived in Sparta.....I would certainly check out Center Hill Lake. The lake is supposed to be raised back to its normal level this coming spring.....the first time in over 10 years after the dam work is complete. If....and when the lake comes back to normal level.....all the fishing will be off the charts for 5 years straight. It will be the place to be in a kayak when the lake comes up. The water level will be in the tree line.

Regards


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I know there is giant shellcracker in Fall Creek Falls Lake. My personal best was 12 inches and Im sure there is some that will dwarf it. Like Alphahawk said Center Hill will really show you a good time on bluegill. Be warned the smallmouth will rock your world too. Take a handful of trout magnets in these colors limegreen, black, bison, sowbug and red. Good luck.

Any of you guys want to plan an October day trip to Center Hill Lake? PM me if you do.

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Originally Posted by Alphahawk

Center Hill Lake is the closest lake to you with good bluegill and shell cracker. As a matter of fact shell cracker fishing there can be off the charts. JPP has bluegill but even though I live close I don’t fish it......it is just not known as a good bluegill lake. Old Hickory has a ton of bluegill...just not any size to them. Old Hickory has a big population of shell cracker also and they are a respectable size. I’ll even tell you where to go in the spring. Put in your kayak at Nat Caldwell Park and paddle up to the creek that feeds the lake. No boat worries there as it is not deep enough for boats. Fall Creek Falls state park lake has trophy bluegill fishing......very kayak friendly as no private owned boats allowed. Woods Reservoir has decent bluegill fishing. If I were you....and lived in Sparta.....I would certainly check out Center Hill Lake. The lake is supposed to be raised back to its normal level this coming spring.....the first time in over 10 years after the dam work is complete. If....and when the lake comes back to normal level.....all the fishing will be off the charts for 5 years straight. It will be the place to be in a kayak when the lake comes up. The water level will be in the tree line.

Regards


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That does sound like great kayak fishing