What happened?

[htr2133]

I had the opportunity to fish for 4-5 hrs Fri. afternoon and again today. I went back to Old Hickory Shutes Branch Access on Fri., fished all the same areas thinking the fish would be shallow. Water temps were perfect, water is stained and there is lots of trash but nothing compared to many lakes I've fished. I only caught 1 small crappie trolling in about 7 fow.

I went to Cedar Creek Marina Access today to try some new areas; I found some nice flats and some what I would think would be spawning areas. No keepers, just 4 small crappie, some yellow bass and a drum. I spider rigged the flats 8-11 fow, spider rigged in the coves 4-8 fow, pitched minnows to rip-rap and dipped jigs and minnows on lay downs. A couple of other guys said they had it tough today as well.

Have the fish spawned on OH already and I'm just wasting time in the shallows? Or did the rain this past week cool things down and push the fish back out a bit? Talked to an owner of a dock and he said he did ok this morning but caught all their fish in 18-22 fow. He also said OH is typically a late spawn lake (late Apri/early May). What say ye?

Any info to help me figure out the puzzle would much appreciated. I am new to the area and new to fishing a big lake like OH.

Thanks!

[rcnickparker]

i believe everything is late this year

[sailfish1]

i know on some east tenn.lakes the water is coming up fast in a day or so and it seems to be scattering the fish, long line trolling covering alot of water seems to be the key for us right now

[htr2133]

i know on some east tenn.lakes the water is coming up fast in a day or so and it seems to be scattering the fish, long line trolling covering alot of water seems to be the key for us right now

Thanks for the response; I am not set up for long-lining or I would have tried it

I did go back to Old Hickory yesterday and the fish were aggressive for about 2 hours and then it dramatically slowed down. Unfortunately the crappie I caught were all small except for one 11 inched (Male, very dark). The fun part was the bluegill! We ended up keeping 6 huge ones to eat. We also caught a ton of yellow bass and I landed two 2-3lb spotted bass (I think).