Thread: Clearing Waters

We have experienced 17+ inches of rain since Jan 1st, with 5 of that coming this past Saturday. Cherokee Lake is at full summer pool elevation, usually TVA and Mother Nature collaborate to achieve this in June, not February.

But alas, the waters are clearing. Run off flows are slowing and the chocolate red influx is gradually changing flavors. After work I checked 3 local bank fishing holes and quickly realized I needed a machete, chainsaw, or even a small Bobcat to blaze a trail through the brush and floating trash to get to the creek mouths. So what about a small bridge or culvert, a pinch point if you will with clearing current from the creek flow. The fish have to eat right, and a concrete culvert provides the perfect ambush point for an afternoon snack. A Bison colored Trout Magnet with a Chartreuse Wax Worm and a spray of Slab Sauce was my choice in the stained water and the first drop I made from the elevated side something took my offerings and never stopped. Catfish probably, slimed me good. I have plenty more where that one came from and a few casts later, a nice Bluegill.

I quickly realized the elevated fishing spot was not conducive to lifting my catch over the concrete with the JDM rod so I clambered down to the waters edge to avoid any more rod tip mishaps. Smart move as the first of 4 bass slammed by bait and after a balancing act on the rip rap rocks he came in to be photographed and released.
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These ditch pickles were feeding on the Shad in the culvert by running them up against the wall and slurping them down. Fun to catch they are, no complaints from me in these conditions. Soon though a familiar thump and the first of several Crappie were fooled and photographed.
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A couple small Gills were there also, everyone got a pass no matter what size or species.
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By 6:30, supper was calling and the last fish of the night provided a nice departing sunset shot.
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