Fishing Report - March 16, 2023

Largemouth Bass - Last week had lots of tournaments on the lake with the livescope winning most of them. However, there was a 5 fish limit over 30 pounds weighed in "old school" but fishing Rattle baits and swimbaits. One of the best swimbaits made is the Jenko Booty Shaker and has been a dominant player on the TN river. This week, the river is on a huge rise with the rains and lots of current. THe first few days will be tough, but after 2-3 days, some of the best fishing of the year can happen. Bass will look for current seams and eddies and can group up. Cranking an orange crankbait form 7 foot to 15 foot deep will be the deal or a big Billy Phillips Spinnerbait. The sediment and current will greatly hurt the livescope guys, so its time for the old school to play.

Crappie - Last week was awesome with crappie still relating to deep structure. Lots of limits caught both with a long pole and casting. Livescope is a game changer for crappie and allows you to see the brush and how they are positioned. They bite so much better when they are in the top of the structure. The X series Jenko 13 foot is the ultimate livescope jig rod if vertical fishing. With the extreme rise of water this week and mud, it will take a few days for the fish to adjust, but i would look for them in eddies and on a little shallower structure this week or suspended.

Catfish - Get ready for the beat down! Spring rains and high water equals a huge feed for catfish. Great time to fill the freezer on the lake or river. Just remember be very careful as the water is rising very fast and lots of floating things on the river.

White Bass - Running like crazy below the dam. The huge rise this week may slow them down for a few days, but as it peaks, look for eddies in mouths of creeks or on sandbars and throw your favorite small grub or swimbait for loads of fun. This is often a great way to start new anglers or if your an old one like me just go "count pulls" as my old friend Mike Whitten used to say.

Anybody that has ever built something knows things never goes as planned. We were hoping to be open at the Lodge by now with our date of March 1, but things happen. Getting closer each day and we are excited for a great Spring as we open in a couple weeks. We would sure appreciate you considering us for your stay when you come enjoy Pickwick Lake!