Tail water elevation was 921.03 feet as of April 23, 2014 at 4 AM. Next day release
schedules and data on Cherokee Dam are available here:
http://www.tva.gov/lakes/crh_r.htm
Temperatures taken on the tailrace at the dam on Tuesday the 22nd was 52 degrees
measured at 4:00 PM. Temperatures at 05:00 PM taken at Nance Ferry measured 58
degrees. Again, the six degree difference in temperature exists between the dam and
Nance Ferry.
SUMMARY:
The tailrace has been fishing really well the entire reporting period. Water temperatures have been cold but are steadily climbing and have a long way to go before negatively affecting trout fishing. Rainbow trout of various sizes have been caught throughout the week, the largest measured during the creel survey was 19.25”. It was measured on the upper tailrace close to the dam. That fish as well as many other fine trout, have been caught on night crawlers. The black fly hatch has been prolific across the span of water from Indian Cave to Nance Ferry and beyond. Black as well as tan midges are constantly hatching, especially in the Nance Ferry area. Stone flies have not made their appearance in great numbers, although their nymph form can be found on the bottoms of rocks in faster water. A tiny size 20 tan caddis makes its appearance occasionally but only stays for very short periods of time and disappears. Of course, the fly hatches apply primarily to the fly rod aficionado, but the reality is that spin casting to rising trout is a difficult situation.
A word needs to be mentioned about anglers policing theirselves. We all know that
river access is extremely difficult and private property abounds on both side of the
tailrace. There is a reason for this state of affairs and much of that reason is litter and
disregard for private property. Plastic bottles, food and plastic bags, half eaten food,
fishing line, drink cups and a variety of other junk to include beer bottles and baby
diapers can be found in the parking lot at Nance Ferry. It must be realized that the
Indian Cave access area is private property and access is permitted to anglers out of
the kind consideration of the land owner. That access can be turned off instantly at the
land owner’s whim. Please be considerate of private property. Please, if you carry it in
– take it back out!
RAINBOW & BROWN TROUT: Good
This fishery is really “on” for trout. Many nice rainbows have been caught in the area
between the boat ramp at the dam and Nance Ferry downstream.
Fly fishermen use Griffith’s black gnat size 20, tan caddis size 18 or 20 as required and
sparsely tied. Tiny size 20 to 22 soft hackles in black with a few turns of gray thread for
the body should work for black and white flies alike. A black size 20 soft hackle with a
turn or two of orange thread at the head will add just enough oddity to the fly to make it
selective to trout as the fly floats along in the mass of other flies.
Spinning lures remain unchanged for the most part. The recommended flat fish in
rainbow, brown and brook trout patterns is deadly on trout as well as bass if weighted.
Weighted flatfish can be purchased from the internet. The old, original daredevil is
highly recommended but, it’s hard to beat the common night crawler or garden worm.
Fly fishing is fantastic the entire length of the reporting area, Cherokee Dam
downstream to one mile below Nance Ferry with the only limiting factor being river
access. If one can get on the river – fly fishing is sensational right now. Wading is
possible at Nance Ferry and Indian Cave parking lot with some wading access along
Clarks Road, just off Tampico. NO NEW BASS INFORMATION AT THIS TIME
SMALLMOUTH BASS: Good - The smallmouth fishing on this tailrace is excellent but
so far very, very few anglers are targeting this fish.
The following remains unchanged from last report. The river section downstream from
the Cherokee Dam around the corner at the stone quarry is a hot area for bass. A boat
is needed on this section of the river unless permission is gained from property owners.
Smallmouth action is picking up at Indian Cave and upstream, and again, a boat is
required to cover that section of water.
All lures, other than flies, mentioned above for trout will work for smallmouth as well as
largemouth. As water temperatures warm a bit, low 50s at least, shad raps and jerk
baits will be very useful.
This river is covered with underwater rock ledges that are deeply undercut and will hold
smallmouth of surprising size. Patience and possibly slower than normal retrieve, until
water temps rise, should illicit strikes.