Tail water elevation was 921.00 feet on May 21, 2014 at 7 PM. 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 over the past four days average out to 58 degrees.
SUMMARY:
Trout rises during late mornings and afternoons were notably reduced for the week. Anglers would do well to try fishing with nymphs and streamers as the trout were feeding on the bottom or in the water column.
RAINBOW AND BROWN TROUT: Good
Trout display varying degrees of activity depending upon the release of cold water. Best fishing is when one generator is in operation. Insect activity has slowed down for this report period resulting in a lower rise count.
Use flies and lures in accordance with insect hatches and rises and fly fish anglers focus on nymphs and try a weighted soft hackle in dark gray. Spin casters use flat fish, daredevils and spinners in appropriate colors as indicated by water conditions. Try night crawlers in deeper sections.
BLACK BASS: Fair
Anglers are starting to target black bass, smallmouth to be more precise. It should be noted that bass anglers are getting surprised by catching some very nice striped bass near the reservoir. The tailrace has a good population of stripers.
Spinner baits as well as deep diving crank baits are recommended. Shades of green or green and shad are preferred colors.