Cherokee Stripers

[Marty]

I am coming down to Cherokee this week and staying down by the dam. Have the stripers and hybrids come down to the dam yet? Are the areators turned on yet? How is the shad availability in the area? Are there still any fish in the breaks? I will appreciate any comments you may offer.
Thanks, Marty

[rychrd]

Hi

Got this from TWRA's site. Keep it in mind when fishing at the dam.

CHEROKEE RESERVOIR
A closed fishing zone will be in effect from July 15 through September 15. This zone is enclosed by lines from the boat ramp at the south end of the dam across the lake to Point 2, from Point 2 to Point 3, and from Point 3 back across the lake to the TWRA boat ramp at the north end of the dam. All bank fishing will be open and the coves along the southeast shoreline will be open to boat fishing, but no fishing for any species will be allowed in the described zone from July 15 through September 15.

Here's a link to a map outlining the no fishing zone.

http://www.tennstripedbass.com/FramedLakeInfo.htm

Just wanted to make sure you didn't have any trouble with the TWRA since this starts on Saturday.

Good Luck!

rychrd

[Yank]

The No Fish Zone goes into effect on this Saturday the 15th. Striper fishing the last couple of years has been real good . From pt. 3 across to Single Tree Island on The Granger County side and down toward May Springs .Also from Pt. 2 to pt.1 and into Mossey Creek and down toward the launch ramp... LOts of Hybrids.. Limit TWO per person.. Suggest you keep them on ICE I have had them spoil by 11a.m. . THe Stripers can not be turned back they just won't make it so keep what you catch. Hybrids seem to make it O.K.turned back. Trolling Bucktails and Large Cranks down 20 to feet will get them. Check your depth finder for the depth of fish and get down 5 to 10ft. above them . Live bait will work to. Bring LOTS OF WATER it's HOT out there . Fishing best EARLY Morning And in the evening. Good HUnting YANK

[rychrd]

Here's the report from TWRA, its a week old, but may still be OK.

CHEROKEE RESERVOIR: 7/6/06

The water level is falling with the surface temperature of 80.3 degrees. The water is a light murky color.
Largemouth and smallmouth bass fishing was slow during he past week. A few were caught around willow trees and in creeks with plastic worms and Carolina rigged lizards.
Walleye are still active. Fish the areas of Three Springs and from Point 24 to 26. Trolling 10 to 20 feet or close to the bottom with minnows or jigs is best.
Striped bass and Cherokee bass can be found at Point 2 to Point 8. Some are being caught at Point 23. Fish 20 to 40 feet deep with live shad or large jigs.
For catfish, fish the bluffs and creek channels. Cut bait and chicken livers are good offerings.

from:

http://www.state.tn.us/twra/eastfish.html

good luck!

rychrd