Here is the TWRA fishing report for April 25:
Center Hill: Fishing is fair. Water temperature is 64 degrees; lake is stable. A few bass are being caught on topwater baits and small worms, while fishing shallow in the creeks. A few walleye are being caught near Sligo with nightcrawlers in 15 feet of water. Lots of bluegill and shellcrackers are being caught on nightcrawlers in 5-to-10 feet of water.
Cordell Hull: Fishing is slow. Water temperature is 57 degrees; lake is rising . A few bass are being caught on spinnerbaits and jigs, while fishing shallow in the creeks. A few catfish are being caught on trotlines and jigs while baiting with shad in the creeks. A few sauger are being caught near Celina in 15 feet of water.
Chickamauga: The lake is rising and the water temperature is near 70 degrees.
This is the perfect combination for shallow slough fish. All the shallow lures can be used to catch bass. Creature lures will probably be the better choice. Heavy fish continue to be caught. Crappie can be caught while using tubes, jigs and minnows. Most are adjacent to the banks in water depths greater than 8 feet. Brush, grass or stumps will improve the odds of catching crappie. Some bluegill and shellcrackers can be caught shallow. Some bedders are being caught. White bass, striped bass, catfish, and black bass are being caught in the tailwaters. Sequoyah Nuclear Plant is an area popular for those in search of catfish.
Dale Hollow: Fishing is fair. Water temperature is 64 degrees. Lake is falling. A few bass are being caught on swimbaits and jerkbaits in 5-to-15 feet of water. Lots of shellcrackers and bluegills are being caught on nightcrawlers on flat banks in 5 feet of water. A few walleye are being caught near Sunset Dock, while trolling in 15 feet of water.
Nickajack: The lake temperature is above 70. Bass are being caught in the shallow coves and shallow river flats adjacent to the main channel. Top water lures and plastic worms are being used to catch bass in all areas. Crappie are being caught shallow over grass beds. Catfish are being caught in the main channel in the lake area and in the Riverpark area. Shad is the best bait for catfish. Striped bass, white bass and black bass are being caught in the Riverpark area. Big bluegill are being caught in the calm water below Chickamauga Dam while using worms.
Watts Bar: The surface water temperature is near 70 degrees. The lake is filling but is not full. Bass are being caught shallow in spawning areas around stumps, docks and brush. Some nice bass are being caught along secondary points. Creature baits are being used as often as any other bait. Jerkbaits are probably the second choice for many anglers and may be the better bait for the heavier fish. Crappie can be caught shallow. The greater number of crappie should be targeted around structure in 12 feet of water. Vertical presentation with minnows is the best technique for catching the most crappie. White and striped bass are being caught in the tailwaters in both the upper arms of the reservoir. Minnows and jigs are equal opportunity bait selections. Catfish are being caught in the tailwaters. A few shellcrackers and yellow perch are being caught in the Clinch River.