East Tennessee Outdoors… News for the week of July 16, 2020

Published 9:20 am Tuesday, July 14, 2020

BY DANNY BLEVINS

STAR CORRESPONDENT

Another week is upon us, and the fishing has slipped into the Summer Doldrums. This is when the fish shut down because the heat of the summer warms the water temperature.

You may have to work hard, but you can still catch fish in both local tailwaters, streams, and lakes.

Local Lake Fishing

With the weather so hot, the best opportunity to catch a big one in any of the local lakes is during night fishing when the weather and water cool.

The walleye, catfish, and bass come out at night to feed, and you can locate many of them in the shallows where they are chasing baitfish.

One piece of advice, watch for the large schools of baitfish “swirling” in one area. They are usually trying to get away from the large predator fish.

Try pulling your swimbait through the middle of the ball of baitfish, and sometimes you will get a hit because your lure makes a good target.

Also, don’t give up on night fishing.

Some of the best fishing happens between midnight and 4 a.m. Most anglers have given up by this time and are snug in their beds, but if you stick with it, your reward may be the best fish of your life.

Give it a try and you may be surprised.

Stream/River Fishing

Fishing in local tailwaters has changed little since the spring because the water below the dams stays at the same temperature during every part of the year.

The tailwater fishing is not changing during the hot summer months.

The mountain streams are a different story.

Most of these streams require you to adjust your fly or lure selection and even the time of day you need to fish. Read the water and adjust your fly/lure to the hatch.

Also, the water is just about as low as it gets, so adjust how you fish.

The best advice I have ever received about stream fishing during this time of year is to stalk the fish. Fish for that monster trout like you are hunting for that 10-point buck.

Ease up to the fishing hole. Read the water and watch your feet placement. Don’t make too much noise and don’t let your shadow reflect on the hole.

You can catch these fish, but you will have to work for every fish you catch.

TWRA

The TWRA has announced the application period for the 2020 Wildlife Management Area Big Game Quota Hunts, the regular elk, youth elk, and WMA youth hunt. All of these are now underway through July 22, 2020.

The WMA hunting instruction sheet lists locations and dates for each of the quota hunts, along with drawing rules and regulations.

Instruction sheets can be obtained and applications made for the hunts at any TWRA license agent, TWRA regional office, or online at www.gooutdoorstennessee.com.

There is no fee for current Annual Sportsman License holders, Lifetime Sportsman License holders, or seniors possessing a Type 167 Annual Senior Citizen Sportsman License.

For all other applicants, there is a non-refundable $12 permit fee for each drawing entered.

There is a $1 agent fee for applications made at a licensed agent. When applying at a licensed agent, hunters must remain at the location while the application is processed to verify the information is correct on the receipt.

After all the drawings are conducted, leftover permits will be sold on-line, on a first-come, first-serve basis beginning August 26, at 8 a.m. (CDT).

This is your perfect opportunity to hunt an area that is not usually hunted or to get a tag for one of the Tennessee elk hunts.  

Go to twra.com or a licensed agent for more information.

Take some time this week to enjoy our beautiful outdoors and the summer weather.

It will be snowing before you know it!