Lake Chatuge Fishing Report – April 2006

Chatuge: Level: 3.2 feet below full pool. Temp: 50 degrees. Clarity: Clear.

Bass: Improving as the water temperature rises. It took 17 pounds to win a tournament on March 25. The winning weight was anchored by a largemouth that weighed 8 1/2 pounds. According to John Hembree, there were lots of fat spots in the 2- to 3 1/2-lb. range, and at least one spot in the 4-lb. range. Slow-moving baits, primarily worms, accounted for the better catches, said John, who caught a few fish on a Texas rig in brush 15- to 20-feet deep. That will change soon, however, to faster-moving baits like crankbaits, jerkbaits and flukes as the water warms and the fish move up for the pre-spawn.