Lake Chatuge Fishing Report – December 2021

Chatuge: Level: 7 feet below full pool.  Temp: 57-59 degrees. Clarity: Clear.

Bass: Guide Eric Welch reports: “Fishing is getting better every day. The lake is down almost at winter pool. Once the sun starts breaking through the clouds, you should start seeing some breaking fish. The only problem with that is being in the right place at the right time. Some of the pockets have been having multiple schools of baitfish, so once they start busting the schools up, you have fish breaking all around you. Now if your luck is like mine, they’re always just out of casting distance. You just got to have patience and try positioning yourself in the direction it looks like they’re moving the herring. If you have the Garmin LiveScope, you can watch and follow the bait. I like throwing Berkley Cane Walkers, Lucky Craft Gunfish, Whooper Ploppers, and I will also mix in a Sebile Magic Swimmer and a 3.25 Strike King Sexy Swimmer. I have also been marking a lot of fish 12 to 35 feet deep. These fish are in areas where there is a ditch, drop-off or a long point. I target these fish with a Texas rig, shaky head, Ned rig and a drop shot. I’ve not been marking a lot off fish in the offshore structure due to them chasing a lot of bait right now. I’ve also been catching fish with a drop shot and a Ned rig around rocky banks, laydowns and docks. When the water temps drop on down and the baitfish are not as active, you will see the fish go back to structure. Good luck.”