April 2018 FREE! IT S SPRING FISHING TIME IN TENNESSEE! FREE WWW.TNFHG.COM - Full Color On The Web! MORE FACTS, PHOTOS, AND FUN INSIDE! FREE
TENNESSEE FISHING & HUNTING GUIDE 1805 Amarillo Ln Knoxville, TN 37922 865-693-7468 J.L. & Lin Stepp Publishers Serving Tennessee Since 1990 BENTON SHOOTERS SUPPLY The Largest Shooters Supply Store In The South! WWW.BENTONSHOOTERS.COM 423-338-2008 Hwy 411, Benton, TN 37307 Mon - Sat 9am - 6pm HUNTING & FISHING SUPPLIES - GUNS - AMMO ARCHEREY EQUIPMENT - SAFES OUTDOOR CLOTHING FOR MEN/WOMEN/CHILDREN Our E-mail: steppcom@aol.com Send us your pictures! ABOUT THE COVER It s crappie time in Tennessee! On this month s cover, Charles and Margaret from Texas got in on the crappie action on Lake Chickamauga. They were guided by Capt. Barry White. Spring turkey season is also in full swing this month, so it s a great time to enjoy springtime fishing and hunting in Tennessee! Cover photo courtesy Barry s Guide Service 931-261-4114 www.barrysguideservice.com Fish & Hunt Tennessee! 2 Long guns and handguns: Over 2,000 guns in stock! Ammo and supplies for every shooting need. KEEP OUR TENNESSEE LAKES CLEAN Introduce A Kid To Fishing!
WATTS BAR LAKE 4 CORNERS MARKET Intersection of Hwys 58 & 68, Decatur, TN * Gotzza Pizza - Subs - Salad - Wings (Delicious & Best @ Prices) Call In or Carry Out * Hunting & Fishing Licenses * Live Bait & Fishing Supplies * Cigarettes - Beer - Groceries * 100% Ethanol-Free Gas (grades 87 & 93) OPEN 7 DAYS - Big Game Checking Station 423-334-9518 Beth and Billy from Indiana caught some good Watts Bar crappies! Guided by Barry s Guide Service. * Groceries * Deli - Take-Out * Pizza * 100% Gas - no ethanol * Live Bait * Worms * Beer * Ice * Lottery * Propane * Minnows Watts Bar Fishing Report: Largemouth Bass: Bass anglers are catching fish in 2 to 8 feet of water. Jigs, lipless lures and square bill crankbaits are being used more than other baits. Smallmouth Bass: Anglers are targeting large secondary points with various baits. The fishing is getting better, but stable water levels would be better. Crappie: A few open water secondary fish are being caught by trollers in 12 to 15 feet of water. Some anglers are bumping the bottom with minnows in secondary water 20 to 40 feet deep. Catfish: Slow. Walleye: Slow. The upper river is challenging. Bluegill: Use worms around docks or along rocky creek banks. - report by TWRA Region III with data from Huntfishbuddy. NOW! VIEW THIS MAGAZINE IN COLOR ONLINE AT WWW.TNFHG.COM 3
WATTS BAR LAKE * Fishing Equipment * Tackle * Live Bait * Open Mon - Sat 423-365-2266 290 Whites Creek Road Spring City, TN 37381 SATURDAY TOURNAMENTS EVERYONE WELCOME Tom Fuller Park - Rockwood TN/Watts Bar Lake 7:00 AM or Safe Light to 3:00 P.M. 25$ per person - 100% Payback For more information DWIGHT HAGLER 423-593-6040 4 John Henry caught 21 bass on Watts Bar 3/21/18 with two this size. Photo courtesy Jerry s Bait Shop.
WATTS BAR LAKE Sharon Edington - big catch on Watts Bar. Photo courtesy Jerry s Bait Shop. TWRA Requests Public Input for 2019 Fishing Regulations NASHVILLE --- The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is welcoming comments for its 2019 fishing regulations. This is an opportunity for the public to share ideas and concerns about fishing regulations with TWRA staff. The comment period concerning fishing regulations will be open until April 22, 2018. (Con t on p. 8) Jacob Andrews had a good day on Watts Bar with these two March bass. Photo Jerry s Bait Shop. 5
WATTS BAR LAKE Archery Equip & Supplies Custom made Long-Bows and Muzzleloaders Guns - Ammo - Scopes Treestands - Clothing Open: Tu - F 12-7 / Sat 12-8 Business 423-619-8739 wilkey.doa@gmail.com Mike 423-605-2299 Stacia 423-605-0116 1367 Market St. Dayton, TN 37321 Good Spring day fishing Chickamauga. Photo courtesy Barry s Guide Service. Guide Capt. Barry White with Chickamauga crappies. Photo Barry s Guide Service. 6 A good day crappie fishing on Chickamauga. Guided by Barry s Guide Service. WWW.TNFHG.COM Tanner and his dad Heath battled the wind, but still caught some good fish. Photo Barry s Guide Service. Download this magazine in full color!
WATTS BAR LAKE Restaurant and store open every day from 7 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. 89 octane fuel - no ethanol fishing license, live bait, marine supplies, snacks Authorized service on Evinrude and Yamaha outboards by appt. Authorized Stratos Bass Boat dealer 423-365-6484 arrowheadresort@volstate.net TURKEY SEASON INFO AND FACTS Watts Bar Bait and Tackle 1831 State Hwy 68W Decatur, TN 37322 423-334-4286 LIVE BAIT - TACKLE - FISHING SUPPLIES 100% GAS - GROCERIES - DELI LICENSES - BIG GAME CHECKING STATION BEER - ICE - CIGARETTES Open 7 Days from 5am - till fish quit biting! - AMERICAN OWNED - Shotgun/Archery Season Dates March 31-May 13, 2018 All Tennessee counties are open to wild turkey hunting including WMAs and refuges unless specifically listed. (Con t on page 18) Ph: (423)365-9521 Fax:(423)365-0921 1190 Whites Creek Rd - Spring City, TN 37381 * Lodging For Any Need * Plus New Floating Covered Docks www.whitescreekmarina.com Troy and Giselle from Indiana escaped the snow for a fishing trip on Lake Chickamauga. Photo courtesy Barry s Guide Service. 7
HIWASSEE / OCOEE RIVERS ( Public Input... con t from p. 5) Public comments will be considered by fisheries managers and may be presented as proposals for regulation changes. Comments may be submitted by mail to: Attn: Fisheries Division-Comments, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, P.O. 40747, Nashville, TN 37204 or emailed to FishingReg.Comments@tn.gov. Please include Fish Comments on the subject line of emailed submissions. The proposed fishing regulation changes will be previewed in August at the meeting of the Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission. There will be a public comment period on the proposed regulations after the presentation. ---TWRA--- Send us your hunting & fishing photos: email to steppcom@aol.com 8
FORT LOUDON / TELLICO Photos above: Happy anglers enjoy striper action below Ft. Loudon Dam. Photos FISH ON! Guided Tours. This Magazine Provided To You FREE By The Advertisers Thank Them With YOUR Business! 2018 Fishing Licenses On Sale Now! WWW.TNFHG.COM Download this magazine in full color! 9
FORT LOUDON / TELLICO Global Loan & Pawn Need Cash Quick? We loan on guns, jewelry, car titles, land, boats, any item of value We Pawn, Buy & Sell We can order any gun you need, If we don t have it! (865) 988-5263 312 West Broadway, Lenoir City, TN 37771 OPEN: M - F 10-6 Sat 10-3 pawn@globalpawn.net $10.00 Off $10.00 Off $10.00 OFF ANY GUN WITH COUPON $10.00 Off $10.00 Off 10 Big striper below Ft. Loudon Dam. Guided by FISH ON! Guided Tours.
FORT LOUDON / TELLICO Photos above: stripers and a big smallmouth bass below Ft. Loudon Dam - guided by FISH ON! Guided Tours. 11
FORT LOUDON / TELLICO 12 Photos avove: Cold weather striper action below Ft. Loudon Dam. Guided by FISH ON! Guided Tours.
FORT LOUDON / TELLICO "Every cast is a new adventure!" Capt. Chadwick Ferrell Join "Fish On!" Guided Tours, Located on the Tennessee and Clinch rivers. Est. 1998. As seen on "Live at Five","Allstar Cast" and featured in Tennessee Sportsman magazine. Member: Knoxville Chamber Of Commerce in 2007. Your guide has over 24 years exp. as a LOCAL, sponsored/pro angler. We are a FULL TIME guide service, targeting ALL east Tennessee species: Trophy Striper, Trout, Catfish, Bass, Crappie, White bass, Sauger and Muskey. We fish ALL year round..great Gift Idea! Gift Certificates available. Book Today! Check us out at WWW.FISHONTOURS. COM. Contact : USCG Certified, Captain Chadwick Ferrell, 865-455-0412 Thank You and Tight Lines. Above: catfish & stripers below Ft. Loudon Dam - guided by FISH ON! Guided Tours. 13
FORT LOUDON / TELLICO Fishing Supplies - Custom Lures - Live Bait - Hunting Supplies - Licenses Checking Station - Hardware - Gas - Convenient Mart - OPEN 7 DAYS 14 Photos above: Good striper catches below Ft. Loudon Dam - guided by FISH ON! Guided Tours. WWW.TNFHG.COM Download this magazine in full color! VOLUNTEER BASS TRAIL - April 28 - Ft. Loudon/Tellico - canal ramp For info: James Nuckols 865-354-2653 volunteerbasstrail.com
FORT LOUDON / TELLICO Allen s Guns and Leather - FREE LAYAWAY! - NEW AND USED GUNS - LARGE SELECTION OF AMMO BUY - SELL - TRADE - TRANSFER - FFL DEALER Looking for something? We cand help you find it! Ammo - Holsters - Scopes - Carry Purses Ask About Out Custom Leather Belts, Wallets, Zippo Lighters, Belt Buckles - Glock Armor - 865-986-4888 5125 B Hwy 321 N, Lenoir City, TN Big striper below Ft. Loudon Dam. Photo courtesy FISH ON! Guided Tours. Send us your hunting & fishing photos: email to steppcom@aol.com 15
CHEROKEE LAKE Swango s Precision Firearms 7272 St. Clair Rd. Whitesburg, TN 37891 423-235-1022 Open: Mon - Sat 9-5 www.precisionfirearms.com Buy, Sell, Trade, Transfer Pistols, Rifles, Shotguns, Safes Ammo, Accessories, Reloading Supplies Special Orders, & Handgun Carry Classes Nice smallies caught by Stan and Gary at Gilmore Dock. Photos courtesy Gilmore Dock. 16 Photos above: Greg Boykin has been haulin in some nice smallies at Gilmore Dock. Photos courtesy Gilmore Dock. Gary Mitchell with a nice smallie. Photo courtesy Gilmore Dock.
CHEROKEE LAKE Gary with nice smallie off Gilmore Dock. Photo Gilmore Dock. 2018 Young Sportsman Spring Turkey Hunt March 24-25, Statewide Season Opens March 31 NASHVILLE --- Tennessee s 2018 spring turkey season opens on Saturday, March 31 and continues through Sunday, May 13. The state young sportsman hunt for youth ages 6-16 is March 24-25. Spring turkey harvest numbers have been consistent for a number of years in Tennessee. Tennessee turkey hunters have passed the 30,000 harvest mark for 15 consecutive years during the spring hunting season. Stan with smallmouth caught at dock. Photo courtesy Gilmore Dock. DOUGLAS LAKE INDIAN CREEK MARKET & DELI 1811 Indian Creek Road Dandridge, TN 37725 OPEN 7 Days a Week 6:00 am - 9:00 pm Phone # 865-397-0880 Full Menu: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner - Take Out Ask About our Daily Specials and Desserts! Live Bait - Fishing Supplies BOAT STORAGE - BOAT REPAIRS Hunting hours for turkeys are 30 minutes prior to legal sunrise until legal sunset. Legal hunting equipment includes shot- (Con t on p. 18) 17
NORRIS LAKE ( Turkey Season... con t from p. 17) guns using ammunition loaded with No. 4 shot or smaller. There is no restriction on number of rounds in magazine. Longbows, recurve bows, compound bows, and crossbows are permitted. Firearms and archery equipment may have sighting devices except those devices utilizing an artificial light capable of locating wildlife. Night vision scopes are illegal. Bag limits are one bearded turkey per day, not to exceed four per season. Any turkeys harvested during the young sportsman hunt count toward the spring season limit. More information on the 2018 spring turkey season can be found in the 2017-18 Tennessee Hunting & Trapping Guide. The guide is available at TWRA offices, license agents, and online at www.tnwildlife. org. ---TWRA--- 18 Daniel Terry with a big 8-pound smallmouth. Photo courtesy Judy s Grocery. ( Turkey Season Info... con t from page 7) Bag Limits One (1) bearded turkey per day, not to exceed four (4) per season. Turkeys taken on all quota hunts and specially designated (Con t on p. 22)
TFWC Votes to Begin Setting Hunting, Fishing Regulations Every Other Year NORRIS LAKE NASHVILLE --- The Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission voted to establish hunting and fishing regulations every two years, rather than on an annual basis. The decision for the change came at the TFWC s March meeting, which ended Wednesday at the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency s Region II Ray Bell Building. CEDAR GROVE MARINA & CAMPGROUND Scott Liford & Jeff Norris Owners *Houseboat Rentals *Speedboat Rentals *Pontoon Rentals *Open Pontoon Slips *New Wave Runner Rentals *New Park Models Rentals *Paddle Board & Boat Rentals *Water Toy Rentals *Overnight & Primitive Temt Camping Phone (865)278-3131 cedargrovemarina.com Beginning in 2018, the hunting regulations will be set on the even years. The hunting regulations will be set in May. Fishing regulations will be set for two years on odd years beginning in 2019. The commission also directed the TWRA to hold public meetings twice a year in each of the four TWRA regions. The meetings will offer a time for sportsmen to offer input and ask questions of TWRA personnel. Brad Miller, TWRA s Elk Program Leader, made a presentation on the TWRA s strategic elk plan for the next 10 years. The plan has an emphasis on healthy populations, habitats, and public involvement. Dr. David Buehler from the University of Tennessee gave a first-year update on a turkey research project in southern Middle Tennessee counties, where the turkey population is a concern. The TWRA, UT, and National Wild Turkey Federation are currently partnering in a 6-year project that began in late 2016 to look at turkey survival, reproduction and other factors having an impact on population trends in the area. The first field season of date collection went smoothly and the project is well into its second year, Dr. Buehler said. The turkey population dynamic being learned will prove very useful in making future turkey (Con t on p. 20) A Full-Service Marina conveniently located on beautiful Norris Lake off Hwy 33 in New Tazewell, TN New Luxury Houseboat Rentals Speedboat Rentals Pontoon Rentals Open Pontoon Slips New Wave Runner Rentals New Park Models Rentals Paddle Board & Paddle Boat Rentals Water Toy Rentals Overnight & Primitive Tent Camping Contact us today and start planning your next lake get-away! 865-278-3131 e-mail: cedargrovemarina@hotmail.com www.cedargrovemarina.com 19
WATAUGA / S. HOLSTON / BOONE Brummitt s Bait & Tackle Live Bait 746 Hwy 321 Hampton, TN 37658 ( TFWC Votes... con t from p. 19) management decisions. Roaring River Dam in Jackson County was removed last year. The low head dam built in 1976 was 220 feet across and 15 feet tall. TWRA Region III fisheries biologist, Mark Thurman, gave a report on the eroding dam s removal. He said the dam s removal helps make the river safer for recreation and opens the river to benefit several species of fish including white bass, sauger, smallmouth bass and redhorse suckers. It will also benefit other species. 423-895-8161 Law Enforcement s Lt. Col. Cape Taylor gave an update in regard to the cost of equipment to help with law enforcement issues surrounding chronic wasting disease (CWD). He gave cost estimates of freezers in case there is ever a need to store CWD positive deer or elk. Information on incinerators will be presented at the April TFWC meeting. The commission was also informed that a new live elk cam, located at Hatfield Knob viewing area on North (Con t on p. 21) 20 Brian Radar will be having a big fish fry with these heavy trout caught in Watauga River. Photo courtesy Brummitt s Bait & Tackle.
WATAUGA / S. HOLSTON / BOONE Mack White with a big spot. Photo courtesy TNT Outdoors. ( TFWC Votes... con t from p. 20) Cumberland Wildlife Management Area, will soon be available. The elk cam is currently undergoing testing. The commission received a preview at the meeting while the area was receiving snowfall on Wednesday. The Boating and Law Enforcement Division introduced its boating officers of the year. Sumner County officer (Con t on p. 23) 2018 Fishing Licenses On Sale Now! WWW.TNFHG.COM Download this magazine in full color! 21
DALE HOLLOW LAKE DALE HOLLOW SPRING BASS CLASSIC Hosted by: SUNSET MARINA April 14 & 15, 2018 2 MAN BUDDY TOURNAMENT SATURDAY: 7am to 4pm SUNDAY: 7am to 2pm $22,500 POTENTIAL PRIZE MONEY $500 BIG BASS EACH DAY Sponsored By: THE TOWN OF BYRDSTOWN AND PICKETT COUNTY GOVERNMENT BYRDSTOWN-PICKETT COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE $500 EACH DAY AWARDED FOR THE BIGGEST BASS EITHER SPECIES! BOATS WILL BE SENT OUT IN FLIGHTS - EARLIEST REGISTRATION DETERMINES FLIGHT NUMBER. - LIMITED T0 THE FIRST 150 BOATS ENTERED ENTRY FEE $150 PER BOAT Non-Refundable Two people per boat ( Turkey Season Info... con t from page 18) WMAs are bonus turkeys. Spring Turkey Shooting Hours Thirty (30) minutes before legal sunrise to sunset. Spring Turkey On WMAs 22 The use of any type of food to feed or attract wild turkeys on WMAs is prohibited. Calling or attempting to call wild turkeys using any means to mimic the sounds made by turkeys is prohib- (Con t on p. 23)
DALE HOLLOW LAKE Boat Parking With Elec. Hook-ups Wireless Internet Security Cameras - FACILITIES FOR SALE - - Dale Hollow Fishing Report - courtesy Sportsman s Lodge Motel Smallmouth Bass: A few smallmouths are being caught on jerkbaits and A-rigs while fishing points with grass in about 10-15 feet of water. Largemouth Bass: A few largemouths are being caught on A-rigs, jerkbaits, and jigs while fishing shallow cover in the rivers. Crappie: A few crappie are being caught near Eastport while fishing minnows around shallow cover. (Huntfishbuddy.com) ( TFWC Votes... con t from p. 21) Nathan Karch is the full-time officer of the year while Melvin McLerran is the part-time officer of the year. McLerran also received the award in 2015. Both officers serve in TWRA Region II s District 21, primarily on Middle Tennessee reservoirs. The meeting was the first with Dr. Jeff Cook presiding as chair. Commissioner Jamie Woodson was presented a plaque of appreciation commemorating her service as the chair this past year. ---TWRA--- ( Turkey Season Info... con t from page 22) ited on all WMAs from March 1 until the opening day of the spring turkey hunts on the WMA. Statewide Spring Young Sportsman Hunt Ages 6-16. One (1) bearded turkey per day, which counts toward the statewide bag, unless taken on a WMA where turkeys are designated as bonus birds. Each young sportsman must be accompanied by a non-hunting adult, 21 years of age or older, who must remain in a position to take immediate control of the hunting device. Youth 10 years of age or older must meet Hunter Education requirements. Multiple youth may be accompanied by a single non-hunting adult, who is not required to have a license. Horse Creek Dock & Resort 703 Horse Creek Dock Road, Celina, TN 38551 931-243-2125 * COTTAGES * BOAT RENTALS * FISHING SUPPLIES * BAIT * ICE - GROCERIES 23
CENTER HILL LAKE Center Hill Fishing Report: Reservoir Conditions: Fishing is good. The water temperature is 54 degrees. Lake is very unstable still and the water level is at 650 feet. Black Bass: Several nice bass are being caught on A-rigs while fishing channel banks in 5-15 feet of water. Crappie: A few crappie are being caught with minnows around sunken brush in 10-15 feet of water. Walleye: A few walleye are being caught near the blue hole on jigs in about 15-30 feet of water. Fishing Report provided by TWRA Creel Clerks through Huntfishbuddy Meadow Park Lake Old City Lake, located on City Lake Rd just off Hwy 101 S. in Cumberland County, is a prime fishing spot for black spotted crappie, largemouth bass, bluegill and shellcrackers. March and April are excellent spring months for finding crappie and bass on beds. April and May the bluegill and shellcrackers are easily caught using earthworms and crickets. The lake has yielded 12 & 13 pound catfish in the past couple of years. Grass carp are plentiful and weigh in at around 23-27 pounds. Creek channels and old stream beds are easily located due to the clearness of the water. The lake has had some stocking and habitat management implemented over the last five years. Both live and artificial baits have proved successful on the lake. The 300-acre lake is a protected watershed impoundment owned by the City of Crossville. Boats with gasoline motors are allowed - however, skiing, jet skis, and other personal watercraft are not allowed. There is a special permit fee per person and ramp that you have to purchase at the lake office if launching a boat. The park has a small campground with full amenities. The campground boasts a new bath house and RV dumping station. Our new covered boat storage slips have recently been rennovated and slips rent by season, month, or day. You can also enjoy our floating fishing pier. The office has a few boats and some electric motors to rent, ice, snacks, licenses, fishing tackle, redworms, nightcrawlers, and crickets for sale. 24 This Magazine Provided To You FREE By The Advertisers Thank Them With YOUR Business!
PAY LAKE FISHING GALLATIN PAY LAKE 1035 N.WATER AVE. GALLATIN,TN.37066 1 (615) 230-0456 LAKE OPEN: 7:00am To 7:00am $10.00 Per Person MONDAY THU SUNDAY, (BUT, BAIT SHOP CLOSED: Mon.,Tue., Wed., Thur.). USE MAIL SLOT TO PAY ON SIDE OF BAIT SHOP. BRING YOUR OWN BAIT CATCH AND RELEASE ONLY! Larry Gilmore - 20 lbs 5 oz 3/17/18. Photo courtesy Gallatin Pay Lake. BAIT SHOP OPEN: Fridays Saturdays Sundays ONLY 7:00am To 9:00pm STARTING MARCH 30 Friday, MARCH 31 SATURDAY, APRIL 1 SUNDAY $10.00 per person, children 10 and under fish free on paid parent ticket $2.00 Per LB. to keep fish on Fri, Sat, Sun only! Pickle Jar: Fri, Sat, Sun. OLNY AFTER 9:00pm Catch and Release Only! TILL 7:00am Larry Gilmore - 8 lbs 5 oz 3/24/18. Photo Gallatin Pay Lake. Juan - 16 lbs 5 oz 3/10/18. Photo Gallatin Pay Lake. 25
26 OLD HICKORY LAKE
OLD HICKORY LAKE SUMNER/ WILSON BASS ANGLERS ASSOCIATION April 15, 22 -Bull Creek - SL - 1pm For info: 615-517-5521 www.swbass.weebly.com U.S.A. Bassin Team Trail April 7, 21 Fate Sanders Ramp Percy Priest 27
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