Fishing conditions at Watts Bar as of September 5, 2018:

Reservoir Conditions: Summer normal elevation: 740.5 feet. Winter normal elevation: 736.0 feet. Current elevation: 740.92 feet. The water surface temperature is 82 degrees.

Largemouth Bass: Bass are being caught shallow by a few anglers around the grass especially in low or no light conditions. Traditional deep water structure normally targeted by anglers in the summer are also popular. Fish the arsenal required for proper lure presentation.

Smallmouth Bass: Fish at night around primary rocky banks to increase the odds of catching smallmouth. Favorite baits rule.

Crappie: Dock pitchers are catching a few crappie while using jigs. Most crappie that are being caught are located around docks in the deeper creeks. Easier and more comfortable fishing occurs at night under some light source.

Catfish: River drifters are catching fish in the river while using meaty baits. Shad is the better bait.

Striped bass: The upper reservoir in the Clinch and Tennessee Rivers are the best areas to catch fish. Shad is the best bait to use. Many anglers, especially bank anglers do use large jigs.

White Bass: Mid lake humps are being targeted by those anglers using spinner type lures.