Here is the fishing report for Watts Bar for August 30, 2018:
Reservoir Conditions: Normal summer elevation: 740.5 feet. Normal winter elevation: 736.0 feet. Current elevation: 741.02 feet. The water surface temperature is in the lower 80’s.
Largemouth Bass: Locate grass beds or fish deep structure close to the main channel. Spinnerbaits, crankbaits or plastic worms are being used.
Smallmouth Bass: Most fish are being caught along the rocky banks. Fish the main channel. Small profile lures are better than the alternatives. Several anglers are catching more fish at night.
Crappie: Minnows or jigs can be used around river rocky points, deep docks, or deep secondary brush. Fish under lights at night. Mirror image of Chickamauga.
Catfish: Use anything meaty. A lot of fish are being caught. Current increases the odds of good catches. Bigger baits catch bigger fish. Concentrate on the main channel and mid to upper lake is better.
Walleye: Some mid lake anglers are catching a walleye every now and then while bass fishing ledges with crankbaits.
Striped Bass: Shad is the best bait. Not a great number of fish are being caught. The Clinch may be better than the tailwaters below Ft. Loudon Dam because of the cooler water.
White Bass: Some breaking fish can be found in the mid lake especially late in the day. Use spoons, roostertails, or topwater lures. Mid lake humps and ledges have fish that can be caught deep while using heavy spinner type lures.
Bluegill/Shellcracker: Fish river bluff walls with crickets or worms.