Fishing conditions for Watts Bar for July 26, 2018:

Reservoir Conditions: Summer normal elevation: 740.5 feet. Winter normal elevation: 736.0 feet. Current elevation: 741.19 feet. The water surface temperature is mid 80s.

Largemouth Bass: Humps, ledges and points are the locations targeted the most in primary areas. Use the arsenal typically used in the summer.

Smallmouth Bass: Target rocky areas on the main lake with small-profile lures.

Crappie: Target deep brush or docks in or close to large water while using minnows or jigs. Fish at night near lights while using minnows or jigs to increase comfort and possibly the number of fish caught.

Catfish: Use meaty baits in the main channel. Current will increase the odds of catching fish.

Striped bass: Some fish are being caught in the Clinch River and upper Tennessee River while using shad. The number of fish being caught seems lower than in previous years. Some anglers speculate increased rainfall may have kept the fish from congregating as they normally do.