I’ve been saying for years I’m going to Chick to ledge fish in May or June. I finally did it. Went down yesterday. I’d like to give a summary and then ask for advice as I’m planning an overnight trip for later this month. I greatly appreciate taking the time to read and offer advice for anyone who decides to do so.
I launched at Wolftever early morning. I was determined to find offshore fish so I spent a lot of time idling/scanning. I scanned what I had picked out on my nav maps - several places, Wolftever to Deep Creek (mostly main channel ledges, with a few secondary places). I thought I found fish on 3 or 4 places. But I didn’t catch anything until late in the day, when I caught 3 on one hump. A couple of 3 lbers and a 5.5. I was frustrated, but also gave me enough of a taste to want more. So I’m planning a trip with a couple of buddies for later this month. Planning to stay either 1 or 2 nights.
A few things to note: 1st, I’m from Knoxville and have been lake fishing for 15 years or so. With my own boat for 9 years. I’m not a great overall angler but I’m very good in May and June, offshore, especially on Douglas. As some of you may know, Douglas is a great offshore fishery but it fishes VERY small. Everything is a community hole and usually by 2nd week of June the offshore deal is pretty much done. Either the fish are gone from the usual humps and points or they’re not biting (mostly the former). Anyway, I say all that to say: I consider myself pretty good at that type of fish and I’m really wanting to take advantage of this on Chickamauga, especially now that Douglas has become too difficult to fish this way.
2nd, and this is important to telling the story of yesterday, I was absolutely floored at how crowded Chick was on a Thursday. Maybe I’m naive, but Chickamauga is a very big lake, especially compared to what I’m used to. I couldn’t idle most of the stuff I wanted to. And I tried to take note of ledges people were fishing early in the day in attempt to hit them later in the day. But 9 times out of 10, those places ALWAYS had a boat on them. One of them, near the mouth of Wolftever, I saw a boat leave in the late afternoon. I quickly pulled my trolling motor up and headed over, only to get beat by another boat ��. Also, I’m guessing the ledges in front of the nuclear plant are the most popular community hole in the lake? I’m guessing you better get out there around 4:00 AM and sit all day if you want to fish it? There were 4-5 boats there each time I went by there yesterday.
Seeking advice section of this post: I realize there are community holes that will hold large schools of fish. But can I expect to find fish on the ledges in MANY different places throughout the lake? Or is that a complete waste of time?
Next: we’re looking at June 21-23. Can we expect plenty of good ledge fishing still by then? That’s not too late is it?
3rd: is that lake always so crowded during the week? I mean it was crazy how many boats were out there yesterday. And I’m just referring to offshore bass fishermen.
Finally: if anyone wants to offer any specific advice they don’t want to give here, please feel free to PM. If anyone would appreciate advice on Douglas in exchange, I would be happy to help! Thanks!
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Originally Posted by got eem
