If you’re planning to hit Cherokee Lake in July, you’re in for some great fishing, but you’ll need to come prepared. The water’s warm, the bass are active, and the patterns are shifting as summer takes hold across Jefferson County, Tennessee. Whether you’re chasing an early morning topwater bite or picking apart offshore structure midday, Cherokee’s bass are ready to bite.
Largemouth bass are the real stars of the show this time of year.
After being down for a few seasons, the population has bounced back strong, and they’re aggressive in July. You can find them early in the day around shoreline cover like laydowns, docks, and the water level dependent shoreline grass. Anglers can also target deeper brush piles and ledges. Crankbaits, jigs, and Carolina rigs can all produce solid fish offshore, while buzzbaits, chatterbaits and spinnerbaits are great options up shallow. Picking apart shallow water cover with plastics and jigs produces also.
Smallmouth Bass: A Rewarding Challenge
Smallmouth bass are still in the mix, but they’re a little trickier to target this time of year. The size limit is 18 inches on Cherokee, and anglers can only keep one smallmouth per person, so you’ll have to work for a keeper. Still, if you are willing to fish deeper rocky points or open water, you will have a chance at hooking into one of East Tennessee’s famous fish. Drop shots, ned rigs and typical jig head minnow baits will be the go-to for targeting smallmouth.
Upcoming Event: Bassmaster College Series National Championship
A bonus for local anglers and spectators, the Bassmaster College Series National Championship hosted by Visit Jefferson County, TN is coming to Cherokee Lake July 10–12. Some of the best young anglers in the country will be launching from the Cherokee Dam boat ramp and trying to solve the same summer puzzle as the rest of us. It’s a great chance to see how they approach the lake, and weigh-ins are open to the public.
Final Thoughts: July Is Prime Time for Bass Fishing on Cherokee Lake
All in all, July is a great time to get out on Cherokee. Bring your sunscreen and stay versatile, you might just have one of those days you’ll be talking about all season.
To start planning your own fishing trip to the Lakeside of the Smokies, visit our Planning Page for more information on lodging on both Douglas and Cherokee Lakes, things to do in the Jefferson County area, and great places to eat after a day on the water.