As the weather cools down, the fishing in East Tennessee is about to heat up. Douglas and Cherokee Lakes in Jefferson County are prime spots to be on when the season changes. Each lake offers something unique, making them perfect for every fishing style, whether you prefer fishing out deep or fishing as shallow as possible.
Prime Bass Fishing on Douglas Lake in Jefferson County
On Douglas Lake, as the water level drops, the mud flats become exposed. These flats are a hotspot for bass, as they provide an easy place for fish to push bait, feeding up before the winter months. When targeting the fish on these flats, moving baits work best, such as topwater baits, crankbaits, and chatterbaits. These lures mimic baitfish, and the bass will become unglued and strike at them. If fishing mudflats isn’t your preference, you can target the submerged rocks. These areas are typically great for smallmouth bass, though largemouth will also stack up there too. Topwater baits, crankbaits, and jigs work well here to imitate forage moving around the rocks.
Cherokee Lake Offers Fall Fishing Frenzy
Cherokee Lake is another excellent fall fishing destination. This lake offers more variety, including the option to use forward facing sonar. You can target flat pockets for largemouth with topwater baits, crankbaits, or focus on the main lake rock structures for smallmouth, where the same baits can be effective. To target a mix of smallmouth and largemouth, look for the main lake points and look for “wolf packs”—schools of both largemouth and smallmouth chasing baitfish. Live Scope is an excellent tool for targeting these fish, using a Damiki rig or swimbait.
Plan Your Fishing Trip to Cherokee or Douglas Lake in Jefferson County, TN
Both bodies of water have their own set of challenges and opportunities. While they share similarities, their differences ensure a great experience on either body of water. Don’t hesitate to take a chance and explore both Douglas and Cherokee Lakes this fall!
From guided fishing trips to public launch access to bait and tackle stores, use our fishing resources to learn more about what Jefferson County’s lakes have to offer anglers of all skill levels. See you on Cherokee Lake or Douglas Lake!
This fishing report was brought to you by our Jefferson County High School intern Parker Batts. Parker is an avid angler who enjoys spending his free time fishing the waters of Cherokee and Douglas Lakes.