Winter Has Arrived!
Although the weather might be cooler, the spectacular fishing on Douglas and Cherokee Lakes can keep anglers warm and happy throughout East Tennessee’s colder months. Wintertime fishing can be intimidating, but with a little bit of planning, appropriate clothing, and some of the tips below, you can enjoy Jefferson County’s lakes all winter long!
Douglas Lake
The impacts of Hurricane Helene are still looming over Douglas Lake like a cloud. While it will take a while for parts of the shoreline to return to normal, rest assured that local, state, and national officials are working diligently to take the proper steps to make Douglas Lake better than before. Not to diminish the severity of the situation, this article focuses on the fishing conditions. I’m not a biologist and don’t claim to be; all I can share is my firsthand experience with the lake since the tragic flooding. As of now, the fishing on Douglas Lake has been phenomenal. Water temperatures are continuing to fall throughout the winter months, ranging from 60°F to the upper 40s depending on the area of the lake. Typically, the further upstream you go, the colder the water will be. Expect water temperatures to hover around the 40–50°F mark throughout winter, though this is, of course, weather-dependent. If you’re unfamiliar with East Tennessee’s winter weather, be warned—it can be dramatic! Picking a warm day to fish can make all the difference, and sunny, warmer days often bring Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass into relatively shallow water, perfect for those who prefer traditional fishing techniques. Keep it simple and stick to proven cold-water baits. This time of year, you have a chance to catch some of the biggest bass in Douglas Lake!
Cherokee Lake
Neighboring Cherokee Lake wasn’t impacted nearly as much by Hurricane Helene. The lake experienced some quick rising water days after the storm but is now back on track with its normal winter drawdown. Cherokee Lake offers unique opportunities for anglers during the colder months. While bass fishing can be more challenging than on Douglas, Cherokee tends to shine during the coldest parts of winter. With water temperatures staying in the 40s and 50s, many proven winter techniques work well for bass. Smallmouth Bass are a popular target during winter as they are generally more cooperative than Largemouth. Consider trying Damiki style baits, the float and fly technique as well as small swimbaits and grubs are among some options to try. If you get a warm, sunny day you can target both Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass along the endless rocky shoreline with small crankbaits and jerkbaits. Striper fishing is great during the winter as well. Try jigging spoons, silver buddies, damiki style baits or large live bait such as shad if you’re targeting them. Look for Smallmouth Bass and Striper to be around the same areas but they can be anywhere from super deep water to shallower shoreline areas. On warm, sunny days, both Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass can be found along Cherokee Lake’s rocky shorelines. Use small crankbaits or jerkbaits to entice bites.
Plan Your Lakeside of the Smokies Winter Fishing Trip
With the right preparation and a few tried-and-true techniques, winter fishing on Douglas and Cherokee Lakes can be an unforgettable experience. Bundle up, plan ahead, and get ready to reel in some memories!
About Skylar Hamilton
Skylar began his professional bass angler career in 2011 at the Bassmaster Open held on Douglas Lake, where he and his family lives. In 2017, Hamilton qualified for the Bassmaster Elite Series at the age of 21 and won a Bassmaster Open and qualified for the Bassmaster Classic twice.
In 2021 he began guiding fishing trips on both Douglas and Cherokee Lakes. He is a US Coast Guard licensed captain, and while he is a pro bass fishing angler, he loves to also guide trips for crappie fishing.
Learn More: https://skylarhamiltonfishing.com