Fishing Report for Cherokee Lake - 2025-04-20

1. Current Conditions Overview

• Water Temperature: 61°F, ideal for pre-spawn bass activity and active feeding for species like walleye and sauger.
• Weather: Mostly cloudy with no precipitation, providing overcast conditions that can enhance fish activity.
• Wind: Light winds at 6.4 mph, minimizing water disturbance and allowing for comfortable fishing conditions.
• Moon Phase: Waning gibbous with a solunar rating of 3, indicating moderate feeding activity, especially during major feeding times.

2. Top Fishing Hotspots (Weighted Predictions)

1. Northern Bay Near Creek Inlet

• Location: Northern bay near the creek inlet.
• Clarity: Stained due to creek runoff.
• Thermal Characteristics: Warmer water from creek inflow.
• Structure: Submerged logs and weed beds.
• Species: Largemouth bass and panfish.
• Score: 9/10. Ideal for pre-spawn bass and panfish feeding in warmer, nutrient-rich water.

2. Eastern Shoreline Rocky Points

• Location: Rocky points along the eastern shoreline.
• Clarity: Clear water.
• Thermal Characteristics: Cooler, 58-60°F.
• Structure: Rocky drop-offs and ledges.
• Species: Walleye and sauger.
• Score: 8.5/10. Clear water allows for effective sight fishing and jigging.

3. Southern Humps Near Channel

• Location: Submerged humps south of the main channel.
• Clarity: Stained.
• Thermal Characteristics: 61-63°F.
• Structure: Submerged humps and drop-offs.
• Species: Striped and white bass.
• Score: 8/10. Active feeding areas for schooling bass.

4. Western Shoreline with Sunken Trees

• Location: Western shoreline with sunken trees.
• Clarity: Clear to slightly stained.
• Thermal Characteristics: 60-62°F.
• Structure: Sunken trees and brush piles.
• Species: Smallmouth bass and channel catfish.
• Score: 7.5/10. Good for ambush predators and catfish.

5. Mid-Lake Reef

• Location: Mid-lake reef structure.
• Clarity: Clear.
• Thermal Characteristics: 59-61°F.
• Structure: Rocky reef with drop-offs.
• Species: Walleye and sauger.
• Score: 7/10. Consistent spot for walleye feeding.

3. Water Clarity Analysis

• Northern Bay: Stained from creek runoff.
• Eastern Shoreline: Clear water.
• Southern Humps: Stained.
• Western Shoreline: Clear to stained.
• Mid-Lake Reef: Clear.

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4. Thermal Gradient Analysis

• Northern Bay: 62-64°F.
• Eastern Shoreline: 58-60°F.
• Southern Humps: 61-63°F.
• Western Shoreline: 60-62°F.
• Mid-Lake Reef: 59-61°F.

5. Top Species to Target

1. Largemouth Bass
2. Walleye
3. Smallmouth Bass
4. Striped Bass
5. Channel Catfish

6. Weather Impact Analysis

• Today: Ideal fishing conditions.
• Next Week: Rain may affect water levels and clarity.

7. Time-of-Day Strategy

• Morning: Focus on northern bays and rocky points.
• Afternoon: Target mid-lake reefs and humps.
• Evening: Fish western shorelines and creek inlets.

8. TN Regulations for Cherokee Lake

• Largemouth Bass: 5 fish, 15" minimum.
• Smallmouth Bass: 5 fish, 15" minimum.
• Walleye: 5 fish, 16" minimum.
• Channel Catfish: No size limit, 20 fish.

9. Reasoning Appendix

• Thermal Gradients: High weight due to species behavior.
• Water Clarity: High weight for sight fishing effectiveness.
• Structure: Medium-High weight for habitat provision.
• Weather: Medium weight due to current ideal conditions.

This report provides a detailed, data-driven approach to maximize fishing success on Cherokee Lake today.