Fishing Report for Percy Priest Lake - 2025-04-05

1. Current Conditions Overview

• Water Temperature: 53°F, creating a cool environment that may slow down some species but keep others active.
• Weather: Thunderstorms with heavy rain, which can stir fish activity but reduce visibility.
• Fish Behavior: Fish may seek shelter in deeper, clearer waters but could be active in areas with abundant food stirred by the storm.

2. Top Fishing Hotspots (Weighted Predictions)

1. Northern Bay near Creek Inlet

• Location: North shore, near the creek inlet.
• Clarity: Stained due to runoff; Thermal: 52-55°F.
• Structure: Creek inlet with submerged vegetation.
• Species: Largemouth Bass, Bluegill.
• Score: 9/10. The inlet's nutrients attract baitfish, and the structure provides cover.

2. Southern Shoreline with Submerged Logs

• Location: Southwestern shore near a known reef.
• Clarity: Clear; Thermal: 53-54°F.
• Structure: Submerged logs and rocky reef.
• Species: Smallmouth Bass, Spotted Bass.
• Score: 8.5/10. Clear water and structure make it ideal for bass.

3. Eastern Flats near Sunken Brush Piles

• Location: Eastern flats, 10-15 feet deep.
• Clarity: Stained; Thermal: 52-54°F.
• Structure: Sunken brush piles.
• Species: Black Crappie, White Crappie.
• Score: 8/10. Crappie seek cover and food in these areas.

4. Deep Channel near the Dam

• Location: Main lake channel near the dam.
• Clarity: Clear; Thermal: 52-53°F.
• Structure: Deep drop-offs, rocky points.
• Species: Striped Bass, Walleye.
• Score: 7.5/10. Deeper waters suit cooler-loving species.

5. Western Cove with Lily Pads

• Location: Northwest cove with lily pads.
• Clarity: Turbid; Thermal: 54-56°F.
• Structure: Lily pads, shallow weeds.
• Species: Largemouth Bass, Bluegill.
• Score: 7/10. Shallow warmth attracts smaller species.

3. Water Clarity Analysis

• Northern Bay: Stained from runoff.
• Southern Shoreline: Clear with rocky reefs.
• Eastern Flats: Stained near sunken brush.
• Deep Channel: Clear, deeper waters.
• Western Cove: Turbid with vegetation.

URL

4. Thermal Gradient Analysis

• Northern Bay: 52-55°F, warmer near inlet.
• Southern Shoreline: 53-54°F, consistent.
• Eastern Flats: 52-54°F, cooler edges.
• Deep Channel: 52-53°F, stable.
• Western Cove: 54-56°F, warmer shallows.

5. Top Species to Target

1. Largemouth Bass: Active in warmer, structured areas.
2. Smallmouth Bass: Clear, rocky areas.
3. Black Crappie: Stained flats with cover.
4. Striped Bass: Deep channels.
5. Bluegill: Shallow, vegetated coves.

6. Weather Impact Analysis

• Today: Thunderstorms may increase fish activity but reduce visibility.
• Forecast: Rain continues, affecting clarity and fish behavior.

7. Time-of-Day Strategy

• Morning: Topwater lures in shallows; deeper by midday.
• Evening: Return to shallows as water cools.

8. TN Regulations for Percy Priest Lake

• Largemouth Bass: 5 fish, 15" minimum.
• Crappie: 15 combined, 10" minimum.
• Catfish: No size limit, 50 per day.

9. Reasoning Appendix

• Weighting: Thermal (high), Clarity (high), Structure (medium-high), Weather (medium).
• Factors: Thermal affects metabolism; clarity impacts visibility; structure provides habitat; weather influences activity.

This report integrates all data to provide actionable insights, ensuring anglers are well-prepared for a successful day on Percy Priest Lake.