Tennessee Is The Way To Go For Me.

[jdmidwest]

I have been fishing TN waters for the past few years and the state is really starting to grow on me. Buffalo River and Pickwick Lake for big Smallies. Pickwick tailwaters for Sauger in the winter time.

Last weekend I finally hit a lake that I have wanted to fish since the late 80's, Reelfoot.

Located only a few short hours south off nice 4 lane interstates, it is an easy drive. It is surrounded by nice campgrounds and affordable lodges. It is a hunting and fishing lake, no jet ski's or powerboats. Plenty of trees and cover.

We camped in the State Park campground, which was partly under water from last weeks 9 inch rain. Fishing was slow due to the rain and goofy temps. We caught a few on Saturday, but the bite was not on. Local tourney was won with an 8 lb catch of crappie. Did not even go out on Sunday as there was a lake wind advisory. Spent the day cruising around getting to know the area.

Normally this time of year, the crappie are spawning and catches run in the hundreds, but the spawn is late. Bluegills were just starting to move into shallows also. Lots of catfish, no limit on those with the exception of only 1 34" or better in possession. Redear are there too with a limit of 20.

I am going to make a few more trips down in the following weeks to catch a few coolers of panfish for the freezer. Then hit it later on in the summer for some bass or cats.

[Flatbottom Boy]

I used to live in the Clarksville area in TN. I loved fishing Reelfoot. The crappies and bluegills are some of the largest I've ever seen. The larger boat traffic in zip due to all the burried cypris logs. We used to go in June when the spring fishermen left and fish all the trees with a flyrod rigged with a ultralight reel. We would drop ice fishing jigs tipped with wax worms up tight to the trees, normally we would limit out rather quick. It was always a blast to get that random catfish to take you for a ride also. Another fun time is Kentucky lake when the redear are bedding. We have caught some enormous redear out of that lake off some of the stake beds that the locals put out every year. I still make an annual trip to Kentucky lake with buddies that are still in the area...well worth the drive.

[jdmidwest]

It was a busy weekend last week and many boats were running on plane. I hear that is an ususal occurance because of the stumps. That will go away when the lake drops back to normal.

The people around the area are great too. Friendly and helpful, good ole southern hospitality.

[Flatbottom Boy]

Yes the first time I fished it a guy pulled up in a boat. I had my choc lab in the front of the boat with me and he wanted to see her. He saw I was throwing a small crappie jig not having much luck. He quickly handed over a chew can full of wax worms and a teardrop ice fishing jig. I was busy the rest of the day catching big ol slab crappies and bluegill. It seems like everyone is always willing to help around there.

[Greasy B]

I consider Reelfoot one of the best fishing destinations in the country. The lake has all the qualities of you would want: it's huge, intimidating, beautiful, incredibly productive and at times scary. Though bait fishing is something I have given up years ago when at Reelfoot I'm happy to tote a cricket tube around to have a chance at some of the biggest bream I have ever seen. Hang around the cleaning area at any of the local resorts and you'll be astounded at the quantity and size of the fish the lake produces. I rate Samburg TN as one of the greatest American fishing towns.

[jdmidwest]

We were standing around the local C Store waiting in a long line to pay. Round here you would hear grumbling, but there they were all visiting and not in any hurry.

We arrived at the campground and noticed the NO Alcohol signs everywhere. No Rangers circled all nights keeping tabs on you. Everyone went to bed by 10 and we sit around a campfire listening to the crickets instead of dogs barking, kids hollering, and drunks yucking it up. And all of the sites had water and sewer hookups.

It is a laid back, relaxing area.