Scouting the Narrows

[Phil Lilley]

First time I've been up lake since they fixed Powersite Dam and the water's been off.  We boated by the crew pulling the last car out of the lake, or at least the last car that anyone has seen.  There could be more but it's either in a deeper hole or covered with gravel, probably the former.

First impression:  The water is deeper than I thought it would be.  Back when the lake was dropping below normal pool because the spill side of Powersite had broken sections of the gates (in the down position) letting the level of Taneycomo drop lower than normal, the water was much shallower at the Narrows.  I liked it too!  I still do, just can't wade it like I thought I would be able to.

We ran the boat up on the shoals and dropped the anchor.  Got out and started casting to deeper water.  I tied on a #18 red Zebra but after a couple of casts I switched to a meaty scud... cause I just wanted to catch big trout!  That's what normally happens - a scud does catch bigger trout.

I set the float about 5-6 feet deep, fishing 3-4 feet of water, 6x tippet and a #12 gray scud tied on a 200R hook.  It was also weighted - about 7 turns of .015 lead.

There was slight current moving down lake and the wind blew just a little from 3 directions.  I let the scud drag the bottom, switching it occasionally. The bite was mostly light, but had 2 or 3 rainbows take it and ran.

I caught 4 real pretty, nice rainbows before I turned the video camera on.  Then came the dinks... and one really nice rainbow.  Didn't move at all - fishing the same spot.  Saw a couple of trophies swim by too.

Started at 9:20 and quit at 11:00 a.m..  I think I'll go back!

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[Travis Swift]

Is the water pretty cold with just shorts on?    I noticed when I ran to the cable with 2 units running a couple weeks ago, I actually thought it was EASIER to get to the cable than it was last year.  I could be wrong but it  seemed like the narrows are a tad wider and deeper than last year, the spot past look out island is pretty shallow but was doable and the spot above Trophy run wasn't as bad as last year.  Again that is to me and I only get to run it 10 or 12 times a year.  I expected it to be worse but was pleasantly surprised.  What is that in the middle of the lake down from Fall Creek that looks like it has a milk jug tied to it?  I'm assuming tree stump...its more towards the bluff than it is the shallow side but fairly close to the middle?  Great video as always Phil.  I like what your doing by adding the go pro on the side of the boat as well like you did at the cable a couple days ago.  Thanks for making these for us folks that can't be there as much as we would like.  They are a hoot to watch!

travis

[Phil Lilley]

Milk Jug (if it's still there) is a tree/root wad.  yes the Narrows is wider for sure.

[Haris122]

Don't know how you do it with just shorts on. That water is freezing to me.