Nickajack Lake is another good fishing and boating Lake on the Tennessee River system. While this lake does not possess the large numbers of big largemouth bass that you can find on nearby Chickamauga Lake, they did start stocking some bass with the Florida strain genetics back in 2015. Nickajack Lake is actually a reservoir impoundment of the Tennessee River. At full pool, it covers more than 10,300 acres and has over 190 miles of shoreline. For 2/3 of the lake is mostly riverine with lots of rip rap lining both sides of the lake. The lower end of the reservoir fish is more like a lake and it has good populations of largemouth bass and crappie.
Some of the other species of fish to target are catfish, smallmouth bass, bluegill and other sunfish, striped bass, spotted bass, white bass, yellow bass, walleye and sauger. Catfish are available in large numbers throughout the reservoir. Striped bass and white bass congregate in larger numbers near the moving water below Chickamauga Dam.
Florida Strain Largemouth Bass are Stocked Here
Some Florida Strain Largemouth Bass have been stocked in Nickajack Lake. With how many bass were stocked in nearby Chickamauga Lake, there are plenty of these bass that end up in Nickajack Lake as well. Chickamauga Lake is definitely the best bass lake in the Chattanooga area, however Nickajack Lake is a good bass lake to fish and there are some big largemouth bass here too.
This Reservoir is an Awesome Multi-Species Fishery
If you just want to catch some fish, this is an awesome fishery because there are so many different fish species available. If you are fishing smaller minnow-style baits, there is a chance you can catch largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted, striped bass, white bass, crappie and even catfish. Fish with live minnows and you’ll have a chance to catch just about everything. Bigger live baits, especially below the dam, will catch big smallmouth bass, striped bass, largemouth bass and catfish.
This Reservoir is Big
Nickajack lake is a pretty big reservoir, however most anglers stick to the slower moving waters in the lower end of the lake. The lower section of the lake is still a good amount of water, but it doesn’t seem as overwhelming for most new anglers as nearby Chickamauga Reservoir can seem.
Fish the River Portion of the Lake
The river portion of this lake is popular for anglers that are targeting striped bass, catfish, white bass, walleye, sauger and smallmouth bass. Most anglers will focus on the tailwater fishery below the dam however the rip rap shoreline is home to a variety of fish throughout the fishing season.
Fish the Lake Portion
The lower end of the reservoir fishes more like a lake. Current can still be a factor here during higher water, but there is a lot of slow moving or slack water in this part of the lake. Fishing this part of the lake is pretty typical bass fishing. There are so many good shorelines to fish with lots of rocks, wood and vegetation too. You got some bridges, points, islands, bay and coves and there are plenty of bass to keep you busy down here.
Fish the Bays, Coves & Creek Arms
There are not nearly as many creek arms as you’ll find on nearby Chickamauga Lake, however there are some creek arms, some bays and a lot of smaller coves that are good spots to fish for bass and other species too.
Fish Below Chickamauga Dam
The tailwater fishery below Chickamauga Dam is one of the best places to fish for big fish. Angler’s target huge catfish, huge stripers and some big smallmouth bass too. Make sure you pay attention to the water levels here because the current can be pretty fast when the river is running high. Some walleye and sauger are caught below the dam as well, but they are not here in large numbers. Fishing during the early spring and late fall are better times to fish for walleye and sauger.
Fish the Bridges
There are a few bridges on the lake and they definitely hold a variety of fish species. The bridge pilings are great spots to fish and there is some very deep water here as well, so just about everything that swims in the lake can be found in these areas.
Fish the Rocks
There are a lot of rocks on the lake and you’ll find a lot of nice shorelines with a bunch of rock. Plan on rocks being a part of the fishing pattern since a lot of fish will be found in these areas.
Fish the Weeds
Nickajack Lake does have a good amount of weed growth and in the summer, you will see some areas that have a lot of weeds on the surface. You’ll find plenty of bass and other fish around the weed lines and around submerged vegetation. Frog fishing is popular for largemouth bass on the vegetation that sits on the surface.
Fish the Wood
Since Nickajack Lake is part of a river system, you are going to find tons of wood throughout the reservoir. Wood is scattered along the shorelines and these are obvious spots to target a variety of bass and panfish. In the spring, you’re going to find a lot of bass and panfish around the wood along the shorelines. Find the deeper wood and you’ll catch some quality fish in the summer and fall.
