The Reel Thing: Waiting on some cooler temperatures

Despite fall officially starting next week, the weather pattern that typically accompanies it feels much further away. This week, high temperatures are projected to hang around the mid-to-upper 80s. As discussed in this column before, hot weather like that isn't the most conducive to fishing. Also, with the weather continuing to stay warm, conditions on the water remain pretty similar for extended periods of time. One place to see cooler water temperatures though is on one of the local rivers. At Wilbur Tailwater in Carter/Washington Counties and South Holston Tailwater in Sullivan County, the TWRA has continued its trout stocking program for September, so rainbow trout are still hanging around both locations. Elsewhere, sunfish like bluegill continue to have a stronger bite on many of the area lakes. On Boone Lake, bass have continued to be active. In particular, some sizable striped bass have been caught in recent days on the lake, with smallmouth and largemouth occasionally being caught as well. Catfish tend to also have a decent bite at this time of year as well. However, the fall tends to be one of the best time for fishing for many different species of fish once the weather cools off. Many types of fish, including the likes of bass, tend to eat more in autumn ahead of the coldest time of year. Also, be on the lookout for trout and crappie when the weather begins to cool as well. If you have a story you'd like to share, a fishing event upcoming, or an update on your local waterways, feel free to reach out to Andrew Smith at asmith@sixriversmedia.com.