Largemouth Bass

Knoxville-area largemouth bass fishing offers diverse opportunities across the Tennessee River and its impoundments like Fort Loudoun and Watts Bar. Spring is prime time, as bass move shallow to spawn, making them accessible in coves and near submerged vegetation. Focus on areas where creeks enter the main lake, as these spots warm up first and attract baitfish. Summer sees bass moving deeper to escape the heat; target ledges and structure with crankbaits and Carolina rigs. In the fall, bass follow shad into the backs of creeks. A key local tip: Loudoun Lake is known for its hydrilla growth – use weedless lures to effectively target bass holding in this cover. Pay attention to TVA lake level reports, as water fluctuations significantly impact bass behavior. The largemouth population here is healthy, with good numbers of quality fish, but be prepared for some stained water conditions, especially after heavy rains.