Largemouth Bass

Madisonville, Tennessee, nestled near the Cherokee National Forest, is a great base for targeting largemouth bass. Tellico Lake is the headliner here, offering diverse structure and clear water that holds a healthy population of largemouth. Spring and fall are the most productive seasons, as the bass move shallow to spawn or feed aggressively before winter. Focus on shallow coves, points, and submerged timber. Spinnerbaits, crankbaits, and soft plastics are all effective. A local tip: Pay attention to water clarity. Tellico can be gin clear at times, requiring finesse techniques and lighter line. Consider switching to fluorocarbon leaders. Also, the lake can get crowded on weekends, so consider fishing during the week or early in the morning. The largemouth in Tellico Lake aren't always giants, but the scenery is stunning, and the fishing can be consistently good. Don't overlook the smaller creeks and coves for quieter fishing.