White Bass

The Hiwassee River near Cleveland is a great place to chase white bass. This tailwater fishery below Apalachia Dam offers consistent flows and cool water, creating ideal conditions for white bass. Spring is the peak season when the fish run upstream to spawn. Focus your efforts near the mouths of creeks and in areas with current. A local favorite is to fish the tailwaters right below the dam. Be mindful of the generation schedule, as water levels can fluctuate rapidly. Small jigs, spinners, and crankbaits are all effective lures. The white bass in the Hiwassee are known for their aggressive strikes, and it's not uncommon to catch several in a short amount of time. They tend to school tightly, so once you find them, you're likely in for some fast-paced action. Don't be afraid to experiment with different retrieve speeds to find what the fish are responding to on any given day.