While bodies of water like Melton Hill, Norris and Center Hill are the top of mind associations for the majority of anglers thinking about Tennessee Musky Fishing, the moving waters of Tennessee should not be overlooked.
Tennessee musky are present in numerous rivers across the state with populations thriving due to natural reproduction. Tennessee has stocked numerous rivers of the course of decades and have accomplished their goal of reestablishing a self sustained population of muskies in many of these locations. Collins River musky are a thriving success story and are a prime example of the muskies reintroduction in to the rivers of Tennessee. Clinch River Musky Fishing
The Nolichucky River also comes to mind when considering locations that have thriving populations that are far too often overlooked. But it should be noted that many of the musky rivers in Tennessee come with their own specific challenges. The above mentioned Nolichucky River for example is fraught with shallow hazards that making it a navigation challenge. The same could be said for many of the other small musky rivers in Tennessee. But as is often the case these shallow hard to access waterways are hidden gems.
While Tennessee's musky lakes can seem daunting due to their sheer size making our rivers a great option for many anglers but fishing for river muskies is a different experience.
Below are some factors to consider when fishing for Tennessee river muskies.
Drift
Each Tennessee musky river is highly influenced by damn release or creek run off. At times while drifting these rivers you can experience speeds that making fishing a dangerous proposition. Understanding boat control on a river and how to best navigate hazardous should be a serious consideration as the inexperienced can quickly find themselves in trouble.
2. Presentations
Current rate and flow highly influence the action of your lures. Often it is important to use lures with aggressive lips or additional weight to get a musky to strike. Having some parts on hand to modify lures is imperative when dialing in on a Tennessee river musky bite.
Screw in weights, rubber core sinkers and a selection of bell sinkers are must haves allowing for quick tweaks of musky crank and jerk baits.
3. Pockets, Pools and Eddies
While Tennessee musky are strong enough to forge upstream in the heaviest current most often they will conserve energy in slack water. Focusing angling efforts on these slack water areas highly productive. Current seems also should be prime considerations. Attention should be paid in areas where drift slows or current changes are present.
4. Trolling motor power vs. current.
Having a trolling motor with enough power to move upstream into heavy currents is a prerequisite for safe and successful river fishing. With most of the rivers in the region moving at high speeds the ability to advance against the current is crucial when retrieving snagged lures, fighting fish and numerous other factors. The power and ability to spot lock on a river is extremely helpful as it allows anglers to fish spots effectively.
Clinch River Musky Fishing. Clinch River Musky. Musky Fishing Tennessee.
Melton Hill musky. Collins River Musky. Melton Hill Musky guide.
Tennessee Valley Musky Authority. Steven Paul Musky. Center Hill Musky.
Clinch River Musky.