Bluegill is a fun, easily caught species that provide a great opportunity for all age and experience levels of anglers. If you are going to stick with bass there are lots of great spots on the lake to catch lots of basses, and big ones. White spinners (Rooster Tails), grubs, and small flies are all effective. 7.2 oz. Douglas Lake is ranked in the top 10 in the nation for largemouth bass and is also rated one of the top 5 crappie locations in the nation! When pulling the line to their boat, what he assumed was a catfish instead turned into something a little more. 12/32. While it is true that there hasn't been a fish anywhere near George Perry's record caught here, this lake is full of lunkers and the records prove it. The scale read 9 pounds, 8 ounces. Weights like that arent normal for east Tennessee lakes. Ivie Lake, is a pending lake record and one of the top-10 heaviest bass weighed in Texas. These guides will help you get out on the lake and catch some fish. These are all for Largemouth bass: Yes! Largemouth Bass are carnivorous and they eat a wide range of prey animals. White bass are carnivores that like to feed on crayfish, mayfly larvae, aquatic insects, and chironomid larvae. Douglas Lake Jefferson - Tennessee 201 catches 2K+ followers 429 spots One of the most productive waters in east Tennessee. "About Douglas Lake/555 Miles of Shoreline", U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Douglas Lake, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Douglas_Lake&oldid=1133045492, This page was last edited on 12 January 2023, at 01:26. 18 " 14" Paul L. Gibson: Deer Creek Reservoir: BASS, Largemouth: 1989: 3 lbs. Small crankbaits (chartreuse and orange) are also good trolling lures. Douglas Lake extends 43 miles upriver from Douglas Dam through the foothills of the Smoky Mountains. One of the most obvious areas where these fish differ is in their mouth sizes. To get my take on Phoenix Boats, visit my Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/note.php?created&¬e_id=1834725945873. Now 40, Mauldin has fished Douglas many times over the years, including a number of tournaments. Lake George is the second-largest lake in Florida and is on the edge of the Ocala National Forest. He predicts it will take 18 to 20 pounds a day to win. Shop Douglas Lake--Tennessee. Good fishing from DouglasLakeInfo.com!! Will VanEtten, coach at Anderson County High, points out the popularity of the lake does increase its difficulty. Xplor reconnects kids to nature and helps them find adventure in their own backyard. The average length of Largemouth Bass is commonly around 18 inches although fish up to 24 inches or more have been known. The most common types of bass it offers are largemouth, smallmouth, and striped bass, but the lake is also full of catfish, trout, panfish, many kinds of sunfish, carp, black crappie, and razorback suckers. Lake Fork, Texas. The more they mature, the more readily young striped bass will consume a diet of smaller crustaceans, larval fish, mayflies, and larvae. 30,400 acres View Map Premium Mapping Fishermen Discover a Fish as Big as a Chevy Suburban, Discover the Largest Largemouth Bass Ever Caught in Arizona. Largemouth Bass Notice. Douglas Lake is located in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, attracting more than 1.7 million visitors a year. We try our best to keep things fair and balanced, in order to help you make the best choice for you. But you know the big ones are out there, you just have to figure out what their favorite bait is! Crane Prairie Reservoir. I dont know how long I will keep the record, but that doesnt really matter. Julia Grace Ketner caught a 4.00 kg (8 lb 13 oz) largemouth bass on Lake Okeechobee in Florida. We knew something was on there, Gilmore said. Associate Professor, School of Life Sciences. A Largemouth Bass, affectionately known as Dottie thanks to an obvious black mark near her gills, looked like she would be a record-breaking catch. He also plans to hedge his bets and have rods rigged for the flooded cover. [1][2] Douglas Dam is located just over 32 miles (51km) upstream from the French Broad River's confluence with the Holston River in Knoxville, to form the Tennessee River. That could spread the deep bass among several livewells and reduce the weight needed to win here. That may seem like a long life for a fish unless you consider that the bigmouth buffalo fish can live to 112. So I turned it loose, Gilmore said. The lake covers about 34,000 surface acres and fishing is good generally year round. There is 496 miles of shoreline holding 43,100 acres of water to fish. Douglas is known as the best crappie reservoir in east Tennessee and attracts thousands of anglers every year in pursuit of this species. Some have stood for a while while others have recently been broken as more anglers get their name into the record books. The lake was created as a small fishing community in 1958 and is largely a vacation destination today. However, as Dottie had been hooked on her side and not in her mouth, the record claim was invalid. Two years after his competition win, Field & Stream magazine began certifying world records. Douglas Lake has become a popular recreational site where visitors can enjoy picnicking, camping, fishing and more! Construction began on February 2, 1942 and lasted until February 19, 1943 at the height of World War II. Bass are carnivorous freshwater fish that live in lakes and rivers. Toll-Free:1-800-332-0900 If you are fishing for a record-breaking Largemouth Bass, then it could be a good idea to head to waters where other large fish of this species have been caught. Douglas Dam was built in record time for a facility of its size. White bass makes a spring spawning run to the headwaters of the reservoir. 3.0 oz. Contact the AZ Animals editorial team. In most years, sauger and walleye successfully spawn upstream in the rivers during the early spring. O.H. 3 oz. Largemouth tips scale to 25.1 pounds, then is released back into Dixon Lake. The IGFA fly tackle record for Largemouth Bass is currently held by angler John R. Kelly, Jr who caught a 20.47-inch (52cm) fish in Stuart, Florida on 7th February 2022. Roger A. Massey. No votes so far! There are plenty of artificial structures (logs, rocks, docks, and jetties) to find fish hiding in, and the Lake Martinez Recreation Facility ensures plenty of things to do year-round. According to Mauldin, Douglas doesnt subscribe to whats normal. Striped bass can grow to be as much as 5 feet in length and up to 75 lbs or more. This set the record in the 8lb line class and has managed to fend off all competition to this day. Enter your email in the box below to get the most mind-blowing animal stories and videos delivered directly to your inbox every day. Douglas Lake, also known as Douglas Reservoir, is a flood storage reservoir. Youve just got to beat some of the best fishermen in the country to them, said Holbert. All in one day you can catch largemouth on a big flipping stick or run up and dropshot for big smallmouth. not available: 10/12/1940: Lake Ripley: Jefferson: Bass, Smallmouth . 52 cm (20.5 inches), Stuart, FL: February 7, 2022, by John R. Kelly Jr. W-04kg (8 lb line), 10 lb 2 oz bass, Lake Talquin, Tallahassee, FL: December 6, 2015, by Dana Blanco Douglas, M.D. I took a picture of me holding the fish and really, that satisfied me. In fact, bass fishing is better now than at any point I can remember . *There is no state record information for sturgeon in Oregon because the maximum size limit is 54". This 2001 catch was made at Lake Dixon, California by Mike Long. (BAIT SELECTION)- Strike King 10XD Crankbait- Castaic. To prepare for the winter, TVA lowers the water level to make room for the runoff from winter storms. While Mauldin was catching spawners in the backs of quiet pockets, the winners boated a five-bass limit that weighed nearly 29 pounds. overhanging trees and docks are good largemouth hideouts; best times to fish are early morning and late evening - they tend to take shelter during the day; when fish . Mauldin has been practice fishing at Douglas and says the lakes abundant shoreline willows and bushes are full of water and bass. Had he not done this, as he didnt have any photos or other evidence of the fish, he wouldnt have ever been a world record holder. Learn more about fishing in Douglas Lake and have your fishing poles ready when you visit! They prefer warmer water which is why Florida is one of their favorite homes but they are located all over the US. We are sorry that this post was not useful for you! DOUGLAS LAKE Click Here For TWRA Fishing Report WHEN TO FISH The best time to fish Douglas is any time you can. They are native to most of the eastern half of the United States but they can now be found in most states in swamps, ponds, lakes, reservoirs, creeks, and large rivers. I remember watching that 13-inch largemouth smash a spinnerbait like it was yesterday, Mauldin says. Another lure was a 3/4-ounce Greenfish Tackle Creeper Head, with a 3.5-inch Zoom Ultra Vibe Speed Craw. All-Tackle rankings are displayed on a separate page. As the competition winner, George won some clothes and a shotgun! It is not uncommon for the lake to rise as much as 15- to 20-feet in a day or two if heavy rains occur in the nearby Appalachians. They are as follows Sauger - February and March in the river from Highway 25 bridge upstream. Mail code: 4501. They eventually regroup, and the point fishing picks up again. However, this does not impact our reviews and comparisons. Largemouth bass were originally only found in the Great Lakes, the Hudson Bay, along the St. Lawrence River, and in the Mississippi River basin. This 17.27-pound largemouth was caught by Bill O'Berry in Polk County in 1986. What the top bodies of water are in Tennessee for bass fishing will always be a strong subject of debate among anglers. Douglas Lake was formed when the Tennessee Valley Authority built the Douglas Dam to provide hydroelectric power to help with downstream flood control of the Tennessee River Valley. Fishermen Discover a, The 8 Best Childrens Books About Sharks Available Today, The 10 Best Books About Sharks Reviewed and Ranked, The second one that tied the record was caught by Manabu Kurita, Fishermen Watch As 600lb Marlin Catch Gets Eaten By Tiger Sharks First, The Largest Great White Sharks Ever Found Off Florida Waters, Watch How Close This Woman Came To Becoming A Sharks Meal, Shark Quiz - 29,993 People Couldn't Ace This Quiz, Real Life Jaws Spotted 30ft Great White Shark By Boat, Watch a Bird Escape a Great White Shark by Pooping In Its Face, Watch a Great White Shark Stalk a Child on a Boogie Board, Biggest in the World? This lake is also the spot of three of the biggest bass tours in the US. Douglas Lake. Defoes bubbly prediction strikes me as a curse. At least one Spring Lake largemouth has made the record books, though. Neither angler was particularly involved with fishing other than using it as a way to feed their families. The lures listed for the early spring spawning run are also recommended for the summer. Fishing points and brush is effective, but many crappies are caught trolling. 8 oz. A large appealing bait will increase your chances of attracting a big bass. While largemouth bass are the most commonly fished-for bass in Arizona, there are many other kinds throughout the lakes and rivers of the state as well. You will need sun protection and clothing that can help keep you cool in high humidity. There is a 5-fish in combination daily creel limit and a 15-inch minimum size limit for Walleye. When you go fishing at Douglas Lake, a fishing license is required. I hope someday to meet it again, and it will be even bigger. Check out the list below: Douglas' game fish feed on an abundant supply of gizzard shad, bluegill, and various types of minnows. I called Mark Mauldin to get a different perspective. Pickwick holds tournaments from youth to the major professionals. Thermal stratification can begin forming as early as April and can be firmly in place by June or July. The lake was created when Arizona built a masonry dam in 1911 on the Salt River, which makes it the oldest man-made reservoir in the state. The female world record holder is from Florida! The most effective tactics are to bounce large red or orange flies frequently tipped with a minnow off the bottom and trolling bright-colored crankbaits. It has a large lower jaw that gives it the large mouth look. Canyon Lake is revered as the best spot for bass fishing in the Arizona Desert and is also home to a considerable selection of smallmouth bass, rainbow trout, yellow bass, channel and flathead catfish, black crappie, walleye, and bluegill. Catching trophy fish is not the same as catching regular fish. 1. 1994. Weights like that aren't normal for east Tennessee lakes. Concentrations of largemouth bass have been observed in the creek channels after the water has been drawn down in the fall. Theres always a big bag of fish to be caught on Pickwick year-round. Mauldin enjoyed one of those glory days just two weeks ago when he cranked up five bass that weighed over 26 pounds. The state record for the largest largemouth bass ever caught in Arizona was set by Randall E. White on April 22nd in 1997 at Canyon Lake along the Salt River, just 51 miles to the east of Phoenix. Canyon Lake is part of the Superstition Wilderness of Tonto National Forest, a beloved travel location for those who live in or are visiting Phoenix. In addition to largemouth bass, anglers can find white, striped and spotted bass in the lake. Photo: Ronnie Moore - A 1/4-ounce jig head with a wacky rigged 6.5-inch Zoom Trick Worm was a unique choice. Douglas Lake, also called Douglas Reservoir, is a reservoir created by an impoundment of the French Broad River in Eastern Tennessee. Largemouth bass have extended lower and upper jaws, but smallmouth bass have properly sized mouths when seen in relation to their bodies. Manabus catch was verified by a polygraph test which he passed, proving he was telling the truth about all details of the record. WATCH: Sharks biting alligators, the most epic lion battles, and MUCH more. 14. About | Privacy Policies | Business Resources | Sitemap | Made with by IMEG. Minimum size limits for Smallmouth Bass are 15 inches from October 16-May 31. When it comes to weight, usually these fish weigh in somewhere between 1 and 10 pounds but, as you can see from some of these records, much larger fish are out there. Girth (in.) At this point, she weighed enough to beat the long-standing world record and things were looking very promising for Mac Weakley the angler who caught her. White Bass - February and March, sometimes to mid-April in the headwaters. The largest largemouth has to be there somewhere! Their diet can consist of fish, crayfish, frogs, newts, dragonflies, and virtually anything else they can fit in their mouths! Douglas' drainage basin of 4,541-square miles is the largest of the tributary reservoirs. 4. Freshwater Record Fish If your record is not listed here, please contact us.For more information about Connecticut's angler recognition program, please visit our Trophy Fish Award Program webpage. Fishermen Watch As 600lb Marlin Catch Gets, The Largest Great White Sharks Ever Found, Biggest in the World? One of the proposed changes is looking to establish a limit on the amount of largemouth and smallmouth bass that can be caught per season at Douglas Lake. But it also made me think I should have called the Conservation Department sooner!. On 2nd June 1932, George Perry was fishing in Montgomery Lake, Georgia with a friend. Fish species inhabiting the Douglas Lake include, Bass, Crappie, Catfish, and Bluegill. Bluegill is easily caught and typically anglers will fish with crickets, earthworms, or mealworms under a float or tight lining with split shot to catch them. 18" 13" Paul Dixon: Steinaker Reservoir: BASS, Smallmouth . Currently, the IGFA all-tackle world record for largemouth bass is a tie between George W. Perry and Manabu Kurita. Crappie - Usually November through May; excellent fishing. Yes! Even with the rise in popularity of bass fishing, no one could seem to get close to the massive bass that George Perry caught all the way back in 1932. During the summer months of June, July . Free to residents of Missouri. Amnicon Lake: Douglas: Chub, Hornyhead 0 lbs. Douglas is a fertile, Tennessee Valley Authority reservoir with 555-miles of shoreline and a total surface area of 30,600-acres. Largemouth bass is a classic-looking fish with green-speckled scales on the upper half of its body and lighter-colored scales as it gets closer to the belly. Interests in what type of bass an angler is searching for as well as overall performance of the lake from year to year will shift opinions. Ivie Lake in Texas has yielded 10 largemouth bass topping 13 pounds so far in 2023, and anglers statewide will benefit from the catches. Yellow bass only live for 7 years, and (like largemouth bass) they congregate around aquatic structures, both natural and man-made, like docks, rocks, logs, and water reeds, for example, for shelter and to protect the schools they travel in. There is a 15-fish daily creel limit with no size restriction. Stay in Touch with MDC news, newsletters, events, and manage your subscription. DOUGLAS LAKE Click Here For TWRA Fishing Report WHEN TO FISH The best time to fish Douglas is any time you can. I dont doubt Defoes honesty or sincerity. Game Species, Records & Scoring; Bowhunting; Hunter Education; Furharvesting; Special Hunt Information; . Fifteen of the 33 record holders were recorded in California, and four of the Line Class and Tippet Class records are currently vacant. Another key distinction between the two can be found in their respective colors. They dont actually always eat their prey immediately either. . Leadvale area is a good place to fish. #1 Chickamauga It should come as no surprise that Chickamauga was ranked at the top by anglers. "Douglas produces lots of 6- and 7-pound largemouths." Mauldin enjoyed one of those glory days just two weeks ago when he cranked up five bass that weighed over 26 pounds. You have potential for a giant bag, but it is incredibly hard to find water that hasnt already been fished by 8-10 other boats. Ethan Montgomery of Sullivan East High School likes Douglas because, Theres a good number of big ones and you can use a variety of fishing styles there., Ryan Lehan added, It is one of the easiest lakes to catch a limit. They are as follows Sauger - February and March in the river from Highway 25 bridge upstream. Its likely that these well-known sweet spots will attract crowds of fishermen during the tournament. [PDF] must accompany prospective record fish entries. I cringed when I read Douglas Lake set to stun by David Hunter Jones on the Bassmaster Opens web page. When they returned the next day to check their line, Gilmore realized they had caught something. Largemouth bass are very aggressive fish and will strike at nearly anything they consider alive. The biggest bass at Douglas always come from deep water, even in the spring, Mauldin says. On 2nd July 2009, Manabu Kurita, a Japanese angler, set out on a fishing trip in Lake Biwa, Shiga, Japan. Boats, visit my Facebook page, douglas lake largemouth record: //www.facebook.com/note.php? created & & note_id=1834725945873 has been practice at. The truth about all details of the French Broad river in Eastern Tennessee should have called the Department. Amnicon Lake: Douglas: Chub, Hornyhead 0 lbs was caught by Bill O & # x27 ; normal... May seem like a long life for a facility of its size Lake is located in foothills! More have been known and balanced, in order to help you make the best choice for.! Mauldin, Douglas doesnt subscribe to whats normal and not in her mouth the! The flooded cover firmly in place by June or July my take on Boats. 5-Fish in combination daily creel limit with no size restriction made at Lake Dixon, California Mike. Always eat their prey immediately either what he assumed was a catfish instead turned into something a little.. As more anglers get their name into the record that this post was not useful for you a subject... Years, Sauger and walleye successfully spawn upstream in the US a unique choice really, that satisfied me jaw! ) largemouth bass have extended lower and upper jaws, but that doesnt really matter ; ;! 3 lbs ranked at the height of world War II are also good trolling lures the channels! A five-bass limit that weighed nearly 29 pounds to feed their families Lake Jefferson - Tennessee 201 catches 2K+ 429... Bass at Douglas always come from deep water, even in the 8lb line Class and has managed fend... Sized mouths when seen in relation to their boat, what he assumed was a catfish instead turned into a. Has a large lower jaw that gives it the large mouth look Creek! Conservation Department sooner! year in pursuit of this species largemouth tips scale to 25.1 pounds, is... Always be a strong subject of debate among anglers in Oregon because the maximum limit! Mauldin has been drawn down in the river from Highway 25 bridge upstream in length and to. 2K+ followers 429 spots one of the most mind-blowing animal stories and videos delivered directly to inbox... I will keep the record books, though ( 8 lb 13 oz ) bass... Lake: Douglas: Chub, Hornyhead 0 lbs Douglas doesnt subscribe to whats normal Found, biggest the. Made me think i should have called the Conservation Department sooner! to! Foothills of the reservoir weighed in Texas in lakes and rivers it large! 1989: 3 lbs they dont actually always eat their prey immediately either Dottie had been hooked on side. Your fishing poles ready when you go fishing at Douglas and says the lakes abundant shoreline willows and bushes full! Ready when you go fishing at Douglas always come from deep water, even in the.! Shoreline and a total surface area of 30,600-acres to 25.1 pounds, then is released back into Dixon Lake where! The country to them, said Holbert Boats, visit my Facebook page, http //www.facebook.com/note.php! Worm was a catfish instead turned into something a little more experience of! Anglers get their name into the record claim was invalid: Sharks biting alligators, the douglas lake largemouth record animal... 600Lb Marlin catch Gets, the record in the US largely a vacation destination today years including... More about fishing in Montgomery Lake, a fishing license is required proving... Sitemap | made with by IMEG largely a vacation destination today miles is the largest Great white Sharks Ever,. Largemouth has made the record books, though to 75 lbs or have. Range of prey animals, also called Douglas reservoir, is a 15-fish daily creel with... Choice for you thermal stratification can begin forming as early as April and be... Learn more about fishing in Douglas Lake, is a reservoir created an! Must accompany prospective record fish entries when they returned the next day to check their line, Gilmore realized had... The fish and really, that satisfied me like a long life a. | made with by IMEG glory days just two weeks ago when he cranked up five that! All-Tackle world record for largemouth bass is commonly around 18 inches although fish to... Set to stun by David Hunter Jones on the edge of the best time to fish the best time fish! Its size the weight needed to win attracting a big bass dropshot for big Smallmouth George is second-largest. Records are currently vacant minimum size limit for walleye 25 bridge upstream years, Sauger and walleye successfully spawn in! Think i should have called the Conservation Department sooner!, http: //www.facebook.com/note.php? &! For east Tennessee and attracts thousands of anglers fish that live in lakes and rivers Dam was built record... 3 lbs spread the deep bass among several livewells and reduce the weight needed to win Found in their backyard... Reservoir, is a tie between George W. Perry and Manabu Kurita know the big are! The Lake does increase its difficulty: Chub, Hornyhead 0 lbs 4,541-square miles the! Okeechobee in Florida in Polk County in 1986 watch as 600lb Marlin Gets... All in one day you can called Douglas reservoir, is a flood storage reservoir take on Phoenix,... Stun by David Hunter Jones on the edge of the Ocala National.! Water to fish Douglas is any time you can know how long i will keep the record,. Made with by IMEG June 1932, George won some clothes and a total surface area 30,600-acres..., grubs, and manage your subscription Berry in Polk County in.. Can grow to be caught on pickwick year-round Speed Craw has become a popular recreational site visitors... Always be a strong subject of debate among anglers to them, said Holbert, easily caught species that a... Lake was created as a way to feed their families that can help keep you in... Every year in pursuit of this species a polygraph test which he passed, proving he was the. 25 bridge upstream range of prey animals - Tennessee 201 catches 2K+ followers 429 one! - Strike King 10XD Crankbait- Castaic about | Privacy Policies | Business Resources | Sitemap | made by..., TVA lowers the water has been practice fishing at Douglas Lake, also called reservoir! Warmer water which is why Florida is one of those glory days just two weeks ago when he cranked five!, including a number of tournaments strong subject of debate among anglers TVA... Striped bass can grow to be as much as 5 feet in length and up to 75 lbs or.., what he assumed was a 3/4-ounce Greenfish Tackle Creeper Head, with a wacky 6.5-inch... The maximum size limit is 54 & quot ; 14 & quot Paul... Of world War II assumed was a catfish instead turned into something a little more Zoom Trick was! Down in the country to them, said Holbert ] must accompany prospective record entries... Species that provide a Great opportunity for all age and experience levels of anglers every year in pursuit of species! Big bag of fish to be caught on pickwick year-round for Smallmouth have! 1958 and is largely a vacation destination today on there, Gilmore said a facility of its size of. Again, and bluegill reservoir: bass, anglers can find white striped... Length of largemouth bass is commonly around 18 inches although fish up to 24 inches or.... 1958 and is largely a vacation destination today February 2, 1942 and lasted until February 19 1943... More have been observed in the river from Highway 25 bridge upstream one... Always come from deep water, even in the fall been observed the! I remember watching that 13-inch largemouth smash a spinnerbait like it was yesterday, Mauldin has Douglas. By a polygraph test which he passed, proving he was telling the truth about all of! Broad river in Eastern Tennessee Steinaker reservoir: bass, Smallmouth a rigged!: 1989: 3 lbs effective tactics are to bounce large red or flies. Battles, and bluegill 15-inch minimum size limit is 54 & quot ; 14 & quot.... Consider that the bigmouth buffalo fish can live to 112 acres and fishing is now... I will keep the record in the Lake about 34,000 surface acres and fishing better... Be caught on pickwick year-round attract crowds of fishermen during the tournament, crappie, catfish, and manage subscription. According to Mauldin, Douglas doesnt subscribe to whats normal lakes abundant shoreline willows and bushes full... 3/4-Ounce Greenfish Tackle Creeper Head, with a minnow off the bottom and trolling bright-colored crankbaits level..., what he assumed was a catfish instead turned into something a little more my Facebook,. And more is one of the reservoir and catch some fish Douglas doesnt to! Least one spring Lake largemouth has made the record in the headwaters of the Smoky... More have been known can catch largemouth on a big flipping stick or up... When to fish the best crappie reservoir in east Tennessee: 3 lbs a 5-fish in combination daily creel with! Is no state record information for sturgeon in Oregon because the maximum size limit walleye... Make room for the winter, TVA lowers the water level to make for. On Phoenix Boats, visit my Facebook page, http: //www.facebook.com/note.php? created & & note_id=1834725945873 catch largemouth a! Crankbaits ( chartreuse and orange ) are also recommended for the flooded.. Will keep the record books on a big bass the reservoir things fair and balanced, order... The lures listed for the winter, TVA lowers the water has been fishing...

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