Middle TN Streams are warming up

[creeksmallie]

Wednesday and Thursday I was able to stop by one of my favorite spring spots for a couple of hours each day. Wednesday we had a few small smallmouth and 18 small Rock Bass like the one pictured with the reel. Thursday more fish had moved in we had 11 smallmouth mostly 10 to 12 inchers and two the size of the one pictured.The 30 plus Rock Bass were all bigger but not the 8 to 10 inchers. We caught the smallies and the rock bass on the Xrap and the black and chartreuse sliders. The streams are going to be on fire(and the bigger fish will be in looking to spawn, after they come down from last nights rain. If you do not like spending that gas money in the boat get out to one of our Middle TN streams. The next few weeks will provide you with plenty of action. I am booking trips for the spring and summer if you would like to learn more about the most economical way to fish our great state.
Mike Dial
Stream Smallmouth Guide
615-556-0281

[jad2t]

Nice smallie! What streams in Middle TN are you fishing? I moved to Smyrna recently and we have Stewart Creek running all through it. I recently found some areas along the greenway where the river appears big and deep enough to hold fish. Have you had any luck there?

[jaystaler88]

My experience with middle TN streams has told me that if it looks fishy and healthy, it probably is.

Get out there and try it for yourself!

But SHHHHHH-These streams are delicate resources. Enjoy it for yourself and a few other responsible fisherman. I don't recommend disclosing the names/locations of non-navigable fishing areas online. They are too precious to have the crowds stomping around in them.

On the other hand, I've seen monster smallmouth pulled out of The Harpeth, Duck, and Buffalo.

[Travis C.]

I'd grab a road map or fishing guide and look at the big feeder creeks in Percy or Old Hickory then follow them upstream. That should give you a good start.

Ofcourse there are a lot more out there but those are pretty tight lipped.

[jad2t]

I do that from time to time but I just can't find access to the streams. It's always privately owned property and I'm not risking getting shot at just to catch a few nice smallies. In other cases I've found access but it just isn't fishable due to steep banks and/or thick woods all the way to the edge of the water

[bluemarlin]

Any feeder stream and offshoots on the Cumberland, or Kentucky Lake can offer great fishing. Get county maps and pick some spots, go the county deed office and see who owns the land. Stop by their place and ask permission, get it in writing. Let them know when you want to fish, call them and afterwards and thank them. I caught my biggest smallie off a Kentucky Lake feeder stream and I was the only one that had permission to fish this stretch.

[Travis C.]

Also never hurts once you get permission to take a trash bag along with you and pick up on your way back up/down stream. Even seemingly "remote" creeks get trash and that will definitely have favor in the owner's eyes along with a thank you.

You would be shocked at the numbers of 3-6lbs in hidden gems around the state. But be prepared for a really tough trial and error process to catch them.

[nofish]

Originally Posted by creeksmallie

Wednesday and Thursday I was able to stop by one of my favorite spring spots for a couple of hours each day. Wednesday we had a few small smallmouth and 18 small Rock Bass like the one pictured with the reel. Thursday more fish had moved in we had 11 smallmouth mostly 10 to 12 inchers and two the size of the one pictured.The 30 plus Rock Bass were all bigger but not the 8 to 10 inchers. We caught the smallies and the rock bass on the Xrap and the black and chartreuse sliders. The streams are going to be on fire(and the bigger fish will be in looking to spawn, after they come down from last nights rain. If you do not like spending that gas money in the boat get out to one of our Middle TN streams. The next few weeks will provide you with plenty of action. I am booking trips for the spring and summer if you would like to learn more about the most economical way to fish our great state.
Mike Dial
Stream Smallmouth Guide
615-556-0281

Guided bank fishing trips?

[creeksmallie]

I generally do not mention the streams I fish but they are very easy to find with a Tennessee Gazeteer. What has been mentioned before is the best way. Gaining Permission and cleaning up. I have even taken the chain saw and cut a path to the creek for the landowner so his grandkids could get down the bank easier.

Nofish, I guide wading trips but this time of year I have a few spots I do not have to get wet. 90% of the time I am in water ankle to waste deep.
My wading trips we usually wade small stretches sometimes 100 yard stretches and up to mile. Hopefully the water will fall so I can get back out Sunday.
Mike

[SAMBOLIE]

Originally Posted by jad2t

Nice smallie! What streams in Middle TN are you fishing? I moved to Smyrna recently and we have Stewart Creek running all through it. I recently found some areas along the greenway where the river appears big and deep enough to hold fish. Have you had any luck there?

I played golf at Smyrna on Tuesday. The path to hole #10 crosses Stewart Creek. This stretch has beautiful water. I may slip a rod/reel in the golf bag next time.
One of the marshals told me the city dumps treated sewage a short distance up the creek. Not so sure I want to fish it now.

[SAMBOLIE]

Originally Posted by creeksmallie

I generally do not mention the streams I fish but they are very easy to find with a Tennessee Gazeteer. What has been mentioned before is the best way. Gaining Permission and cleaning up. I have even taken the chain saw and cut a path to the creek for the landowner so his grandkids could get down the bank easier.

Nofish, I guide wading trips but this time of year I have a few spots I do not have to get wet. 90% of the time I am in water ankle to waste deep.
My wading trips we usually wade small stretches sometimes 100 yard stretches and up to mile. Hopefully the water will fall so I can get back out Sunday.
Mike

creeksmallie, good to see you using the slider. This has been on of my favorites for many many years. I like the smoke with glitter.
My partner can't believe the size bass I have caught on these while he is throwing spinner baits. I usually have to troll them when he is on the trolling motor. They still catch almost as good as fishing slowly.
I saw curly tails and frogs by Slider at Friedmans. Also like the Pro heads with the larger hooks.
Regretfully I sold my Slider rod that Charlie Brewer designed.

How do I contact you for a guide on a stream?

[creeksmallie]

Sam
I love the slider products. I like the motor oil with orange tail the best. The black with chartreuse is 2nd.
You can email me at creeksmallie@att.net or call 615-556-0281
I do have a facebook page (new to facebook)
Thanks
Mike Dial

[blr3a]

I noticed TWRA should have stocked Sulfur Creek in Springfield on Wednesday. I wonder if the heavy rain washed them into the Gulf on Thursday? What do y'all think about fishing tomorrow, think the waters will have gone down enough and the fish will be biting? I can target smallies and rock bass if y'all think the trout won't be biting.

[Greasy Ham]

Originally Posted by SAMBOLIE

I played golf at Smyrna on Tuesday. The path to hole #10 crosses Stewart Creek. This stretch has beautiful water. I may slip a rod/reel in the golf bag next time.
One of the marshals told me the city dumps treated sewage a short distance up the creek. Not so sure I want to fish it now.

I fish Stewart's creek through that area often. Some folks say that area is overfished and it's hard to catch there. I've never had a problem. Heck it aint but a mile or two up from the lake anyways.
Good area and easy access for bank fishermen.

[Fishmanjoe]

Originally Posted by Greasy Ham

I fish Stewart's creek through that area often. Some folks say that area is overfished and it's hard to catch there. I've never had a problem. Heck it aint but a mile or two up from the lake anyways.
Good area and easy access for bank fishermen.

Not sure if they still do, but the marshalls will run you off. There is good fishing (maybe not size, but quanity) where they put the water back in. I think they oxygynate the water when they put it back in and that draws a lot of fish. If you don't get run off it is a blast! You also have to watch out for flying golf balls and snakes.