Watts Bar
Water surface temperatures are warmer this week with the average temperature being 83 degrees. Cooler water can be found in the Clinch River. Minimal water flows are dictating the success ratio of most anglers. The deeper water fish are in most cases are heavily influenced by the current. The greatest contributor to a successful fishing trip for normal patterns this time of year has been taken out. The unpredictable schooling bass can be caught more often than any other bass. Look for shad minnows and any activity that may be present near these fish. Casting near the schooling fish with topwater lures, shallow running baits, jigs and spoons will allow for a few fish to be caught. Those few other bass that are being caught are being caught on deep water points, humps, and ledges on plastic worms rigged in any matter. Vertical fishing spoons and wacky worms has been as good as any other technique or lure. Crappie are being caught most often at night on steep banks while fishing underneath the lights. Minnows, jigs and spoons are all being used. Some catfish and stripers are being caught near the tailwaters. Both prefer shad.
This is from the TWRA site. The water is a little cooler than your bathtub water.
If in doubt, cross their eyes!!