Thread: Ft Loudoun/Tellico vs Watts Bar

Watts bar for me, Loudoun second, tellico last. The bar is a lot like loudon, just bigger. Fun lake to learn to fish.

I live just over a mile from a boat ramp on the upper end of Tellico so it's my home waters. I caught hundreds of crappie last year alone in waters where I was the only person fishing. I scout lots of water and fish lots of unlikely areas and find lots of crappie and I keep all this logged in a journal. I've fished loundon a lot and have done well, real well as a matter of fact but, I got tired of only looking at houses. Douglas used to be my numbers lake and gosh has it produced them but the crowds...Lord it's like combat fishing. Chickamagua is a lake that I've been learning and so far I don't have crowds to contend with, the scenery isn't to bad and the crappie are huge, but it takes me over an hour to get there. So, I'll keep on fishing alone in the quiet upper reaches of Tellico lake, with the picturesque mountain views if the fish just so happen to no be biting. Oh and the 3 minute ride to the house means I'll have the fish cleaned and been napping hard in the time it takes me to get back from those other lakes.

Would like to hear more about Watts Bar ...

Having bounced around all three of those reservoirs, It really all depends on what you are looking to get out of your time on the water. Whether it be Convenience, Scenery, or Quality Fish.
If it be convenience the canal ramp would probably be your best bet. You have access to Ft. Loudoun or Tellico lake from this point and could go whichever direction you choose.
Personally I do not prefer the congestion of this area during the warm months and tend to stay away from the canal area most of the time.
If the scenery of the mountains and peaceful time on the water is more rewarding, then a trip to upper Tellico Lake may be in order. Quality fish on the other hand are minimal on these waters.
If "Quality Fish" is what you are seeking, hands down Watts Bar offers the best opportunity for trophy sized (over 14") crappie out of these three reservoirs.
Out of convenience, I fish Tellico Lake most often. Every now and then though I have found an occasional trip over to Watts Bar to be "worth it."

Great reply pantastic. Well said and spot on.