Also, the most recent TWRA surveys indicate that the smallmouth fishery in Tims Ford is responding well to the 18-inch minimum size limit that was implemented in 2005, and this fishery should only improve in years to come. Scholten said Pickwick Lake is another high-quality smallmouth fishery that would likely benefit from a higher size limit in the three states that manage this fishery. The best news is that Scholten said the TWRA is committed to keeping Tennessee the state "Where Smallmouth is King."

"There are several fisheries across the state that could be improved with the proper regulations and based on comments that we receive, smallmouth anglers are ready (for those regulations)," Scholten added. "I am sure that the anglers who are interested in quality smallmouth fishing will be happy with our recommendations.

"Tennessee is definitely one of the best states for smallmouth fishing in North America and probably the best in the South," Scholten continued. "We are aggressive in our management of the species, and it shows."

We've listed the top smallmouth lakes, but there are others that deserve a mention as well. These waters include dark horses and old standbys that are declining but still worth a trip: Watts Bar, Norris, Center Hill and Percy Priest lakes.

Scholten said Watts Bar has plenty of excellent smallmouth habitat, and since the implementation of the 18-inch minimum size limit, the fishery has exploded. The size structure has improved, and each year TWRA's targeted surveys yield more smallmouths.

Norris is another reservoir that has benefited from an 18-inch minimum size limit. Since implementation of the size limit, the number of large smallmouths at Norris has increased, and Scholten and the agency expect this quality fishery will continue to improve. Although the surveys don't always show it, the southern half of Kentucky Lake is another great smallmouth fishing locale. Scholten added Center Hill and Percy Priest are "once good populations" that appear to be in a bit of slump.

RIVER BROWN FISH
Looking at the top river systems for smallmouth bass, Frank Fiss, the former stream coordinator for the state of Tennessee, said not much has changed over the last year -- except one little detail.

Fiss said he has heard that the Pigeon might be a bit off, but it's still very good. A bit off -- yes, still good -- definitely yes. But for two years in a row now, the state's best moving water for smallmouth bass has shown signs of a slight letdown. The Pigeon River may not have lost its top standing among river smallmouth destinations, but it's slowed enough over the last two years to have major competition and is now tied in almost everyone's opinion (including mine) for the top spot with the Holston River.

Like last year, the Pigeon River smallmouth fishing was off just a little again in 2007 and that's let the Holston close ground. Other than that, Fiss said the state's rivers rank behind the Pigeon and Holston in the order of the Nolichucky, the Buffalo, and then the Duck River. Dark horses still have to be the Powell River and the Little Pigeon River.