Nickajack is much more riverine than Chickamauga. Simms said through the Tennessee River Gorge there are massive holes in the gorge where the water reaches 120 feet deep. Anglers can find good success with all three species of catfish throughout the river system.

EAST -- REGION IV
Our last region to look at in this roundup is in the eastern portion of the state. It may be last in our review, but it's definitely not lacking in prime catfish waters. Anglers have a plethora of opportunities to tangle with some quality whiskerfish in this area.

One of the best catfish populations in the region is in Boone Reservoir. The lake is stocked with blue cats and has very good reproducing populations of both channel and flathead catfish. Unfortunately, one of the reasons the fishery is so good is because the lake is subject to a fish consumption advisory. Therefore, there's not quite as much pressure as would be otherwise.

The lake is very fertile and catfish grow well there. This reservoir on the South Fork Holston River is around 4,500 acres and provides plenty of opportunity. Recent creel data suggest channel catfish are in good shape and there is the potential to catch some really large flatheads and blues.

Cherokee Reservoir is another fantastic catfish location and it is not tarnished with a fish advisory. This 30,300-acre TVA reservoir is very fertile and has a great forage base that includes threadfin shad, gizzard shad and alewives. The lake is home to some tremendous catfish, and blues, flatheads and channels are all well represented in the lake. Channels and flatheads are self-sustaining. The TWRA has been stocking blue cats since the early 1990s.

The best catfish spots for channels and flatheads may be in the upper end of the lake, according to biologist Doug Peterson. He said the area up near the John Sevier tailwaters is especially good. Most of the best blue cat fishing is in the reservoir proper. Anglers should remember that the lake stratifies during summer and fishing effort should not be deeper than around 30 feet.

Peterson said Fort Loudon and the Fort Loudon tailwaters are particularly good for catfish. Regrettably, the reason the location is so good is for the same reason as Boone. There is limited harvest because of a fish consumption advisory. However, this leaves the cats in the lake and allows them to reach massive size.

Channels, flatheads and blues are all present in good numbers. The lake has good reproduction on all three species and does not require supplemental stocking. A 130-pound blue catfish was taken there in 1976 with commercial gear.

Douglas Reservoir also has a great catfishery and does not have a health advisory. It is primarily composed of channel cats, but there are also fair populations of blues and flatheads. Peterson refers to it as having "a good fishery."

This TVA reservoir is approximately 30,600 acres in size and offers primarily boat fishing through the summer months. Most of the shoreline is privately owned. It is subject to summer stratification, so most fishing should be confined to the lower end of the lake. The thermocline is usually firmly in place by early June and will typically be around 10 feet.

If these larger reservoirs are not what one likes, Peterson said there are several smaller lakes in the region that offer good catfish opportunities. Indian Mountain Lake in Jellico offers some excellent channel catfish fishing. Channel cats are stocked there regularly.

Both the Cove Lake State Park and the Big Ridge State Park have excellent catfishing as well. Both lakes have flathead and channel catfish. Natural reproduction occurs at both of these waters.

No matter where in Tennessee one lives or travels to, there's terrific catfishing nearby. Great fishing for flatheads, channels and blues is waiting, so let's get out there and get bit!