I live in ohio and don't feel as energetic to driving as my younger self. I fished chichamunga during the spring and got a feeling that the bigs are in decline there currently. What lake/lakes give the best chance at a 10 in KY or Tn?

Chickamauga… it’s the only one that comes to mind with a reasonable shot at a 10 pounder I can think of. Lots of lakes that might have one though.

Chichamauga is definitely in decline.  It might still be your best shot at a DD in Tennessee.  I would suggest that you drive a little further to Guntersville.   

Well, Tennessee produces a few every year, but the chances are extremely low here. 

Florida would be a much better state to focus on. 

Kentucky lake or Watts bar worth anything?

4 hours ago, Craigholland said:

Kentucky lake or Watts bar worth anything?

If the goal is to catch some fish then yes.  If you’re wanting a 10 pounder then no.

I think @22RangerZ520R may be able to help

Small lakes/ponds in the middle to western part of either state 

 

my buddy knows a guy in middle TN that manages a pond, requiring all fish under 2 lbs be killed and stocks with baitfish. They hook an 8-10 every time they go 

3 hours ago, TnRiver46 said:

my buddy knows a guy in middle TN that manages a pond, requiring all fish under 2 lbs be killed and stocks with baitfish. They hook an 8-10 every time they go 

Does this pond manager need a new best friend?  Could you be more specific on the location of this pond?  Some where in W. TN is almost as difficult to find as Lake Menderchuck.  Will the bass hit spinnerbaits in this pond?

49 minutes ago, king fisher said:

Does this pond manager need a new best friend?  Could you be more specific on the location of this pond?  Some where in W. TN is almost as difficult to find as Lake Menderchuck.  Will the bass hit spinnerbaits in this pond?

I’m told they like live bait 

I’ve heard rumors that Earl Benz (founder of many boat companies) has a private lake at his home in Tennessee that is epic.

8 minutes ago, TnRiver46 said:

I’m told they like live bait 

I will buy the bait, when do we go?

I’ve never been unfortunately 😂 . 
 

if you know the right cattle farmer you might be able to stumble into such a pond. We had access to one when I was a kid where you could always get a hold of a monster, seems like a 12lb came out of there. I caught a 6 lb and saw two of my buddies catch the same 8 lber. That one had no management, I think its shallow depth was the magical X factor. 

Chickamauga gets pounded about 5 days a week with tournaments. It is not in its prime anymore. There are still lots of good fish that get caught, but you don’t hear about many DD. 

Definitely scratch off KY for the best odds at a 10.  I agree with a lot that has already been said above, Chick definitely gets pressured but they're still in there.  I know Caleb is guiding with live bait and is doing well with many DD's and I think he had a teener there last year.  The DD's are smart and aren't going to just jump in the boat.  Have you only been to Chick once?  All I can say is keep grinding, it only takes one cast at Chick...

 

I remember my 12lb 8oz PB at Chick back in March of 2017 like it was yesterday.  First thing in the morning, sun hadn't even come up over the horizon yet, main lake shell bed. Made a long cast, slow rolling thumping the bottom.  Tick, tick, tick tick and then BAM she thumped it.  Set the hook and about 30 seconds later she was in the net.  It was the ONLY hit I got that day!  It only takes one cast!  Chick definitely isn't what it was 6-8 years ago, but it still has em'.

15 minutes ago, 22RangerZ520R said:

Definitely scratch off KY for the best odds at a 10.  I agree with a lot that has already been said above, Chick definitely gets pressured but they're still in there.  I know Caleb is guiding with live bait and is doing well with many DD's and I think he had a teener there last year.  The DD's are smart and aren't going to just jump in the boat.  Have you only been to Chick once?  All I can say is keep grinding, it only takes one cast at Chick...

 

I remember my 12lb 8oz PB at Chick back in March of 2017 like it was yesterday.  First thing in the morning, sun hadn't even come up over the horizon yet, main lake shell bed. Made a long cast, slow rolling thumping the bottom.  Tick, tick, tick tick and then BAM she thumped it.  Set the hook and about 30 seconds later she was in the net.  It was the ONLY hit I got that day!  It only takes one cast!  Chick definitely isn't what it was 6-8 years ago, but it still has em'.

It was killer back around 2013-2014. There were 40+ pound limits in tournaments during that time. Heck, Rogne and Tim had a 49 pound limit in one tournament. 

Fished chick for 2 trips now. Caught some 4s and lost one right at the net that might have went 7.

On 5/21/2024 at 11:57 AM, Tennessee Boy said:

Chichamauga is definitely in decline.  It might still be your best shot at a DD in Tennessee.  I would suggest that you drive a little further to Guntersville.   

OP, if you’re bringing a boat, I’ll meet you at Guntersville! 
 

I agree with @Tennessee Boy about Guntersville. Depending on where you go, you’re still on Guntersville about an hour from Chickamauga. On your way down, will you stop at Hog Farmer in Chattanooga (N) and pick me up some more spunk shads? 😁😁

On 5/23/2024 at 5:08 PM, nso123 said:

Chickamauga gets pounded about 5 days a week with tournaments. It is not in its prime anymore. There are lots of good fish that get caught, but you don’t hear about many DD. 

very true. The Chick gets pounded. Not just by fisherman. The recreational boaters in the summer months are insane. If you go, keep your head on a swivel. Big yachts coming out of the big marina will swamp you. Not to mention the wake boats. Not relaxing at all. 

They were smashing them last big tourney on pickwick and I think somebody got close to 10 

Interesting discussion. I'd like to get a 10 myself. I've not gotten over 5 yet, but I am in persuit. Course... I don't specifically target large ones, I target bass... and I get all sizes.