JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – Tennessee’s Cherokee Lake will host back-to-back events for the Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine on May 17 and 18. The Mountain Division will fish its third event of the season on Saturday, and Volunteer Division anglers will compete in their fourth on Sunday.
This year, BFL anglers benefit from an expanded slate of Regionals, which minimizes travel costs and provides more opportunities to qualify for the $120,000 BFL All-American while fishing familiar, closer-to-home waters. Click here to find out more.
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What to expect
Bass Pro Tour angler Nick Hatfield considers Cherokee his home lake and says that even though the lake seems to be on a downward trend, the fishing should still be good for both BFL events.
“It’s not the same place that it was a few years ago, but I’m sure it will cycle back and get good again,” he said. “There’s still fish spawning, some postspawn and maybe a few that haven’t spawned yet. Plus, you’ll have plenty of fry guarders and the shad spawn bite. A lot is happening right now.”
Hatfield reports that the shad spawn is “popping off” across the region and says the morning flurry will be critical.
“If you can capitalize on that bite and get a few big ones, that can go a long way to help your bag,” he said.
The lake is full of largemouth and smallmouth, but Hatfield would target the largemouth if he were fishing these events.
“I would say a mixed bag will probably be the way to win, but there’s a chance it will be all largemouth,” he said. “The largemouth are harder to catch but tend to weigh more. I’d be all in on them because it’s getting harder to catch good smallmouth on Cherokee.”
Hatfield says the whole lake has potential this time of year, but the middle section tends to hold better quality.
“There’s fish everywhere on the whole lake, but that middle part of the lake seems to be the best this time of year,” he said. “Another thing I have to mention is the upper dam’s tailrace. It wouldn’t surprise me if it’s won up there, because it puts out some big fish, so I would check that out in practice.”
Baits to bring
Hatfield says a white swim jig or topwater lures like buzzbaits and walking baits will shine for the early morning shad spawn bite. Bottom contact approaches like Carolina rigs, shaky heads, and Neko rigs should produce bass for the rest of the day.
What will it take?
The potential is there for a 20-pound bag, but Hatfield believes 18 pounds is a more realistic winning weight under the current conditions. Those weighing between 13 and 15 pounds have a good shot at earning a check.
Sign up to Fish 4 FREE!
Every Phoenix Bass Fishing League angler fishing the fourth event in each division (that’s this Sunday for the Volunteer Division) will receive an Abu Garcia gift pack valued at $230 for boaters and $180 for co-anglers – a value that exceeds the entry fee. It’s like Fishing 4 FREE! Plus, participants will receive a code for 25% off an order at AbuGarcia.com. Sign up today at MajorLeagueFishing.com or call (270) 252-1000 to take advantage of this incredible offer. Anglers will receive their gift box at the event.