Norris reservoir reports

[CaptainMorgan!]

Norris Reservoir

The lake elevation is 999.1-feet, 1.9-feet lower than it was a week ago. The lake is predicted to drop about 6-inches over the next two days. Water surface temperatures taken on the lower end of the lake are in the low-40?s in the mornings, and 46-degrees in the afternoon; upper end temperatures get gradually colder as you go upstream. The lake is clear, or slightly stained in most locations.

Smallmouth bass continue to hit deep running crankbaits and small hair on the main channels. Striped bass are hitting best at dusk. Largemouth bass catches are slow. Crappie catches slowed since last week, overall, but there were still some caught in the rear of the larger creek embayments.

Walleye, scattered for the winter season, hit shiners and some artificials along the points leading into deep water, and in some of the coves. Now and then someone will catch a male walleye, upriver on the Powell side

[CaptainMorgan!]

Norris Reservoir

Water conditions: The lake elevation is 998.4-feet, eight-inches lower than it was a week ago. The lake is predicted to drop less than two inches over the next two days. Water surface temperatures taken on the lower end of the lake are in the low-40?s in the mornings, and 46-degrees in the afternoon; upper end temperatures get gradually colder as you go upstream. At Black Fox (Point 29) the surface was 43-degrees with a light stain. The lake is clear, or slightly stained in most locations.

Summary: Smallmouth Bass are hitting well, if you get to the right depth and are in the right location. Striped Bass are hitting best in the afternoon, but slowed somewhat. Largemouth Bass catches are slow overall, but did improve for some fishermen this week. A few nice sized largemouth were caught in the creek hollows. Crappie remain slow. Walleye are not yet hitting on the lower end, except for the occasional stray. But, upriver catches are improving in the headwaters.