Reels
Abu Garcia Revo SX Baitcasting Reel
A reliable baitcaster for jigs, Texas rigs, and moving baits.
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A Tennessee River lake near Chattanooga known for double-digit largemouth.
Trip at a Glance
Anglers come to Chickamauga Lake for largemouth bass and crappie. The best months overall are Feb to Jun, Sep to Nov. In October, largemouth bass and crappie are in season, and Soft Stick Bait, Bass Jig and Spinnerbait are a good place to start. There are 12 shops within 45 miles; the closest is Soddy custom Tackle in Soddy Daisy, 4 mi away. Toccoa River is 50 mi away if you want to make a trip of it.
Best Months
Feb to Jun, Sep to Nov
In October
Largemouth Bass, Crappie
Methods
Spin, cast & bait
Season at a Glance
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What You'll Catch
Chickamauga Lake Species
Plan by Month
What to Use
Month
Fish
9 picks for October. ● means in season that month.
Soft Stick Bait 4 to 5 in
LureSoft Plastic · Largemouth Bass
Shop This LureBass Jig 3/8 to 1 oz
LureJig · Largemouth Bass
Shop This LureSpinnerbait 3/8 to 3/4 oz
LureMoving Bait · Largemouth Bass · Stained water.
Shop This LureBladed Jig 3/8 to 1/2 oz
LureMoving Bait · Largemouth Bass · Around grass.
Shop This LureSquarebill Crankbait 1.5 to 2.5 in
LureCrankbait · Largemouth Bass
Shop This LureLipless Crankbait 1/2 to 3/4 oz
LureCrankbait · Largemouth Bass
Shop This LureWalking Topwater 4 to 5 in
LureTopwater · Largemouth Bass · Low light.
Shop This LureCrappie Jig 1/32 to 1/8 oz
LureJig · Crappie
Shop This LureLive Minnows 1 to 3 in
BaitLive Bait · Crappie, Largemouth Bass · Under a slip float.
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Rod & Reel
Recommended Setups
Largemouth Bass
Fly 9 ft 7 or 8 wt rod, bass-taper floating line, 12 to 16 lb leader for poppers and divers.
Spin / Cast 7 ft medium-heavy baitcasting rod, 7:1 reel, 15 lb fluorocarbon or 50 lb braid around heavy cover.
Crappie
Fly 8.5 ft 4 wt rod, floating line, small jig flies and minnow patterns.
Spin / Cast 10 to 12 ft jigging pole or 6 ft ultralight spinning rod, 4 to 6 lb hi-vis line.
Matched to These Species
Gear for Chickamauga Lake
Panfish Lures
Bobby Garland Baby Shad Crappie Jigs
A go-to crappie plastic on a light jighead, under a float or vertical.
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Pflueger President Spinning Reel
Light and smooth for its price. A favorite for finesse and panfish rods.
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Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Combo
Nearly unbreakable and sensitive enough for most freshwater fishing. A safe first combo.
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Ugly Stik GX2 Ultralight Spinning Combo
Light enough to feel crappie bites and cast small spinners for trout.
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St. Croix Triumph Spinning Rod
A sensitive, lightweight rod for finesse plastics and jigs.
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Berkley Trilene XL Monofilament
Limp, easy-casting mono for spinning reels and general fishing.
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PowerPro Spectra Braided Line
Thin, strong braid for long casts, sensitivity, and pulling fish from cover.
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Within 45 Miles
Shops Near Chickamauga Lake
Bait & Tackle
Soddy custom Tackle
Soddy Daisy, Tennessee· 4 mi
Bait and tackle shop in Soddy Daisy, TN.
Bait & Tackle
Lake Chickamauga Tackle & Outdoors
Harrison, Tennessee· 10 mi
Bait and tackle shop in Harrison, TN.
Bait & Tackle
Hiwassee Marine Bait and Tackle
Georgetown, Tennessee· 12 mi
Bait and tackle shop in Georgetown, TN.
Bait & Tackle
Jack's Bait & Tackle Shop
Chattanooga, Tennessee· 14 mi
Bait and tackle shop in Chattanooga, TN.
Bait & Tackle
Academy Sports + Outdoors
Chattanooga, Tennessee· 15 mi
Bait and tackle shop in Chattanooga, TN.
Bait & Tackle
Sportsman's Warehouse
Chattanooga, Tennessee· 16 mi
Bait and tackle shop in Chattanooga, TN.
Bait & Tackle
The Hatch Outfitters
Chattanooga, Tennessee· 18 mi
Bait and tackle shop in Chattanooga, TN.
Bait & Tackle
Charleston Bait & Tackle
Charleston, Tennessee· 19 mi
Bait and tackle shop in Charleston, TN.
Make It a Trip