The most noted of said areas is Decatur Flats, where you can traditionally expect to find nearly half of the field bunched up mining for bass. While many agreed that the Flats will still play host to several competitors this week, the majority of the angler’s attention is being placed in creeks and spawning coves where the Wheeler bass have, in all likelihood, committed to. 

However, the creeks and spawning coves aren’t a given either as the TVA is trying to balance the inflow of run-off from weekend storms by drawing water through the river-lake. The results of their efforts are somewhat unstable water levels and chilly, stained water. On the plus, some anglers mentioned that the current is creating some predictable positioning along the ledges adjacent to spawning flats.

Each angler we spoke to agreed that regardless of the weather, the lack of grass, the water levels, or the crowded creeks – someone will figure them out. Most pointed out that weights should hover around the 24- to 26-pound mark for a Top 50 cut on Friday, but suggested that weights could exceed 70 pounds for a Top 12 finish.

Here’s what they had to say about the upcoming event…

Kelly Jordon
“The fish are definitely in the water…they’re not up on the banks yet. It’s interesting because they’re jacking around with the water (levels) so much right now. The backs of the creeks are freezing cold because of the weekend rain, while the main river is hot.

“It’s crazy because you can be out on the main river in 60-degree water, and go to the back of a creek and it will be 51 (degrees). But…that probably will change.

“The grass is gone on the Flats, but there is still some cover out there. The fish will use a stump row just like they would grass, so you’re still going to see some guys do well out there. It’s going to be a little more difficult to fish, but the water’s warm out there too. So, we’ll see.

Zell Rowland
“There’s going to be a lot of fish caught here this week, there’s no doubt. The question is that since a lot of the grass is gone that has been here in the past, where are the big ones hanging out at? I haven’t headed south to see if there’s any grass down there, and as a result of the heavy winds from the weekend the Flats are real muddy.

“As a result, you’re going to see a lot of 10- and 11-pound stringers brought in, and then you’ll see a few that are up there around 18 to 20 pounds. It’s going to interesting to see what they can catch, and where they’re catching them at.

“The other problem is that they’re pulling the water real hard right now, which means that the creeks and ledges have a lot of current on them. If a guy is going to fish shallow, he’s more than likely going to be off to the side of a creek or bay with a lot of company.”

James Niggemeyer
“I’ve been looking for some quality, but all I’ve been able to find so far is small fish. I’ve had one or two good bites so far, but most everything has been small.

“I think there will still be some guys out on the Flats, and I think that there will still be some good stringers caught out there. But for the most part, I think you’re going to see guys spread out in the creeks and spawning coves a little more.

“I don’t think the weights will be anything like they were last year. I’m taking a guess, but I would say 13 pounds a day to make the Top 50. I’ve been fishing really well, and I’m really hungry to make a Top 12 this week.”

Ish Monroe
“So far, it’s just lots of little fish for me. But you know that there are going to be some guys who come out here this week and just whack ‘em. Look at last year – it was post spawn and it still took 12 pounds a day to get a check.

“This year, everything it pre-spawn, so it wouldn’t surprise me to see some really big stringers. Problem is, I’m just not catching the kind of quality that I’m going to need to do well in this tournament. The other challenge is that everyone is so bunched up inside the little spawning pockets that it’s tough to move around like you might want to.

“The Top 50 cut is probably going to be around 12 pounds a day, just like it was last year. Look for the guys up at the top to run away from the rest of the pack though.”

Todd Faircloth
“Well it’s about what you’d expect Wheeler to be – it’s not hard to catch fish, but getting the right fish can be a challenge. It’s slow for the big ones, and I’d like to see the water keep coming up a little to help spread everyone out. 

“I don’t see the (Decatur) Flats as happening this year like it has in the past. I’m not seeing the grass out there like we’ve had before. As a result, I think you’re going to see more people up in the creeks and pockets.

“I think the fish are a little further behind here as opposed to Dardanelle. These fish are probably conditions to have the water level up, which generally occurs around the 15th, and right now they are moving (the level) up and down a lot. With that in mind, I really think would probably take somewhere in the neighborhood of 12 pounds a day to get a check, and somewhere around 16 to make the Top 12.” 

Fred Roumbanis
“There is so much water fluctuation right now. I saw one area yesterday where the guys had launched earlier in the day, and their trucks were in the water by the time I came through. All this water is going to make things interesting. 

“At the same time, it’s kind of nice to see some water coming in. Yesterday, when I got here, I’d never seen it so low. Really, I think it’s fishing pretty good. The guys that know this place better than me are probably going to catch some big, big fish.

“They’re all full of eggs right now, and they’re feeding. I caught a couple of nice ones yesterday, so I really think that it’s going to take over 20 (pounds) a day to win.”

Gerald Swindle
“The lake’s going to fish a little smaller this week that what we’d like for it to be because of the extremely rough water and muddy conditions. I think there will be a lot of guys grouped up at 10 or 11 pounds, but the guy who can figure out the ‘key’ bait to catch a big fish everyday will start taking off for the lead.

“It’s going to be a tough tournament, but it’s good to be on the Tennessee River where you can get a bite. This is a whole different deal than we had last week (at Dardanelle). Unlike last week, where there were a lot of little backwater areas to fish by yourself, here it’s level across the board.

“Somebody will figure the bait out that will catch the big ones, and that’s what it’s all going to boil down to.” 

Matt Herren
“I think it’s going to be a pretty difficult week. There’s lots of little limits, around 8 to 10 pounds, but it’s going to be tough figuring out how to catch a four-pound fish. That’s what will separate the guys in the Top 12 from everyone else.

“It’s really typical Florida-style fishing, to be honest with you. If you can catch a kicker fish with four little swimmers you’ll move right on up the board. If you don’t, you’ll be going home Friday afternoon…it’s that simple.”

Britt Meyers
“I think everyone will probably have a limit this week. It’s just going to be a matter of getting that big bite. The ledge deal is always a factor on the Tennessee River, but I can tell you that it’s not going to be for me. If I fall out of the boat, I won’t be in water over my knees.”