Crappie on Douglas

[Volbuck777]

Overheard a couple guys talking about crappie on Douglas the other day. I usually fish Nina holler about this time, but not sure what to think after all the flooding and how low the water is compared to other years. I've lived on Douglas for 30 years and I'm a little lost this year. Anybody got any reports? Pm if you want to keep it out of the public eye. I know a couple years ago I could've walked across the lake and never touched the water. I've never seen that many boats. It seems if it gets out everyone will know.

 

[Setterman]

Thought I heard contact wasn't advised due to water contamination. All I know is what flooded in places like Asheville and eventually ended up in Douglas is nasty

 

[Volbuck777]

Thought I heard contact wasn't advised due to water contamination. All I know is what flooded in places like Asheville and eventually ended up in Douglas is nasty

That's what the talk was and what I was hearing. But, from what I seen out there the other day and what I'm hearing now people are catching. The advisory isn't slowing down the fisherman. I'm not sure what to think.

 

[Wooden Arrow]

some areas of the lake are covered in debris, from pix i've seen. this IS the time of year to be after the crappie there, so i;m bummed.

 

[killingtime 41]

Water to polluted to eat them I guess with all wash in from the storm. Does that seem to be the consensus on why not to fish it.

 

[Volbuck777]

Water to polluted to eat them I guess with all wash in from the storm. Does that seem to be the consensus on why not to fish it.

Sounds right. I worry about it personally. I've been told not to eat crappie out of loudon for years but I know a lot of guys that do.

 

[Crappieaddict]

Sounds right. I worry about it personally. I've been told not to eat crappie out of loudon for years but I know a lot of guys that do.

I do.

 

[Volbuck777]

I do.

I have to but it's been a while. It sure didn't seem to bother me none. When we going?

 

[Crappieaddict]

I have to but it's been a while. It sure didn't seem to bother me none. When we going?

I haven't been in so long that I'll need GPS to get to the lake! Life has got in the way, but that is hopefully going to change soon. I actually prefer to fish Tellico.

 

[Volbuck777]

I haven't been in so long that I'll need GPS to get to the lake! Life has got in the way, but that is hopefully going to change soon. I actually prefer to fish Tellico.

I've personally never fished tellico but I was down there last month doing a job. I had to install a septic and build a pad for a house. I got to ride around a bit and honestly thought about bringing the rod and reel. I just can't bring myself to fish until deer season is over. But it's over now and my mind be a wondering. Lol

 

[Crappieaddict]

I

I've personally never fished tellico but I was down there last month doing a job. I had to install a septic and build a pad for a house. I got to ride around a bit and honestly thought about bringing the rod and reel. I just can't bring myself to fish until deer season is over. But it's over now and my mind be a wondering. Lol

It's a beautiful lake, but a bit longer drive for me than Loudoun. We are in the grandchildren babysitting phase of our lives, so that has slowed down my "hobby" time! It's worth it, however, and I hope to get back to more regular fishing in the next year or so. I prefer weekdays to avoid some of the crowds.

 

[Volbuck777]

I

It's a beautiful lake, but a bit longer drive for me than Loudoun. We are in the grandchildren babysitting phase of our lives, so that has slowed down my "hobby" time! It's worth it, however, and I hope to get back to more regular fishing in the next year or so. I prefer weekdays to avoid some of the crowds.

Yes sir, I hear that. I got three young boys and when I'm not working they become my second job. Not complaining I wouldn't trade it for anything but it's hard to find free time. If you ever get serious and find a free day hit me up we might try to find a few.

 

[Crappieaddict]

Yes sir, I hear that. I got three young boys and when I'm not working they become my second job. Not complaining I wouldn't trade it for anything but it's hard to find free time. If you ever get serious and find a free day hit me up we might try to find a few.

I'd like that very much!

 

[Wooden Arrow]

Water to polluted to eat them I guess with all wash in from the storm. Does that seem to be the consensus on why not to fish it.

state told us not to eat fish out of the North Fork of the Holston for years. it IS polluted, has mercury etc in it from industry at Saltville. few years back, some bright lad checked his figures and told the state that you'd have to eat twenty lb of the fish a month for YEARS before you accumulated enough in your body to do any damage. the law DID allow for some healthy smallmouth for years. still ate the big 'gills and redeyes though...

 

[East TN Bowhunter]

From what I am hearing from people in the know is that the fish are safe to eat but they won't come out and say it until the water quality tests come back from the lab. I wouldn't keep anything from there for awhile even if they say it is okay.

 

[WTM]

id be more worried about some flesh eating disease than eating the fish, but that is probably rare. id seriously doubt fish would have absorbed enough contaminents in two months but i may be wrong.

 

[killingtime 41]

If you look into all the lakes and rivers in N east Tn. Say not to eat certain fish out of them. Because its not just mercury but other chemicals also. I wouldn't eat anything close to Eastman. I know of several chemical releases that they say was accidental killing fish over the years. And years ago Boone lake was a dump. Not just trash but raw sewage. It had to be the most polluted lake I'd ever seen. Nobody would eat anything out of there for many many years. At least the locals that knew how it was wouldn't. I eat crappie and any small fish. But the bigger the fish in my mind the more the chemicals. So they get released.