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Pickwick has often been called
the best trophy smallmouth fishery in the country. This is due in
large part to the numerous beneficial conditions of the river system
and its location. The lake is situated at the southern boundary of
habitable climate for smallmouth. The southern location allows for a
longer growing year, which produces larger fish. Pickwick has a
strong current and is also at the northern boundary for threadfin
shad, the primary prey for smallies.
SIZE AND DEPTH
47,500 acres and 53 miles long
with a maximum depth of 59 feet.
SHORELINE
496 miles long. The shore is
approximately 40 percent developed and is comprised of both
privately-held land and Tennessee Valley Authority ownership.
The remaining shoreline is undeveloped.
BOTTOM
Sand, gravel, bedrock, mud and
muck. The main river channel is mostly bedrock and mud. In
tailwater areas and coves, sand, gravel, and muck bottoms are found.
WATER
Moderately fertile water with a
light green to brownish color. In the main river channel the water
is lighter colored than the brownish color found in the backwater
areas of coves and bays. Visible clarity is between 2 and 4 feet
depending on location, rainfall and current.
COVER
There is little submerged
vegetation and what is present is sporadically dispersed throughout
the lake. The most common emergent plant is water willow,
which can be found along the lakes shoreline and in bays and coves.
FEATURED SPECIES
Largemouth bass, smallmouth
bass, striped bass, crappie.
OTHER SPECIES
Channel catfish, hybrid striped
bass, sauger, bluegill, sunfish.
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