A look at the Tennessee River

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The 2019 GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods comes to Knoxville, Tenn., and the Tennessee River for the first time. Visit Knoxville is the host, and its president, Kim Bumpas, said this “is the perfect opportunity to showcase the beautiful Tennessee River to the Classic competitors and outdoor enthusiasts.”
The 2019 GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods comes to Knoxville, Tenn., and the Tennessee River for the first time. Visit Knoxville is the host, and its president, Kim Bumpas, said this “is the perfect opportunity to showcase the beautiful Tennessee River to the Classic competitors and outdoor enthusiasts.”
This week is the 49th championship of bass fishing, and Tennessee will be hosting its third Classic. The first was in 1972 on Percy Priest Reservoir out of Nashville, where Don Butler won the second mystery lake Classic with 38 pounds, 11 ounces. In 1986, Charlie Reed plied for Tennessee River near Chattanooga for 23-9 to win the 1986 Classic.
This week is the 49th championship of bass fishing, and Tennessee will be hosting its third Classic. The first was in 1972 on Percy Priest Reservoir out of Nashville, where Don Butler won the second mystery lake Classic with 38 pounds, 11 ounces. In 1986, Charlie Reed plied for Tennessee River near Chattanooga for 23-9 to win the 1986 Classic.
Classic waters include the Tennessee River to the I-40 bridge and Fort Loudoun and Tellico lakes, which comprise 30,000 surfaces acres combined. The lakes are connected by a canal near the dams which is about a 45-minute boat run southwest of Knoxville.
Classic waters include the Tennessee River to the I-40 bridge and Fort Loudoun and Tellico lakes, which comprise 30,000 surfaces acres combined. The lakes are connected by a canal near the dams which is about a 45-minute boat run southwest of Knoxville.
Knoxville, the first capital of Tennessee, has a number of nicknames, one being the Gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains. The city has an estimated population of 186,239, making it the third largest city in the state behind Memphis and Nashville. This is the view of the city and mountains from Sharp’s Ridge Memorial Park.
Knoxville, the first capital of Tennessee, has a number of nicknames, one being the Gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains. The city has an estimated population of 186,239, making it the third largest city in the state behind Memphis and Nashville. This is the view of the city and mountains from Sharp’s Ridge Memorial Park.
Knoxville hosted the World’s Fair in 1982, and more than 11 million visited the 70-acre grounds built between downtown Knoxville and the University of Tennessee. The touch screen was introduced at that World’s Fair.
Knoxville hosted the World’s Fair in 1982, and more than 11 million visited the 70-acre grounds built between downtown Knoxville and the University of Tennessee. The touch screen was introduced at that World’s Fair.
A focal point of the city is the 266-foot Sunsphere, one of two remaining structures from the World’s Fair. The Sunsphere weighs 600 tons has seven stories, which include an observation deck and restaurant. The window panels are layered in 24-karat gold dust.
A focal point of the city is the 266-foot Sunsphere, one of two remaining structures from the World’s Fair. The Sunsphere weighs 600 tons has seven stories, which include an observation deck and restaurant. The window panels are layered in 24-karat gold dust.
Knoxville is home to the University of Tennessee, which was founded in 1794 – two years before Tennessee became the 16th state. The university has nearly 28,000 students, and its sports teams compete in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). Neyland Stadium (right) is one of the largest in the country with 102,455 capacity. The Volunteer football team has six national championships – starting with Coach Robert Neyland (4) in 1938 and most recently 1998 under Phillip Fulmer – but has been down of late. The Vols basketball team is drawing attention this year and holds a top 10 ranking.
Knoxville is home to the University of Tennessee, which was founded in 1794 – two years before Tennessee became the 16th state. The university has nearly 28,000 students, and its sports teams compete in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). Neyland Stadium (right) is one of the largest in the country with 102,455 capacity. The Volunteer football team has six national championships – starting with Coach Robert Neyland (4) in 1938 and most recently 1998 under Phillip Fulmer – but has been down of late. The Vols basketball team is drawing attention this year and holds a top 10 ranking.
The Vols closed out their home season last week at Thompson-Boling Arena, which has a current seating capacity of 21,678. Built in 1987 with seating for 24,535, it was the largest facility specifically for basketball. The Lady Vols basketball team has won eight national championships under renowned coach Pat Summitt, for which the court is named. The Classic weigh-ins will be held daily in Thompson-Boling, 1600 Phillip Fulmer Way, with first fish scheduled for 4:15 p.m. ET. Doors open to the public at 3:15. Admission is free.
The Vols closed out their home season last week at Thompson-Boling Arena, which has a current seating capacity of 21,678. Built in 1987 with seating for 24,535, it was the largest facility specifically for basketball. The Lady Vols basketball team has won eight national championships under renowned coach Pat Summitt, for which the court is named. The Classic weigh-ins will be held daily in Thompson-Boling, 1600 Phillip Fulmer Way, with first fish scheduled for 4:15 p.m. ET. Doors open to the public at 3:15. Admission is free.
After launching from Ned McWhorter Park, 1648 Riverside Drive, the anglers will run a short distance to Volunteer Landing, 400 Neyland Drive, for the takeoff.
After launching from Ned McWhorter Park, 1648 Riverside Drive, the anglers will run a short distance to Volunteer Landing, 400 Neyland Drive, for the takeoff.
B.A.S.S. emcee Dave Mercer will announce each angler as they head out onto the fishery. Come down and witness the spectacle, Blastoff is scheduled for 7:30 a.m, but there’s a lot to see starting from the arrival of the first boat. Who will it be?
B.A.S.S. emcee Dave Mercer will announce each angler as they head out onto the fishery. Come down and witness the spectacle, Blastoff is scheduled for 7:30 a.m, but there’s a lot to see starting from the arrival of the first boat. Who will it be?
This year’s Bassmaster Classic Outdoors Expo presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods will cover 220,000 square feet over two venues, the Knoxville Convention Center and the World’s Fair Exhibition Hall next door. B.A.S.S. Life and Nation members can enter at 11 a.m. on Friday. Times for the public are noon-7 p.m. ET on Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. And it’s free of charge.
This year’s Bassmaster Classic Outdoors Expo presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods will cover 220,000 square feet over two venues, the Knoxville Convention Center and the World’s Fair Exhibition Hall next door. B.A.S.S. Life and Nation members can enter at 11 a.m. on Friday. Times for the public are noon-7 p.m. ET on Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. And it’s free of charge.
All of this year’s Classic venues are within reasonable walking distance. Volunteer landing is 0.8 of the mile from the Expo, and the weigh-ins at Thompson-Boling Arena are just over a mile from the Expo. There are 15,000 parking spaces downtown, and there are shuttle buses available.
All of this year’s Classic venues are within reasonable walking distance. Volunteer landing is 0.8 of the mile from the Expo, and the weigh-ins at Thompson-Boling Arena are just over a mile from the Expo. There are 15,000 parking spaces downtown, and there are shuttle buses available.
Most all the major players in the fishing industry have booths at the Classic, and there are giveaways and great deals on many products as well as activities for all ages. A big draw will be a Meet the Elites session for those not competing. It runs from 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. Friday in front of the KCC. Again, free.
Most all the major players in the fishing industry have booths at the Classic, and there are giveaways and great deals on many products as well as activities for all ages. A big draw will be a Meet the Elites session for those not competing. It runs from 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. Friday in front of the KCC. Again, free.
Kids will have a blast in the Get Hooked on Fishing presented by Toyota, Shakespeare and TakeMeFishing.org. They can hook into a fish daily from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. March 15-17, as well as other activities on the west side of the World’s Fair Exhibition Hall.
Kids will have a blast in the Get Hooked on Fishing presented by Toyota, Shakespeare and TakeMeFishing.org. They can hook into a fish daily from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. March 15-17, as well as other activities on the west side of the World’s Fair Exhibition Hall.
It’s a really big show at the weigh-ins, so be sure to attend. Fans can watch as the 52 competitors weigh in fish on stage, producing roars when they show them off. Over the past 10 years, overall attendance at Classic venues has averaged more than 100,000. Even though free, a Classic generates around $25 million in economic impact. The attendance record was set last year in Greenville and Anderson, S.C., at 143,000. Tennessee, can you beat that?
It’s a really big show at the weigh-ins, so be sure to attend. Fans can watch as the 52 competitors weigh in fish on stage, producing roars when they show them off. Over the past 10 years, overall attendance at Classic venues has averaged more than 100,000. Even though free, a Classic generates around $25 million in economic impact. The attendance record was set last year in Greenville and Anderson, S.C., at 143,000. Tennessee, can you beat that?
Host Tommy Sanders along with analysts Mark Zona and Davy Hite will have Bassmaster LIVE rolling each day of competition. LIVE airs daily from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. ET and comes back on from noon-3 p.m. Expect tons of action as the on-the-water camera crew has doubled to 10 and expanded Skype capabilities can look in on every competitor. Ronnie Moore and Mike Suchan contribute to the show and will host Bassmaster’s Facebook Live airings at 7:15 a.m. and 11:15 a.m.
Host Tommy Sanders along with analysts Mark Zona and Davy Hite will have Bassmaster LIVE rolling each day of competition. LIVE airs daily from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. ET and comes back on from noon-3 p.m. Expect tons of action as the on-the-water camera crew has doubled to 10 and expanded Skype capabilities can look in on every competitor. Ronnie Moore and Mike Suchan contribute to the show and will host Bassmaster’s Facebook Live airings at 7:15 a.m. and 11:15 a.m.
The anglers are dealing with high water, current and color. The wettest February on record had water flowing over the Fort Loudoun floodgates at nearly 98,000 cubic feet per second at its highest. That’s more than 6 million pounds, enough to overflow an Olympic sized pool every second. This is a screen grab from a video posted by the Tennessee Valley Authority, which manages the dams on the river and claims its work has averted $1.6 billion of flooding damage downstream.
The anglers are dealing with high water, current and color. The wettest February on record had water flowing over the Fort Loudoun floodgates at nearly 98,000 cubic feet per second at its highest. That’s more than 6 million pounds, enough to overflow an Olympic sized pool every second. This is a screen grab from a video posted by the Tennessee Valley Authority, which manages the dams on the river and claims its work has averted $1.6 billion of flooding damage downstream.
This is Fort Loudoun Dam under more normal conditions. David Mullins and Skylar Hamilton, Elite anglers who live nearby, said the bite on Loudoun is tougher in the clear, calm conditions. The current and color in the water should position fish better and any warming will improve fishing.
This is Fort Loudoun Dam under more normal conditions. David Mullins and Skylar Hamilton, Elite anglers who live nearby, said the bite on Loudoun is tougher in the clear, calm conditions. The current and color in the water should position fish better and any warming will improve fishing.
The Weather Channel forecast has changed several times in recent days for Classic week. The 10-day outlook does call for some warming, and anglers could be greeted on Friday’s Day 1 of competition with thunderstorms. A cold front hits for the final two days. It’s certain the anglers are in tune with the possible changes.
The Weather Channel forecast has changed several times in recent days for Classic week. The 10-day outlook does call for some warming, and anglers could be greeted on Friday’s Day 1 of competition with thunderstorms. A cold front hits for the final two days. It’s certain the anglers are in tune with the possible changes.
The big story line coming in is if Jordan Lee can make history by becoming the first angler to win three consecutive Classics. Last year he joined Rick Clunn and Kevin VanDam as the only anglers to win back-to-back, and Lee is only the sixth angler with more than one Classic title. He said he hasn’t really been thinking about it but enjoys having the opportunity.
The big story line coming in is if Jordan Lee can make history by becoming the first angler to win three consecutive Classics. Last year he joined Rick Clunn and Kevin VanDam as the only anglers to win back-to-back, and Lee is only the sixth angler with more than one Classic title. He said he hasn’t really been thinking about it but enjoys having the opportunity.
Ott DeFoe is the local favorite, having won previous events on the fishery. It’s certain there will be emotions on the sleeves of some as it will be the final B.A.S.S. event for a number of anglers. Roughly two-thirds of the Classic qualifiers left B.A.S.S. to fish another circuit, and 2019 might be their final chance to win the sport’s greatest tournament.
Ott DeFoe is the local favorite, having won previous events on the fishery. It’s certain there will be emotions on the sleeves of some as it will be the final B.A.S.S. event for a number of anglers. Roughly two-thirds of the Classic qualifiers left B.A.S.S. to fish another circuit, and 2019 might be their final chance to win the sport’s greatest tournament.
Kevin VanDam said his desire to win is off the charts. “This may be my last Classic, so I definitely want to win it,” KVD said. “A lot of really familiar names are going to be there this year that won’t be in the future. But it’s still going to be the Classic. B.A.S.S., as an organization, has been phenomenal to me over my career. I have a lot of great friends there and the hardest part for me at this Classic is knowing that I’m not going to see these people on a regular basis like I used to.”
Kevin VanDam said his desire to win is off the charts. “This may be my last Classic, so I definitely want to win it,” KVD said. “A lot of really familiar names are going to be there this year that won’t be in the future. But it’s still going to be the Classic. B.A.S.S., as an organization, has been phenomenal to me over my career. I have a lot of great friends there and the hardest part for me at this Classic is knowing that I’m not going to see these people on a regular basis like I used to.”
The biggest question is who will be holding the trophy on Sunday evening, and what will be his reaction. If it’s one of the 16 who are still fishing B.A.S.S., they will feel a huge sense of accomplishment and pride. If confetti flies on one of the 36 others who do not have an avenue to defend the title at next year’s 50th Classic, they will feel euphoria from a dream fulfilled yet might also experience some emptiness as it could be their last ever event in B.A.S.S.
The biggest question is who will be holding the trophy on Sunday evening, and what will be his reaction. If it’s one of the 16 who are still fishing B.A.S.S., they will feel a huge sense of accomplishment and pride. If confetti flies on one of the 36 others who do not have an avenue to defend the title at next year’s 50th Classic, they will feel euphoria from a dream fulfilled yet might also experience some emptiness as it could be their last ever event in B.A.S.S.