Old Jamestown Reservoir in Fentress County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Old Jamestown Reservoir lies within the bounds of Fentress County, Tennessee. It sits in farm and woodlot. On water this small, stealth matters more than range. It is a small entry by Fentress County standards. Jamestown lies 1.9 miles from the water. Further out sit Grimsley (12 miles) and Oneida (22 miles). The county line is nowhere near, so one local authority covers the water.

• Where to Fish on Old Jamestown Reservoir

  Nothing in our records gives a depth for this one. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. Fish documented in Fentress County include blackside darter, greenside darter, rock bass, fantail darter and highlands greenside darter. County records show what lives in the area; the local agency holds the water-by-water list. Anyone new to Old Jamestown Reservoir should walk it once before setting up.

• Seasonal Patterns

  On the long-term average, July reads 74°F and January reads 34°F. The year gives four workable seasons without severe ends. It is not guaranteed even in a cold spell, so check yourself. June to September is hot work, so the first and last hours are what count. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Old Jamestown Reservoir.

• Tackle & Baits

  Ownership and access are not documented in what we hold. Nothing built is recorded close to the bank here. For the bass here, soft plastics worked slow along cover and a spinnerbait for searching do most of the work. Look for a notice board at the entrance. Some ground is open by custom rather than by right, so tread carefully. Should this one be busy, Yellow Creek is 2.9 miles off. Where Old Jamestown Reservoir is concerned, a local answer beats a written one.