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Angler's Aquatic Plant ID
Want to be a better fisherman? Learn smart, season-based strategies for fishing the “weeds.”
Across the country, they go by different names. Valley anglers often refer to them collectively as “weeds,” “grass,” or “moss.” Whatever you call them, aquatic plants are an integral part of the Tennessee River’s ecosystem, whether providing nutrients for the species at the bottom of the food chain, or cover and ambush areas for largemouth bass.
While many aquatic plants look the same, understanding the differences can make you a better bass fisherman. Whether you prefer to punch a jig, burn a lipless crankbait or fish a frog, this guide to aquatic plants in the Tennessee Valley can help you be the best angler you can be.
Developed by fishermen for fishermen, this guide gives you all the information you need to understand when these plants are most productive, where they grow and—most importantly—how to fish them. Whether you are a seasoned tournament angler, weekend warrior or new to fishing altogether, we invite you to learn more about aquatic plants and improve your catch.
Floating and Floating Leaf Plants
Eelgrass, Tapegrass
Unlike some invasive plants, eelgrass (Vallisneria americana) grows vertically without branching, leaving room for fish to congregate among it’s leaves. Use weedless baits to flip into holes or fish a buzzbait just over grass growing a few inches from the surface.
Seasonal Techniques
Spring—Emerging from seeds and overwintering rhizomes, this species is well known for its ability to produce edge habitat in early spring. New, growing shoots provide the perfect fishing scenario in the early spring. Eelgrass often gets a bad rap for being tough to fish a rattle trap through. Fish a swimbait just across the top of emerging eelgrass or work a Carolina rig through and just above actively growing plants.
Summer—Like others, eelgrass begins rapid growth in summer, with it flat, thin ribbon-like leaves growing to the surface and spreading out. Unlike some invasive plants, eelgrass grows vertically without branching, leaving room for water exchange and fish to congregate among it’s leaves. Stay away from treble hooks. Use weedless baits to flip into holes or fish a buzzbait just over grass growing a few inches from the surface.
Fall—Eelgrass has reached peak growth in fall, so fishing may be tough without heavy punch baits. Try to find holes in existing eelgrass or fish the deep edge for a transitional bite.
Winter—Being a perennial, eelgrass can survive through the winter but will reduce itself to small shoots, from which it will begin growing again in spring. Eelgrass may be some of the only grass left in winter, but will have died back to mere clumps. Find these clumps in shallow water and fish with a slow presentation.
Habitat Value
Fish—Eelgrass is prime habitat for fry and juvenile sport fish as well as a refuge for baitfish. The open area among vertical leaves is also the perfect space to ambush predators.
Waterfowl—Leaves, fruits and rootstock are excellent food for waterfowl and can also provide substrate for invertebrates on which some waterfowl species thrive.
Identifying Features
What It Looks Like—Long, ribbon-like leaves make this species easy to identify. During flowering, long curling stalks will be present.
Where to Find It—Initial beds of eelgrass tend to grow in round clumps close to shore and often appear a darker green that other plants at first glance. Existing and well established populations can grow for miles along the river. Look for the tell-tale “waving” of eelgrass as waves pass through its leaves.
Max Depth—0 to 10 feet
Similar Species—This species resembles the early stages of several emergent species including bur-reed, sagitarria and wild rice; however these plants will eventually grow well above the water’s surface, unlike eelgrass.
Drawbacks
Although native, eelgrass has become a nuisance in some areas, impeding swimming, boating and other recreational opportunities. Cost to manage: $$$ out of $$$$$.
Shoreline Plants
Eelgrass, Tapegrass
Unlike some invasive plants, eelgrass (Vallisneria americana) grows vertically without branching, leaving room for fish to congregate among it’s leaves. Use weedless baits to flip into holes or fish a buzzbait just over grass growing a few inches from the surface.
Seasonal Techniques
Spring—Emerging from seeds and overwintering rhizomes, this species is well known for its ability to produce edge habitat in early spring. New, growing shoots provide the perfect fishing scenario in the early spring. Eelgrass often gets a bad rap for being tough to fish a rattle trap through. Fish a swimbait just across the top of emerging eelgrass or work a Carolina rig through and just above actively growing plants.
Summer—Like others, eelgrass begins rapid growth in summer, with it flat, thin ribbon-like leaves growing to the surface and spreading out. Unlike some invasive plants, eelgrass grows vertically without branching, leaving room for water exchange and fish to congregate among it’s leaves. Stay away from treble hooks. Use weedless baits to flip into holes or fish a buzzbait just over grass growing a few inches from the surface.
Fall—Eelgrass has reached peak growth in fall, so fishing may be tough without heavy punch baits. Try to find holes in existing eelgrass or fish the deep edge for a transitional bite.
Winter—Being a perennial, eelgrass can survive through the winter but will reduce itself to small shoots, from which it will begin growing again in spring. Eelgrass may be some of the only grass left in winter, but will have died back to mere clumps. Find these clumps in shallow water and fish with a slow presentation.
Habitat Value
Fish—Eelgrass is prime habitat for fry and juvenile sport fish as well as a refuge for baitfish. The open area among vertical leaves is also the perfect space to ambush predators.
Waterfowl—Leaves, fruits and rootstock are excellent food for waterfowl and can also provide substrate for invertebrates on which some waterfowl species thrive.
Identifying Features
What It Looks Like—Long, ribbon-like leaves make this species easy to identify. During flowering, long curling stalks will be present.
Where to Find It—Initial beds of eelgrass tend to grow in round clumps close to shore and often appear a darker green that other plants at first glance. Existing and well established populations can grow for miles along the river. Look for the tell-tale “waving” of eelgrass as waves pass through its leaves.
Max Depth—0 to 10 feet
Similar Species—This species resembles the early stages of several emergent species including bur-reed, sagitarria and wild rice; however these plants will eventually grow well above the water’s surface, unlike eelgrass.
Drawbacks
Although native, eelgrass has become a nuisance in some areas, impeding swimming, boating and other recreational opportunities. Cost to manage: $$$ out of $$$$$.
Submersed Plants
Eelgrass, Tapegrass
Unlike some invasive plants, eelgrass (Vallisneria americana) grows vertically without branching, leaving room for fish to congregate among it’s leaves. Use weedless baits to flip into holes or fish a buzzbait just over grass growing a few inches from the surface.
Seasonal Techniques
Spring—Emerging from seeds and overwintering rhizomes, this species is well known for its ability to produce edge habitat in early spring. New, growing shoots provide the perfect fishing scenario in the early spring. Eelgrass often gets a bad rap for being tough to fish a rattle trap through. Fish a swimbait just across the top of emerging eelgrass or work a Carolina rig through and just above actively growing plants.
Summer—Like others, eelgrass begins rapid growth in summer, with it flat, thin ribbon-like leaves growing to the surface and spreading out. Unlike some invasive plants, eelgrass grows vertically without branching, leaving room for water exchange and fish to congregate among it’s leaves. Stay away from treble hooks. Use weedless baits to flip into holes or fish a buzzbait just over grass growing a few inches from the surface.
Fall—Eelgrass has reached peak growth in fall, so fishing may be tough without heavy punch baits. Try to find holes in existing eelgrass or fish the deep edge for a transitional bite.
Winter—Being a perennial, eelgrass can survive through the winter but will reduce itself to small shoots, from which it will begin growing again in spring. Eelgrass may be some of the only grass left in winter, but will have died back to mere clumps. Find these clumps in shallow water and fish with a slow presentation.
Habitat Value
Fish—Eelgrass is prime habitat for fry and juvenile sport fish as well as a refuge for baitfish. The open area among vertical leaves is also the perfect space to ambush predators.
Waterfowl—Leaves, fruits and rootstock are excellent food for waterfowl and can also provide substrate for invertebrates on which some waterfowl species thrive.
Identifying Features
What It Looks Like—Long, ribbon-like leaves make this species easy to identify. During flowering, long curling stalks will be present.
Where to Find It—Initial beds of eelgrass tend to grow in round clumps close to shore and often appear a darker green that other plants at first glance. Existing and well established populations can grow for miles along the river. Look for the tell-tale “waving” of eelgrass as waves pass through its leaves.
Max Depth—0 to 10 feet
Similar Species—This species resembles the early stages of several emergent species including bur-reed, sagitarria and wild rice; however these plants will eventually grow well above the water’s surface, unlike eelgrass.
Drawbacks
Although native, eelgrass has become a nuisance in some areas, impeding swimming, boating and other recreational opportunities. Cost to manage: $$$ out of $$$$$.