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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
Giant Salvinia
In late spring, highly invasive giant salvinia (Salvinia molesta) plants can provide floating mats that can be targeted with flipping baits and jigs.
Seasonal Techniques
Spring—Native to the tropics, giant salvinia rarely overwinters in TVA system to continue growth in spring. Most often, new plants are a result of aquarium dumps in summer. In late spring, existing plants can provide floating mats that can be targeted with flipping baits and jigs.
Summer—Will rapidly grow in system while weather is warm. Quickly forming dense colonies, even heavy punching will do little to penetrate within salvinia. Some edge fishing may be available.
Fall—Plants introduced in summer will maximize colonization by vegetative reproduction of new plants. Remaining colonies can be penetrated in late fall as the plants begin to die.
Winter—Preferring warm water, this species will quickly die off in winter. Fishing benefit is negligible during this time.
Habitat Value
Fish—Can provide habitat during early introduction but speedy growth and expansion can cause fluctuations in water quality and shade out beneficial submersed species.
Waterfowl—No known food value
Identifying Features
What It Looks Like—A floating aquatic fern, giant salvinia can be identified by its floating cupped fronds which often appear hairy.
Where to Find It—This species thrives in calm, backwater areas but will begin to float throughout the reservoir with changing winds and currents.
Similar Species—Very similar to common salvinia, but can be separated by an “egg-beater” shape to hairs within each frond. Common salvinia is somewhat smaller and hairs are “T”-shaped.
Drawbacks
Although this species rarely overwinters in TVA systems, it could quickly become one of the most expensive species to manage if the species becomes more tolerant of colder water. Management of giant salvinia in other areas has been extremely expensive. Cost to manage: $$$$$ out of $$$$$.
Shoreline Plants
Giant Salvinia
In late spring, highly invasive giant salvinia (Salvinia molesta) plants can provide floating mats that can be targeted with flipping baits and jigs.
Seasonal Techniques
Spring—Native to the tropics, giant salvinia rarely overwinters in TVA system to continue growth in spring. Most often, new plants are a result of aquarium dumps in summer. In late spring, existing plants can provide floating mats that can be targeted with flipping baits and jigs.
Summer—Will rapidly grow in system while weather is warm. Quickly forming dense colonies, even heavy punching will do little to penetrate within salvinia. Some edge fishing may be available.
Fall—Plants introduced in summer will maximize colonization by vegetative reproduction of new plants. Remaining colonies can be penetrated in late fall as the plants begin to die.
Winter—Preferring warm water, this species will quickly die off in winter. Fishing benefit is negligible during this time.
Habitat Value
Fish—Can provide habitat during early introduction but speedy growth and expansion can cause fluctuations in water quality and shade out beneficial submersed species.
Waterfowl—No known food value
Identifying Features
What It Looks Like—A floating aquatic fern, giant salvinia can be identified by its floating cupped fronds which often appear hairy.
Where to Find It—This species thrives in calm, backwater areas but will begin to float throughout the reservoir with changing winds and currents.
Similar Species—Very similar to common salvinia, but can be separated by an “egg-beater” shape to hairs within each frond. Common salvinia is somewhat smaller and hairs are “T”-shaped.
Drawbacks
Although this species rarely overwinters in TVA systems, it could quickly become one of the most expensive species to manage if the species becomes more tolerant of colder water. Management of giant salvinia in other areas has been extremely expensive. Cost to manage: $$$$$ out of $$$$$.
Submersed Plants
Giant Salvinia
In late spring, highly invasive giant salvinia (Salvinia molesta) plants can provide floating mats that can be targeted with flipping baits and jigs.
Seasonal Techniques
Spring—Native to the tropics, giant salvinia rarely overwinters in TVA system to continue growth in spring. Most often, new plants are a result of aquarium dumps in summer. In late spring, existing plants can provide floating mats that can be targeted with flipping baits and jigs.
Summer—Will rapidly grow in system while weather is warm. Quickly forming dense colonies, even heavy punching will do little to penetrate within salvinia. Some edge fishing may be available.
Fall—Plants introduced in summer will maximize colonization by vegetative reproduction of new plants. Remaining colonies can be penetrated in late fall as the plants begin to die.
Winter—Preferring warm water, this species will quickly die off in winter. Fishing benefit is negligible during this time.
Habitat Value
Fish—Can provide habitat during early introduction but speedy growth and expansion can cause fluctuations in water quality and shade out beneficial submersed species.
Waterfowl—No known food value
Identifying Features
What It Looks Like—A floating aquatic fern, giant salvinia can be identified by its floating cupped fronds which often appear hairy.
Where to Find It—This species thrives in calm, backwater areas but will begin to float throughout the reservoir with changing winds and currents.
Similar Species—Very similar to common salvinia, but can be separated by an “egg-beater” shape to hairs within each frond. Common salvinia is somewhat smaller and hairs are “T”-shaped.
Drawbacks
Although this species rarely overwinters in TVA systems, it could quickly become one of the most expensive species to manage if the species becomes more tolerant of colder water. Management of giant salvinia in other areas has been extremely expensive. Cost to manage: $$$$$ out of $$$$$.