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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
Slender Pondweed
Slender pondweed (Potamogeton pusillus) will begin dying back early in fall, opening up space between other plants. Look for these brown spots and fish them while other plants are still actively growing and hard to fish.
Seasonal Techniques
Spring—Like most native annual plants, slender pondweed will begin to emerge in late April/early May. Being some of the first grass to emerge, you can seek out slender pondweed and fish the new, growing plants before other plants have even sprouted. Try a rattle-trap, big swim bait or Carolina rig. These plants grow in clumps, so for fishing open areas between plants is a good bet.
Summer—Like other plants, slender pondweed will increase growth and begin to top out during summer. Reaching the surface, the plant will begin to flower and continue to blossom through fall. The brittle nature of the plant makes punching easy.
Fall—Competition for space with invasive plants will leave slender pondweed confined to shallow depths and areas void of other species. Slender pondweed will begin dying back early and these mats will be some of the first to go, opening up space between other plants. Look for these brown spots and fish them while other plants are still actively growing and hard to fish.
Winter—Slender pondweed will die completely back, leaving only seed behind.
Habitat Value
Fish—The growth habit of sago pondweed lends it to being productive habitat for fish.
Waterfowl—Waterfowl extensively use and rely on slender pondweed as food and the whole plant can be consumed, and parts are utilized by diving, dabbling, whistling ducks, many types of geese, swans and coots.
Identifying Features
What It Looks Like—Leaves are alternating and submersed, and very slender. The plant often appears a brown-green color compared to other species.
Where to Find It—Slender pondweed can be found in a wide variety of places. In areas where invasive plants like hydrilla and milfoil aren’t present, this plant dominates. Look in shallow, calm waters.
Max Depth—6 feet
Similar Species—N/A
Drawbacks
Slender pondweed impacts water use in some areas. Cost to manage: $$ out of $$$$$.
Shoreline Plants
Slender Pondweed
Slender pondweed (Potamogeton pusillus) will begin dying back early in fall, opening up space between other plants. Look for these brown spots and fish them while other plants are still actively growing and hard to fish.
Seasonal Techniques
Spring—Like most native annual plants, slender pondweed will begin to emerge in late April/early May. Being some of the first grass to emerge, you can seek out slender pondweed and fish the new, growing plants before other plants have even sprouted. Try a rattle-trap, big swim bait or Carolina rig. These plants grow in clumps, so for fishing open areas between plants is a good bet.
Summer—Like other plants, slender pondweed will increase growth and begin to top out during summer. Reaching the surface, the plant will begin to flower and continue to blossom through fall. The brittle nature of the plant makes punching easy.
Fall—Competition for space with invasive plants will leave slender pondweed confined to shallow depths and areas void of other species. Slender pondweed will begin dying back early and these mats will be some of the first to go, opening up space between other plants. Look for these brown spots and fish them while other plants are still actively growing and hard to fish.
Winter—Slender pondweed will die completely back, leaving only seed behind.
Habitat Value
Fish—The growth habit of sago pondweed lends it to being productive habitat for fish.
Waterfowl—Waterfowl extensively use and rely on slender pondweed as food and the whole plant can be consumed, and parts are utilized by diving, dabbling, whistling ducks, many types of geese, swans and coots.
Identifying Features
What It Looks Like—Leaves are alternating and submersed, and very slender. The plant often appears a brown-green color compared to other species.
Where to Find It—Slender pondweed can be found in a wide variety of places. In areas where invasive plants like hydrilla and milfoil aren’t present, this plant dominates. Look in shallow, calm waters.
Max Depth—6 feet
Similar Species—N/A
Drawbacks
Slender pondweed impacts water use in some areas. Cost to manage: $$ out of $$$$$.
Submersed Plants
Slender Pondweed
Slender pondweed (Potamogeton pusillus) will begin dying back early in fall, opening up space between other plants. Look for these brown spots and fish them while other plants are still actively growing and hard to fish.
Seasonal Techniques
Spring—Like most native annual plants, slender pondweed will begin to emerge in late April/early May. Being some of the first grass to emerge, you can seek out slender pondweed and fish the new, growing plants before other plants have even sprouted. Try a rattle-trap, big swim bait or Carolina rig. These plants grow in clumps, so for fishing open areas between plants is a good bet.
Summer—Like other plants, slender pondweed will increase growth and begin to top out during summer. Reaching the surface, the plant will begin to flower and continue to blossom through fall. The brittle nature of the plant makes punching easy.
Fall—Competition for space with invasive plants will leave slender pondweed confined to shallow depths and areas void of other species. Slender pondweed will begin dying back early and these mats will be some of the first to go, opening up space between other plants. Look for these brown spots and fish them while other plants are still actively growing and hard to fish.
Winter—Slender pondweed will die completely back, leaving only seed behind.
Habitat Value
Fish—The growth habit of sago pondweed lends it to being productive habitat for fish.
Waterfowl—Waterfowl extensively use and rely on slender pondweed as food and the whole plant can be consumed, and parts are utilized by diving, dabbling, whistling ducks, many types of geese, swans and coots.
Identifying Features
What It Looks Like—Leaves are alternating and submersed, and very slender. The plant often appears a brown-green color compared to other species.
Where to Find It—Slender pondweed can be found in a wide variety of places. In areas where invasive plants like hydrilla and milfoil aren’t present, this plant dominates. Look in shallow, calm waters.
Max Depth—6 feet
Similar Species—N/A
Drawbacks
Slender pondweed impacts water use in some areas. Cost to manage: $$ out of $$$$$.