Best Place to Fish in Tennessee

Are you tired of fishing in the same old spots? Do you crave an adventure and a chance to reel in some big catches? Look no further than Tennessee, where there are plenty of beautiful lakes and rivers that offer some of the best fishing in the country. Whether you’re an experienced angler or just starting out, Tennessee has something for everyone.

But with so many options to choose from, how do you know which spot will give you the best chance at landing that trophy fish? That’s where I come in. As a seasoned fisherman and researcher, I’ve scoured the state to find the top places to cast your line. From clear mountain streams to sprawling reservoirs, Tennessee has it all. So grab your gear and let’s dive into the best places to fish in Tennessee.

Top Places to Fish in Tennessee

Tennessee is home to some of the best fishing spots in the United States. Whether you’re interested in catching trout, bass, catfish or bluegill, there are plenty of places to drop your line and reel in a big one. Here are some of the top places to fish in Tennessee:

Pickwick Lake

Pickwick Lake is a 43,100-acre reservoir on the Tennessee River that spans across three states: Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee. This lake has an abundance of smallmouth and largemouth bass, as well as crappie and catfish. Pickwick Lake offers both bank fishing and boat fishing options.

Douglas Lake

Douglas Lake is located in eastern Tennessee near Sevierville. This lake features over 30,000 acres of water with numerous coves and bays for anglers to explore. Douglas Lake is well known for its large populations of crappie and smallmouth bass.

Center Hill Lake

Center Hill Lake is located in Middle Tennessee near Smithville. It’s a popular destination for both recreational boating and fishing. The lake offers fishing opportunities for species such as largemouth bass, striped bass, walleye, crappie, and catfish.

List of other great places to fish:

• Percy Priest Reservoir
• Cherokee Lake
• Kentucky Lake
• Norris Lake
• Old Hickory Lake
• Tims Ford Reservoir
• Kentucky River
• Holston River
• Caney Fork River

Fishing Tips:

• Research the area you plan to fish. Check for any regulations and restrictions on fishing in that area.
• Determine which species of fish are in the area and what types of bait or lures they prefer.
• Pay attention to the time of day, weather conditions, and water temperature. These factors can greatly affect your chances of catching a fish.
• When using live bait, make sure it’s fresh and lively. Fish are more likely to bite on active bait.
• If you’re new to fishing or unfamiliar with the area, consider hiring a guide. They can provide valuable information and help increase your chances of catching a fish.

Types of Fish You Can Catch in Tennessee

Tennessee is home to a diverse range of fish species, both freshwater and saltwater. Whether you’re interested in fly fishing for trout or trolling for catfish, there’s plenty of options to choose from. Here are some popular fish species found in Tennessee:

Bass

Bass is one of the most popular game fishes in Tennessee. The state has both largemouth bass and smallmouth bass populations that are highly sought after by anglers. Bass fishing is open year-round in Tennessee, so it’s always a good time to catch a big one!

Trout

Tennessee has an abundance of cold-water streams that provide ideal habitat for trout species such as rainbow trout, brown trout, and brook trout. Fly fishing is particularly popular among anglers who target these elusive fish.

Crappie

Crappie is a popular panfish in Tennessee that can be found in most of the state’s lakes and reservoirs. Anglers often use small jigs or live minnows to catch these fish.

List of other fish species found in Tennessee:

• Catfish
• Bluegill
• Walleye
• Striped Bass
• Sauger
• Musky
• Carp

Best Time of Year for Fishing in Tennessee

The best time to go fishing in Tennessee varies depending on the type of fish you’re targeting and the location you plan to fish. Here are some general guidelines:

Bass Fishing

The best time to fish for bass in Tennessee is during their spawning season, which typically occurs between March and May. During this time, bass are more active and more likely to bite. Additionally, fall is also a great time for bass fishing as they feed heavily before winter.

Trout Fishing

Fall and spring are the best times for trout fishing in Tennessee. During these seasons, water temperatures are cooler which makes it easier to catch trout. Additionally, hatches of insects that trout feed on occur during these times.

Panfish Fishing (Bluegill & Crappie)

The best time to fish for panfish such as bluegill and crappie is during their spawning season which typically occurs between April and June. During this time, they are more active and easier to catch.

Regulations and Restrictions on Fishing in Tennessee

Tennessee has a number of regulations and restrictions on fishing that anglers should be aware of before hitting the water. These regulations are designed to protect fish populations and ensure sustainable fishing for future generations.

License Requirements

All anglers age 13 and older must have a valid fishing license in Tennessee. Licenses can be purchased online or at various retail locations throughout the state. Additionally, special permits may be required for certain types of fishing such as trout fishing.

Fishing Limits

Tennessee has daily catch limits for many species of fish. These limits vary depending on the species and location you plan to fish. It’s important to check the regulations for the specific area you plan to fish to ensure you’re following all rules and regulations.

Fishing Gear Restrictions

Tennessee also has restrictions on certain types of fishing gear such as nets, traps, and spears. Anglers should familiarize themselves with these restrictions before going out on the water.

How to Obtain a Fishing License in Tennessee

To obtain a fishing license in Tennessee, you can purchase one online through the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency website or in person at various retail locations throughout the state. The cost of a license varies depending on factors such as residency status, length of validity, and type of license (e.g. annual vs one-day).

Types of Fishing Licenses Available:

• Annual License (valid for 365 days from date of purchase)
• One-Day License (valid from midnight to midnight on day of purchase)
• Lifetime License (available for residents only)

Special Licenses:

• Trout License (required for trout fishing in certain waters)
• Senior Citizen License (available to residents age 65 and older)
• Disability License (available to residents with a permanent disability)

Guided Fishing Tours Available in Tennessee

If you’re new to fishing or just want some guidance on where and how to fish, consider hiring a guide. There are many guided fishing tours available throughout Tennessee that can help increase your chances of catching a big one!

Fly Fishing Guides

Tennessee has many fly fishing guides who specialize in targeting trout species on the state’s cold-water streams. These guides can provide valuable information on fly selection, casting techniques, and stream access points.

Bass Fishing Guides

Bass fishing guides are also available in Tennessee for those interested in targeting largemouth or smallmouth bass. These guides can provide information on which lures or baits to use, as well as tips on locating active fish.

Essential Equipment for Freshwater Fishing in Tennessee

When it comes to freshwater fishing in Tennessee, there are a few essential pieces of equipment that every angler should have:

Fishing Rod & Reel:

A quality fishing rod and reel combo is essential for freshwater fishing. The type of rod and reel you need will depend on the species of fish you plan to target.

Fishing Line:

The type of fishing line you need will depend on the type of fish you plan to target and the location you plan to fish. Monofilament, fluorocarbon, and braided lines are all popular choices.

Fishing Lures/Baits:

There are many types of lures and baits available for freshwater fishing in Tennessee. The type you need will depend on the species of fish you plan to target.

Fishing Tackle:

In addition to lures and baits, you’ll also need a variety of tackle such as hooks, sinkers, and swivels. These items can be purchased at most sporting goods stores.

Fishing Accessories:

Other accessories such as pliers, line cutters, and a landing net can also come in handy while fishing in Tennessee.

Best Spots for Fly Fishing in Tennessee

Tennessee is home to some of the best fly fishing spots in the country. Here are some popular destinations for fly fishing enthusiasts:

The Caney Fork River

The Caney Fork River is located in Middle Tennessee near Nashville. It’s known for its large population of rainbow trout and brown trout. The river is easily accessible and offers both wade and float fishing options.

The South Holston River

The South Holston River is located near Bristol in eastern Tennessee. It’s one of the best places to catch wild brown trout in the state. The river also has an abundance of rainbow trout and brook trout.

Little River

Little River is located in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It’s known for its beautiful scenery and excellent fly fishing opportunities for brook trout and rainbow trout.

Fly Fishing Tips:

• Select flies that match the hatches occurring on the water during your visit
• Presentation matters! Pay attention to where your fly lands on the water, how it drifts, and how you retrieve it.
• Use a light leader (4-6x) for better presentation and to avoid spooking fish
• Stay hidden and approach the water quietly to avoid spooking fish
• Practice catch-and-release fishing to help preserve fish populations for future generations

Tennessee offers some of the best fishing spots in the country, making it an ideal destination for anglers seeking adventure and a thrilling fishing experience.

Frequently Asked Questions about Best Place to Fish in Tennessee

What’s the best fishing Lake in Tennessee?
Located on the Cumberland River, Lake Barkley is home to a diverse range of fish species including crappie, largemouth bass, white bass, catfish, sauger, and bluegill. Similarly, Old Hickory Lake, which is situated just northeast of Nashville, is renowned for its exceptional fishing opportunities and has even been the site of one state and two national record catches.

Where is the best place to fish on the Tennessee River?
Guntersville Lake is renowned for its impressive largemouth bass, but it also offers great fishing opportunities for bream and sizeable catfish. The largest yellow bass, buffalo, and white crappie on record in the state have all been caught in this lake. Additionally, the Tennessee River flows at a slower pace below the 94-foot Guntersville Dam, forming Wheeler Lake.

What are the best times to fish in Tennessee?
For shallow water fishing the twilight periods are often the most productive fishing times, especially on days when a major or minor time will coincide with twilight. In low light conditions predators have better cover for their ambush and often hunt in shallow water.

Where can I fish in TN without a license?
In Tennessee, people of any age who live there or are visiting can fish without needing a license in public waters, lakes owned by state agencies, and state parks. Free Fishing Week comes right after Free Fishing Day in June.

What is the clearest lake in Tennessee?
Norris Lake is the clearest lake in Tennessee and is so stunning that it almost seems unreal. Visitors can engage in activities like fishing, boating, swimming, and hiking in this gorgeous location.

What is the cleanest lake in Tennessee?
Norris Lake, which spans five counties in Tennessee, is known for its pristine and clean waters. With a depth of 210 feet and 800 miles of shoreline, it offers breathtaking views. Visitors can enjoy the fantastic scenery and the refreshing water.