Tennessee
Tennessee, with its expansive reservoirs, scenic rivers, and mountain streams, offers fantastic fishing opportunities for anglers. Known for species like largemouth bass, catfish, and trout, Tennessee provides year-round fishing adventures in beautiful and diverse settings. From the Tennessee River system to the Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee is a must-visit destination for anglers of all skill levels.
Fishing Tips & Tricks
Common Fish Species:
- Largemouth Bass: A favorite among anglers, largemouth bass are abundant in lakes like Chickamauga Lake, Percy Priest Lake, and Reelfoot Lake.
- Rainbow Trout: Stocked in many streams and tailwaters, rainbow trout are particularly popular in the Great Smoky Mountains and the Caney Fork River.
- Blue Catfish: Known for their size and fight, blue catfish are abundant in the Tennessee River and larger reservoirs like Wheeler Lake.
Popular Fishing Locations:
- Chickamauga Lake: Known for its trophy-sized largemouth bass, Chickamauga Lake is one of the best bass fishing destinations in the country.
- Caney Fork River: A premier trout fishing destination, the Caney Fork River below Center Hill Dam offers excellent opportunities for rainbow and brown trout.
- Reelfoot Lake: Famous for its unique cypress-filled waters, Reelfoot Lake is a top spot for crappie, largemouth bass, and catfish.
Fishing Tips for Tennessee
- Seasonal Best Times: Spring and fall are peak times for bass and trout fishing, while summer provides excellent opportunities for catfish and panfish. Winter fishing is productive in tailwaters and deep reservoirs.
- Techniques: Use soft plastics or crankbaits for largemouth bass in reservoirs. For trout, fly fishing with nymphs or casting spinners is effective in streams and tailwaters. Drift fishing with cut bait or live bait works well for catfish in larger rivers.
- Permits and Regulations: A Tennessee fishing license is required for both residents and non-residents, with additional permits needed for trout fishing in certain waters. Checking local regulations for size and bag limits is essential.
Fish you can find in Tennessee
The Ultimate Fly Fishing Tool Built For Adventure.
From scouting water with the most detailed fly fishing maps on the market, to building your fishing network so you can take more trips, our tools will help get you there.
