Tennessee offers a diverse freshwater fishing landscape featuring expansive reservoirs and scenic cold-water tailwaters. It is a premier destination for trophy smallmouth bass and crappie, while also providing world-class trout fishing in the Great Smoky Mountains and various river systems.
Species & Seasons
Largemouth Bass
Open year-round; peak fishing occurs during the spring spawn from March through May with varied length limits by reservoir.
Smallmouth Bass
Open year-round; Tennessee holds the world record for this species, with Dale Hollow and Pickwick lakes being top destinations.
Crappie (Black and White)
Most active in March and April; typically a 10-inch minimum length and a 30-fish daily bag limit on major reservoirs.
Trout (Rainbow, Brown, Brook)
Available year-round in tailwaters and mountain streams; special regulations apply in wild trout and delayed harvest zones.
Striped Bass
Open year-round; highly productive in Percy Priest and Watts Bar lakes with a common 2-fish daily limit.
Walleye
Late February through March spawning runs are peak; Center Hill and Norris Lakes offer some of the state's best opportunities.
Catfish (Channel, Blue, Flathead)
Year-round season; no limit on fish under 34 inches, but only one fish over 34 inches may be harvested daily to protect trophies.
Sauger
Best fishing occurs from December through March below dams on the Tennessee and Cumberland River systems.
Top Waters
Kentucky Lake
A massive reservoir world-renowned for its high-volume crappie and largemouth bass populations.
Chickamauga Lake
A top-tier destination for trophy-sized Florida-strain largemouth bass on the Tennessee River.
Dale Hollow Lake
Famous for ultra-clear water and as the site where the world-record smallmouth bass was caught.
South Holston River
Considered one of the finest tailwater trout fisheries in the Eastern United States.
Reelfoot Lake
A natural earthquake-formed lake filled with cypress trees, perfect for crappie and bluegill.
Pickwick Lake
Excellent for smallmouth bass and catfish, spanning the borders of Tennessee, Alabama, and Mississippi.
Percy Priest Lake
A popular urban fishery near Nashville known for hybrid striped bass and slab crappie.
Local Charters, Bait Shops & More
Support Tennessee's local fishing businesses — guides, tackle shops, marinas, fly shops, and more.
Bobby Gentry's Guide Service
Charter/GuideCelina, TN
Expert smallmouth bass fishing guide specializing in the deep, clear waters of Dale Hollow Lake.
Striper Fun Guide Service
Charter/GuideLivingston, TN
Professional guide service focusing on trophy striped bass on Dale Hollow Lake and the Cumberland River.
Watson's Guide Service
Charter/GuideSpringville, TN
Specializes in crappie and bass fishing trips on the expansive Kentucky Lake waters.
Chris Noble Guide Service
Charter/GuideWinchester, TN
Offers specialized bass and crappie fishing trips on Tims Ford Lake.
Fisherman’s Headquarters
Bait & Tackle ShopDayton, TN
Comprehensive tackle shop catering to tournament anglers on Lake Chickamauga.
Hendersonville Bait & Tackle
Bait & Tackle ShopHendersonville, TN
Local favorite providing live bait and specialized gear for Old Hickory Lake.
Benton’s Bait & Tackle
Bait & Tackle ShopOld Hickory, TN
A long-standing staple for anglers fishing the Cumberland River and Old Hickory Lake.
Fast Break Bait & Tackle
Bait & Tackle ShopBenton, TN
Supplies local anglers with a wide variety of tackle for the Hiwassee and Ocoee rivers.
Paris Landing Marina
MarinaBuchanan, TN
Full-service marina located within Paris Landing State Park on Kentucky Lake.
Edgewater Marina
MarinaSmithville, TN
Provides boat slips, rentals, and fuel for visitors to Center Hill Lake.
Volunteer Landing Marina
MarinaKnoxville, TN
An urban marina offering access to the Tennessee River in the heart of Knoxville.
Blue Springs Marina
MarinaTen Mile, TN
Located on Watts Bar Lake, providing full services including boat sales and slips.
Lakeview Marina
MarinaBristol, TN
Convenient access and full marina services on the shores of South Holston Lake.
Little River Outfitters
Fly ShopTownsend, TN
A premier fly fishing shop and school located at the gateway to the Smoky Mountains.
South Holston River Fly Shop
Fly ShopBristol, TN
Specialized gear and expert advice for fishing the world-class South Holston tailwaters.
Fly South
Fly ShopNashville, TN
Nashville's dedicated fly fishing hub offering tackle, tying materials, and classes.
3 Rivers Angler
Fly ShopKnoxville, TN
Full-service fly shop and guide service catering to East Tennessee river systems.
Choo Choo Fly & Tackle
Fly ShopChattanooga, TN
A boutique fly shop providing local knowledge and gear for the Tennessee River valley.
Bunch Marine
Boat DealerHarriman, TN
Family-owned dealership serving Tennessee boaters since 1962 with various fishing boat brands.
C&O Marine
Boat DealerWhite Bluff, TN
Known for a massive inventory of new and pre-owned fishing boats and parts.
Cleveland Boat Center
Boat DealerCleveland, TN
Provides a wide range of fishing boats and pontoon sales for the Chattanooga region.
Nichols Marine
Boat DealerChattanooga, TN
Sales and service for premium bass boats and fishing vessels on the Tennessee River.
Hammer Rods
Rod BuilderHarrison, TN
Manufacturer of high-performance custom fishing rods built right in Tennessee.
Perfection Rods
Rod BuilderWartrace, TN
Crafts custom fishing rods and provides high-quality rod-building components.
Old South Custom Rods
Rod BuilderSpring Hill, TN
Creates bespoke, handcrafted fishing rods tailored to individual angler specifications.
Roderick Custom Rods
Rod BuilderTullahoma, TN
A custom rod builder focusing on precision performance for freshwater species.
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Resource details are gathered from public sources and may change. Always confirm licenses, limits, and season dates with the official state agency before you fish.