Tennessee Fishing Charters
Tennessee fishing charters range from tailwater trout runs below high mountain dams to catfish and crappie hauls across the big lakes of the west.
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Top Rated Charters in Tennessee
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Tennessee Fishing Guide
Fishing in Tennessee is all about the rivers and reservoirs. You’ve got deep impoundments full of bass, panfish, and stripers stretching across the state, and long rivers like the Tennessee and Cumberland that feed them. Most guided trips happen on the big-name lakes—Chickamauga, Percy Priest, Norris, Douglas—but don’t overlook the smaller tailwaters or backwoods rivers if you’re after less pressure. Trout guides work the cold water releases below dams like South Holston and Caney Fork, drifting flies or bouncing nymphs deep for browns and rainbows. Bass trips are typically run-and-gun affairs, chasing structure, ledges, or topwater action, depending on the season.
Stripers and hybrids are common targets on full-day trips, especially in spring when they run up tributaries. Crappie charters peak during the spawn but you’ll find year-round action with spider rigs or tight-line techniques. Blue catfish and flatheads are big in west Tennessee—expect cut bait, long anchor sets, and the occasional rod-breaking hit. Most trips launch from public ramps; plenty are TVA-maintained. Bait shops are easy to find, especially around towns like Paris (near Kentucky Lake) or Dayton (near Chickamauga). Half-day trips are common for bass or panfish, full-day for catfish or striper. Gear usually included, but call ahead to confirm.
Regional Fishing Highlights
East Tennessee Lakes
Places like Douglas, Cherokee, and Norris offer deep clear water with strong populations of smallmouth, largemouth, and striped bass. Most guides here run bass boats and cover water fast, working rocky banks, brush piles, or main channel points. Spring means jerkbaits and crankbaits, summer it’s drop shotting and night fishing. There’s also solid crappie and walleye fishing depending on the lake. Trout guys work the South Holston and Watauga tailwaters with light line and precise drifts.
Middle Tennessee Rivers
The Cumberland River below Old Hickory and the Caney Fork below Center Hill Dam are go-tos for trout and striped bass. The Caney sees more fly guys, while the Cumberland holds some serious trophy striper potential. Nighttime live bait drifting is the method for big ones. Percy Priest and Center Hill offer multi-species bass and crappie options, with typical reservoir tactics like vertical jigging or dock shooting in play.
West Tennessee Waters
Big muddy rivers and broad lakes define this part of the state. The Mississippi is hit-and-miss, but places like Reelfoot Lake and Kentucky Lake deliver consistent bluegill, crappie, and catfish. Most charters here run jon boats or pontoon setups, fishing cypress knees, old stumps, or river ledges. Crappie fishing is king, with spider rigs and trolling setups being standard. Catfish guides anchor up with skipjack or cut shad, targeting blues and flatheads in deep holes.
Dauphin Island
Trout fishing is the draw here, with small wild streams cutting through rhododendron thickets and pocket water. No motors—this is wade-and-cast country. Most guides bring ultralight fly gear and work dry-dropper rigs, targeting brookies, rainbows, and wild browns. The Little River and Abrams Creek are consistent picks. Spring and fall are prime. Be ready to hike and bring breathable waders.
Fishing Seasons in Tennessee
Spring
Pre-spawn action lights up the lakes. Largemouth and smallmouth get aggressive. Crappie stack in shallow cover. Stripers and hybrids push upriver to spawn—perfect time for drifting bait. Tailwater trout fishing improves as hatches pick up. Rain can bring muddy flows, so flexibility helps.
Summer
Fish go deep and so do the tactics. Night fishing for bass becomes common. Crappie hold on deep brush or structure. Early mornings are key. Catfish bite stays strong, especially on the big rivers. Trout tailwaters stay cold thanks to dam releases, so float trips stay productive.
Fall
Turnover cools the lakes and fish start feeding heavy again. Bass move shallow chasing shad. Crappie bite on jigs or minnows tight to cover. Trout respond to stream temperature drops. Fall is also prime for mountain stream brook trout, especially on dries and small nymphs.
Winter
Bass slow down but can still be caught deep on jigs and spoons. Crappie bunch up tight and are easier to target with electronics. Catfish bite stays decent on cut bait. Trout in tailwaters feed steadily with midge hatches and streamers. Fewer crowds and clearer water make winter surprisingly solid.
Most Popular Gamefish in Tennessee
- Largemouth Bass – 1–8 lbs. Found statewide in lakes and reservoirs, especially spring and fall. Crankbaits, jigs, and soft plastics near structure.
- Smallmouth Bass – 1–5 lbs. Best in East TN rivers and highland reservoirs. Caught on jerkbaits, tubes, and topwater near rocky banks.
- Striped Bass – 5–30+ lbs. Cumberland River and big lakes. Live shad, planer boards, and trolling during spring and fall runs.
- Rainbow Trout – 8–20 inches. Tailwaters and mountain streams. Fly fishing with nymphs, dries, and midges depending on hatch.
- Brown Trout – 10–25 inches. Cold tailwaters like South Holston. Weighted nymphs, streamers, and egg patterns.
- Blue Catfish – 5–50 lbs. Mississippi River and west TN lakes. Cut bait near deep holes and ledges.
- Crappie – 0.5–2 lbs. Best in west and middle TN lakes. Minnows and jigs near brush or spider rigged.
- Walleye – 2–10 lbs. Caught on Cherokee and Norris. Trolled crankbaits, jigging spoons, or live bait.
- Brook Trout – 6–12 inches. GSMNP streams. Dry flies and nymphs in high-elevation waters.
Tennessee Fishing FAQs
Do I need a fishing license to fish in Tennessee?
Yes, residents and non-residents both need a license. You can get one online or at most bait shops. Some charters include it—ask ahead.
What’s the best lake for bass fishing in Tennessee?
Chickamauga is the top trophy lake, especially for largemouth. Smallmouth fans lean toward Dale Hollow or Norris.
When is the best time for striper fishing?
Spring and fall, especially on the Cumberland River and below major dams when water temps are dropping or rising.
Can you fish year-round in Tennessee?
Yes, but tactics change. Trout tailwaters and catfish holes stay productive even in winter.
Are fishing guides common in the Smoky Mountains?
Yes, most are fly fishing focused and offer wade trips on wild trout streams. Booking ahead is smart during spring and fall.
What’s the limit on crappie in Tennessee?
Depends on the lake, but it’s often 15 fish per angler with a size limit—check local regs before heading out.
Do charters provide gear and bait?
Most lake and river guides do. They’ll have rods, bait, and electronics. Mountain guides bring fly gear and flies.
Can kids join a fishing charter?
Definitely. Many guides cater to families and will adjust the trip based on age and experience.
Where’s the best trout fishing near Nashville?
The Caney Fork below Center Hill Dam is the top option—good wade access and steady dam flows for float trips.