Tennessee Fishing Lakes
Lake-by-lake species, seasonal bite, boat access, and regulations for the biggest fishing lakes in Tennessee.
Center Hill Lake
Cherokee Lake
Chickamauga Lake
Dale Hollow Lake
Douglas Lake
Norris Lake
Old Hickory Lake
Watts Bar Lake
More Tennessee lakes
Tap a lake to open its guide: species, boat launches, bait shops, and size and creel limits.
Center Hill LakeDeKalb, Putnam, Warren & White Counties · 18,220 acres
Center Hill Lake
A deep, rocky Army Corps reservoir on the Caney Fork River in Middle Tennessee, between Smithville and Cookeville. It is known for smallmouth bass, walleye and crappie, with steep bluffs and clear water.
Species
Fishery rating out of 5.
Smallmouth Bass
Points and rocky bluffs with jerkbaits and spinnerbaits in spring. Deeper structure in summer and points near the dam in fall.
Walleye
March spawning run in the Blue Hole area near Rock Island State Park. In summer, troll or jig 20 to 30 ft.
Crappie
Stocked yearly. Jigs or minnows around fallen trees in 10 to 15 ft in spring, under lights at night in summer.
Largemouth Bass
Spinnerbaits and soft plastics in spring, night fishing in summer, and jigging spoons on shad schools in late fall.
Spotted Bass
Same rocky habitat as smallmouth. Jigs on channel banks in winter.
Bluegill
Gravel pockets in about 5 ft in May with crickets or worms.
Boat launches
8 launch sites. Fees and hours change, so confirm before you go.
- Ragland Bottom Recreation AreaPublicUSACE. Ramp and campground, fees in seasonDirections ↗
- Floating Mill Recreation AreaPublicUSACE. Ramp and campground, fees in seasonDirections ↗
- Hurricane Bridge Recreation AreaPublicUSACE. Ramp and day use, fees in seasonDirections ↗
- Long Branch Recreation AreaPublicUSACE. Below the dam on the Caney Fork, ramp and campgroundDirections ↗
- Edgar Evins State ParkMarinaTennessee State Parks. Ramp and full-service marinaDirections ↗
- Rock Island State ParkPublicTennessee State Parks. Ramp on the upper Caney ForkDirections ↗
- Hurricane MarinaMarinaMarina at Silver Point with launchDirections ↗
- Sligo MarinaMarinaMarina near Smithville with launchDirections ↗
Size & creel limits
Special rules for this lake, confirmed from official state regulations. Minimum size and daily limit.
| Species | Min size | Daily limit |
|---|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass Reservoir-specific rule | 15 in | 5 / day black bass combined |
| Smallmouth Bass Reservoir-specific rule | 18 in | 5 / day black bass combined |
| Spotted Bass Counts in black bass limit | See Tennessee rules book ↗ | 5 / day black bass combined |
| Crappie All crappie combined | 10 in | 15 / day |
| Walleye Reservoir-specific rule | 16 in | 5 / day |
| Muskellunge Reservoir-specific rule | 50 in | 1 / day |
Other species in this lake: look up the limits at Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency ↗
Bait & tackle nearby
No shops listed yet for this lake. Use the search link below.
Search more bait shops near Center Hill Lake ↗Local tips
- Center Hill has its own length limits on bass, crappie and walleye; check the TWRA reservoir table before keeping fish.
- Water levels swing with flood control releases, so check the Corps lake level before heading to shallow ramps.
- Muskellunge are rare but show up in early spring in the upper Caney Fork near Rock Island.
Cherokee LakeGrainger, Hamblen, Jefferson & Hawkins Counties · 30,300 acres
Cherokee Lake
A TVA reservoir on the Holston River in East Tennessee, near Morristown. It is a fertile lake known for striped bass, strong largemouth and smallmouth numbers, and a spring paddlefish snagging season.
Species
Fishery rating out of 5.
Striped Bass
Lower lake from Macedonia Hollow to the dam in summer; live shad or shiners. Many move up to the John Sevier Steam Plant in late fall and early spring.
Largemouth Bass
Very abundant. Peak in March and April as fish move shallow; Carolina-rigged lizards, crankbaits, spinnerbaits.
Smallmouth Bass
Clay and gravel points in spring. Carolina rigs and jerkbaits.
Crappie
Coves with brush piles and downed trees in early spring and late fall. Small minnows and grubs.
Walleye
Stocked. January through May near the John Sevier Steam Plant.
Boat launches
3 launch sites. Fees and hours change, so confirm before you go.
- Panther Creek State Park Boat RampPublicState park ramp near Morristown (Hamblen County)Directions ↗
- Cherokee Dam North RampPublicTWRA ramp at the north end of Cherokee DamDirections ↗
- Cherokee Dam South RampPublicRamp at the south end of Cherokee DamDirections ↗
Size & creel limits
Special rules for this lake, confirmed from official state regulations. Minimum size and daily limit.
| Species | Min size | Daily limit |
|---|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass Combined with smallmouth | 15 in | 5 / day |
| Smallmouth Bass Seasonal rule | 18 in (Jun 1-Oct 15); 15 in (Oct 16-May 31) | 1 / day (Jun 1-Oct 15); 5 / day combined otherwise |
| Spotted Bass | See Tennessee rules book ↗ | 15 / day |
| Crappie All crappie combined | 10 in | 15 / day |
| Striped & Hybrid Striped Bass Combined | 15 in | 2 / day |
| White Bass | See Tennessee rules book ↗ | 15 / day |
| Walleye / Sauger / Saugeye Combined | 15 in | 10 / day |
| Catfish Only 1 over 34 in per day | See Tennessee rules book ↗ | No limit 34 in and under |
| Paddlefish Season April 1-15 only; no culling | See Tennessee rules book ↗ | 1 / day |
Other species in this lake: look up the limits at Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency ↗
Bait & tackle nearby
No shops listed yet for this lake. Use the search link below.
Search more bait shops near Cherokee Lake ↗Local tips
- Winter drawdowns of up to 40 feet are common, which opens a lot of bank-fishing access.
- Boat fishing is closed in a marked zone near Cherokee Dam from July 1 through Sept. 15; bank fishing stays open.
- Stripers stay small here because of hot, low-oxygen summer water; fish deep near the dam in summer.
Dale Hollow LakeClay, Pickett, Overton & Fentress Counties · 27,700 acres
Dale Hollow Lake
A clear, deep Army Corps reservoir on the Obey River near Celina, straddling the Tennessee-Kentucky line. It is famous for smallmouth bass, including the 11 lb 15 oz world record, and also holds walleye, largemouth and stocked trout.
Species
Fishery rating out of 5.
Smallmouth Bass
Points and gravel flats in early spring, topwater and swimbaits after the spawn. Night fishing works well in summer.
Largemouth Bass
Backs of creeks in spring, points and vegetation in summer. Jigging spoons or football jigs deep in winter.
Walleye
Stocked by TWRA. Fish the East Fork of the Obey in late winter, jerkbaits at night in spring, troll nightcrawlers in summer.
Crappie
Backs of creeks in spring and around submerged trees. Minnows on slip bobbers.
Rainbow Trout
Stocked in winter. Troll near the dam in May and use downriggers with spoons at 30 to 50 ft in June.
Channel Catfish
Light pressure. Cut bait or chicken livers on the bottom from June on.
Boat launches
8 launch sites. Fees and hours change, so confirm before you go.
- Dale Hollow Dam Recreation AreaPublicUSACE. Ramp, campground, fish cleaning stationDirections ↗
- Lillydale Recreation AreaFeeUSACE fee area. Two ramps, campground, beachDirections ↗
- Obey River ParkFeeUSACE fee area. Ramp, campground, beachDirections ↗
- Willow Grove Recreation AreaFeeUSACE fee area. Ramp, campground, beachDirections ↗
- Wolf River BridgeRampUSACE ramp on the Wolf River armDirections ↗
- Plankyard AccessRampUSACE rampDirections ↗
- Dale Hollow Lake State ParkPublicTennessee State Park. Ramp and marinaDirections ↗
- Star Point MarinaMarinaCommercial marina with ramp and lodging. One of about 15 marinas on the lakeDirections ↗
Size & creel limits
Special rules for this lake, confirmed from official state regulations. Minimum size and daily limit.
| Species | Min size | Daily limit |
|---|---|---|
| Smallmouth Bass 1 may be under 16 in and 1 over 21 in; bass combined 5 / day | 16-21 in protected slot | 2 / day |
| Largemouth Bass Black bass combined 5 / day, no more than 2 smallmouth | 15 in | 5 / day combined |
| Walleye East Fork Obey Jan 1-Apr 15: only 1 over 20 in | 16 in | 5 / day |
| Crappie Combined black and white | 10 in | 15 / day |
| Muskellunge | 50 in | 1 / day |
| Trout | See Tennessee rules book ↗ | 7 / day |
| Catfish Only 1 over 34 in per day | See Tennessee rules book ↗ | No limit under 34 in |
Other species in this lake: look up the limits at Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency ↗
Bait & tackle nearby
No shops listed yet for this lake. Use the search link below.
Search more bait shops near Dale Hollow Lake ↗Local tips
- Water is very clear, so use light line and natural colors, especially for smallmouth.
- Dale Hollow has its own TWRA limits, including a 16 to 21 inch protected slot on smallmouth and a 16-inch walleye minimum.
- From January 1 to April 15 the East Fork of the Obey above Compton ramp has single-hook and 3-rod rules for the walleye run.
Douglas LakeJefferson, Sevier, Cocke & Hamblen Counties · 28,420 acres
Douglas Lake
A TVA reservoir on the French Broad River in East Tennessee, stretching 43 miles upriver from Douglas Dam in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains. It is best known for crappie and largemouth bass, with sauger and white bass in the upper river.
Species
Fishery rating out of 5.
Crappie
TWRA stocks crappie here. Fish brush piles and creek channels in spring, then deeper brush in summer with minnows or jigs.
Largemouth Bass
Shallow flats and creek arms in spring. Crankbaits and plastics on points as the lake drops in fall.
Sauger
Stocked by TWRA. Late winter and early spring runs up the French Broad and Nolichucky arms; jigs with minnows near bottom.
White Bass
Spring runs up the river arms. Small spinners and jigs when fish are schooling.
Channel Catfish
Cut bait or nightcrawlers on channel edges, best in warm months.
Boat launches
6 launch sites. Fees and hours change, so confirm before you go.
- Dandridge TWRA Ramp and DockPublicTWRA public ramp and dock in Dandridge; popular tournament siteDirections ↗
- Walter's Bridge RampPublicPublic ramp at 1499 TN-32, open year roundDirections ↗
- Rankin Bridge Boat DockPublicPublic access off Holt Town Road, open year roundDirections ↗
- Leadvale Access AreaPublicPublic ramp near White Pine; closed in early 2026 for Hurricane Helene repairs, check statusDirections ↗
- Swann's MarinaMarinaFull-service marina near I-40 Exit 424, live bait, rentals, campgroundDirections ↗
- The Point Resort & MarinaMarinaAcross the bridge from downtown Dandridge. Ramp, fuel dock, slipsDirections ↗
Size & creel limits
Minimum size and daily limit for each species in Douglas Lake are published by the state. Look up the current size and creel limits for this lake directly: Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency ↗
Bait & tackle nearby
Closest shops to the lake and its boat launches. Call ahead for live bait and hours.
- Swann's MarinaNearbyDandridgeDirections ↗
Local tips
- TVA draws Douglas down about 44 feet between summer and winter, so ramps and shallow cover change a lot by season.
- Hurricane Helene left debris and damaged some ramps in 2024; watch for floating wood and check ramp status with TWRA.
- Spring crappie fishing is the main event; brush piles in creek arms hold fish most of the year.
Norris LakeAnderson, Campbell, Claiborne, Grainger & Union Counties · 34,200 acres
Norris Lake
Norris Lake is a deep, clear lake on the Clinch and Powell rivers north of Knoxville. It was TVA's first reservoir and is known for striped bass, walleye, and smallmouth bass.
Species
Fishery rating out of 5.
Striped Bass
Use live shad or alewives on down lines in deep, cool water in summer.
Smallmouth Bass
Best from November through April on rocky points and bluffs.
Walleye
Heavy stocking supports good catches, especially at night in summer.
Crappie
Fish TWRA brush piles and stake beds.
Largemouth Bass
Weeds, docks and wood in the shallows.
Boat launches
5 launch sites. Fees and hours change, so confirm before you go.
- Loyston Point Recreation Area rampPublicTVA recreation area near Andersonville, Anderson CountyDirections ↗
- Anderson County Park rampPublicCounty park ramp in Anderson CountyDirections ↗
- Campbell County Park rampPublicCounty park ramp in Campbell CountyDirections ↗
- Cove Creek WMA rampPublicPublic ramp at Cove Creek Wildlife Management Area, Campbell CountyDirections ↗
- More public accessPublicSee Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency or the lake manager's website for all ramps and feesDirections ↗
Size & creel limits
Special rules for this lake, confirmed from official state regulations. Minimum size and daily limit.
| Species | Min size | Daily limit |
|---|---|---|
| Striped Bass Apr 1-Oct 31; Nov 1-Mar 31: 1/day, 36 in minimum | 15 in | 2 / day |
| Smallmouth Bass Jun 1-Oct 15; Oct 16-May 31: 5/day, 15 in minimum; 5 black bass combined | 18 in | 1 / day |
| Walleye Walleye/sauger combined | 15 in | 5 / day combined |
| Crappie Combined | 10 in | 10 / day |
| Largemouth Bass Black bass 5 combined | 14 in | 5 / day combined |
Other species in this lake: look up the limits at Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency ↗
Bait & tackle nearby
Closest shops to the lake and its boat launches. Call ahead for live bait and hours.
- Springs Dock ResortNearby1652 Alder Springs Rd, LaFollette, TN(423) 562-2405Directions ↗
- Hickory Star MarinaNearby1360 Hickory Star Rd, Maynardville, TN(865) 992-5241Directions ↗
- Sequoyah MarinaNearby336 Lakeview Ln, Andersonville, TN(865) 494-7984Directions ↗
Local tips
- Smallmouth bass have a special summer size and bag rule, so check TWRA before keeping one.
- The water level can swing more than 45 feet a year, so check levels before launching.
- Use TWRA habitat maps to find brush piles and stake beds.
View on interactive map
Zoom and pan on a street, satellite or terrain map. Red pins are boat launches.
Old Hickory LakeDavidson, Sumner, Wilson, Trousdale & Smith Counties · 22,500 acres
Old Hickory Lake
A Corps of Engineers lake on the Cumberland River just northeast of Nashville, stretching past Hendersonville, Gallatin and Lebanon toward Carthage. It is known for largemouth bass, a trophy striped bass fishery, and good crappie, sauger and catfish.
Species
Fishery rating out of 5.
Largemouth Bass
Spawn shallow on gentle banks in April. In summer fish the grass along the main channel, like near the Highway 109 bridge.
Striped Bass
Trophy fish near Carthage and below Cordell Hull Dam in May, then lower-lake creeks like Drakes and Station Camp from December. Drift live skipjack or shad.
Crappie
Shallow stumps and treetops in late March and April. TWRA fish attractors in 6 to 12 ft produce October through May.
Sauger
January to March from Hunter's Point up to Cordell Hull Dam. Jig and minnow near the bottom in eddies below the dam.
Channel Catfish
Cut skipjack or shad on the river channel near Spencer, Station Camp, Bledsoe and Drakes creeks. Big blues and flatheads too.
White Bass
Spawning run in April and May from the Caney Fork up to Cordell Hull Dam. Jigs in bank eddies.
Boat launches
6 launch sites. Fees and hours change, so confirm before you go.
- Hunter's PointFreePublic ramp near Lebanon. No feeDirections ↗
- Second CreekFreePublic ramp. No feeDirections ↗
- HartsvilleFreePublic ramp on the upper lake. No feeDirections ↗
- RomeFreePublic ramp on the upper lake. No feeDirections ↗
- CarthageFreePublic ramp near the head of the lake. No feeDirections ↗
- Cordell Hull TailwaterFreePublic ramp below Cordell Hull Dam. No feeDirections ↗
Size & creel limits
Special rules for this lake, confirmed from official state regulations. Minimum size and daily limit.
| Species | Min size | Daily limit |
|---|---|---|
| Black Bass Lake-specific TWRA rule | Largemouth 14 in, Smallmouth 18 in, Spotted none | 5 / day combined |
| Crappie All crappie species combined | 10 in | 30 / day |
| Catfish All catfish species | See Tennessee rules book ↗ | No limit 34 in or less, 1 over 34 in |
| Striped/Hybrid Striped Bass Combined | 15 in | 2 / day |
| White Bass | See Tennessee rules book ↗ | 15 / day |
| Walleye | 16 in | 5 / day |
| Sauger | 15 in | 10 / day |
| Paddlefish Season April 24 to May 31, no culling | See Tennessee rules book ↗ | 2 / day |
Other species in this lake: look up the limits at Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency ↗
Bait & tackle nearby
No shops listed yet for this lake. Use the search link below.
Search more bait shops near Old Hickory Lake ↗Local tips
- Spring (March to May) is the best all-around window: bass spawn, crappie go shallow, white bass run and sauger and stripers are active near the dams.
- TWRA keeps about 40 buoyed fish attractors. They fish best late November to early March when water is under 55 degrees.
- Sauger and walleye look alike and have different limits, so check your fish before keeping it.