The 15 Best Fishing Lakes in Tennessee (And the Types of Fish to Expect!)

Welcome to the bountiful waters of Tennessee, where angling enthusiasts find solace and excitement in the best fishing lakes the state has to offer. With 31 lakes scattered across the state, there’s no shortage of opportunities to cast your line and reel in the big one. So grab your gear, prepare for an adventure, and join us as we explore the top fishing lakes in Tennessee. Whether you’re in pursuit of bass, trout, catfish, or crappie, these lakes offer a fishing experience that will leave you hooked. Get ready to embrace the beauty of nature, feel the tug of a determined fish, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Let’s dive in and discover the 15 best fishing lakes in Tennessee (and the types of fish to expect!).

The 15 Best Fishing Lakes in Tennessee: Baiting Techniques

Regardless of which one of Tennessee’s 31-derful fishing lakes you choose, the fishing and baiting techniques are relatively similar. Bass, most active in the spring and fall, can be caught using a variety of techniques, including casting with artificial lures, using live bait, or employing finesse. Bass are fond of topwater lures and spinnerbaits. These popular sport fish can also be hooked casting with crankbaits and plastic worms. Submerged brush piles, fallen trees, rocky areas, and bridge pilings, when present, provide excellent habitats for bass.

Techniques such as jigging and spider rigging are employed to catch the delicious and challenging crappie. Panfish, like bluegill and redear sunfish, can be caught using small hooks baited with worms or crickets. Carp are attracted to dough baits, boilies, or corn. Chumming is also a successful technique used in catching carp. Whether you prefer casting, trolling, jigging, or live bait fishing, you’ll find ample opportunities to employ your preferred methods in the lakes of Tennessee.

The 15 Best Fishing Lakes in Tennessee: Reelfoot Lake

Reelfoot Lake is Tennessee’s only natural lake. It was formed as the result of a series of massive earthquakes in 1811/12. Located in the northwest corner of the state, Reelfoot Lake is renowned for its natural beauty, abundant wildlife, and exceptional fishing opportunities. The lake’s most distinctive feature is its submerged cypress trees, which create an otherworldly atmosphere and provide an ideal habitat for various fish species. Reelfoot Lake is renowned for its outstanding crappie fishing. Crappie, both black and white, are abundant in the lake, and anglers flock to Reelfoot to fish for them. Spring is an especially popular time for crappie fishing when the fish move into the shallows to spawn when anglers can be seen fishing around the cypress trees.
Reelfoot Lake also offers excellent opportunities for bass fishing. Largemouth bass are generally the focus for anglers, but smallmouth bass can also be found in the lake. The submerged cypress trees and shallow areas create ideal habitats for bass, making Reelfoot a paradise for bass anglers.

Lake Graham

Fishing at Lake Graham provides anglers with a tranquil and rewarding fishing experience in western Tennessee. Situated near the city of Jackson, Lake Graham is a 500-acre reservoir known for its abundant fish populations. It is highly regarded for its bass fishing opportunities, particularly for largemouth bass. The lake’s submerged brush, fallen trees, and rocky areas, provide ideal habitats for bass.
Lake Graham is also home to healthy populations of crappie and bluegill. Crappie fishing can be excellent, especially during the spring spawning season when the fish move into shallower areas near submerged formations. Lake Graham also has channel catfish and flathead catfish.

The 15 Best Fishing Lakes in Tennessee: Pickwick Lake

Fishing at Pickwick Lake is a beloved pastime for anglers seeking exceptional fishing opportunities in Tennessee. Situated along the Tennessee River in the western part of the state, Pickwick Lake is renowned for the chance to reel in trophy fish now and again. Pickwick Lake is known for its impressive variety of fish species, including largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass. However, Pickwick is particularly famous for its smallmouth bass fishing. Other species such as crappie, catfish, sauger, white bass, and striped bass are also present..This rich diversity ensures that there’s always something biting, regardless of your preferred fishing style or target species.
The lake consistently produces large smallmouth bass, with fish weighing over five pounds not uncommon. Largemouth bass and catfish also reach impressive sizes, providing exciting opportunities for anglers seeking that once-in-a-lifetime catch. Pickwick Lake supports a variety of fishing techniques. From fishing the rocky shorelines to deep channels and drop-offs, there’s a fishing style to match your skills and preferences.

The 15 Best Fishing Lakes in Tennessee: Herb Parsons Lake

Fishing at Herb Parsons Lake offers anglers a pleasant and accessible fishing experience in West Tennessee. Situated in Fayette County, just east of Memphis, Herb Parsons Lake is a 177-acre reservoir that provides opportunities to catch various fish species. Herb Parsons Lake is known for its bass fishing, with both largemouth bass and spotted bass present in the lake. In addition to bass, Herb Parsons Lake offers opportunities to catch panfish, such as bluegill and redear sunfish. Catfish, including channel catfish and occasionally flathead catfish, can also be found in the lake.

Beech Lake

Let’s dive into the fishing at Beech Lake in Tennessee! Located near Lexington in West Tennessee, Beech Lake is a 650-acre reservoir that offers a variety of fishing opportunities. Beech Lake is known for its bass fishing, particularly largemouth bass. Beech Lake hosts crappie and various panfish species, such as bluegill and redear sunfish. Crappie fishing can be particularly good, especially during the spring spawning season when crappie move into shallower waters. Beech Lake is also home to channel catfish and flathead catfish.

The 15 Best Fishing Lakes in Tennessee: J. Percy Priest Lake

Fishing at J. Percy Priest Lake in Middle Tennessee provides anglers with a diverse range of fishing opportunities. Located near Nashville, Percy Priest Lake spans approximately 14,000 acres and offers a variety of fish species. Percy Priest is known for its bass fishing, with both largemouth bass and smallmouth bass present in the lake. Percy Priest Lake also offers good fishing opportunities for crappie, as well as other panfish species like bluegill and redear sunfish.
The lake is home to various catfish species, including channel catfish and blue catfish. Percy Priest Lake also offers opportunities for catching striped bass and hybrid striped bass. These fish can provide exciting angling experiences, particularly during cooler months when they are more active. Hybrid striped bass, also known as a wiper or whiterock bass, is a cross between the striped bass (Morone saxatilis) and the white bass (Morone chrysops).

The 15 Best Fishing Lakes in Tennessee: Old Hickory Lake

Old Hickory Lake in Middle Tenessee is renowned for its bass fishing, particularly largemouth bass. The lake, which includes submerged brush, boat docks, and rocky areas, provides excellent habitat for bass. Smallmouth bass can also be found in the lake, although they are not as abundant as largemouth bass.
Old Hickory Lake offers good fishing opportunities for crappie and other panfish species, including Bluegill and redear sunfish. Old Hickory Lake is home to various catfish species, including channel catfish and flathead catfish. The lake also offers opportunities to catch striped bass and hybrid striped bass. These fish can provide exciting fishing experiences as they are revered for their fighting spirit.

The 15 Best Fishing Lakes in Tennessee: Center Hill

Fishing at Center Hill Lake in Middle Tennessee offers anglers a variety of fishing options. Nestled in the heart of the state, Center Hill Lake spans approximately 18,220 acres and boasts diverse fish populations. Center Hill Lake is well-regarded for its bass fishing opportunities, primarily largemouth bass and smallmouth bass. The lake’s rocky shorelines, submerged forms, and points provide excellent habitats for bass. Center Hill offers good fishing opportunities for crappie, as well as other panfish species like bluegill and redear sunfish. The lake is home to various catfish species, giving anglers a go at channel catfish and flathead catfish. Center Hill Lake also hosts a walleye population. Trolling with crankbaits or jigging near rocky areas prove most effective when fishing for walleye.

The 15 Best Fishing Lakes in Tennessee: Dale Hollow

Known for its clear waters and diverse fish populations, Dale Hollow Lake in Middle Tennessee is a popular destination for both recreational and tournament fishing. Dale Hollow is famous for its outstanding smallmouth bass fishing. The lake boasts a healthy population of trophy-sized smallmouth bass, attracting anglers from far and wide. The rocky shorelines and deep channels provide ideal habitats for smallmouth bass. Dale Hollow Lake also supports populations of largemouth bass and spotted bass. The Lake is home to crappie, as well as other panfish species like bluegill and redear sunfish. Walleye can be found near rocky points and drop-offs Musky, known for their size and fight, can be caught using large, flashy lures and fishing near submerged structures or along weedy edges.

The 15 Best Fishing Lakes in Tennessee: Land Between The Lakes

The Land Between the Lakes (LBL) National Recreation Area, on the border of Kentucky and Tennessee, offers fishermen a wide array of opportunities in its diverse aquatic habitats. LBL spans approximately 170,000 acres. Kentucky Lake is a massive reservoir spanning 160,000 acres, forming the western boundary of LBL. It is known for its excellent fishing, particularly for largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, and white bass. Lake Barkley, located east of Kentucky Lake, covers approximately 58,000 acres and offers similar fishing opportunities. Largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, and white bass can be caught in Lake Barkley as well. Anglers can use a variety of lures and baits to catch fish throughout the year.

The 15 Best Fishing Lakes in Tennessee: Chickamauga Lake

Chickamauga Lake, located just north of Chattanooga, provides anglers with an exceptional fishing experience. Located along the Tennessee River, Chickamauga Lake is known for its excellent bass fishing. Chickamauga Lake is renowned for its trophy-sized largemouth bass and consistently ranks among the top bass fishing destinations in the country. The lake’s abundant aquatic vegetation and expansive flats provide prime habitats for these fish.

Chickamauga Lake offers good fishing opportunities for crappie, as well as other panfish species like bluegill and redear sunfish. The lake is home to channel catfish, blue catfish, and flathead catfish. Chickamauga Lake offers opportunities to catch other species such as sauger, white bass, and striped bass. Sauger, a close relative of the walleye, can be caught using similar techniques, including jigging near rocky structures or trolling with crankbaits. White bass and striped bass can often be found in open water or near points and can be targeted using crankbaits, jigs, or live bait.

The 15 Best Fishing Lakes in Tennessee: Nickajack Lake

Nickajack Lake in the southeastern part of Tennessee offers anglers a fantastic fishing experience in a scenic setting. The lake is widely recognized as a premier bass fishing destination. Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and spotted bass thrive in the lake’s waters. Anglers have the opportunity to catch trophy-sized bass, particularly during the spring and fall seasons. Nickajack Lake is also home to crappie and panfish like bluegill and redear sunfish. These panfish can be found near vegetation, docks, or shallow areas, and can be caught using small hooks, worms, or crickets.
3 Catfish: Nickajack Lake is home to a thriving catfish population, including channel catfish, blue catfish, and flathead catfish. Anglers targeting catfish can find success using a variety of techniques, such as bottom fishing with natural baits like chicken liver, cut bait, or nightcrawlers. Fishing near creek mouths, deep holes, or areas with submerged structures can increase your chances of landing a catfish.
Nickajack Lake offers opportunities to catch other species as well. White bass, sauger, and freshwater drum are among the fish you may encounter while fishing in the lake.

The 15 Best Fishing Lakes in Tennessee: Tims Ford

Located in the southern part of the state, Tims Ford Lake is known for its clear waters, scenic shoreline, and thriving fish populations. Tims Ford Lake is renowned for its excellent bass fishing, particularly for smallmouth bass. The lake is home to a healthy population of smallmouth bass. The rocky shorelines and drop-offs create an ideal habitat for smallmouth bass. Largemouth bass can also be found in the lake.
Tims Ford Lake is also home to crappie, as well as other panfish species like bluegill and redear sunfish.
The Lake is home to various catfish species, including channel catfish and blue catfish. Fishing near creek mouths, deep holes, or areas with submerged structures can increase your chances of landing a catfish. Trout fishing is popular in the tailwaters below the Tims Ford Dam. Anglers can use a variety of techniques, such as fly fishing with nymphs or streamers, or spinning with small spoons or spinners, to target trout in the flowing waters.

The 15 Best Fishing Lakes in Tennessee: Norris Lake

Norris Lake in East Tennessee provides anglers with an exceptional fishing experience. Norris Lake is a sprawling reservoir with over 800 miles (1288 km) of shoreline. The bass fishing is amazing, attracting anglers from near and far. The lake supports both largemouth bass and smallmouth bass populations. Norris Lake offers good fishing opportunities for crappie and panfish species like bluegill and redear sunfish. Norris Lake is known for its healthy walleye population, making it a popular destination for walleye fishermen. The lake’s waters provide ideal conditions for walleye fishing. Techniques such as trolling with crankbaits or using live bait rigs can be effective for hooking a walleye, especially in the early morning and evening, when walleye are most active. Norris Lake is also home to channel catfish and blue catfish, white bass, striped bass, and sauger.

The 15 Best Fishing Lakes in Tennessee: Cherokee Lake

Cherokee Lake in East Tennessee is an angler’s delight. The lake covers approximately 30,300 acres and boasts over 400 miles of shoreline. Cherokee Lake is renowned for its excellent bass fishing. The lake is home to both largemouth bass and smallmouth bass. Cherokee Lake is also known for its striped bass and hybrid striped bass fisheries. These hard-fighting fish can reach impressive sizes, providing anglers with an exciting challenge. Early morning or evening hours are often the best times to pursue these species.

Crappie and other panfish species, like bluegill and redear sunfish, also populate the lake. They can be found near vegetation, docks, or shallow areas. Catfish can also be found in Cherokee Lake. The lake supports healthy populations of catfish, including channel catfish and blue catfish. Other fish S\species found in Cherokee Lake include white bass, sauger, and freshwater drum.

Before You Go

If you’re planning a fishing trip in Tennessee, it is essential for you to have a valid Tennessee fishing license and be familiar with local fishing regulations and limits. Obtaining a fishing license not only ensures compliance with state laws but also supports conservation efforts and the preservation of fisheries for future generations. Understanding the specific regulations and limits pertaining to the body of water you intend to fish is crucial for responsible angling and sustaining fish populations. By being knowledgeable about licensing requirements and adhering to local fishing regulations, you can enjoy your fishing experience while respecting the natural resources and contributing to the overall well-being of Tennessee’s lakes.

List of Reservoirs in Tennessee

West Tennessee

• Beech Lake
• Gibson County Lake
• Herb Parsons Lake
• Kentucky Lake
• Lake Graham
• Pickwick Lake
• Pin Oak Lake
• Reelfoot Lake – a natural lake

Middle Tennessee

• Center Hill Lake
• Cheatham Lake
• Cordell Hull Lake
• Dale Hollow Lake
• J. Percy Priest Lake
• Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley
• Normandy Lake
• Old Hickory Lake
• Radnor Lake
• Standing Stone Lake

East Tennessee

• Boone Lake
• Cherokee Lake
• Chickamauga Lake
• Douglas Lake
• Fort Loudon Lake
• Nickajack lake
• Norris Lake
• South Holston Lake
• Tellico Reservoir
• Tims Ford Lake
• Watts Bar Lake
• Watauga Lake

The 15 Best Fishing Lakes in Tennessee

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