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02 Jun 2026Updated last time

10 Best Places for Fishing Trips in Tennessee

Discover the Best Fishing Destinations in Tennessee

Tennessee is a paradise for fishing enthusiasts, boasting a diverse array of lakes and rivers that promise bountiful catches and unforgettable experiences. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a casual fisher, the Volunteer State offers a wealth of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors and reel in some exciting catches. From the deep, clear waters of Dale Hollow Lake to the unique natural beauty of Reelfoot Lake, Tennessee's fishing destinations provide both rich biodiversity and spectacular scenery. Each location has its own unique charm and a variety of fish species that cater to every angler's preference, ensuring that your fishing trip becomes a cherished memory.

With an abundance of bass, catfish, crappie, and more, coupled with the stunning backdrops of mountains, rolling hills, and serene forests, these fishing spots promise to captivate your heart and challenge your skills. So, pack your fishing gear, and prepare for an adventure of a lifetime as we explore some of the best fishing destinations in Tennessee that will not only fulfill your fishing dreams but also allow you to immerse yourself in the serene and picturesque landscapes that this remarkable state has to offer.


Recommended Activities

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    Dale Hollow Lake

    Dale Hollow Lake is renowned for its clear waters and is an exceptional spot for smallmouth bass fishing, holding the world record for the largest smallmouth bass ever caught.
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  • Trip Point Pin2

    Reelfoot Lake

    Reelfoot Lake is a natural wonder formed by earthquakes in the early 1800s, offering unique fishing experiences with its shallow waters and abundant populations of crappie, catfish, and bass.
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  • Trip Point Pin3

    Kentucky Lake

    Kentucky Lake is one of the largest man-made lakes in the United States, famous for its diverse fish species, scenic beauty, and offers excellent opportunities for bass and crappie fishing.
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    Percy Priest Lake

    Percy Priest Lake is conveniently located near Nashville, making it a perfect getaway for fishing, with its waters full of bass, catfish, and crappie, alongside beautiful parks and recreational areas.
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    Cherokee Lake

    Cherokee Lake is renowned for its variety of fish species, especially black bass, and offers picturesque views with its surrounding hills and warm water temperatures that ensure good fishing conditions year-round.
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    Center Hill Lake

    Center Hill Lake is cherished for its deep, clear waters that are perfect for trophy fishing, specifically black bass and crappie, and provides stunning scenery, making it a serene fishing destination.
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    Douglas Lake

    Douglas Lake is well-known for its excellent largemouth bass and crappie fishing, as well as its beautiful views of the Great Smoky Mountains, making it a great spot for both fishing enthusiasts and nature lovers.
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    Norris Lake

    Norris Lake boasts crystal-clear waters, surrounded by the scenic mountains of East Tennessee, and it's a popular destination for catching striped bass and largemouth bass, with numerous secluded coves ideal for fishing.
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    Nickajack Lake

    Nickajack Lake is known for its abundant bass and catfish, and offers a tranquil setting with stunning views along the Tennessee River Gorge, making it a prime choice for both fishing and relaxation.
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    Watauga Lake

    Watauga Lake is one of the cleanest lakes in the United States, set against the backdrop of the Appalachian Mountains, offering excellent opportunities for fishing species like trout and walleye, combined with breathtaking natural scenery.
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Restaurants

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    The Treehouse Restaurant

    4.3
    $$$$

    The Treehouse Restaurant

    A unique dining experience perched in a treehouse setting, offering a cozy ambiance and a menu filled with locally-sourced ingredients.
    4.3
    $$$$
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    The Catbird Seat in Nashville, TN

    4.7
    $$$$

    The Catbird Seat in Nashville, TN

    An interactive dining experience with a chef's table concept where guests can watch and interact with the chefs as they prepare a creative multi-course meal.
    4.7
    $$$$
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    Husk Nashville

    4.5
    $$$$

    Husk Nashville

    Celebrating Southern cuisine with a focus on local ingredients, Husk offers inventive dishes in a beautifully restored historic mansion.
    4.5
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    Loveless Cafe

    4.6
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    Loveless Cafe

    Famous for its biscuits and traditional Southern comfort food, this charming cafe is a must-visit for its rich history and delightful culinary offerings.
    4.6
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    The Soda Parlor

    4.8
    $$$$

    The Soda Parlor

    A quirky spot known for its creative sodas and ice cream floats, set in a vibrant atmosphere complete with arcade games and retro decor.
    4.8
    $$$$
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Hotels

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    The Chattanooga Choo Choo Hotel, Tennessee

    4.5

    The Chattanooga Choo Choo Hotel, Tennessee

    A historic train station turned hotel where you can stay in unique Pullman train cars for a nostalgic experience.
    4.5
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    The Peabody Memphis

    The Peabody Memphis

    Renowned for its resident ducks and classic Southern elegance, this hotel offers a unique blend of history and charm.
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    Blackberry Farm

    4.7

    Blackberry Farm

    A luxurious farm resort located in the Smoky Mountains, offering exquisite farm-to-table cuisine and serene surroundings.
    4.7
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    Urban Cowboy Nashville - Nashville, TN

    Urban Cowboy Nashville - Nashville, TN

    An eclectic, design-forward boutique hotel in a restored Victorian mansion, perfect for those seeking a stylish and unique stay.
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    The Hermitage Hotel

    4.25

    The Hermitage Hotel

    A historic landmark in Nashville, known for its opulent, Beaux-Arts architecture and luxurious accommodations.
    4.25
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Local Events & Happenings


Travel Gems from Reddit

  • Reddit Icon

    Its disappointing if you dont have the time to explore and learn it. I duck hunt the TN side of Reelfoot(a long with the KY Mississippi river counties) and fish some. Its a pl...

    Reelfoot Lake TN. Review

    Its disappointing if you dont have the time to explore and learn it. I duck hunt the TN side of Reelfoot(a long with the KY Mississippi river counties) and fish some. Its a pl...

    /r/Fishing
  • Reddit Icon

    For context weve been traveling to DHL for the past three years and can count the number of fish weve caught on one hand. Weve never had good luck

    Going fishing at Dale hollow lake next week. What should we expect?

    For context weve been traveling to DHL for the past three years and can count the number of fish weve caught on one hand. Weve never had good luck

    /r/Tennessee
  • Reddit Icon

    Been there some years back, beautiful lake , its really shallow and a lot of standing timber and vegetation , really good crappie fishing

    Anyone ever been to reel foot state park in Tennessee?

    Been there some years back, beautiful lake , its really shallow and a lot of standing timber and vegetation , really good crappie fishing

    /r/Fishing
  • Reddit Icon

    TWRA has a list of where to fish heres the middle Tn list. https://www.tn.gov/twra/fishing/where-to-fish/middle-tennessee-r2.html Marrowbone lake is one of my favorites and yo...

    Best fishing spots?

    TWRA has a list of where to fish heres the middle Tn list. https://www.tn.gov/twra/fishing/where-to-fish/middle-tennessee-r2.html Marrowbone lake is one of my favorites and yo...

    /r/nashville
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    Further you go south tho is shallower water, warms quicker and they spawn earlier. Big is picking up on ky lake. Tournaments are seeing better weights. Its my home lake and it...

    Where should I camp to kayak fish Kentucky Lake? (More in comments)

    Further you go south tho is shallower water, warms quicker and they spawn earlier. Big is picking up on ky lake. Tournaments are seeing better weights. Its my home lake and it...

    /r/bassfishing
  • Reddit Icon

    im from middle TN and im looking to purchase a boat. theres a jet drive boat available close to me thats pretty nice. the waters i mostly fish are Cross Creeks, Lake Barkley, ...

    Tennessee fishing

    im from middle TN and im looking to purchase a boat. theres a jet drive boat available close to me thats pretty nice. the waters i mostly fish are Cross Creeks, Lake Barkley, ...

    /r/Fishing
  • Reddit Icon

    I was down Mar 25th-April 4th. Caught a 190 total bass. The smallmouth were in 4-6 when we left and more fish were moving up daily. Where are you staying? ... West side of the...

    Heading to dale hollow lake next week. Looking for largemouth and smallmouth- Any tips?

    I was down Mar 25th-April 4th. Caught a 190 total bass. The smallmouth were in 4-6 when we left and more fish were moving up daily. Where are you staying? ... West side of the...

    /r/bassfishing
  • Reddit Icon

    They detail every species we have, where they can be found, and seasonal habits. That said - trout in Tellico, Walleye are a good winter fish, Norris and Melton Hill are great...

    Fishing Recommendations

    They detail every species we have, where they can be found, and seasonal habits. That said - trout in Tellico, Walleye are a good winter fish, Norris and Melton Hill are great...

    /r/Knoxville
  • Reddit Icon

    Within 30 minutes you have easy access to 3 state parks, 1 state natural area, 7 wildlife management areas, and two large recreational lakes. ... If you know the bait and righ...

    Fishing

    Within 30 minutes you have easy access to 3 state parks, 1 state natural area, 7 wildlife management areas, and two large recreational lakes. ... If you know the bait and righ...

    /r/cookeville
  • Reddit Icon

    TWRA stocks most of the lakes and streams with cut throat trout. Springfield Water Plant for sure.

    Tennessee trout fishing

    TWRA stocks most of the lakes and streams with cut throat trout. Springfield Water Plant for sure.

    /r/Fishing