10 Best Places for Fishing Trips in Tennessee

02 Jun 2026Updated last time

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

  • 1

    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.
  • 2

    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.
  • 3

    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.
  • 4

    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.
  • 5

    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.
  • 6

    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.
  • 7

    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.
  • 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.
  • 9

    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.
  • 10

    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.

Restaurants

  • Picture for The Treehouse Restaurant

    The Treehouse Restaurant

    1011 Clearview Ave, Nashville, TN 37206, United States
    A unique dining experience perched in a treehouse setting, offering a cozy ambiance and a menu filled with locally-sourced ingredients.
    4.3
    $$$$
  • Picture for The Catbird Seat in Nashville, TN

    The Catbird Seat in Nashville, TN

    1711 Division St, Nashville, TN 37203, United States
    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
    $$$$
  • Picture for Husk Nashville

    Husk Nashville

    37 Rutledge St, Nashville, TN 37210, United States
    Celebrating Southern cuisine with a focus on local ingredients, Husk offers inventive dishes in a beautifully restored historic mansion.
    4.5
    $$$$
  • Picture for Loveless Cafe

    Loveless Cafe

    8400 TN-100, Nashville, TN 37221, United States
    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
    $$$$
  • Picture for The Soda Parlor

    The Soda Parlor

    966 Woodland St, Nashville, TN 37206, USA
    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
    $$$$

Hotels

  • The Chattanooga Choo Choo Hotel, Tennessee

    92 Choo Choo Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37408, United States

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

    149 Union Ave, Memphis, TN 38103, United States

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

    1471 W Millers Cove Rd, Walland, TN 37886, United States

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

    1603 Woodland St, Nashville, TN 37206, United States

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

    231 6th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37219, United States

    A historic landmark in Nashville, known for its opulent, Beaux-Arts architecture and luxurious accommodations.

Local Events & Happenings


Travel Gems from Reddit

  • Reelfoot Lake TN. Review

    /r/Fishing

    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...

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

    /r/Tennessee

    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

  • Anyone ever been to reel foot state park in Tennessee?

    /r/Fishing

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

  • Best fishing spots?

    /r/nashville

    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...

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

    /r/bassfishing

    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...

  • Tennessee fishing

    /r/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, ...

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

    /r/bassfishing

    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...

  • Fishing Recommendations

    /r/Knoxville

    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

    /r/cookeville

    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...

  • Tennessee trout fishing

    /r/Fishing

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