Guide To Best Places To Fish in Tennessee
There are many great places to fish in The The Volunteer State. Most lakes and rivers in the state have healthy populations of fish. Our focus here is on lakes, but there is also excellent fishing in major rivers, especially below dams on the Cumberland and Tennessee River Systems.
Tennessee's Top-Five, Amazing Fishing Spots
- Kentucky Lake in northern TN
- Chickamauga Lake in southeast TN
- Reelfoot Lake in northwest TN
- Lake Barkley in northern TN
- Pickwick Lake in southern TN
Several other lakes could qualify as top five, depending on criteria used. These five offer a wide variety of fish species with reputations for consistently good fishing. Learn more...
The Most Popular Fish Species In Tennessee
The abundance of crappie in the state, combined with ease of catching, make it the most popular species in the state. Walleye thrive in many of the states' water systems and make great table fare. Largemouth, spotted and striped bass are abundant across the state and provide excellent fishing opportunities. The river systems, and most lakes, offer quality catfish fishing for both size and numbers. Learn more...
Top Crappie Fishing Lakes in Tennessee
- Kentucky Lake in northern TN
- Chickamauga Lake in southeast TN
- Lake Barkley in northern TN
Both white and black crappie grow to large sizes across the state. The state record for both is over five pounds. Year to year, many other lakes might be considered for top three. The good news is that there is plenty of excellent crappie fishing state wide. Learn more...
Best Walleye Fishing Lakes in Tennessee
- Center Hill Lake in north-central TN
- Dale Hollow Lake in northern TN
- Norris Lake in northeast TN
Arguably the best eating of all the freshwater fish, walleye grow to bragging size in many of the state's fisheries. The state record walleye is over 25 pounds, and there are plenty of double-digit size walleye in numerous lakes in Tennessee. Learn more...
Top Places To Fish For Striped Bass in Tennessee
- Old Hickory Reservoir in north-central TN
- Norris Lake in northeast TN
- Melton Hill Lake in northeast TN
The Caney Fork River and The Clinch River are prime fisheries for stripers, especially in tailwaters below dams. Learn more...
The Best Bass Fishing Lakes in Tennessee
- Pickwick Lake in southern TN
- Chickamauga Lake in southeast TN
- Dale Hollow Lake in northern TN
If you enjoy bass fishing, you'll love fishing in this state. We picked these three for their long-standing reputations as premier bass fisheries. Several other lakes could make the list as fishing fluctuates year to year. Quantity and quality bass fishing is available at many lakes in TN. Learn more...
Best Lakes To Fish For Catfish in Tennessee
- Kentucky Lake in northern TN
- Reelfoot Lake in northwest TN
- Woods Reservoir in south-central TN
The Cumberland River and the Mississippi River, along with other rivers and lakes can all turn out big cats. The state offers good fishing for flathead, blue, white and channel catfish. It's hard to find a fishery in the state that doesn't offer one or more species. Learn more...
Enjoy these top spots to go fishing in Tennessee
Find the best places to fish, by state.
TENNESSEE

