Guide To The Best Bass Fishing Lakes In Tennessee

Fish for spotted, redeye, smallmouth and largemouth bass in Tennessee lakes, rivers and streams. Visit the Bass Knowledge Center for valuable information about bass and bass fishing.

Tennessee is a paradise for bass fishing enthusiasts, offering exceptional opportunities to catch a variety of bass species. Largemouth bass, one of the most popular game fish in the state, can be found in abundance in lakes, rivers, and reservoirs throughout Tennessee. The state is home to several renowned bass fishing destinations, including Kentucky Lake, Chickamauga Lake, and Percy Priest Lake. Anglers targeting largemouth bass often focus on areas with submerged structures such as weed beds, fallen trees, and rock formations. Spring and fall are prime seasons for largemouth bass fishing, as these fish become more active and move to shallower waters to feed.

Tennessee is also known for its fantastic smallmouth bass fishing. Rivers like the Caney Fork, the Hiwassee, and the Clinch are renowned for their trophy-sized smallmouth bass. These fish offer a thrilling angling experience, known for their strong fights and acrobatic leaps. Smallmouth bass can also be found in lakes and reservoirs, including Dale Hollow Lake and Norris Lake. Anglers targeting smallmouth bass often use lures such as crankbaits, jigs, and topwater baits. Spring and fall are considered prime seasons for smallmouth bass fishing, as they are more active during these times.

In addition to largemouth and smallmouth bass, Tennessee is home to other bass species that provide exciting fishing opportunities. Spotted bass, often referred to as Kentucky bass, can be found in various lakes and rivers in the state. These fish exhibit characteristics of both largemouth and smallmouth bass, offering a unique angling experience. Redeye bass, also known as Coosa bass or Alabama bass, are native to the Tennessee River system and provide a thrilling challenge for anglers. These fish prefer clear and rocky waters and can be found in rivers such as the Hiwassee and the Little Tennessee.

Whether you're targeting largemouth, smallmouth, spotted, or redeye bass, Tennessee offers a wealth of fishing opportunities for bass anglers. The state's diverse waterways and abundant bass populations make it a premier destination for those seeking thrilling bass fishing adventures.

Bass Lakes In Tennessee

If you like to fish for bass, you'll love Tennessee. Every major lake in the state is loaded with quality bass including Carroll County Thousand Acre Recreation Lake, Boone Lake, Calderwood Reservoir, Center Hill Lake, Cheatham Lake, Cherokee Lake, Chickamauga Lake, Chilhowee Lake, Cordell Hull Lake, Dale Hollow Reservoir, Davy Crockett Lake, Douglas Lake, Fort Loudoun Lake, Fort Patrick Henry Reservoir, Great Falls Lake, J Percy Priest Lake, John Sevier Reservoir, Kentucky Lake, Lake Barkley, Melton Hill Lake, Nickajack Lake, Normandy Lake, Norris Lake, Ocoee Lake, Old Hickory Lake, Parksville Reservoir, Percy Priest Lake, Pickwick Lake, Reelfoot Lake, South Holston Lake, Tellico Reservoir, Tims Ford Lake, Watauga Lake, Watts Bar Lake and Woods Reservoir. Bass can also be found in smaller lakes rivers and ponds throughout the state.

Click the images and links above for species details.

Top 5 Bass Fishing Lures For Tennessee

When bass are shallow, spinnerbaits, crankbaits and top water lures are the most productive. As they move deeper, worms and jigs are among the top producers.

Chickamauga Lake turned out the state record largemouth bass.

The state record smallmouth bass was pulled out of Dale Hollow Lake.

Chickamauga Lake delivered the state recore spotted bass.

Parksville Reservoir was home to the state recore redeye bass (coosa).

Catch big bass!

Bass are one of the most sought after of all the game fish. Its appeal spans cultures, age groups and genders to tap on the heart strings of anglers everywhere. Join us in our endeavor to offer information about bass fishing on your favorite bass lake in Tennessee.

Understanding the primary seasonal movements of smallmouth bass and largemouth bass is key to locating them on local lakes in the Volunteer State.

Bass fishing basics video.

Bass fishing information by state.