Guide To Great Trout Fishing Locations In Tennessee

All about fishing for rainbow, cutthroat, brook, brown and lake trout in local lakes and streams.

Trout Waters

Boone Lake, Calderwood Reservoir, Center Hill Lake, Chilhowee Lake, Cordell Hull Lake, Dale Hollow Reservoir, Fort Patrick Henry Reservoir, Norris Lake, Ocoee Lake, Parksville Reservoir, South Holston Lake, Tellico Reservoir and Watauga Lake are major lakes in Tennessee with quality populations of trout. Other smaller lakes, rivers and ponds are stocked with trout or have small sustained populations of trout as well.

Click the images and links above for species details.

Select the best trout lures and baits

Trout spinners, crankbaits and jerkbaits work well for shallow, reasonably active fish. Salmon eggs, worms and prepared baits will work at virtually all depths.

Tennessee Record Trout

The state record rainbow trout was taken from a pond in Polk County.

The Obey River was home to the state record cutthroat trout.

The Caney Fork River turned out the state record brook trout.

The state record brown trout was pulled out of the Clinch River.

The state record lake trout came out of Watauga Reservoir.

The 5 primary trouts are the rainbow, brook, brown, cutthroat and lake trout. Browns are considered the most difficult to catch and brookies are the easiest. Pure cold water is key to survival of the trouts.

Visit the Tennessee Wildlife Resources website for information on trout stockings in Tennessee.

Watch trout fishing videos to see trout anglers in action.

Additional trout information

Trout Conservation
Trout Unlimited

Trout locations and info, by state.