Fishing Reelfoot Lake

AKA: Reelfoot Reservoir

Most Popular Fish
Reelfoot Lake Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boat Launch Ramps
Fishing Boat Rentals
Local Fishing Guides
Fishing License
Campgrounds & RV Parks
Map
Contact Info

Reelfoot Lake, TN

Popular Fish Species Reelfoot Lake, TN

Crappie Fishing

Good crappie fishing at Reelfoot Lake continues to impress crappie anglers again this year. Light line and small hooks are key when fishing live bait. Crappie jigs are also productive her in a wide variety of colors. The lake has healthy populations of both white crappie and black crappie. These two species typically tend to school separately. However, once located around cover, you may find that you catch both species, due to the fact they often share the same cover. Crappie fishing can be found in varying size schools, hanging around brush, vegetation, wood or other cover. Using a fish finder any time of year can help locate these crappie schools, which tend to stack vertically around cover. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here. In spring and fall focus on the 8 to 12 foot range. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out deep, as well as find ledges near channels, especially areas with brush or timber in deeper water. The best time to catch crappie tends to be at dawn and dusk.

Bluegill Fishing

Fishing for bluegill is a time-honored tradition at Reelfoot Lake. Young and old, beginners and seasoned anglers alike, all enjoy catching a bunch of fat bluegill. This year, much like recent years, the bluegill population is healthy and always looking for something to eat. Bluegill fishing is as basic as fishing gets. Any pole, reasonably small line and small hooks baited with anything edible, creates the ideal setup. Add a bobber and you can set the depth you prefer the bait to position. Bluegill hang around brush, rocks, vegetation or any cover available.

Reelfoot Lake Popular Fish - Largemouth Bass

Largemouth Bass Fishing

Reelfoot Lake is considered one of the tougher bass fishing lakes in the region. There is so much cover, they can be hard to locate. Anglers that do find them are catching bass in the 3 to 4-pound range showing up with some regularity. A history of careful fisheries management by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency has helped to maintain a thriving bass fishery. Anglers can also catch smallmouth bass and spotted bass, which reside here in decent numbers. Fishing for largemouth bass is challenging but can be quite rewarding, with an occasional bass over 6 pounds being caught. In Reelfoot Lake, bass often move shallow and become fairly aggressive when they are in a feeding mood. If they seem disinterested in your presentations, try slowing down and use smaller, lighter baits. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap. Around grass, use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In deeper water, drop shot rigs, big worms, jigs and spoons are good options. In winter, spend your time fishing deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time.

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, blue catfish, black crappie, white crappie, bluegill, redear sunfish, warmouth, yellow bass, striped bass, hybrid striped bass and paddlefish at Reelfoot Lake in Tennessee.

Reelfoot Lake Fishing Video

Reelfoot Lake, located in northwestern Tennessee, is a unique and captivating fishing destination that offers anglers a one-of-a-kind experience. This 15,000-acre natural lake, formed by a series of earthquakes in the early 1800s, provides excellent fishing opportunities for a variety of popular fish species.

Reelfoot Lake is widely known for its exceptional crappie fishing. Both black crappie and white crappie thrive in the lake's shallow waters, making it a haven for crappie anglers. Anglers can find success by targeting the lake's submerged cypress trees and shallow brush piles where crappie tend to congregate. Various techniques such as vertical jigging and using live minnows or jigs can yield excellent results. Reelfoot Lake's reputation as a crappie fishing paradise attracts anglers from across the country.

In addition to crappie, Reelfoot Lake supports other popular fish species. The lake is home to abundant populations of largemouth bass, bluegill, and catfish. Largemouth bass can be found near the lake's numerous shallow grass beds and can be targeted with topwater lures, spinnerbaits, or plastic worms. Bluegill, a favorite among panfish anglers, can be caught using small jigs or live bait near the lake's shoreline. Catfish, including channel catfish and blue catfish, can be targeted using various baits and techniques such as bottom fishing with stink bait or cut bait.

Reelfoot Lake's combination of excellent crappie fishing, unique scenery, and camping facilities make it a beloved destination for anglers and nature enthusiasts in Tennessee. Whether you're targeting crappie, bass, or catfish, exploring the lake's hidden coves by boat, or camping under the starry sky, Reelfoot Lake offers an unforgettable experience that celebrates the beauty and diversity of Tennessee's natural landscape.

Primary fish species residing in Reelfoot Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Reelfoot Lake Amenities

Marina: NO
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Boating is a favored activity on Reelfoot Lake, thanks to its shallow depths and calm waters. Anglers and boating enthusiasts can explore the lake's intricate network of channels, bays, and cypress forests. Boaters can enjoy leisurely cruises, engage in waterfowl hunting, or simply soak in the unique beauty of the lake's submerged cypress trees that rise above the water's surface.

Fishing Boat Rentals

Southshore Resort Boat Rentals
Rentals: Jon boats and pontoons
731 538-2467

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Reelfoot Lake Public Access
This is a two-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking. It is located on the west side of the Upper Blue Basin.

Sunkist Beach Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest corner of the lake, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.

Fishing Guides On Reelfoot Lake

Reelfoot Lake Fishing Guide - crappie

If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.

Fishing License

Click here for a Tennessee Fishing License.

Camping facilities near Reelfoot Lake provide visitors with the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in the lake's natural surroundings. Campgrounds offer amenities such as campsites, picnic areas, and restroom facilities. Camping near Reelfoot Lake allows anglers and outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy the tranquil ambiance of the lake, observe its diverse wildlife, and experience the true essence of this remarkable natural treasure.

Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby

Reelfoot Lake State Park Campground - 731 253-9652

Reelfoot Lake Campgrounds Campground - 731 253-9652