Fishing Tellico Reservoir
AKA: Tellico Lake
Popular Fish Species Tellico Reservoir, TN
Largemouth Bass Fishing
Tellico Reservoir, a popular destination for both local and national bass fishing tournaments, continues to deliver great catches of largemouth bass. The bass fishing has been quite good for several years now. Thorough fisheries management by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency has maintained a quality bass fishery providing both quantity and quality for anglers. Smallmouth bass and spotted bass also reside here in good numbers. Recent results by locals, and bass fishing tournament participants, attest to the fact that fishing for largemouth bass has been quite rewarding lately. A significant number of larger bass also roam these waters, so there is always the potential for catching a lunker. Bass often move shallow and become fairly aggressive when they are in a feeding mood. If you find them shallow, and 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, big worms, jigs and spoons are three good options. In winter, spend your time fishing Tellico Reservoir on deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time. Fishing for largemouth bass can range from fair to very good here, year round.
Walleye Fishing
Thanks to good fisheries management by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, a healthy population of walleye are thriving in the waters of Tellico Reservoir this year. May and June tend to be the best time for weekend anglers to catch them. During this time they tend to move shallower and closer to shore. Other times of the year they are more likely to roam around in deeper water. As always, stay around schools of baitfish. They are eager to feed throughout the lake, but tend to concentrate around structure on points, flats and ledges off the river channels. A proven method for catching walleye here is trolling with spinners tipped with live bait, or trolling with long-billed, deep diving crankbaits. However casting live bait, jigs, worms and spoons also works well at times.
Smallmouth Bass Fishing
Smallmouth bass are a favorite of many locals at Tellico Reservoir, as they are tough fighters and exciting to catch. Fishing for smallmouth bass is good anytime they are shallow - in spring, during high water, mornings in summer and during warmer fall afternoons. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap, and around grass use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In winter, spend your time on deeper structure with small worms, jigs and spoons. Largemouth bass and spotted bass also reside here in good numbers.
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, walleye, rainbow trout, brown trout, bluegill, redear sunfish, rock bass, warmouth, white bass, yellow bass, striped bass, hybrid striped bass, paddlefish and sauger at Tellico Reservoir in Tennessee.
Tellico Reservoir Fishing Video
Located in the lower-eastern corner of Tennessee, Tellico Reservoir is a 15,500-acre lake with a wide variety of fish species. The cooler waters from the Chilhowee Reservoir and the Tellico River make this impoundment conducive to trout and walleye populations. The lake also has populations of bass, crappie, striped bass, catfish, white bass and a variety of sunfish.
Tellico Reservoir, located in eastern Tennessee, offers anglers a prime fishing destination with diverse fish species, ample boating opportunities, and picturesque camping locations. This 16,000-acre reservoir, formed by the Little Tennessee River, provides excellent fishing experiences for both locals and visitors.
Tellico Reservoir is well-known for its exceptional bass fishing. Largemouth bass and smallmouth bass are the primary targets for anglers, and the lake's structure, including submerged timber, rocky points, and weed beds, provides ideal habitats for these prized game fish. Anglers can employ various techniques such as casting with crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and soft plastics to entice the bass. The lake's healthy bass population and the potential for trophy-sized catches make it a favorite destination for both recreational and tournament anglers.
In addition to bass, Tellico Reservoir supports other popular fish species. Crappie fishing is productive, with both black and white crappie offering anglers plenty of action. Anglers can find success near submerged brush piles, fallen trees, and other structures where crappie tend to congregate. The lake is also home to catfish, including channel catfish and blue catfish, which can be targeted using various baits and techniques. Other fish species found in the lake include sunfish, sauger, and walleye, providing anglers with additional fishing options.
Tellico Reservoir's combination of excellent fishing, boating opportunities, and camping facilities make it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts in Tennessee. Whether you're targeting bass, crappie, or catfish, enjoying a leisurely boat ride, or camping by the lakeside, Tellico Reservoir offers a serene and enjoyable environment for all who visit.
With over 350 miles of shoreline Tellico Lake provides plenty of places to explore while fishing here. With a multitude of access points, there are many places to fish from the bank. Several boat ramps assist in launching fishing boats as well as pleasure boats. From area campgrounds, one can portage a canoe or kayak as well.
Primary fish species residing in Tellico Reservoir
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
Tellico Reservoir Amenities
Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: NEARBY
Restaurant: YES
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boating is a favored activity on Tellico Reservoir, thanks to its expansive waters and multiple access points. Anglers and boating enthusiasts can launch their boats from public ramps and explore the lake's various coves, channels, and open waters. Boaters can enjoy leisurely cruises, engage in water sports activities, or simply relax while taking in the scenic beauty of the surrounding hills and forests.
Fishing Boat Rentals
Sequoyah Lake Tellico Resort and Marina
Rentals: Pontoon boats
423 884-2770
Marinas
Sequoyah Lake Tellico Resort and Marina
721 US-411
Vonore, TN 37885
423 884-2770
Tellico Marina
1000 Marina Harbor Dr
Maryville, TN 37801
865 856-6806
WindRiver Marina
500 Marina Way
Lenoir City, TN 37772
865 988-1864
Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings
Ballplay Boat Ramp
Located in the southwest corner of the lake, off Highway 360, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.
Boat Ramp
Located on the west side of the lake, off Morning Dove Drive, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking.
Citico Boat Ramp
Located in the southeast corner of the lake, south side, off Mt Pleasant Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.
Clear Creek Boat Ramp
This is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking. It is located mid lake, on the west side of the lake, off Tellico Parkway.
Morganton Boat Ramp
This is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and plenty of paved parking. It is located in the southern sector of the lake, east side, off Morganton Cemetery Road.
Notchy Creek Boat Ramp
Located in the southwest sector of the lake, west side, off Corntassel Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.
Poplar Springs Boat Ramp
This is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and lots of paved parking. It is located mid lake, on the west side of the lake, off Tellico Parkway.
Tellico Dam Reservation Boat Ramp
Located at the east end of Tellico Dam, mid lake, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking for about 100 vehicles with trailers.
Toqua Landing Boat Ramp
Located in the southwest sector of the lake, west side, off Highway 360, this is a kayak launch with a dock and gravel parking.
Vonore Recreation Area Boat Ramp
Located in the southwest sector of the lake, west side, at the end of Fowler Street, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Fishing Guides On Tellico Reservoir
Fish On! Guided Tours - stripers, catfish, bass, walleye
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 Tellico Reservoir provide visitors with the opportunity to extend their stay and fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area. Campgrounds offer amenities such as campsites, picnic areas, and restroom facilities. Camping near Tellico Reservoir allows anglers and outdoor enthusiasts to make the most of their fishing adventures and enjoy the peaceful ambiance of the lake and its surrounding woodlands.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
Lazy Acers RV Park Campground - 865 986-3539
Toqua Campground - 423 884-3317
Notchy Creek Campground - 423 884-6280
Lotterdale Cove Campground - 865 856-7284
Tellico Reservoir, TN Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Tellico Reservoir
Tellico Dam Recreation Area
Tellico Pkwy
Lenoir City, TN 37772
800 882-5263
Fishing lakes in each state.
070124
Tellico Reservoir in Tennessee.
TENNESSEE
Striper, trout and walleye fishing in southeast TN.