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Fishing At Watts Bar Lake In 2024

AKA: Watts Bar Reservoir

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By AA-Fishing Staff Writers

Watts Bar Lake, TN

Most Popular Fish Species In Watts Bar Lake, TN


Watts Bar Lake Popular Fish - Largemouth Bass

Largemouth Bass

Currently, largemouth bass are thriving in Watts Bar Lake> As an impoundment on the Tennessee River, it has very fertile water and plenty of cover for both baitfish and bass. Fishing for largemouth bass is good virtually any time they are shallow - in spring, mornings in summer, and during warm Fall afternoons. 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 weapons. In winter, spend your time on deeper structure.


Watts Bar Lake Popular Fish - Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth bass are also a favorite of many locals at Watts Bar Lake, as they are plentiful and fun 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. Spotted bass can also be caught here, often in good numbers.


Watts Bar Lake Popular Fish - Striped Bass

Striped Bass

Due to their large size, striped bass are a favorite of many locals and fishing guides at Watts Bar Lake. They are plentiful, run in schools and can grow to bragging size. The lake is filled with plenty of baitfish and sunfish to to keep the fishery thriving. Being successful at fishing for stripers is a matter of locating schools of bait, and the wolf packs of stripers which are likely to be nearby. Fish finders, and forward facing sonar, are a big help in locating these roaming schools. Live bait is very effective here, and stripers can be caught year round.


Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, channel catfish, blue catfish, black crappie, white crappie, walleye, bluegill, redear sunfish, rock bass, warmouth, white bass, yellow bass, striped bass, hybrid striped bass, muskie, paddlefish and sauger at Watts Bar Lake in Tennessee.

An anglers paradise April through December, Watts Bar Lake is a 39,000-acre reservoir on the Tennessee River, in the southeast part of the state, at Grandview, TN. Giant bass, monster crappie, and big stripers are the main draw here at Watts Bar Reservoir. The lake also has catfish, muskie, white bass and sunfish, as well as other species.

Watts Bar Lake, situated in eastern Tennessee, is a premier fishing destination renowned for its diverse fish species, excellent boating opportunities, and scenic camping spots. This expansive 39,000-acre reservoir, formed by the Tennessee River, provides anglers with a variety of fishing experiences.

Watts Bar Lake is well-known for its exceptional bass fishing. Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and spotted bass are abundant in the lake, attracting anglers of all skill levels. The lake's structure, including submerged vegetation, rocky shorelines, and submerged timber, provides ideal habitats for these prized game fish. Anglers can employ various techniques such as topwater lures, spinnerbaits, and plastic worms to entice the bass. Watts Bar Lake's healthy bass population and the opportunity to catch trophy-sized fish make it a favorite destination for bass anglers.

In addition to bass, Watts Bar Lake supports a variety of other popular fish species. Crappie fishing is productive, with both black and white crappie offering anglers ample opportunities for a successful day on the water. Anglers can find crappie near submerged brush piles, fallen trees, and bridge pilings, using jigs, minnows, or small spinners. 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 sauger, walleye, and sunfish, providing anglers with additional fishing options.

Whether you're targeting bass, crappie, or catfish, enjoying a leisurely boat ride, or camping by the lakeside, Watts Bar Lake offers a serene and enjoyable environment for all who visit.

There is over 700 miles of shoreline to traverse, whether from shore or by boat, in search for your favorite species. There are marinas, campgrounds, boat launches, lodging and other amenities scattered around the lake to enhance your visit. Bring or rent a fishing boat, canoe or kayak and explore the many ways to catch fish here. In spring and fall target the shallows, paying close attention to cover like boat docks, brush and trees. Then in winter and summer concentrate on deeper water around creek channels, flats, ledges, humps and points. Access to areas for fishing from shore is limited, and other than in campground areas, may take some exploring.

Fishing Boats For Rent In TN

Primary fish species residing in Watts Bar Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Largemouth bass Smallmouth bass Spotted bass Channel catfish Blue catfish Black crappie White crappie Walleye Bluegill Redear Sunfish Rock Bass Warmouth Sunfish White Bass Yellow Bass Striped bass Hybrid Striped Bass Muskie Paddlefish Sauger

The purpose of this page is to deliver an overview of this lake, the fishing options, and area amenities. Our goal is to provide info to first time visitors, as well as beginner and novice anglers. We gathered details from personal experience, numerous trusted websites that each offer select bits of information, and videos of fishing activity on the lake. These websites include the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, marinas at the lake, campgrounds, boat rental agencies and others. By consolidating this information to one page it allows visitors to see the entire picture, all in one place.

Watts Bar Lake Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: NEARBY
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Boating on Watts Bar Lake is a favored activity, thanks to its expansive waters and numerous marinas. Anglers and boating enthusiasts can launch their boats from public ramps and explore the lake's many coves, bays, 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 shorelines.

Fishing Boat Rentals

Arrowhead Resort
Rentals: Bass boats and pontoons
423 365-6484

Bayside Marina & Resort
Rentals: Pontoon boats
865 898-1993

Long Island Marina
Rentals: Pontoon boats and kayaks
865 376-6288

Terrace View Marina
Rentals: Pontoon boats
423 365-6060

Marinas

Long Island Marina
1060 Paint Rock Ferry Rd
Kingston, TN 37763
865 376-6288

Rhea Harbor Marina
385 Lakeshire Dr
Spring City, TN 37381
423 365-6851

Spring City Resort & Marina
2109 New Lake Rd
Spring City, TN 37381
423 365-5150

Terrace View Marina
3367 Euchee Chapel Rd
Spring City, TN 37381
423 365-6060

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Big Springs Access Area
This is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking. It is located in the southwest sector of the lake off Highway 304.

Cane Hollow Boat Ramp
This is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking. It is located mid lake, west side, off Phillips Drive.

Caney Ford Boat Ramp
This is a four-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking. It is located in the north-central sector of the lake, off Caney Creek Road.

Dr. Tom Fuller Memorial Park
Located in the north-central sector of the lake, off Pumphouse Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with docks and plenty of paved parking.

Eden Marina and Campground Boat Ramp
Located in the southwest sector of the lake, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with limited, gravel parking.

Euchee Boat Ramp
This is a two-lane, concrete ramp with limited gravel parking. It is located in the southern sector of the lake off Highway 304.

Foshee Pass Recreation Area Boat Ramp
Located in the southern sector of the lake, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Old James Ferry Road Boat Ramp
This is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking. It is located in the eastern sector, north side, south of the Highway 58 Bridge.

Polecat Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast sector, south side, off of London Highway, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

Rhea Springs Boat Ramp
Located in the western sector of the lake, in the Rhea Springs Campground, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with limited gravel parking.

Fishing Guides On Watts Bar Lake

Barry's Guide Service - crappie

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

Watts Bar Lake Fishing Video
Fishing License

Click here for a Tennessee Fishing License.

Camping facilities near Watts Bar Lake 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 Watts Bar Lake 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

Caney Creek RV Resort Campground - 865 882-4042

Eden Marina & Campground - 423 365-6929

Hornsby Hollow Campground - 423 334-1709

Fooshee Pass Campground - 423 334-4842

Cedar Point RV Park & Cabins - 423 322-6490

Watts Bar Lake, TN Map - Fishing & Camping Areas

Contact Information

Watts Bar Lake
Spring City Resort And Marina
2109 New Lake Rd
Spring City, TN 37381
423 365-5150

 

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Watts Bar Lake in Tennessee.

Giant bass, monster crappie, and big striper fishing in southeast TN.

Fishing at Watts Bar Lake, in Tennessee.