Best Fishing in TN: Top 15 Spots for Trophy Bass & More (2025)

Tennessee is a premier destination for anglers, offering diverse waterways ranging from scenic mountain streams to expansive reservoirs. Whether you’re targeting trophy bass, crappie, or trout, Tennessee provides some of the best fishing experiences in the U.S. In this guide, we’ll explore the top 15 fishing spots for 2025, offering expert advice on techniques, seasonal tips, and important regulations to enhance your experience.

1. Dale Hollow Lake: Smallmouth Bass Paradise

Dale Hollow Lake is globally recognized for producing record-breaking smallmouth bass, including the world record (11 lb 15 oz). Known for its clear waters, it’s a prime destination for serious anglers.

Expert Tactics:

• March Smallmouth: Use 3″ shad-pattern swimbaits on ¼ oz jigheads along Hurricane Creek bluffs.
• Summer Night Striper: Fish lighted docks with live alewives (12-18′ depth).
• Fall Walleye: Troll #9 Rapala Tail Dancers 28-32′ deep over main lake humps.

2025 Stocking:

• 50,000 walleye fry stocked in April 2025
• 103,000 striped bass fingerlings released in June 2024

Regulations:

• Smallmouth: 5/day, 15″ minimum (Oct 16-May 31), 18″ minimum (June 1-Oct 15)
• Striped Bass: 2/day (15″ minimum) April-Oct, 1/day (36″ minimum) Nov-Mar
  For full regulations, visit TWRA.

2. Chickamauga Lake: Largemouth Bass Haven

Chickamauga Lake is known for its abundance of aquatic vegetation and the trophy largemouth bass it produces. It’s considered one of the top bass lakes in the country.

• Best Techniques: Fishing along the grass edges with topwater frogs during early morning hours can result in explosive strikes.
• Seasonality: The best fishing occurs in the spring and fall, particularly during pre-spawn and post-spawn periods when bass are more active.

Regulations:

• Creel Limits: 5 bass per day with a 15-inch minimum size limit.
• Special Notes: Chickamauga is part of the Tennessee River system, so it follows specific TWRA regulations. Check out the full set of regulations at Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.

3. Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Trout Fishing Excellence

The streams of the Great Smoky Mountains offer some of the best trout fishing in the country. The park is home to a mix of rainbow, brown, and brook trout in pristine mountain settings.

• Best Techniques: Fly fishing is the most effective method for catching wild trout in the mountain streams. Use dry flies, nymphs, and streamers depending on the season.
• Seasonality: Trout fishing is best in spring and fall, with cooler water temperatures and active trout populations.

Regulations:

• Permits Required: A valid National Park Service fishing permit is required.
• Creel Limits: Specific limits apply for each species of trout, including daily bag limits and size restrictions.
• Special Notes: Be sure to check both National Park Service and TWRA regulations before heading out.

4. Reelfoot Lake: Crappie and Bluegill Haven

Reelfoot Lake is famous for its unique landscape and excellent crappie and bluegill fishing. It’s one of the top spots for anglers seeking panfish, especially in the early spring.

• Best Techniques: Use minnows or small jigs around submerged cypress trees for crappie. For bluegill, try using worms or small soft plastics near the lake’s shallows.
• Seasonality: Early spring is the prime time for crappie fishing, particularly during the spawn.

Regulations:

• Creel Limits: 30 crappie per day with a 10-inch minimum size limit.
• Special Notes: Bluegill regulations vary by size, with some areas implementing a 25 fish daily limit. For updates, visit Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.

5. Center Hill Lake: Diverse Fishing Opportunities

Center Hill Lake offers a variety of game fish species, including walleye, smallmouth bass, and striped bass. It is known for its deep, clear waters and scenic bluffs, making it an ideal spot for anglers.

• Best Techniques: Trolling and vertical jigging are effective for catching walleye. Use live bait or soft plastics for striped bass.
• Seasonality: Spring and summer are the best times for walleye and smallmouth bass fishing.

Regulations:

• Creel Limits: 3 walleye per day, minimum 15-inch size limit.
• Special Notes: Striped bass creel limit is 2 per day, with a minimum size of 18 inches. For the latest regulations, visit Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.

6. Kentucky Lake: Bass Fishing Mecca

Kentucky Lake is a top destination for bass anglers, especially those interested in ledge fishing. It hosts many professional bass tournaments each year, solidifying its reputation as a bass fishing mecca.

• Best Techniques: Deep-diving crankbaits and large plastic worms work well on main lake ledges. Focus on drop-offs and submerged structures.
• Seasonality: Spring and summer provide the best bass fishing conditions.

Regulations:

• Special Notes: Keep up with seasonal regulation changes through the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.
• Creel Limits: 5 bass per day, with a 15-inch minimum size for largemouth and spotted bass.

7. Percy Priest Lake: Premier Striper and Hybrid Fishing Destination

Located just outside Nashville, Percy Priest Lake is a 14,200-acre reservoir renowned for its striped bass (striper), hybrid bass, and largemouth bass populations. The lake’s proximity to urban amenities and diverse fishing opportunities make it a top choice for anglers of all skill levels.

Key Species & Techniques

• Striped Bass & Hybrid Bass:
• Best Techniques: Use live shad or herring near deep channels (30–50 ft) during summer mornings. Trolling umbrella rigs or large swimbaits along submerged humps is effective in spring and fall.
• Hotspots: The dam tailwaters and the main lake’s deeper sections near Hamilton Creek.
• Largemouth Bass:
• Best Techniques: Target shallow coves with soft plastics (e.g., Texas-rigged worms) during pre-spawn (March–April). Flip jigs around boat docks in summer.
• Hotspots: Smith Springs and Four Corners Recreation Area.
• Crappie:
• Best Techniques: Vertical jigging with minnows or 1/8-ounce jigs around submerged brush piles in 10–15 ft of water.
• Hotspots: Anderson Road Fishing Pier and Bryant Grove Access.

Seasonality (2025 Updates)

• Spring (March–May): Prime for hybrid bass near inflows and largemouth bass in coves.
• Summer (June–August): Focus on stripers in deeper channels during early mornings.
• Fall (September–November): Hybrid bass and crappie become active in shallower waters.
• Winter (December–February): Slow trolling for stripers near the dam.

Regulations & Licensing

• Striped Bass: Daily limit of 2 fish (minimum 15 inches).
• Hybrid Bass: Daily limit of 5 fish (no size restriction).
• Licenses: Required for anglers aged 13+; available via Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA).

Guided Trips & Resources

• Ed Martin’s Guide Services: Specializes in striper and hybrid fishing with half-day ($400) and full-day ($600) trips. Includes gear and ice. Book via emartinstripers.com .
• Marinas & Access Points:
• Hamilton Creek Marina: Offers boat rentals and fuel.
• Anderson Road Campground: Bank fishing and kayak launch.
• Detailed maps and updates: Percy Priest Lake Visitors Guide .

Pro Tips

Tournaments: Check the TWRA Events Calendar for 2025 bass and striper competitions.

Night Fishing: Use submersible lights near docks for crappie (June–August).

8. Norris Lake: Clear Water Fishing Paradise

Norris Lake, spanning 33,840 acres, is a renowned clearwater reservoir that offers exceptional fishing opportunities for various species, particularly smallmouth bass and striped bass. Known for producing state-record smallmouth bass (11 lb 15 oz) and striped bass (49.5 lb), Norris Lake is a must-visit destination for anglers seeking trophy fish. The lake’s crystal-clear waters make it an ideal environment for deep-water fishing, and its unique underwater topography provides multiple fishing hotspots.

• Current Thermocline (2025): 25-35′ depth range.
• Water Visibility: Often over 10 feet, ideal for sight fishing in clear water conditions.

Expert Tactics:

Smallmouth Bass:

• Spring (March-April):
  • Target Depth: 25-35 feet along submerged points and bluffs, as smallmouths tend to move deeper as the water warms.
  • Best Bait: 3″ shad-pattern swimbaits on ¼ oz jigheads are highly effective during this time. Smallmouths are attracted to the movement of the swimbaits, especially in clear water.
  • Technique: Slow retrieve along the bluffs near areas like Hurricane Creek and Indian River. Pay attention to the drop-offs near the thermocline, where fish are most likely to be feeding.

Striped Bass (Summer):

• Night Fishing:
  • Best Depth: 12-18 feet deep near lighted docks, where striped bass tend to congregate during the warmer months.
  • Best Bait: Live alewives or threadfin shad (either cast or dropped into the water under the lights). Alternatively, use swimbaits or big topwater plugs for active fish.
  • Technique: Cast or drop live bait around the lighted areas near popular fishing spots like Cedar Creek and Flat Hollow. Striped bass are drawn to the light and abundant forage in these spots.

Fall Walleye:

• Trolling:
  • Best Depth: 28-32 feet deep over main lake humps and ridges during the fall when walleye move deeper for cooler water.
  • Best Bait: #9 Rapala Tail Dancers in bright colors (chartreuse, firetiger) are proven effective for trolling through these depths.
  • Technique: Troll slowly over the main lake humps, especially near Lone Mountain and Flat Hollow. The fall migration of walleye to deeper waters makes them easier to target during this time.

2025 Stocking:

• Walleye Fry: In April 2025, 50,000 walleye fry were stocked in Norris Lake to replenish walleye populations. Expect a productive walleye season starting in 2025-2026.
• Striped Bass Fingerlings: 103,000 striped bass fingerlings were released in June 2024 to enhance the lake’s striped bass fishery. These fish will grow rapidly, providing excellent opportunities for anglers targeting larger stripers in upcoming years.

Regulations (2025):

• Smallmouth Bass:
  • Bag Limit: 5 per day, with a minimum size of 15 inches from October 16-May 31. During June 1-October 15, the minimum size increases to 18 inches.
  • Ensure you’re aware of local regulations, as the state adjusts fishing rules for seasonal shifts.
• Striped Bass:
  • Bag Limit: 2 per day, with a minimum size of 15 inches during April-October. From November-March, the limit is reduced to 1 per day, but the minimum size increases to 36 inches.
  • Check local regulations for specific spots like Cedar Creek and Flat Hollow, where striped bass activity is particularly high.
• Fishing Gear:
  • Fishing Rod: Use a medium-heavy to heavy action rod (7’ to 8’ feet) for both smallmouth and striped bass fishing, ensuring it can handle heavier lures and bigger fish.
  • Line: 10-15 lb test braided line for smallmouth bass and 20-40 lb test monofilament for striped bass, especially when fishing with heavier live bait.
  • Lures: Swimbaits, crankbaits, and jigs are recommended for both smallmouth bass and striped bass. For trolling, use large Rapala tail dancers or deep-diving crankbaits.

Key Fishing Spots on Norris Lake:

• Hurricane Creek: Known for its bluff walls and submerged points, this is one of the prime spots to catch both smallmouth bass and striped bass.
• Indian River: This area features a combination of deep-water holes and shallow flats where smallmouth bass are commonly found during both spring and fall.
• Cedar Creek and Flat Hollow: Best for night fishing during the summer months for striped bass near lighted docks. These spots are particularly productive for larger striped bass in the warmer months.
• Lone Mountain: A main lake hump where you can catch walleye by trolling with Rapala Tail Dancers during the fall.

Additional Tips:

• Weather Patterns: Pay attention to water temperature and weather conditions, as Norris Lake’s clear waters are affected by rapid weather changes. During late spring and early summer, a warm front can bring bass closer to the shore for feeding.
• Time of Day: Early mornings and late evenings are ideal for fishing on Norris Lake, as bass and stripers are more actively feeding during these times, particularly in the summer.
• Local Knowledge: Hiring a local guide is highly recommended to help navigate the deep waters and identify the best fishing hotspots based on the season and current conditions. Local guides will have the latest information on fish movements and optimal fishing techniques.

9. Tims Ford Lake: Trophy Smallmouth Destination

Tims Ford Lake is known for its excellent smallmouth bass fishing, producing regular catches of 4-6 lb smallmouth, with trophy-sized fish exceeding 7 lbs in recent fall surveys. The lake’s clear, cool waters are perfect for smallmouth bass, and its rocky shorelines, submerged structures, and deep points provide ideal habitats.

• Lake Size: 10,700 acres
• Record Fish: Recent surveys show smallmouths reaching 7+ lbs, with potential for even larger catches in the fall.

Expert Tactics:

Winter Deep Cranking:

• Best Depth: 18-22 feet
• Best Bait: Strike King 6XD in chartreuse/blue back color
• Technique: During winter months, smallmouth bass are often found in deeper areas. Using deep-diving crankbaits like the Strike King 6XD will allow you to get your lure to the desired depth, around submerged points and rock piles near the main lake. Retrieve at a slow pace to mimic the natural movement of baitfish.

Spring Swimbait Technique:

• Best Depth: 10-15 feet along rock piles
• Best Bait: 3.8″ Keitech swimbait on ½ oz jighead
• Technique: As the water warms in the spring, smallmouth bass move closer to shallow areas. Cast the Keitech swimbait across rock piles in places like Lost Creek and Holiday Marina. Use a steady retrieve to trigger strikes as the bass are actively feeding before the spawn.

Summer Night Craw:

• Best Depth: 12-18 feet, main lake points
• Best Bait: Texas-rigged 10″ Power Worm
• Technique: During summer evenings, target smallmouths with a Texas-rigged 10″ Power Worm. Focus on fishing the main lake points at night, particularly around Bluegill Cove and Riverton. Smallmouths feed aggressively at night, especially near the bottom, so use a slow presentation.

2025 Tournament Insights:

• March B.A.S.S. Open: Winning weight was 23.4 lbs (5 fish).
• October FLW Tournament: Record for 3-fish limit at 18.2 lbs, showcasing the trophy potential of Tims Ford Lake.

Regulations:

• Smallmouth Bass: 5/day, with a minimum size of 15 inches.
• Walleye: 5/day, with a minimum size of 15 inches.
  For more information, check the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.

10. Pickwick Lake: Multi-Species Angling

Located on the Tennessee-Alabama-Mississippi border, Pickwick Lake is a popular destination for anglers targeting smallmouth bass, striped bass, and catfish. The lake has numerous spots ideal for fishing year-round, especially the tailwater areas below the dam.

• Lake Size: 43,100 acres
• Fish Species: Smallmouth bass, striped bass, catfish, and largemouth bass

Expert Tactics:

Vertical Jigging for Smallmouth and Striped Bass:

• Best Depth: 20-40 feet below the dam
• Best Bait: Spoons, blade baits, and heavy jigs
• Technique: In the tailwater area, use vertical jigging with spoons or blade baits. Drop your bait to the bottom and jig it up and down in 20-40 feet of water. This method works well for both smallmouth and striped bass in deeper water near the dam. Ideal spots are Wilson Dam and Pickwick Landing State Park.

Spring Striped Bass Action:

• Best Depth: 10-15 feet near creek mouths
• Best Bait: Live shad or large swimbaits
• Technique: During the spring spawn, striped bass gather near creek mouths. Use live shad or large swimbaits like Storm WildEye Swim Shad around Indian Creek and Bear Creek. Cast out and let the bait swim naturally with the current.

Regulations:

• Smallmouth Bass: 5/day, minimum size 15 inches
• Striped Bass: 2/day, minimum size 15 inches
  For up-to-date regulations, visit TWRA.

11. Old Hickory Lake: Nashville’s Backyard Fishery

Old Hickory Lake, just outside Nashville, is an excellent urban fishing destination offering a range of species, including largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish. The lake’s accessibility and numerous boat ramps make it perfect for both recreational and competitive anglers.

• Lake Size: 2,500 acres
• Species: Largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, catfish

Expert Tactics:

Bass Fishing with Soft Plastics:

• Best Depth: 5-10 feet along creek arms
• Best Bait: Texas-rigged 10” worms, jigs
• Technique: Focus on early mornings and late evenings. Use soft plastics such as Senko worms or Zoom Trick Worms fished along submerged structure, especially in the shallow creek arms around Shady Cove and Blue Turtle Bay.

Crappie Fishing with Jigs:

• Best Depth: 6-10 feet around submerged timber
• Best Bait: Small jigs, minnows
• Technique: Crappie fishing is best around submerged timber and brush piles. Use 1/16 oz jigs in colors like chartreuse or white, paired with a slow retrieve near Hidden Cove or Long Branch Cove.

Catfish Night Fishing:

• Best Depth: 10-15 feet at night
• Best Bait: Chicken liver, cut bait
• Technique: At night, target catfish with chicken liver or cut shad. Fish near the deep channels and along river channels around Cedar Creek for the best results.

Regulations:

• Largemouth Bass: 5/day, minimum size 15 inches
• Crappie: 15/day, minimum size 10 inches
  For up-to-date regulations, visit TWRA.

12. Watts Bar Lake: Diverse Fishing Opportunities

Watts Bar Lake offers diverse fishing experiences, home to striped bass, largemouth bass, catfish, and crappie. The lake’s structure, including numerous islands and coves, provides a range of habitats that make it ideal for trolling and casting techniques.

• Lake Size: 39,000 acres
• Species: Striped bass, largemouth bass, crappie, catfish

Expert Tactics:

Striper Fishing with Swimbaits:

• Best Depth: 20-40 feet in open water
• Best Bait: Large swimbaits or live shad
• Technique: Trolling with swimbaits or live shad is most effective for striped bass, especially near the main lake channels. Focus on Flat Creek and Black Oak Ridge for productive trolling spots.

Bass Fishing with Crankbaits:

• Best Depth: 5-12 feet near submerged islands
• Best Bait: Deep-diving crankbaits
• Technique: Cast deep-diving crankbaits around submerged islands and points to target largemouth bass. Try areas like Sandy Ford and Poplar Springs for consistent results.

Regulations:

• Striped Bass: 2/day, minimum size 15 inches
• Largemouth Bass: 5/day, minimum size 15 inches
  For current regulations, visit TWRA.

13. Douglas Lake: Bass and Crappie Hotspot

Douglas Lake is a hotspot for bass and crappie, hosting numerous tournaments throughout the year. Its many coves and submerged structures make it a perfect location for targeting these species.

• Lake Size: 30,400 acres
• Species: Largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill

Expert Tactics:

Crappie Spring Fishing:

• Best Depth: 3-6 feet near submerged timber
• Best Bait: Small jigs, minnows
• Technique: Fish submerged timber with 1/16 oz jigs or minnows for crappie. Focus on coves around Chickamauga Creek and Chestnut Hill for productive fishing.

Bass Fishing in Early Morning:

• Best Depth: 5-10 feet near points
• Best Bait: Topwater lures, spinnerbaits
• Technique: Early morning fishing is productive for largemouth bass. Use topwater lures like Buzzbaits or Pop-Rs near the main lake points to trigger aggressive strikes.

Regulations:

• Crappie: 15/day, minimum size 10 inches
• Largemouth Bass: 5/day, minimum size 15 inches
  For updated regulations, visit TWRA.

14. Cherokee Lake: Year-Round Fishing Action

Cherokee Lake offers year-round fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, crappie, and catfish. Its clear waters and rocky points provide plenty of fishing opportunities.

• Lake Size: 28,780 acres
• Species: Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, crappie, catfish

Expert Tactics:

Crappie Night Fishing:

• Best Depth: 8-12 feet at night
• Best Bait: Submersible lights, jigs
• Technique: Use submersible lights to attract crappie during the summer months. Fish Cedar Creek and Blackbottom for a steady bite.

Bass Fishing with Soft Plastics:

• Best Depth: 5-10 feet along rock piles
• Best Bait: Texas-rigged worms, soft plastics
• Technique: Fish Texas-rigged soft plastics like Zoom Trick Worms around submerged rock piles and ledges near Coal Creek.

Regulations:

• Crappie: 15/day, minimum size 10 inches
• Largemouth Bass: 5/day, minimum size 15 inches
  For the latest regulations, visit TWRA.

15. Melton Hill Lake: Musky and Bass Paradise

Melton Hill Lake is an excellent destination for musky and bass fishing. It is one of the few lakes in Tennessee with a thriving musky population.

• Lake Size: 1,640 acres
• Species: Musky, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass

Expert Tactics:

Musky Fishing with Bucktail Spinners:

• Best Depth: 5-15 feet near submerged structures
• Best Bait: Large bucktail spinners or jerkbaits
• Technique: Target musky with large bucktail spinners or jerkbaits in the shallows and around submerged timber in areas like River Bluff and Gallaher Bend.

Bass Fishing with Soft Plastics:

• Best Depth: 5-10 feet near rocky structures
• Best Bait: Soft plastics, jigs
• Technique: Use Texas-rigged soft plastics like Zoom Super Flukes or jigs around rocky shorelines. Gallaher Bend is known for productive bass catches.

Regulations:

• Musky: 1/day, minimum size 36 inches
• Bass: 5/day, minimum size 15 inches
  For current regulations, visit TWRA.

Conclusion: Tennessee’s Premier Fishing Destinations

From the world-class smallmouth bass at Dale Hollow Lake to the pristine trout streams of the Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee offers diverse fishing opportunities for all types of anglers. Each of these top 15 fishing spots provides unique experiences, whether you’re after trophy bass, crappie, or musky.

To make the most of your trip, be sure to check local regulations, obtain necessary licenses, and use the right techniques for the species you’re targeting. With proper preparation, Tennessee’s waters are ready to offer up unforgettable fishing adventures. Happy fishing!