I n addition to being a beautiful landscape, the Tennessee River Valley is home to a wide variety of fishing opportunities. Boasting access to some of the most diverse landlocked fisheries in America, the biggest difficulty for anglers might be deciding where to focus their fishing.
Winning Itinerary for Fishing the Tennessee River Valley
What’s Biting
The Tennessee Valley is home to the most diverse concentration of freshwater fish species in America, so picking one species to target is the biggest challenge. The area is most famous for landlocked striped bass weighing over 30 pounds. Depending on the time of year, striped bass are found in the lakes and rivers. In addition to stripers, expect to encounter white bass, walleye, freshwater drum, channel catfish and muskellunge. The area also hosts brown and rainbow trout fishing. With so many species to target, don’t overlook the world-class largemouth and smallmouth fishing.
Fishing Season
Spring and early fall are ideal for targeting the widest range of species with the best shot at a trophy striper. The warmer months are excellent for bass fishing in the lakes and dry fly fishing for trout on the rivers. Most of the rivers in the TVA system are manually controlled by dam release and stay a comfortable temperature year-round. This makes for excellent fishing in both the dog days of summer and the dead of winter.
Rigged Up
The most exciting fishing is throwing topwater lures for big stripers in the early morning. To target stripers during mid-day, slow troll a live shad or herring. The lakes and rivers provide deep pools and shallow, structure-lined coves for smallmouth and largemouth bass. An assortment of deep-jigging setups, shallow cranks and spinnerbaits covers the most ground. A paddletail swimbait on a jighead tempts a variety of species. Work the lure slow, medium and fast to cover the water.
Kayak Gear
With access to large lakes and shallow, meandering rivers, be sure to bring enough gear to cover all bases. A large kayak with pedal drive or motor helps to conquer big water in search of bass and stripers. To take advantage of the phenomenal river trout and smallmouth fishing, use a lightweight paddle kayak or paddleboard to navigate rocks and shallow water.
Game Plan
Melton Hill Dam Campground is centrally located to the best lakes and river stretches. Before fishing, monitor the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) website or app for dam releases and water levels. Fish the Clinch River, Watts Bar, Cherokee Lakes and the Tennessee and Holston rivers. The campground is a short drive to Knoxville, home to the University of Tennessee and a burgeoning food and bar scene.
The United States Of Fishing, Part III: North Carolina To Wyoming
Local Outfitters
Big Fish Outfitters in Lenoir City has an incredible array of tackle and gear specific to the area and quality live bait including shad and skipjack herring. Best of all, their staff are knowledgeable and offer valuable advice for fishing local rivers and lakes.
Where to Stay & Eat
There are plenty of hotels and lodges but camping is one of the best ways to experience this beautiful region. Melton Hill Dam Campground provides electric and tent sites on Melton Hill Lake only a short distance from the spillway and Clinch River.
Cinco Amigos is a great spot to refuel with tacos and margaritas. For an early breakfast and packed lunch, stop at the 24-hour Love’s Travel Center…