Best Times & Seasons to Fish in Tennessee (Complete Guide)

Tennessee offers some of the best fishing in the United States. Understanding the best seasons and times to fish can greatly impact your success.

The best times to fish in Tennessee are early morning and late evening. Summer and fall are the best months for most species in Tennessee.

Month	Tennessee Fishing Location
January	Clinch River (below Norris Dam) – Great for winter trout fishing.
February	Center Hill Lake – Offers good opportunities for black bass, crappie, and walleye.
March	Dale Hollow Lake – Known for trophy smallmouth bass.
April	Hiwassee River – Excellent for trout fishing, especially near Reliance.
May	Chickamauga Lake – Popular for bass fishing, particularly around the Watts Bar Dam area.
June	Kentucky Lake – Known for its abundant catfish population and excellent crappie fishing.
July	Tims Ford Lake – Offers great bass fishing and is home to the state record smallmouth bass.
August	Percy Priest Lake – Known for its diverse fish species, including bass, crappie, and catfish.
September	South Holston Lake – A premier trout fishing destination in eastern Tennessee.
October	Pickwick Lake – Famous for its trophy smallmouth bass and striped bass fishing.
November	Norris Lake – Known for its excellent walleye fishing.
December	Reelfoot Lake – Popular for crappie fishing and offers unique ice fishing opportunities.

In this article, we will discuss the best times and seasons to fish in Tennessee. We will also talk about where some of the best fishing in the state is on a month-by-month basis.

big bass caught right near dense patch reeds

Best Sections of Creeks/Rivers to Fly Fish in Tennessee

Caney Fork River (Below Center Hill Dam) – Best months: April and May, targeting trout.

Little Pigeon River (Gatlinburg) – Best months: March and April, targeting trout.

Hiwassee River (Reliance) – Best months: May and June, targeting trout.

South Holston River (Bristol) – Best months: October and November, targeting trout.

Watauga River (Elizabethton) – Best months: March and April, targeting trout.

Cumberland River (Nashville) – Best months: November and December, targeting catfish and sauger.

Clinch River (Clinton) – Best months: January and February, targeting trout.

Duck River (Columbia) – Best months: March and April, targeting smallmouth bass.

Harpeth River (Nashville) – Best months: May and June, targeting catfish and smallmouth bass.

Elk River (Fayetteville) – Best months: March and April, targeting trout.

Paint Creek (Greeneville) – Best months: April and May, targeting trout.

Nolichucky River (Erwin) – Best months: May and June, targeting smallmouth bass.

French Broad River (Asheville) – Best months: March and April, targeting smallmouth bass.

Hatchie River (Bolivar) – Best months: April and May, targeting catfish and crappie.

Tennessee River (Chattanooga) – Best months: March and April, targeting bass and crappie.

Powell River (Claiborne County) – Best months: March and April, targeting smallmouth bass.

Wolf River (Germantown) – Best months: May and June, targeting catfish and bass.

Stones River (Murfreesboro) – Best months: October and November, targeting bass and catfish.

Little River (Maryville) – Best months: May and June, targeting trout and smallmouth bass.

Tellico River (Tellico Plains) – Best months: October and November, targeting trout.

Best Sections of Lakes to Fish in Tennessee

Center Hill Lake – Best months: February to April, targeting black bass, crappie, and walleye.

Dale Hollow Lake – Best months: March and April, targeting trophy smallmouth bass.

Chickamauga Lake – Best months: May and June, targeting bass, especially around Watts Bar Dam.

Kentucky Lake – Best months: June and July, targeting catfish and crappie.

Percy Priest Lake – Best months: August and September, targeting bass, crappie, and catfish.

Watts Bar Lake – Best months: May and June, targeting bass, catfish, and crappie.

Douglas Lake – Best months: April and May, targeting bass, crappie, and catfish.

Norris Lake – Best months: November and December, targeting walleye and striped bass.

Old Hickory Lake – Best months: March and April, targeting bass, crappie, and catfish.

Reelfoot Lake – Best months: December to February, targeting crappie and bass.

Tims Ford Lake – Best months: July and August, targeting bass, particularly smallmouth.

Cherokee Lake – Best months: May and June, targeting bass, crappie, and catfish.

J. Percy Priest Reservoir – Best months: May and June, targeting bass, crappie, and catfish.

South Holston Lake – Best months: September and October, targeting trout and smallmouth bass.

Nickajack Lake – Best months: March and April, targeting bass, crappie, and catfish.

Boone Lake – Best months: April and May, targeting bass, crappie, and walleye.

Fort Loudoun Lake – Best months: April and May, targeting bass, crappie, and catfish.

Tellico Lake – Best months: October and November, targeting bass and crappie.

Cherokee Reservoir – Best months: May and June, targeting bass, crappie, and catfish.

Watts Bar Reservoir – Best months: May and June, targeting bass, crappie, and catfish.

Recommended Fishing Guides in Tennessee

These Tennessee-based charters are some of the best at putting you on great fishing action. The captains are knowledgeable and professional and are sure to put you on fish. By clicking the links below, you will be taken to the charter’s respective profile on Fishing Booker where you can read reviews, learn more about the charter, view photos, and book online at the best rate.

Recommended Fishing Charters	Location
Cherokee Lake Fishing Charter	Rutledge, TN
StriperXtreme Guide Service	Rutledge, TN
Knoxville Fishing Guide Service	Sevierville, TN
Eye On The Fly Expeditions	Nashville, TN
Fintastic Striper Fishing Charter	Jefferson City, TN
River Monster Guide Service	Sevierville, TN
Fish Memphis Guide Service	Memphis, TN
Norris Striper Fishing	Rocky Top, TN
Chattahookem Fishing Charters	Chattanooga, TN
Southern Outdoor Sportsmen	Ooltewah, TN

Species Seasonal Breakdown

Brown Trout

Brown trout fishing in Tennessee is most productive during the year’s cooler months, particularly in the fall and winter. The prime months for targeting brown trout are typically October, November, and December. Early morning and late afternoon are great times to fish. Some of the best locations in Tennessee for brown trout fishing include the South Holston River, the Clinch River, the Caney Fork River, and the Hiwassee River.

Rainbow Trout

Rainbow trout fishing in Tennessee is most productive during the year’s cooler months, especially in the spring and fall seasons. The prime months for targeting rainbow trout are typically March, April, October, and November. Some of the best locations in Tennessee for rainbow trout fishing include the Caney Fork River, the South Holston River, the Clinch River, and the Hiwassee River.

Largemouth Bass

Largemouth bass fishing in Tennessee is most productive in spring and fall. The prime months for targeting largemouth bass are typically April, May, September, and October. Some of the best locations in Tennessee for largemouth bass fishing include Chickamauga Lake, Kentucky Lake, Percy Priest Lake, and Old Hickory Lake.

Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth bass fishing in Tennessee is most productive during the spring and fall seasons. The prime months for targeting smallmouth bass are typically April, May, September, and October. Some of the best locations in Tennessee for smallmouth bass fishing include Dale Hollow Lake, Center Hill Lake, Norris Lake, and the Clinch River.

Spotted Bass

Spotted bass fishing in Tennessee is typically good year-round, but the best times to target them are spring and fall. The prime months for catching spotted bass are often April, May, September, and October. Some of the best locations in Tennessee for spotted bass fishing include Dale Hollow Lake, Center Hill Lake, Norris Lake, and Chickamauga Lake.

White Bass

White bass fishing in Tennessee is most productive during the spring and fall seasons. The prime months for targeting white bass are typically April, May, September, and October. Early morning and late evening are favored times when white bass are actively feeding. Some of the best locations in Tennessee for white bass fishing include the Cumberland River, Tennessee River, Duck River, and Caney Fork River.

Striped Bass

Striped bass fishing in Tennessee is most productive during the year’s cooler months, particularly in the spring and fall. The prime months for targeting stripers are typically April, May, September, and October. Early morning and late evening are optimal times when stripers are more active. Some of the best locations in Tennessee for striped bass fishing include Cherokee Lake, Watts Bar Lake, Old Hickory Lake, and Percy Priest Lake.

Hybrid Striped Bass

Hybrid striped bass, also known as wipers, can be targeted year-round in Tennessee, but the best times for fishing them are generally during the spring and fall seasons. The prime months for hybrid striper fishing are often April, May, September, and October. Some of the best locations in Tennessee for hybrid striper fishing include Cherokee Lake, Watts Bar Lake, Old Hickory Lake, and Percy Priest Lake.

Musky

Musky fishing in Tennessee can be rewarding during the cooler months of fall, winter, and early spring. The prime months for targeting musky are typically October, November, and March. Musky are more active during low-light conditions, such as early morning, late evening, and overcast days. Some of the best locations in Tennessee for musky fishing include Norris Lake, Melton Hill Lake, Watts Bar Lake, and Cherokee Lake.

Carp

Carp can be targeted throughout the year in Tennessee, but the best times to fish for them are typical during the warmer months, from spring to early fall. The prime months for carp fishing are often May, June, and September. Carp tend to be more active during the early morning and late afternoon hours. Some of the best locations in Tennessee for carp fishing include the Tennessee River, Mississippi River, Cumberland River, and Watts Bar Lake.

Yellow Perch

The best times to fish for them are generally during the cooler months of late fall, winter, and early spring. Early morning and late afternoon are often productive times of the day.

Catfish

The best times to fish for catfish in Tennessee are typically during the warmer months of the year, from May through September. Catfish tend to be more active during the nighttime and early morning hours. Some of the best locations in Tennessee for catfish fishing include the Cumberland, Tennessee, the Mississippi Rivers, and Watts Bar Lake.

Crappie

The best times to fish for crappie in Tennessee are during the spring and fall seasons when the water temperatures are cooler. The prime months for crappie fishing are typically March, April, October, and November. Early morning and late evening tend to be the most productive times of day for catching crappie. Some of the best locations in Tennessee for crappie fishing include Kentucky Lake, Percy Priest Lake, Reelfoot Lake, and Chickamauga Lake.

Walleye

The best times to fish for walleye in Tennessee are generally during the year’s cooler months, specifically from late fall to early spring. The prime months for walleye fishing are typically November through February. Early morning and late afternoon are the preferred times when walleye are more active. Some of the best locations in Tennessee for walleye fishing include Dale Hollow Lake, Center Hill Lake, Norris Lake, and Watts Bar Lake.

Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Ohio. Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Missouri. Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in North Carolina. Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Arkansas.

Best Fishing in Tennessee on Seasonal Basis

Winter

Center Hill Lake: During winter, anglers can target crappie in Center Hill Lake.
Douglas Lake: Winter is an excellent time to fish for striped bass in Douglas Lake.
Dale Hollow Lake: Anglers can have success catching walleye in Dale Hollow Lake during the winter.
Caney Fork River: Trout fishing in the Caney Fork River is a popular winter activity.

Spring

Hiwassee River: In the spring, anglers can target rainbow trout in the Hiwassee River.
Cherokee Lake: Springtime is ideal for catching crappie in Cherokee Lake.
Tims Ford Lake: Bass fishing enthusiasts will find Tims Ford Lake a rewarding spot in the spring.
Norris Dam State Park: Spring is a prime time to visit Norris Dam State Park for white bass fishing.

Summer

Percy Priest Lake: During the summer months, anglers can target largemouth bass in Percy Priest
Pickwick Lake: Summer is a great time to fish for smallmouth bass in Pickwick Lake using crankbaits or jerkbaits along rocky points and ledges.
Center Hill Lake: Anglers can successfully catch spotted bass in Center Hill Lake during the summer.
Norris Lake: Summer is a prime time to fish for striped bass in Norris Lake.

Fall

Dale Hollow Lake: In the fall, anglers can target smallmouth bass and musky in the clear waters of Dale Hollow Lake, using crankbaits, jigs, or live bait.
Clinch River: Fly fishing enthusiasts can have a great time catching rainbow trout in the cool waters of the Clinch River during the fall months.
Kentucky Lake: Fall is an excellent time to fish for crappie in Kentucky Lake, using jigs or minnows near brush piles or submerged structures.
Watts Bar Lake: In the fall, anglers can successfully fish for striped bass and hybrid striped bass in Watts Bar Lake.

Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Kentucky. Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in the Smoky Mountains.