Take a fast boat or a slow float through the 39,000 sparkling blue acres of Watts Bar Lake, one of the largest in the Southeast. Famed for its fishing, Watts Bar is filled with hot spots for several varieties of bass, record sizes of catfish and crappie, stripers, sunfish, muskie and more. Sail or paddle your way along the Tennessee RiverLine, the shimmering blue version of the Appalachian Trail, which takes you on adventures along the Tennessee, Clinch and Emory Rivers.
Boat, canoe and paddleboard rentals are available at marinas all along the 700 miles of scenic shoreline, and boat launches give you easy access to some of the best fishing in the eastern U.S. Whether you’re a tournament fisherman or a novice, you can set off on your own or hire a local guide.
For more information about fishing in Tennessee, including licenses, events, stocking, records and boating information click here.
For some, fishing is the ideal sport for both adventure and relaxation. Regardless of how you choose to spend your fishing time, being out on the water can be a rewarding experience. Some individuals enjoy the adventure and physicality of kayak fishing, while others prefer the comfort and space of boat fishing.
Pier Fishing 
Pier fishing is the perfect type of fishing to bring the whole family along for a day full of fishing and fun!
Dock Fishing
Dock fishing offers great opportunity to catch smallmouth and largemouth bass. To a bass, some docks are like going to a nice, cool all you can eat restaurant on a hot summer day!
Bank Fishing
Bank fishermen can catch a variety of fish — bluegill are often at the top of the list, but catfish, crappie and bass are also common catches.
Kayak Fishing
On beautiful Watts Bar Lake there is plenty of space to paddle to a quiet cove and cast a line to relax.
Boat Fishing
Full-service marinas as well as paved and gravel boat launches make boat fishing a breeze.
Tournament Fishing
An anglers paradise with tournaments any given weekend and plenty of giant bass, monster crappie, and big stripers to go around!
