Tennessee is home to some of the best fishing lakes in the country, each with its own unique personality.
Some are massive waters where trophy-sized fish are waiting, while others are quiet hideaways perfect for a full day of easy bites.
You’ll find everything from crystal-clear water and hidden coves to wild shorelines and even a few surprise trout streams.
Keep reading to find out where the locals fish, what makes each spot special, and why these fishing lakes in Tennessee are 100% worth the trip.
1. Reelfoot Lake
Near the Kentucky border, Tiptonville is the main gateway town for Reelfoot Lake, which was actually formed by a series of earthquakes in the early 1800s.
This 15,000-acre lake is packed with cypress trees, lily pads, and shallow waters, making it a dream spot for crappie fishing (especially in the spring).
It’s also known for its monster bluegill and big catfish, and there’s even an annual Reelfoot Lake Catfish Tournament that anglers look forward to.
You can fish from the shore, rent a boat, or even try your luck with a local guide.
2. Kentucky Lake
Up next is Kentucky Lake, which is one of the largest man-made lakes in the U.S., spanning over 160,309 acres across Tennessee and Kentucky.
This place is a bass fishing paradise, especially for largemouth, and it has hosted major tournaments like the FLW Tour and Bassmaster events.
If you’re into night fishing, the summer months are perfect for chasing white bass and catfish under the stars.
With more than 2,000 miles of shoreline, you’ll find everything from quiet coves to busy marinas, along with plenty of bait shops and boat ramps.
3. Percy Priest Lake
Just 15 minutes from Nashville, Percy Priest Lake is your go-to fishing spot if you want to stay close to the city but still feel like you’ve escaped into the wild.
This 14,200-acre lake is known for its clear water and rocky shorelines, making it a hotspot for smallmouth bass, striped bass, and white bass.
In the spring and fall, you’ll find the best action near the dam and in Party Cove (yes, that’s really what it’s called).
It’s also super beginner-friendly, with easy access points, rental boats, and even a few fishing piers if you’d rather skip the kayak or boat.
4. Old Hickory Lake
Next up is Old Hickory Lake.
Located around 25-35 minutes from downtown Nashville, this 22,500-acre gem is loaded with flathead catfish, spotted bass, and crappie.
Local anglers swear by the tailwaters below the Old Hickory Dam, especially in early spring when the fish are biting like crazy.
With tons of marinas, boat ramps, and peaceful coves to explore, it’s great for anyone who wants a solid fishing day without straying too far from town.
5. Dale Hollow Reservoir
Now, if you’re chasing trophy fish, Dale Hollow Reservoir is where things get serious.
This 27,700-acre lake straddles the Tennessee-Kentucky border and holds the world record for the biggest smallmouth bass ever caught at 11 pounds and 15 ounces!
The super clear water and deep channels draw serious bass anglers, particularly in the cooler months when the bite gets hot.
You’ll find tons of hidden coves, quiet spots for kayak fishing, and even houseboat rentals if you want to sleep right on the water.
6. Center Hill Lake
Just when you think Tennessee couldn’t have another amazing fishing lake, along comes Center Hill Lake.
Set in the hills about 1 hour and 10 minutes from Nashville, this 18,220-acre lake is prized for its deep water and it’s a top fishing spot for spotted bass, smallmouth, and black crappie.
Head for the rocky points and steep bluffs near Sligo Marina and Hurricane Bridge to find the biggest catches.
And when you’re ready for a break, nearby waterfalls, hiking trails, and Burgess Falls State Park make it easy to turn your trip into something more.
7. Chickamauga Lake
For those reeling in giant bass, you’ll feel right at home on Chickamauga Lake.
Stretching 36,240 acres along the Tennessee River near Chattanooga, this lake is popular for producing absolute monster largemouth.
The grass beds, ledges, and backwater sloughs make it perfect for flipping, pitching, and topwater action, especially in spring and early summer.
It’s the kind of lake where pros train and tournaments get intense, yet you can still slip into a quiet cove to cast your line and see what you catch.
8. Douglas Lake
Next up is Douglas Lake, where the fishing is hot and the mountain views are even hotter.
Located near Gatlinburg and the Smokies, this over 30,000-acre reservoir is a top spot for catching crappie and largemouth bass.
The bite peaks here in spring and fall, especially around the shallow coves close to Dandridge and Swann’s Marina.
And since the water level changes a ton throughout the year, every trip will feel like a brand-new challenge.
9. South Holston Lake
To wrap things up, South Holston Lake near Bristol is incredible if you’re looking for something a little more off the radar.
This 7,580-acre lake is well-known for its cool temperatures, which make it one of the best spots in the state for both smallmouth bass and trout.
The upper end of the lake flows right into the South Holston River, making it a fly-fishing hotspot for brown and rainbow trout.
With quiet coves, minimal crowds, and stunning mountain scenery, you can fish all day and hardly see another soul.
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