Fall Boating with a side of Fishing in Tennessee

If you like boats AND fishing, you’re going to LOVE this … Did you know there are over 500,000 acres of freshwater lakes and 60,000 miles of rivers/streams in Tennessee? And in those waterways, there are nearly 300 different species of fish native to Tennessee accessible by kayak, boat or by the shore! Tennessee offers some of the best fishing opportunities in the country, and in fact, some of the largest fish in the world have been hauled out of the Volunteer waters over the years.

Fall season is fast approaching, and with it are some of the best times in the year to head out in the boat and try your luck at breaking some decade-old records. If you’re thinking about a fishing trip to Tennessee, there’s really three main types of fishing waters to consider … lakes, rivers, and ponds. Today though, let’s dive deeper (pun intended) into two Eastern Tennessee lakes you’re sure to have some luck!

Cordell Hull Lake – Between Nashville and Knoxville, TN

Part of the Cumberland River system, Cordell is one of the premier fishing spots of Middle Tennessee. White bass, crappie, hybrid rockfish, striped bass, catfish, largemouth bass and gizzard shad are all there, while the Obey River tailwater at Donaldson Park is stocked with 60,000 rainbow trout annually.
During the fall, bass are focused on schooling pods of shad. Hop in a kayak and try finding some submerged vegetation and woody cover and throwing shallow running Crankbaits (0-6′) on some of the ledges or other swimbaits about 15’-20’ feet out from the shoreline.

Watauga Reservoir – Near the Tri-Cities, TN

Surrounded by the Cherokee National Forest, the Watauga Reservoir is one of the most beautiful lake settings in all of Tennessee.
Walleye were initially stocked in 1954 and have been stocked consistently since 1985. They are abundant and grow exceptionally well. As water temperatures cool, walleye begin migrating to shallower waters in search of food. They prefer low-light conditions, making dawn and dusk prime times for jumping in the boat and heading out for angling activity. They can be found near underwater structures like rocky points, drop-offs, and submerged ledges.

Don’t forget to familiarize yourself with local regulations and proper fishing licenses. Both residents and non-residents can purchase a fishing license from the state of Tennessee. Different licenses can be purchased, but there are two basic types: TN State Fishing License – required for all anglers, age 13 and over; and Separate Permits – Required for fishing Gatlinburg and Bedford’s city limits, the Tellico-Citico creeks, and any lake owned by a government agency.

Always wear a lifejacket and tell friends/family members where you’re headed. There is no doubt boating and fishing in Tennessee is a great activity with family and friends surrounded by some of the most beautiful settings nature has to offer. Oh, if you do land a world-record lunker(or anything between nothing and something) be sure to tell all your friends you heard about it here!