What are the best lakes to go fishing in Tennessee? These are ranked as the top spots in the state
No matter where you visit in Tennessee, you're sure to find stunning landscapes and an impressive array of wildlife.
Lakes and reservoirs are no exception to this rule. There are hundreds of thousands of acres of stunning bodies of water where you and your friends can spend the day swimming, tanning, skiing and fishing.
But, where is the best place to go fishing in Tennessee?
Fishing website Fishmasters ranked the best fishing lakes in the Volunteer State, taking into account the size of each lake, what type of fish can be found, and more.
Here's the top five fishing lakes in Tennessee, according to Fishmasters. Would you fish here?
No. 5: Cordell Hull Lake
The man-made, 13,920 reservoir boasts an impressive diversity of fish, making it an ideal spot to cast your rod. Here, you can catch several species of bass, plus crappie, sauger, walleye, catfish and bluegill.
Cordell Hull Lake lies within Smith, Jackson and Clay counties in Middle Tennessee.
No. 4: Center Hill Lake
The lake was created in 1948 with the completion of Center Hill Dam on the Caney Fork River, according to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.
Today, millions of visitors head to Center Hill Lake each year for days of swimming, boating, and, of course, fishing. DeKalb County residents and visitors can enjoy camping and hiking options near Center Hill Lake.
At Center Hill, you could catch all kinds of bass, muskellunge, paddlefish, redear sunfish and more. Find target areas for each type of fish at tn.gov.
No. 3: Reelfoot Lake
Reelfoot Lake is the only natural body of water to crack top the five of the best fishing lakes in Tennessee.
The stunning lake sits within Lake and Obion Counties in West Tennessee, providing a great spot for recreational activities on the water, as well as hikes in the surrounding state park.
Fishing at Reelfoot Lake can be a rather unique experience, as approximately 68% of the lake has a depth of 3 feet or less, according to TWRA. Plus, the lake's many cypress trees and aquatic vegetation may offer an area of shade for your fishing trips.
Reelfoot Lake is known for its bluegill and crappie fishery, according to TWRA. However, you can also find largemouth and spotted bass, catfish, paddlefish and more within the West Tennessee waters.
No 2: Pickwick Lake
Pickwick Lake is a unique place to spend the day, as it is one of the only lakes in the country to be within three states: Tennessee, Alabama and Mississippi.
Pickwick Lake is renowned as the best trophy smallmouth bass fishery in the United States due to its location and habitable climate, according to Fishmasters.
The West Tennessee lake is also home to species of largemouth bass, catfish, crappie, walleye, bluegill, and more.
No. 1: Kentucky Lake
Looking for great views and fantastic fishing? Look no further than Kentucky Lake, Tennessee's No. 1 best lake for fishing, according to Fishmasters.
Kentucky Lake is one of the largest lakes in the country. It has 184 miles of shoreline and extends for a whopping 160,300 acres, according to TWRA. Despite its name, a majority of the man-made lake is situated in the Volunteer State.
The major sport species caught by anglers here include largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, catfish, white crappie, black crappie, sauger, and white bass.
What are the top lakes for fishing in Tennessee?
Fishing at The Cove park in Farragut, Tenn. on June 30, 2025.
- Kentucky Lake
- Pickwick Lake
- Reelfoot Lake
- Center Hill Lake
- Cordell Hull Lake
- Dale Hollow Lake
- Douglas Lake
- Fort Loudon Lake
- Lake Barkley
- Percy Priest Lake
- Watauga Lake
- Calderwood Reservoir
- Cherokee Lake
- Gibson County Lake
- Hiwassee River
- Old Hickory Lake
- South Holston Lake
- Woods Reservoir
- Fort Loudon Lake
- Chickamauga Reservoir
- Melton Hill Reservoir
Do you need a license to fish in Tennessee?
Yes, all anglers 13 years and older must have a fishing license to fish in the Volunteer State, according to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. There are a variety of fishing licenses available for residents and non-residents, including a junior license for residents ages 13-15.
There are exceptions to this rule for those who fish on their own property, people born before March 1, 1926, and for people who are on military leave. Additionally, there are annual free fishing days in June for Free Fishing Week, according to TWRA.
Before you fish, do your research to understand the state regulations about how many fish you're able to catch and any other stipulations.
Nashville Predators forward Cole Smith meets with his team at the 8th Annual Preds Foundation Fishing Tournament held at Old Hickory Lake
How much is a fishing license in Tennessee?
Pricing for licenses varies. Residents can buy a one-day fishing pass for as low as $6, according to TWRA. Year-long and lifetime fishing licenses are available to Tennessee residents.
Licenses for those not from the Volunteer State are more expensive.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: What are the best lakes to go fishing in Tennessee? These are ranked as the top spots in the state
