Tennessee fishing
Every angling destination Snoflo tracks in Tennessee — with fish species, water conditions, and weather forecast at each spot. Built for anglers planning a trip.
Tennessee fishing map
Find the best Tennessee water today
Every fishing spot and river gauge on one live map:
- Spots — is the river nearby running normal, low or high
- Water temp — prime trout water vs too warm
- Rain coming — 24/48/72-hr forecast, press play
✓ Free for 7 days · ✓ Cancel anytime
Tennessee fishing conditions today
River flows, water temperatures and what’s biting — from live USGS gauges and every spot below.
Water temperatures run from 48°F at Harpeth River Near Kingston Springs to 71°F at Buffalo River Near Flat Woods. 3 of 14 gauges read 68°F or warmer, when trout get stressed — fish early, land fish fast, or head higher to colder water.
The most-listed species across Tennessee’s spots: Black Crappie (4), Channel Catfish (3), Northern Pike (2), Bluegill (2).
Tennessee offers a wide range of angling opportunities, with popular destinations including the tailwaters of the South Holston and Watauga rivers, as well as the lakes of the Cumberland Plateau. Anglers can expect to catch a variety of species, including trout, bass, crappie, and catfish.
The best times of year to fish in Tennessee vary depending on the species targeted. Spring and early summer are great for trout fishing, while summer and fall are ideal for bass and catfish. Average seasonal temperatures range from the mid-40s to mid-50s in winter to the high 80s in summer.
Anglers can find success using a variety of baits and lures, including live bait, spinners, and jigs. When targeting trout, fly fishing is a popular technique.
Interesting fishing facts about Tennessee include that the state is home to the world record brown trout, caught in the Little Tennessee River in 1988, weighing 42 pounds and 2 ounces. The state is also home to numerous fishing tournaments, including the Bassmaster Classic and the FLW Tour.
Tennessee fishing report
| Fishing area | Fish species |
|---|---|
| Allen Branch Pond | · |
| Bayou Long | · |
| Big Bend | · |
| Brotherick Branch | Black Crappie |
| Childers Creek Trailhead | · |
| Defiance Lake | Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Channel Catfish + 2 more |
| Dillard Place | · |
| Fayetteville Old Stone Bridge | · |
| Hiwassee River | · |
| Indian Boundary Lake | · |
| Indiancamp Creek | Black Crappie |
| Mccullom Lake | Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Channel Catfish + 10 more |
| Mckamy Lake | · |
| Moses Turn | · |
| Nolichucky River | · |
| Rock River | Smallmouth Bass, Channel Catfish, Flathead Catfish + 1 more |
| Tellico River | · |
| Watauga River | · |
About Tennessee fishing
Where do the Tennessee fishing areas come from?
Public-access points published by Tennessee's fish & wildlife agency, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service refuges, USDA Forest Service waters, plus a long history of community-submitted spots.
Are the fish species lists accurate?
Species lists are best-effort, drawn from state agency stocking and survey reports plus angler reports. They reflect what's typically caught, not a guarantee. Always check current Tennessee regulations before keeping fish.
How do I know if conditions are good?
Each fishing-area page pulls the nearest USGS streamgauge (for rivers) or NOAA station (for coast), plus a 7-day weather forecast. Cross-reference flow conditions with the species you're targeting — trout fish best at moderate clear-water flows; bass thrive when water warms above 55°F.
Do I still need a license to fish in Tennessee?
Yes. Always carry a valid Tennessee fishing license, observe local seasons and bag limits, and follow catch-and-release best practices. Snoflo is a planning tool — the regulations are between you and your state's wildlife agency.