Summary
The lake is surrounded by beautiful wilderness and offers numerous recreational activities for visitors.
Fishing Tips:
- Use live bait or soft plastic lures to catch Largemouth Bass.
- Bluegill and Crappie can be caught using small jigs or worms.
- Fish around the lake's structure such as weed beds or submerged logs.
- Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to fish.
Prevalent Fish Species:
Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, and Crappie are the dominant fish species in McKamy Lake. Largemouth Bass can grow to over 10 pounds in the lake, making it a popular spot for bass anglers.
Nearby Activities:
McKamy Lake is surrounded by beautiful wilderness, and visitors can enjoy hiking, bird watching, and picnicking. The lake is also close to the city of Knoxville, which offers a range of entertainment options, including shopping, restaurants, and nightlife.
Best Time of Year to Visit:
The best time to visit McKamy Lake is from late spring to early fall when the weather is warm and the fish are active. The average temperature during this time is between 70°F to 90°F.
Hiwassee River
Childers Creek Trailhead
Big Bend
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Hiwassee River At Charleston
|
10400cfs |
Oostanaula Creek Near Sanford
|
53cfs |
Ocoee River At Copperhill
|
288cfs |
Mill Creek Near Crandall
|
9cfs |
Tellico River At Tellico Plains
|
191cfs |
Conasauga River Near Eton
|
197cfs |
Angling Safety Guidelines
Check local fishing rules, seasons, size limits, and license requirements to ensure legal and sustainable angling.
Handle Fish Responsibly
Use wet hands, minimize air exposure, and release fish gently to improve survival rates when practicing catch-and-release.
Choose the Right Gear
Match your rod, line, and tackle to the species and conditions to increase success and reduce unnecessary harm to fish.
Respect the Waterway
Avoid disturbing habitat, prevent bank erosion, and keep a safe distance from spawning areas to protect ecosystems.
Keep It Clean
Pack out all line, hooks, bait containers, and trash—discarded gear can injure wildlife and degrade waterways.
Related Links
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Chilhowee Campground
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Chilhowee Rec Area
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Chilhowee Recreation Area
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Parksville Lake Campground
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Parksville
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Parksville Lake Recreation Area
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Mckamy Dam
Dentville Road 266-362, Benton
Wilderness Cohutta
Wilderness Little Frog Mountain
Bradley County Recreational Park