Where to Fish
Find A Spot To Fish! (Click your area)
This map is intended as a guide only, and its content is subject to change without notice. The map is intended to reflect the approximate location of water access generally available for the use of sportsmen/sportswomen. It should not be interpreted as representing publicly held lands (i.e. marinas). If you see potential errors please contact the appropriate regional office.
The sites depicted are generally open to the public; however, public use restrictions may apply due to public safety or ownership changes. See the current TWRA Fishing Guide for all fishing regulations.
TWRA has made a reasonable effort to assure the accuracy of the map; nevertheless, some information contained therein may not be accurate. TWRA does not warrant or make any representations as to the accuracy of the content of the map, and TWRA is not liable for any improper or incorrect use of this map or for any direct or indirect damages suffered related to the use of this map. It is every user’s responsibility to know the land ownership of and regulations pertaining to the area which he or she intends to use for recreational purposes.
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DISCLAIMER: The information presented on the maps has been compiled from many sources and is considered reliable. TWRA makes no warranties either expressed or implied, concerning the accuracy, completeness, reliability, or suitability of this data for any use other than display. The maps and information contained on the maps may periodically change and may or may not be incorporated in any new version. TWRA assumes no liability for the use or misuse of the information contained in these maps. Please contact the TWRA GIS Manager if you discover any discrepancies with the online maps.
TVA Lakes
From trophies worthy of hanging on the wall to the simple joys of bluegill on a little girl’s line, TVA lake fishing creates memories that cross generations.
Reservoirs stretch across the Tennessee Valley like a string of pearls. And for those who love to fish, those lakes are just as valuable. Whether it’s bass, crappie, walleye, or catfish, whether for sport, food, or just fun, you can find world-class lake fishing only hours away from any spot in the Tennessee Valley. Playing on the shoreline or floating on water, residents and visitors will quickly learn why this area is considered one of the best fishing destinations in the U.S. and, some would say, the world.
But, for many, the triumph of hauling in a record-setting trophy is far less important than those that accompany you on the journey. “All my life, I’ve been lucky to have people to take me fishing,” said Shannon O’Quinn, a TVA water resources specialist. “My uncle and father always took me to the lake as a little kid. ” In many ways, those experiences on the water when I was young are why I do what I do today, and it’s still important in my family. To this day, I meet my brother one or two times a year to go fishing, and it’s often the only time we get together.”It’s a family tradition that Shannon is passing on to the next generation “My five-year-old daughter has her own Disney princess fishing rod and she loves to get out on the water. She probably got those genes from me.”Regardless of what he catches himself, Shannon knows that there’s nothing like sharing in his daughter’s excitement when she catches bluegill.
Find family-friendly fishing destinations on TVA Shores, to learn where the fish—and memories—are waiting for you, check out this list of family-friendly fishing piers and berms on TVA lakes. Located on reservoirs from one end of the Valley to the other, these are great places to cast a line, alone or with a kid or two in tow.
Find Your Own Fishing Hole
Fishing from the shore can be restful and rewarding—and anyone can do it. All you need is a little intel about how to find a spot where the fish might be biting. Here are a few tips for successful shore fishing from the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency: Fish are often swimming near the shore in the spring and fall. If you’re fishing from the shore in the heat of summer, do it in the evening or early morning—or even after dark. Fish near-unique features such as docks, logs, trees, rocks, or rocky areas; aquatic vegetation; or places where creeks enter the water. When fishing in moving water, look at the surface for boils and breaks—this means there is some underwater structure blocking the current, which could be the perfect hiding place for fish. Begin fishing (casting) close and parallel to the bank, then work your way outward (fan casting) toward deeper water. If you don’t get any bites, try switching baits. If this doesn’t work, move to another hole. Wear polarized sunglasses so you’ll be able to see fish as well as submerged objects more clearly. (Your eyes will also be protected from the tackle.)
Corp of Engineers Lakes
The Army Corps of Engineers is the steward of the lands and waters at Corps water resources projects. Its Natural Resources Management mission is to manage and conserve those natural resources, consistent with the ecosystem management principles while providing quality public outdoor recreation experiences to serve the needs of present and future generations.
TWRA Community Fishing Lakes
Visit gofishtennessee.com
Looking for a fishing hole with a little peace and quiet? Somewhere to spend quality time with family and loved ones?
Then try one of the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency Fishing Lakes for solitude, relaxation and the chance to catch bass, sunfish, crappie, and catfish.
- Download the TWRA Family Fishing Lakes Brochure today to learn more.
- Download the complete Tennessee Fishing Guide here.
The lakes managed by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency are open year-round for fishing.
Designed and regulated especially for family fishing, these lakes prohibit alcoholic beverages, houseboats, inboard motors, water skiing, personal watercraft, and swimming.
Most lakes have wheelchair-accessible fishing piers, easy access to bank fishing, boat rentals, launching ramps, and picnic areas.
Some lakes offer conveniences such as bait, tackle, snacks, and drinks.
These lakes are managed to provide fishing opportunities while producing the best quality fishing possible at a minimal cost.
Ten of the lakes are located in West Tennessee and range from 87 acres to 560 acres in size.
The remaining eight lakes are located in Middle Tennessee and range from 12 acres to 325 acres in size.
One of the 4 lakes at Williamsport (Whippoorwill) is for youth-adult fishing only an embankment of Laurel Hill Lake is designated for youth-only fishing.
In addition to these, there are a couple of ponds totaling approximately 15 acres designated as youth fishing ponds located on the Bridgestone/Firestone Centennial Wilderness WMA in White County.
For more information about these ponds call the Region 3 TWRA office at 833-402-4698.
General Information
If the family wants to get away from it all, then consider one of these 18 Family Fishing Lakes to pursue your thoughts, and relinquish your worries to the tug of bluegill, bass, or catfish.
You might find something you've lost while enjoying an activity which is basic, simple and just plain fun and relaxing.
- A $6.00 daily permit (available at most lakes) or a $48.00 annual permit is required to fish all of these lakes except for Garrett and Whiteville Lakes. The annual permit may be purchased at lakes with a concessionaire and is good at all lakes. For Coy Gaither/Bedford Lake the lake permit (type 65) should be purchased from a Tennessee Fishing License agent in the surrounding area before going to the lake.
- Boats may be rented for $10.00 per day at most lakes on a seasonal basis. This permit may be purchased at the individual lake office.
- Fishing is permitted seven days per week from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset (except Garrett Lake is open 24 hours a day).
- The only tackle/gear that is legal is rod and reels, poles, hand-held lines, and jugs (with certain restrictions). All other gears are prohibited. See Fishing Regulation Guide for rules along with size and creel limits for each lake.
- Boats may not exceed the no-wake speed. Motors (except trolling motors) are prohibited on some lakes. Personal boats may not be left overnight.
- Motorized vehicles are permitted only on designated roads.
Lake Permit Requirements for Residents
- Anglers under the age of 13, holders of a Lifetime Sportsman license, or an Annual Sportsman license do not need a lake permit.
- Anglers born before March 1, 1926, do not need a license or lake permit.
- Anglers who are age 65 and older need only a Permanent Senior Citizen license (type 166) and do not need a lake permit.
- Anglers age 16 through 64 must have a Tennessee fishing license and an annual or daily lake permit.
- Anglers ages 13-15 need only a Jr. Hunt/Fish/Trap license.
Lake Permit Requirements for Non-Residents
- Anglers age 16 and over must have a Tennessee non-resident fishing license and a daily lake permit.
- Anglers ages 13-15 must have a Tennessee non-resident fishing license but do not need a daily lake permit.

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation operates approximately fifty-four state parks/natural areas, and many offer fishing opportunities at reservoirs, lakes, ponds and trout streams.
In fact, a park is within 50 miles of every citizen in the state, so a good fishing spot is closer than you think. For more information about these fishing opportunities, call them at 1-888- 867-2757 or visit them at: http://tnstateparks.com/activities/fishing