Spring Fishing in Tennessee: Your Guide to Seasonal Openings and Hot Spots

Nashville Times Staff

Fishing in Tennessee: Spring Season Openings

Tennessee is renowned for its abundant waterways, including the majestic Tennessee River, Nolichucky River, and a variety of lakes and streams teeming with fish. As the weather warms and the flowers bloom, spring marks the perfect time for fishing enthusiasts to hit the water. Whether you are a seasoned angler or a beginner looking to cast your first line, Tennessee offers a wealth of opportunities to fish for a wide variety of species during the spring season.

We’ll guide you through Tennessee’s spring fishing season openings, key fishing spots to visit, the types of fish you can expect to catch, and tips to make the most of your fishing trip this spring.

Spring Fishing Season in Tennessee

The spring season in Tennessee generally spans from March to May, a period that’s perfect for fishing. As water temperatures rise, fish become more active, making them easier to catch. The state’s fish species, such as bass, trout, and catfish, begin to move to shallower waters, providing anglers with excellent opportunities to catch a variety of species.

Key Dates and Openings:

Trout Season: In Tennessee, trout season officially opens on March 1 for certain areas, with many popular trout streams and rivers opening up to anglers during this time. The spring season sees an increase in trout populations in the state’s waters due to restocking efforts by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA).
Bass Fishing: Largemouth bass and smallmouth bass are most active in the spring as they begin to spawn. These species are typically available for catch from March to May, with peak fishing times depending on water temperature.
Catfish and Other Species: Catfish, bluegill, and crappie are also popular spring targets. Crappie, in particular, are most active during the spring months, making it an ideal time to catch them in lakes and reservoirs.

Best Fishing Spots in Tennessee During Spring

Tennessee is home to numerous prime fishing locations, from the serene mountain lakes to the winding rivers of the Tennessee Valley. Here are some of the top fishing spots in Tennessee where you can make the most of the spring season openings.

1. Tennessee River

The Tennessee River is the lifeblood of the state’s fishing scene, stretching over 652 miles and offering opportunities for a variety of species. The river is known for its smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, catfish, and crappie populations.

Spring Highlights:

Smallmouth bass are a popular catch during spring, especially in the deeper pools of the river.
Catfish can be found in the Tennessee River’s slower-moving sections.
Spring crappie fishing is a local favorite, with white crappie and black crappie being abundant.

Best time to fish: Early mornings and late afternoons are particularly productive for bass and catfish during spring.

2. Center Hill Lake

Located in Middle Tennessee, Center Hill Lake is a beautiful and popular spot for spring fishing. The lake is known for its clear waters and is home to a variety of species, including largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, bluegill, and trout.

Spring Highlights:

The lake’s clear waters make it ideal for catching trout during the spring.
Largemouth and smallmouth bass fishing is particularly good in shallow coves during the warmer months.
Spring crappie fishing is excellent around submerged timber and shallow areas of the lake.

Best time to fish: Mid-morning to late afternoon as fish become more active in warmer waters.

3. Cumberland River

The Cumberland River is another top fishing location in Tennessee, known for its smallmouth bass and trout populations. The river is rich in biodiversity, making it an attractive fishing spot for anglers seeking a variety of species.

Spring Highlights:

Spring is the best time to catch smallmouth bass, which become more active as the water warms up.
Trout fishing is a big draw during the early spring season, with many areas stocked by the TWRA.

Best time to fish: The early spring months are ideal for smallmouth bass and trout as they begin to spawn.

4. Douglas Lake

Known for its vast size and abundance of fish, Douglas Lake near Knoxville offers excellent spring fishing for both seasoned and novice anglers. The lake is home to largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, crappie, and catfish.

Spring Highlights:

The lake’s shallow areas are perfect for fishing crappie during the spring months.
Bass fishing is popular around submerged structures, such as fallen trees and rocks.
Catfish fishing is productive as the warmer waters push catfish closer to the surface.

Best time to fish: Morning and evening are the best times for bass and crappie during spring.

5. Cherokee Lake

Located in Northeast Tennessee, Cherokee Lake offers an ideal fishing environment with its diverse fish species, including crappie, bass, and bluegill. The spring months are particularly good for crappie and largemouth bass.

Spring Highlights:

The crappie fishing season in Cherokee Lake peaks in the spring, especially in the shallows where crappie spawn.
Bass fishing is excellent, especially around the lake’s coves and submerged structures.

Best time to fish: Early morning or late afternoon when bass and crappie are more active.

Tips for Successful Spring Fishing in Tennessee

Spring fishing in Tennessee offers ample opportunities, but like any fishing season, success often depends on preparation and knowledge. Here are some helpful tips to increase your chances of landing the perfect catch:

1. Focus on Shallow Waters

In spring, many fish species move closer to the shore to spawn. Targeting shallow coves, eddies, and deeper pools can increase your chances of success. Pay attention to changes in water temperature, as this often signals when fish are most active.

2. Use the Right Bait

In spring, fish are often more active and willing to bite, but choosing the right bait is key. Try live bait like worms, minnows, or crickets, or use artificial lures like crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and jigs. Adjust your bait choice depending on the species you’re targeting.

3. Pay Attention to Water Temperature

Fish are highly sensitive to changes in water temperature. During the spring, as the water warms, fish become more active. Keep an eye on water temperature fluctuations to time your fishing trips when fish are most likely to bite.

4. Check Local Regulations

Before heading out, be sure to check local fishing regulations, including catch limits, size limits, and specific season openings. Regulations may vary depending on location and species, so staying informed ensures you stay within legal limits while preserving the fish population.

5. Use Polarized Sunglasses

Spring can bring a lot of glare from the sun on the water, which can make it hard to see fish beneath the surface. Polarized sunglasses help reduce glare, improving visibility and making it easier to spot fish in the water.

Embrace Spring Fishing in Tennessee

Spring is one of the most exciting seasons for anglers in Tennessee, offering a variety of fishing opportunities across the state. From bass and catfish in the Tennessee River to trout and crappie in mountain lakes, there’s no shortage of places to explore and fish to catch. Whether you’re fishing from the shore or in a boat, Tennessee’s lakes, rivers, and reservoirs provide the perfect backdrop for a spring fishing adventure.

With proper preparation, attention to seasonal changes, and a bit of patience, you’ll be well on your way to making the most of Tennessee’s spring fishing season. So, grab your gear, head to one of the top fishing spots, and enjoy the thrill of the catch in one of the most beautiful and diverse states for fishing in the U.S.