Fishing Charters in Tennessee
Browse fishing charters in Tennessee that can help you catch catfish.
Scenic City Fishing Charters
Fishing Guide Service in Chattanooga, Tennessee specializing in catching trophy catfish, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, walleye and crappie on the Tennessee River.
Tennessee River Monsters Fishing Guide Service - Striper & Catfish
Tennessee Striper, Catfish, and Largemouth fishing guide service and charter! Looking to catch a big fish? Get in touch with Tennesseerivermonsters.com/
Medley Fishing School
Trout Fishing Guide Service, also Crappie, Giant Catfish, Walleye, Sauger, Shellcrackers & great fishing, Gardening Tips. 4 bedroom Lodge just .25 miles from Edgar Evins State Park, & .80 mile from the Caney Fork River and Center Hill Dam and Lake. Customer Lodging and full family reunions available. Fall Foliage tours available until end of November. Music venue for your birthday party. Real Estate Appraiser. Cooking Tips for wildgame.
Donald Hedge Fishing Guide Service
Donald Hedge is the premier pickwick lake fishing guide. For over 30 years Donald has fished Pickwick Lake and the Tennessee River below the dam targeting trophy smallmouth, largemouth, striped bass, catfish, and white bass.
Best Time to Catch Catfish
Catfish can be caught year-round in Dayton. Right now in February, activity is low.
Seasonal Activity Chart
Catfish
If you're after catfish near Dayton, Tennessee, Chickamauga Lake is your destination. This fertile reservoir holds healthy populations of blue, channel, and flathead catfish. While catfish can be caught year-round, the warmer months, from late spring through early fall, are generally the most productive. Focus your efforts on areas with deep water and structure, such as river channels, submerged timber, and rocky points. Use a variety of baits, including cut bait, live bait, and commercial catfish baits. For larger blue catfish, drift fishing with cut shad can be highly effective. A local hotspot is the area around the Highway 60 bridge, where the deeper water attracts catfish. Be prepared for some heavy lifting – Chickamauga is known for producing some impressive catfish!
How to Catch Catfish
Catfish Fishing Regulations in Tennessee
Open Season
Year-round
Daily Bag Limit
No limit on catfish 34 inches and less in length. Only one catfish over 34 inches in length may be harvested per day.
Size Limit
No size limit on catfish 34 inches and less in length.
License Required
Tennessee Fishing License
Some lakes and rivers may have site-specific regulations; consult the TWRA fishing guide for details.
⚠️ Always verify current regulations with the Tennessee state wildlife agency before fishing.
Related Species in Tennessee
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best bait to use for catfish in Dayton, TN?
Catfish in the Dayton area respond well to a variety of baits. Popular choices include nightcrawlers, chicken liver, and prepared catfish dough baits. Using local cut bait can also be very effective.
Is there a limit on how many catfish I can catch in Tennessee?
In Tennessee, there is no limit on the number of catfish you can keep if they are 34 inches or less in length. You can only harvest one catfish over 34 inches per day.
Do I need a fishing license to target catfish in Dayton, TN?
Yes, you will need a valid Tennessee fishing license to fish for catfish in Dayton. Make sure your license is up-to-date before heading out to the water.
Are there any size restrictions for catfish I catch near Dayton?
You can keep any catfish that is 34 inches or less. You are only allowed to keep one catfish over 34 inches per day.
More Catfish Fishing in Tennessee
Other Species to Fish in Dayton
Ready to Catch Catfish in Dayton?
Book a trip with an expert guide who knows the best local spots and techniques.