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 Knoxville. Right now in February, activity is low.
Seasonal Activity Chart
Catfish
For catfish anglers, the waters around Knoxville offer excellent prospects, particularly on the Tennessee River system. Fort Loudoun and Watts Bar lakes are renowned for their populations of blue, channel, and flathead catfish. Summer nights are prime time, as catfish become more active under the cover of darkness. Target deep holes, river channels, and areas with submerged timber. Stink baits, cut bait, and live bait are all effective options. A local tip: the French Broad River, where it enters Douglas Lake, is a known hotspot for channel catfish. Use a Carolina rig with a circle hook and plenty of weight to hold your bait on the bottom. Be prepared for some heavy lifting, as the catfish in this region can grow to impressive sizes. Always check TWRA regulations for size and creel limits before heading out.
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 Knoxville?
Popular choices for catfish in the Knoxville area include nightcrawlers, chicken liver, and prepared catfish baits. Local anglers often have their own secret recipes too, so ask around at local bait shops!
Is there a limit on how many catfish I can catch in Tennessee?
Tennessee regulations allow for an unlimited harvest of catfish that are 34 inches or less. You can only keep one catfish per day that is over 34 inches long.
Do I need a license to fish for catfish in Knoxville?
Yes, you need a valid Tennessee fishing license to fish for catfish or any other species in Knoxville's freshwater areas. Make sure your license is up to date before heading out.
Are there any size restrictions for catfish in Tennessee?
There are no size restrictions for catfish under 34 inches in Tennessee. However, you are only allowed to keep one catfish per day that is over 34 inches.
More Catfish Fishing in Tennessee
Other Species to Fish in Knoxville
Ready to Catch Catfish in Knoxville?
Book a trip with an expert guide who knows the best local spots and techniques.