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 Lenoir City. Right now in February, activity is low.
Seasonal Activity Chart
Catfish
Looking to tangle with some catfish around Lenoir City? You're in luck, as the Tennessee River and Watts Bar Lake are home to healthy populations of channel, blue, and flathead catfish. Summer is a prime time, especially after dark, when these whiskered predators become more active. Focus your efforts on areas with current, such as the main river channel, creek mouths, and below dams. For channel cats, try using stinkbaits, nightcrawlers, or cut bait. If you're targeting blues or flatheads, live bait like shad or bluegill is your best bet. A key tip: The Melton Hill Dam tailwater is a popular spot, but be mindful of the fluctuating water levels. Also, consider fishing the deeper holes in Watts Bar Lake with a drift rig. The catfish fishery here is strong, with the potential for catching some truly impressive fish.
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
Is there a limit to how many catfish I can catch in Lenoir City?
You can catch an unlimited number of catfish that are 34 inches or less. You are allowed to harvest one catfish per day that is over 34 inches in length.
What kind of bait works well for catfish in the Lenoir City area?
Catfish in Lenoir City respond well to a variety of baits. Popular choices include nightcrawlers, chicken liver, stink baits, and cut bait.
Do I need a specific license to fish for catfish in Tennessee?
No, you don't need a specific license. A standard Tennessee fishing license covers you for catfish.
Are there any size restrictions for catfish in Tennessee?
There is no size limit for catfish 34 inches and less in length. Only one catfish over 34 inches in length may be harvested per day.
More Catfish Fishing in Tennessee
Other Species to Fish in Lenoir City
Ready to Catch Catfish in Lenoir City?
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