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 Memphis. Right now in February, activity is low.
Seasonal Activity Chart
Catfish
If you're after catfish in Memphis, you're in the right place – the Mississippi River is a catfish haven. Blues, channels, and flatheads all thrive here. While the main channel can produce monsters, especially blues, focus on areas with current breaks, such as wing dikes, points, and submerged structure. The Wolf River, as it enters the Mississippi, is another excellent location. Summer and fall are prime times, but catfish can be caught year-round. Stink baits and cut bait work well for channels, while live bait like shad or bluegill are preferred for blues and flatheads. Be prepared for strong currents and heavy cover; stout tackle is a must. A local tip: Many anglers fish the Mississippi from the bank around Mud Island River Park or from the causeway leading to the island. Also, pay attention to the river stage; rising water can push catfish into newly flooded areas, creating excellent fishing opportunities.
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 regulation on keeping catfish over 34 inches in Tennessee?
You can only keep one catfish over 34 inches per day in Tennessee. There is no limit on catfish 34 inches and less in length.
Is there a size limit for smaller catfish in Tennessee?
No, there's no size limit on catfish 34 inches and less in length.
What kind of license is required to fish for catfish around Memphis?
You'll need a valid Tennessee Fishing License to fish for catfish in the Memphis area.
What are some popular catfish baits in the Memphis area?
Popular catfish baits in the Memphis area include nightcrawlers, chicken livers, and stinkbaits. Local anglers often have their own secret recipes as well.
More Catfish Fishing in Tennessee
Other Species to Fish in Memphis
Ready to Catch Catfish in Memphis?
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