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 Paris. Right now in February, activity is low.
Seasonal Activity Chart
Catfish
If you're targeting catfish near Paris, Tennessee, Kentucky Lake is your primary destination. This expansive reservoir holds healthy populations of channel, blue, and flathead catfish. Summer nights are ideal, as catfish become more active after dark. Anchor up near creek channels, submerged timber, or rocky points and deploy a variety of baits. Stink baits, cut shad, and live bluegill are all effective. For larger flatheads, try targeting deeper water with live bait. Local tip: The discharge from the Kentucky Dam can create current that attracts catfish. Fish the areas downstream from the dam, but be mindful of the changing water levels. Also, be prepared for mosquitoes, especially during the summer months. Kentucky Lake catfish can reach impressive sizes, so use heavy tackle and be ready for a fight.
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 for catching catfish around Paris, TN?
Popular catfish baits in the Paris area include nightcrawlers, chicken liver, stink baits, and cut bait. Experiment to see what the catfish are biting on.
Are there any limits to how many catfish I can keep in Tennessee?
You can keep an unlimited number of catfish that are 34 inches or less in length. You can only harvest one catfish over 34 inches per day.
Is there a size limit for catfish I catch 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.
Can I fish for catfish year-round in the Paris, TN area?
Yes, the catfish season is open year-round in Tennessee.
More Catfish Fishing in Tennessee
Other Species to Fish in Paris
Ready to Catch Catfish in Paris?
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