Fishing Charters in Tennessee
Browse fishing charters in Tennessee that can help you catch channel catfish.


Harbor Town Fly Fishing
Hermitage, Tennessee
Hosting & Booking Fly Fishing Trips of a Lifetime!


Trophy Fishing Tn
Smithville, Tennessee
Tennessee Fly Fishing Guide specializing in Trout, Striper, and Bass, on the <b>CANEY FORK</b> and <b>Cumberland River<b/>. We serve the <b>Nashville Area </b> and specialize in <b> Fly Fishing TN</b>. Hire One of <b>Tennessee's</b> premiere <b>Caney Fork River Guides</b> for a Trophy <b>Trout<b/> Fishing trip of a lifetime or if your really up for some trophy hunting we'll tackle 30 pound plus <b> Cumberland River Striper</b> with a long time<b>Cumberland River Trophy Striper Fly Fishing Guide</b>.


Jw Fly
Allons, Tennessee
JW Fly Co is the premier fly fishing guide in Tennessee, providing floats and/or walks of the Caney Fork River, the Obey River, and Dale Hollow Lake.


Tri Star Outfitters
Tellico Plains, Tennessee
Tri-Star Outfitters Fly Fishing Guide Service - Hunting Guide Service


Watauga Lake Fishing Adventures
Elizabethton, Tennessee
Experience the thrill of Watauga Lake Fishing Adventures with our expert fishing guide. Book your fishing trip today!


Kincades Llc Guide Service And Outfitter
Hornbeak, Tennessee
Have some fun and hunt some ducks, catch some fish, and see some eagles with Kincade's Guide Service at Reelfoot Lake!


Open Water Guide Service
Tiptonville, Tennessee
My name is Shane Walley and I am the head guide for Open Water Guide Service. I offer guided crappie and bluegill fishing trips on Reelfoot Lake in Northwest Tennessee.


Elliotts Guide Service
Greenfield, Tennessee
Licensened Guide on Kentucky/Barkley Lakes for all your fishing needs. Elliott's Guide Service


Reelfootlakefishingguide
Hornbeak, Tennessee
Reelfoot lake fishing guide, reelfoot lake crappie guide, fishing guide, crappie guide.


Tn River Guide Service Llc Fishing Charter
Jasper, Tennessee


Striperfun Guide Service Cherokee Lake
Available Lodging! Whether you are coming fishing with us, or just looking to get away near the water for a day or a week, we have wonderful lodging options for you for the waterways below: • Lake Cumberland in KY • Cumberland River in TN • Dale Hollow Lake in…


Southeastern Anglers
Southeastern Anglers Tennessee fly fishing guides on the Hiwassee River, fly fishing the Holston River, Clinch River flyfishing Cumberland River, Toccoa River fly fishing Tellico River
Best Time to Catch Channel Catfish
Channel Catfish can be caught year-round in Watauga. Right now in February, activity is Fair.
Seasonal Activity Chart

Channel Catfish
If you're after channel catfish, Watauga, Tennessee, offers a few options. Watauga Lake is the primary destination, holding a good population of catfish that can reach impressive sizes. Target them using bottom fishing techniques with stink baits, cut bait, or nightcrawlers. Focus on deeper areas near the river channel or around submerged structure. The warmer months, particularly summer and early fall, are generally the best times to fish for catfish. Another option is the Watauga River below the dam. While the river is known for trout fishing, it also holds channel catfish, especially in the deeper pools and slower currents. A useful tip is to fish near the dam during periods of water release, as the increased current can stir up food and attract catfish. Remember to check the TVA's generation schedule. Watauga catfish are known to be quite opportunistic, so experiment with different baits to see what's working best on any given day.
How to Catch Channel Catfish
Detailed fishing techniques coming soon for Channel Catfish in Watauga.
Channel Catfish Fishing Regulations in Tennessee
Open Season
Year-round
Daily Bag Limit
No limit
Size Limit
No size limit
License Required
Tennessee Fishing License
No limit on catfish less than 34 inches in length.
⚠️ 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 channel catfish in Watauga, TN?
Channel catfish in Watauga respond well to a variety of baits. Popular choices include nightcrawlers, chicken liver, stink baits, and cut bait. Experiment to see what's working best on a given day.
Are there any limits on channel catfish I can catch in Watauga?
Good news for catfish anglers! In Tennessee, there are no bag or size limits for channel catfish. You can keep what you catch.
Do I need a fishing license to target channel catfish in Watauga?
Yes, you'll need a valid Tennessee fishing license to fish for channel catfish in Watauga. Make sure to have it with you while fishing.
Can you fish for catfish year-round in Watauga, TN?
Yes, the season for channel catfish is open year-round in Tennessee. This allows for fishing for them whenever is convenient.
More Channel Catfish Fishing in Tennessee
Other Species to Fish in Watauga
Ready to Catch Channel Catfish in Watauga?
Book a trip with an expert guide who knows the best local spots and techniques.



