Fishing Charters in Tennessee
Browse fishing charters in Tennessee that can help you catch crappie.
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.
Reelfootlakefishingguide
Hornbeak, Tennessee
Reelfoot lake fishing guide, reelfoot lake crappie guide, fishing guide, crappie guide.
Ky Lake Crappie Fishing
Crappie Fishing Reports for Kentucky Lake on the Tennessee River, East of the Mississippi
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.
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.
Best Time to Catch Crappie
Crappie can be caught year-round in Knoxville. Right now in February, activity is low.
Seasonal Activity Chart
Crappie
Crappie fishing around Knoxville is a popular pursuit, with ample opportunities on Fort Loudoun, Watts Bar, and Melton Hill lakes. Spring is undoubtedly the peak season, as crappie move into shallow, brushy areas to spawn. Focus on coves and creek channels with submerged timber or brush piles. Minnows and jigs suspended under floats are classic and effective presentations. As the water warms in the summer, crappie retreat to deeper water, often suspending around submerged structure or bridge pilings. Try trolling crankbaits or using downriggers to reach these deeper fish. A helpful tip: Melton Hill Lake is known for its clear water, which can make crappie more wary, so use lighter line and natural-colored baits. Look for crappie beds identified by local anglers – these spots can be incredibly productive. The crappie population is generally healthy, with both black and white crappie present.
How to Catch Crappie
Crappie Fishing Regulations in Tennessee
Open Season
Year-round
Daily Bag Limit
15 per day
Size Limit
10-inch minimum
License Required
Freshwater fishing license
Some lakes have different length limits, so check local regulations.
⚠️ Always verify current regulations with the Tennessee state wildlife agency before fishing.
Related Species in Tennessee
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the size limit for crappie in Knoxville, TN?
In Knoxville, Tennessee, you can only keep crappie that are 10 inches or longer. Any crappie shorter than 10 inches must be released back into the water.
How many crappie can I keep per day when fishing near Knoxville?
The daily bag limit for crappie in Knoxville, Tennessee is 15 fish per person.
What are some effective baits for crappie fishing in the Knoxville area?
Live minnows are a classic and effective bait for crappie. Jigs, especially small tube jigs and hair jigs, also work well. Experiment with different colors and jigging techniques to find what the crappie are biting on.
Do I need a fishing license to fish for crappie in Knoxville, TN?
Yes, you need a valid Tennessee fishing license to legally fish for crappie in Knoxville's freshwater bodies.
More Crappie Fishing in Tennessee
Other Species to Fish in Knoxville
Ready to Catch Crappie in Knoxville?
Book a trip with an expert guide who knows the best local spots and techniques.