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 Memphis. Right now in February, activity is low.
Seasonal Activity Chart

Crappie
Chasing crappie around Memphis means understanding the Mississippi River's influence, but also looking to the calmer waters it feeds. McKellar Lake, an oxbow off the Mississippi, and the smaller lakes and sloughs around Shelby Forest State Park are prime spots. Spring and fall are peak seasons, with crappie staging near structure as they move to spawn or prepare for winter. During the spawn, target shallow brush piles and submerged timber in the backs of creeks and sloughs. Later in the year, schools tend to suspend in deeper water, so pay attention to your electronics. A local tip: McKellar Lake can get muddy quickly after a rain, impacting visibility, so check river gauges before heading out. Another key is downsizing your presentation when the water is clear and the crappie are pressured; light line and small jigs can make a big difference. The crappie here can be surprisingly large, with some pushing well over two pounds.
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 crappie bag limit in Tennessee?
You can keep up to 15 crappie per day in Tennessee.
What size crappie can I keep in Tennessee?
You can keep crappie that are 10 inches or longer.
Do I need a special license to fish for crappie in Memphis?
You will need a freshwater fishing license to fish for crappie in Memphis.
When is the best time to fish for crappie near Memphis?
Spring and fall are typically the best times to fish for crappie near Memphis. During these seasons, the fish are more active and easier to locate.
More Crappie Fishing in Tennessee
Other Species to Fish in Memphis
Ready to Catch Crappie in Memphis?
Book a trip with an expert guide who knows the best local spots and techniques.



