Fishing Charters in Tennessee
Browse fishing charters in Tennessee that can help you catch flathead 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 Flathead Catfish
Flathead Catfish can be caught year-round in Cookeville. Right now in February, activity is Slow.
Seasonal Activity Chart

Flathead Catfish
Cookeville, Tennessee, is a great starting point for targeting flathead catfish in the region's waterways. Dale Hollow Lake and Center Hill Lake are your best bets. These reservoirs offer the deep, murky structure flatheads prefer. Spring and early summer, as the water temperatures rise, are prime times to fish, as they move into shallower areas to spawn. Live bait is essential for targeting flatheads. Bluegill or bullheads are hard to beat. Focus your efforts around submerged timber, creek channels, and rocky points. A useful tip for Dale Hollow is to fish the upper ends of the lake where the rivers enter, as this area often holds good numbers of flatheads. Be prepared for a fight; these fish are powerful! Public boat ramps are available, but check lake levels before heading out, as they can vary.
How to Catch Flathead Catfish
Detailed fishing techniques coming soon for Flathead Catfish in Cookeville.
Flathead Catfish Fishing Regulations in Tennessee
Open Season
Year-round
Daily Bag Limit
5 per day
Size Limit
No size limit
License Required
Freshwater fishing license
Only one flathead catfish over 34 inches may be harvested per day.
⚠️ Always verify current regulations with the Tennessee state wildlife agency before fishing.
Related Species in Tennessee
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the creel limit for flathead catfish near Cookeville?
In Tennessee, the daily creel limit for flathead catfish is 5 fish. There is no size limit for flathead catfish in Tennessee.
Is there a size restriction on flathead catfish I can keep in Tennessee?
No, there is no size limit for flathead catfish in Tennessee. You can keep any flathead catfish you catch, as long as you stay within the daily creel limit of 5.
What kind of bait is recommended for flathead catfish in the Cookeville area?
Live bait, such as bluegill or other sunfish, is a top choice for targeting flathead catfish. They are predators and prefer live prey.
Are flathead catfish fishing regulations the same year-round in Tennessee?
Yes, the regulations for flathead catfish, including the creel limit and lack of size restriction, are in effect year-round in Tennessee. You still need a valid fishing license.
More Flathead Catfish Fishing in Tennessee
Other Species to Fish in Cookeville
Ready to Catch Flathead Catfish in Cookeville?
Book a trip with an expert guide who knows the best local spots and techniques.



