Featured Smallmouth Bass Guides
Expert captains ready to take you on your next adventure in Tennessee.
Tightlines Tennessee
Tightlines Tennessee is a fly fishing guide service offering float and wade/walk trips for a variety of species including: rainbow, brown, and brook trout, large and smallmouth bass, musky, carp, and striped bass.
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.
Seasonal Activity Chart
Smallmouth Bass
Smallmouth Bass fishing in TN: focus on seasonal forage and water conditions near Knoxville. Use natural presentations and adjust depth with temperature and current.
How to Catch Smallmouth Bass
Smallmouth Bass Fishing Regulations in Tennessee
Open Season
Year-round
Daily Bag Limit
5 per day
Size Limit
18-inch minimum on Dale Hollow Lake; 16-inch minimum on South Holston Reservoir; No length limit on Center Hill Lake; statewide 1 per day between 16-21 inches
License Required
Fishing License
Check specific lake and river regulations as some areas may have different limits or be catch and release only.
⚠️ Always verify current regulations with the Tennessee state wildlife agency before fishing.