Fishing Charters in Tennessee

Browse fishing charters in Tennessee that can help you catch tilapia.

Harbor Town Fly Fishing - Harbor Town Fly Fishing
Harbor Town Fly Fishing

Harbor Town Fly Fishing

Hermitage, Tennessee

Hosting & Booking Fly Fishing Trips of a Lifetime!

fly fishing
Hermitage, Tennessee
Trophy Fishing Tn - Trophy Fishing Tn
Trophy Fishing Tn

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>.

freshwaterfly fishingLargemouth BassSpeckled Trout
Smithville, Tennessee
Jw Fly - Jw Fly
Jw Fly

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.

freshwaterfly fishing
Allons, Tennessee
Tri Star Outfitters - Tri Star Outfitters
Tri Star Outfitters

Tri Star Outfitters

Tellico Plains, Tennessee

Tri-Star Outfitters Fly Fishing Guide Service - Hunting Guide Service

fly fishing
Tellico Plains, Tennessee
Watauga Lake Fishing Adventures - Watauga Lake Fishing Adventures
Watauga Lake Fishing Adventures

Watauga Lake Fishing Adventures

Elizabethton, Tennessee

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

freshwater
Elizabethton, Tennessee
Kincades Llc Guide Service And Outfitter - Kincades Llc Guide Service And Outfitter
Kincades Llc Guide Service And Outfitter

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!

freshwater
Hornbeak, Tennessee
Open Water Guide Service - Open Water Guide Service
Open Water Guide Service

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.

freshwaterBluegillCrappie
Tiptonville, Tennessee
Elliotts Guide Service - Elliotts Guide Service
Elliotts Guide Service

Elliotts Guide Service

Greenfield, Tennessee

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

freshwater
Greenfield, Tennessee
Reelfootlakefishingguide - Reelfootlakefishingguide
Reelfootlakefishingguide

Reelfootlakefishingguide

Hornbeak, Tennessee

Reelfoot lake fishing guide, reelfoot lake crappie guide, fishing guide, crappie guide.

freshwaterCrappie
Hornbeak, Tennessee
Tn River Guide Service Llc Fishing Charter - Tn River Guide Service Llc Fishing Charter
Tn River Guide Service Llc Fishing Charter

Tn River Guide Service Llc Fishing Charter

Jasper, Tennessee

freshwater
Jasper, Tennessee
Striperfun Guide Service Cherokee Lake - Striperfun Guide Service Cherokee Lake
Striperfun Guide Service Cherokee Lake

Striperfun Guide Service Cherokee Lake

5(4)Top Rated

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…

freshwater
Rutledge, Tennessee
Southeastern Anglers - Southeastern Anglers
Southeastern Anglers

Southeastern Anglers

5(5)Top Rated

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

freshwaterfly fishing
Reliance, Tennessee

Best Time to Catch Tilapia

Peak season: April, May, June. Also good: March, July, August. Right now in February, activity is fair.

Book a Tilapia Charter

Seasonal Activity Chart

Tilapia

Tilapia

Various

While not native, Tilapia have found a niche in Chattanooga's warmer waters, particularly in areas influenced by industrial discharge or natural springs that maintain higher temperatures. These fish favor slack water, so look for them in the quieter sections of the Tennessee River, especially near the mouths of creeks and canals that feed into the main river channel. Also, check out Chickamauga Lake for some of the warmer backwater areas. Summer and early fall are prime times, as tilapia are most active when the water is warm. Because tilapia aren't as heavily targeted as other species, they can often be caught using simple techniques and readily available baits. A practical tip for Chattanooga anglers is to use small hooks and light line, as tilapia can be quite wary. Also, chumming the water with bread or corn can draw them in. Be aware of local regulations regarding non-native species; while possession is generally allowed, releasing them back into the water may be prohibited in some areas.

How to Catch Tilapia

Detailed fishing techniques coming soon for Tilapia in Chattanooga.

Tilapia Fishing Regulations in Tennessee

Open Season

Year-round

Daily Bag Limit

No limit

Size Limit

No size limit

License Required

Fishing License

Tilapia are an exotic species in Tennessee. Check specific water body regulations for any local restrictions.

⚠️ Always verify current regulations with the Tennessee state wildlife agency before fishing.

Related Species in Tennessee

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best time to fish for Tilapia in Chattanooga, TN?

While Tilapia can be caught year-round in Tennessee, the warmer months are generally more productive. Target them during spring and summer for the best results.

What kind of license do I need to fish for Tilapia in Chattanooga?

You'll need a valid Tennessee fishing license to legally fish for Tilapia in the Chattanooga area. Be sure to check the TWRA website for the most up-to-date information.

Are there any restrictions on Tilapia fishing in Tennessee?

There are no size or bag limits for Tilapia in Tennessee. You can fish for them all year.

What's a good bait to use for Tilapia in Chattanooga?

Tilapia are known to eat a variety of things, but some anglers find success with bread, corn, or small pieces of vegetables. Worms and insects can also work.

Other Species to Fish in Chattanooga

Ready to Catch Tilapia in Chattanooga?

Book a trip with an expert guide who knows the best local spots and techniques.