Fishing Pickwick Lake

AKA: Pickwick Reservoir

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, blue catfish, black crappie, white crappie, walleye, bluegill, redear sunfish, warmouth, white bass, yellow bass, striped bass, hybrid striped bass, paddlefish and sauger at Pickwick Lake in Tennessee.

A favorite for local and national bass tournaments, Pickwick Lake is a 43,000-acre lake on the southern border of Tennessee. Pickwick annually makes the Bassmaster Top 100 bass lakes in the USA. Largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass are the featured species here. Current plays a major role in locating bass here. When there is current, look for fish out on the main lake. In times of no current the fish move into the coves. When the fish are shallow, areas with vegetation can be very productive.

Lake Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Rental Boats
Marinas
Boat Launch Ramps
Campgrounds & RV Parks
Map
Contact Info

Lake Video

Pickwick Lake, located in southwestern Tennessee, is a renowned fishing destination that offers anglers exceptional opportunities to reel in a variety of fish species. This expansive 43,100-acre reservoir, formed by the Tennessee River, provides excellent fishing, boating, and camping experiences.

Pickwick Lake is widely known for its outstanding bass fishing. Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and spotted bass are abundant in the lake and attract anglers from all over. The lake's structure, including submerged vegetation, ledges, and rocky points, provides ideal habitats for these sought-after game fish. Anglers can employ various techniques such as flipping, topwater fishing, and crankbaiting to entice the bass. The lake's healthy bass population, combined with the potential for trophy-sized catches, makes it a popular destination for both recreational and tournament anglers.

In addition to bass, Pickwick Lake supports other popular fish species. Crappie fishing is excellent, with both black and white crappie offering anglers ample opportunities to fill their stringers. Anglers can find success near submerged structures, such as brush piles and docks, where crappie tend to gather. The lake is also home to catfish, including channel catfish, blue catfish, and flathead catfish. Anglers can target catfish using various methods such as bottom fishing with cut bait or live bait.

Pickwick Lake's combination of excellent fishing, boating opportunities, and camping facilities make it a highly sought-after destination for outdoor enthusiasts in Tennessee. Whether you're targeting bass, crappie, or catfish, enjoying a leisurely boat ride, or camping by the lakeside, Pickwick Lake offers a serene and enjoyable environment for all who visit.

In addition to bass, the lake contains significant numbers of crappie, catfish, walleye, sauger, striped bass, white bass, sunfish and other species. There are several marinas on the lake and plenty of places to launch pleasure and fishing boats. Kayaks and canoes can be launched from numerous places around the lake.

Primary fish species residing in Pickwick Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Pickwick Lake Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: NEARBY
Bait & Tackle: NEARBY
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Boating on Pickwick Lake is a favorite activity for visitors, thanks to its expansive waters and multiple marinas. Anglers and boating enthusiasts can launch their boats from public ramps and enjoy cruising the vast lake, exploring its numerous bays, channels, and secluded coves. Boaters can engage in water sports activities, leisurely sightseeing, or simply relax while taking in the scenic beauty of the lake's shoreline and surrounding hills.

Fishing Boat Rentals

Pickwick State Park Marina
Rentals: Fishing boats, kayaks, canoes and pontoons
731 689-5175

Marinas

Pickwick State Park Marina
State Park Rd
Counce, TN 38326
731 689-5175

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Pickwick Landing State Park Boat Ramp
Located in the park, at the south end of the Pickwick Dam, this is a five-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Click here for a Tennessee Fishing License.

Camping facilities around Pickwick Lake provide visitors with the opportunity to extend their stay and fully immerse themselves in the natural surroundings. The lake boasts numerous campgrounds, many of which offer amenities such as campsites, picnic areas, and restroom facilities. Camping near Pickwick Lake allows anglers and outdoor enthusiasts to make the most of their fishing adventures and enjoy the peaceful ambiance of the lake and its picturesque setting.