Fishing Boone Lake
AKA: Boone Reservoir
Popular Fish Species Boone Lake, TN
Largemouth Bass Fishing
Boone Lake offers good fishing for bass. While the lake has has largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass, largemouth bass are by far the most prominent. Some quality bass roam Boone Lake, thanks to excellent fisheries management by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, as well as the availability of extensive cover for both baitfish and bass. When the bite is good, bass typically move shallow and are quite aggressive. If you find them shallow and they are not tempted to bite, slow down and use smaller, lighter baits. Fishing for largemouth bass is good virtually any time they are shallow - in spring, mornings in summer, and during warm Fall afternoons. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap. Around grass use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In deeper water, big worms, jigs and spoons are three good weapons. In winter, spend your time fishing Boone Lake on deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time. Smallmouth bass also reside here in good numbers.
Striped Bass Fishing
Due to their large size, striped bass are a favorite of many locals and fishing guides at Boone Lake. The current state record striper is over 65 pounds. They are plentiful, run in schools and can grow to bragging size. In Spring and Fall work the upper end of the lake where water is flowing into the lake. Look for deeper water in the river channel, as a holding place for stripers. In Summer and Winter, stripers hang out in deeper water during the day Morning often draws the stripers to much shallower water, look for them from the surface down to around the 20-foot range as they feed on shallow-running schools of bait. The lake is filled with plenty of baitfish and sunfish to to keep the fishery thriving. Being successful at fishing for stripers is a matter of locating schools of bait, and the wolf packs of stripers which are likely to be nearby. Fish finders, and forward facing sonar, are a big help in locating these roaming schools. Live bait is very effective here, and stripers can be caught year round.
Blue Catfish Fishing
This year blue catfish are running in the big to monster size in Boone Lake. Most of the local guides offer catfish trips, and big blues are the favorite target. The state record is over 120 pounds. Fishing for blue catfish is most often productive summer around any kind of structure. The river end of the lake is often the area where the bigger catfish are caught. Road beds, creek channels and rocky points are all good places to begin. Use a slip sinker or Carolina rig with cut bait or other popular catfish baits. Other catfish in the lake include channel and flathead catfish.
Fish species to fish for...
Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, blue catfish, black crappie, white crappie, rainbow trout, brown trout, bluegill, redear sunfish, rock bass, white bass, striped bass and hybrid striped bass at Boone Lake in Tennessee.
Boone Lake Fishing Video
An excellent destination for all types of outdoor activities, water sports, boating and fishing, Boone Lake has much to offer. This 4,500-acre impoundment in the north-central part of the state is easily accessible via I-81 or I-26. Several marinas on the lake provide boat rentals, boating and fishing gear, dining, and entertainment. Boat ramps, marinas, docks and campgrounds are located all around the lake. Known for its excellent bass and striper fishing, Boone Lake has plenty of other angling opportunities as well. Catfish, crappie and sunfish are all abundant in this reservoir. Additionally, the TWRA stocks the lake with rainbow and brown trout. With over 160 miles of shoreline there's plenty of places to fish from the bank and all types of boats, including canoes, kayaks, bass boats, family boats and pontoon boats. There is plenty of structure, creek channels, ledges and humps around the lake to provide deep holding areas for fish during summer and winter. In spring and fall most species move shallower to feed and spawn.
Boone Lake, located in northeastern Tennessee, is a picturesque reservoir that offers excellent fishing opportunities, as well as boating and camping experiences. This 4,500-acre lake, situated on the South Fork Holston River, attracts anglers from far and wide.
Boone Lake is known for its diverse fish population, providing anglers with a variety of species to target. Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, crappie, catfish, and striped bass are among the popular fish found in the lake. Largemouth bass fishing is particularly notable, with the lake's structure, including submerged trees and rocky shorelines, providing ideal habitats for these fish. Smallmouth bass can be found in the deeper waters and rocky areas, offering exciting angling opportunities. Crappie fishing is also excellent in Boone Lake, with both black and white crappie present. Catfish anglers can target channel catfish and flathead catfish, while striped bass provide thrilling fights for those who pursue them.
Boone Lake's combination of excellent fishing, boating, and camping facilities make it a desirable destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're casting a line for bass, crappie, or catfish, cruising the calm waters on a boat, or camping by the lakeside, Boone Lake provides a serene and enjoyable environment for all who visit.
Primary fish species residing in Boone Lake
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
Boone Lake Amenities
Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: NEARBY
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: NEARBY
Restaurant: YES
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boating is a favorite pastime on Boone Lake, with its calm waters and scenic surroundings creating an ideal setting for boaters to explore. Anglers can launch their boats from the lake's public ramps and navigate its expansive waters in search of their preferred fishing spots. Boaters can enjoy leisurely cruises, water sports activities, or simply take in the beautiful views offered by the surrounding mountains and forests.
Fishing Boat Rentals
Jay's Boat Dock Marina
Rentals: Pontoon boats
423 282-3522
Rockingham Marina
Rentals: Pontoon boats
423 207-6014
Marinas
Boone Lake Marina
452 Sportsman Dock Rd
Piney Flats, TN 37686
423 391-7283
Davis Marina
641 Buffalo Rd
Blountville, TN 37617
423 279-0013
Jay's Boat Dock Marina
945 S Pickens Bridge Rd
Gray, TN 37615
423 282-3522
Lakeview Marina & RV Park
474 Lakeside Dock Dr
Kingsport, TN 37663
423 323-1054
Rockingham Marina
639 Rockingham Rd
Johnson City, TN 37615
423 207-6014
Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings
Cooks Valley Ramp
This is a primitive, gravel launch area with primitive, gravel parking.
Davis Marina Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast corner of the lake, this is a single-lane, concrete boat ramp with docks and gravel parking.
Kinch Landing
Located in Winged Deer Park, in the southeast corner of the lake, this is a single-lane, concrete boat ramp with plenty of paved parking.
Sugar Hollow Boat Ramp
This is a single-lane, concrete boat ramp with plenty of gravel parking. It is located on the north side of the lake, just west of the Devault Bridge Road bridge.
TVA Boat Ramp
This is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking. It is located mid lake, on the west side of the lake, off Minga Road.
Warriors Path State Park Boat Ramp
Located in the northwest corner of the lake, this launch area has two, one-lane, concrete ramps with docks and gravel parking.
Fishing Guides On Boone Lake
True North Charters - striped bass
If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.
Fishing License
Click here for a Tennessee Fishing License.
Camping opportunities are available near Boone Lake, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area. Campgrounds and recreational areas offer campsites with various amenities, such as picnic tables, fire pits, and restroom facilities. Camping near Boone Lake allows anglers to extend their fishing trips and enjoy the peaceful ambiance of the lake during their stay.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
Lakeview RV Park Campground - 866 800-0777
Lakeshore RV Park & Campground - 423 323-3506
Lakeview Marina & RV Park - 423 323-1054
Boone Lake, TN Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Boone Lake
Lakeview Marina & RV Park
474 Lakeside Dock Dr
Kingsport, TN 37663
423 323-1054
Fishing lakes in each state.
061024
Boone Lake in Tennessee.
TENNESSEE
Excellent bass and striper fishing in north-central TN.
