Fishing Calderwood Lake

AKA: Calderwood Reservoir

Popular Fish Species
Calderwood Lake Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
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Calderwood Reservoir, TN

Popular Fish Species Calderwood Lake, TN

Calderwood Lake Popular Fish - Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass Fishing

Smallmouth bass are the most sought-after species at Calderwood Lake, with fish over 3 pounds very common. Largemouth bass also reside here in good numbers. Smallmouth bass fishing is particularly good when they move to shallow water. Use shallow spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, crankbaits, tube baits and jerkbaits around any sort of rip rap. Around grass, use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. Other times, focus your time on deeper structure with drop-shot rigs, small worms, jigs and spoons. Rock piles and points are prime areas for smallmouth as these areas are also home to crawfish.

Calderwood Lake Popular Fish - Black Crappie

Black Crappie Fishing

A nice population of black crappie resides in Calderwood Lake. Crappie tend to run in schools, and once a school is located, there is a good chance for catching significant numbers. Crappie fishing is easy and requires simple, basic gear. Virtually any fishing pole, reasonably small line and crappie jigs or small hooks baited with live bait, creates the ideal setup. Add a bobber and you can set the depth you prefer the bait to maintain. The best time to catch crappie tends to be at dawn and dusk. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here. Because crappie prefer cover and structure, locate brush and vegetation in appropriate water depths. Using a fish finder can help locate schools of crappie, which tend to stack vertically around cover. In spring and fall focus on the 8 to 12 foot range. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out deep, as well as find ledges near channels in deeper water.

Calderwood Lake Popular Fish - Rainbow Trout

Rainbow Trout Fishing

Fishing for rainbow trout at Calderwood Lake can be effective using worms, salmon eggs, prepared baits, small spinners, spoons, jerkbaits and small crankbaits in vibrant colors to mimic prey. Use the lightest fishing line for the best possible results, based on conditions. Annual stocking by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency has helped to maintain a good population of rainbow trout. While fishing from a boat is often the preferred method, plenty of trout are caught here by anglers fishing from the bank. Additionally, floating or sinking flies, such as nymphs, streamers, or dry flies, are popular choices for fly anglers targeting rainbow trout. Trolling with lures or flies behind a boat, casting near shoreline structures, or still fishing with bait can all yield success. Adjusting lure size, color, and retrieve speed can enhance chances of enticing these colorful and spirited fish.

Calderwood Lake Fishing Video

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, black crappie, white crappie, walleye, rainbow trout, bluegill, redear sunfish, rock bass, warmouth, white bass and sauger at Calderwood Lake in Tennessee.

Nestled in the southeastern corner of the state, Calderwood Lake is half in Tennessee, and half in North Carolina. This 514-acre reservoir is a cold-water fishery which is ideal for trout, walleye and smallmouth bass. The lake is also home to crappie, catfish, white bass, sunfish and sauger. There is a canoe and kayak portage near the Calderwood dam, and the only boat launch is located in NC on the east side of the lake off Tapaco Road. Anglers fishing from a boat can fish the entire lake with a NC or TN fishing license. Fishing from shore requires a license for the state in which you are located.

Primary fish species residing in Calderwood Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Calderwood Reservoir Amenities

Marina: NO
Boat Rental: NO
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: Primitive
RV Hookups: NO
Lodging: NO
Convenience Store: NO
Bait & Tackle: NO
Restaurant: NO

Today's Weather & Forecast

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Magazine Branch Boat Ramp
Located mid lake, on the north side of the lake, this is a single-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.