Fishing At Chickamauga Lake

AKA: Chickamauga Reservoir, Lake Chickamauga

What 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, green sunfish, longear sunfish, redear sunfish, warmouth, white bass, striped bass, hybrid striped bass, alligator gar, bowfin, chain pickerel, longnose gar, paddlefish, sauger and spotted gar at Chickamauga Lake in Tennessee.

Well known as a bass haven, Chickamauga Lake is actually home to a wide variety of fish species. Crappie, catfish, sunfish, walleye, striped bass and other species also share this 35,000-acre impoundment in the southeast part of the state, at Chatanooga. A favorite for both national and local bass fishing tournaments, Chickamauga Reservoir annually makes the Bassmaster Top 100 bass lakes in the USA. Big stripers, and plenty of crappie and white bass can also be bagged here. Over 800 miles of shoreline are available for fishing from the bank or from all types of boats. From kayaks to pontoon boats, and canoes to bass boats, or just fishing from the family pleasure boat, there's plenty of spots for everyone. Several marinas and boat ramps are available to boaters and anglers. Local fishing guides offer trips for all types of fishing on the lake.

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

The purpose of this page is to deliver an overview of this lake, the fishing options, and area amenities. Our goal is to provide info to first time visitors, as well as beginner and novice anglers. We gathered details from personal experience, numerous trusted websites that each offer select bits of information, and videos of fishing activity on the lake. These websites include the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, marinas at the lake, campgrounds, boat rental agencies and others. By consolidating this information to one page it allows visitors to see the entire picture, all in one place.

Lake Video

Chickamauga Lake, located in southeastern Tennessee, is a renowned fishing destination known for its exceptional angling opportunities, scenic beauty, and recreational activities. This 36,000-acre reservoir on the Tennessee River offers a diverse range of fish species and ample space for boating and camping adventures.

Chickamauga Lake is widely regarded as one of the top bass fishing destinations in the United States. The lake boasts a healthy population of largemouth bass, attracting anglers from near and far. Anglers can experience thrilling battles with these aggressive fish by casting with a variety of baits, such as plastic worms, crankbaits, and topwater lures. The lake's submerged structures, including submerged timber and grass beds, provide excellent habitats for largemouth bass. Smallmouth bass are also present in the lake, particularly in the upper stretches, offering an additional challenge for anglers seeking the prized bronzebacks.

In addition to bass, Chickamauga Lake is home to other popular fish species. Crappie fishing is excellent, with both black and white crappie providing exciting angling opportunities throughout the year. The lake's abundant forage supports healthy populations of catfish, including channel catfish and blue catfish, which can be targeted using various techniques such as drift fishing or fishing near deep holes and structure. Other species found in the lake include sauger, walleye, and sunfish, offering anglers a diverse range of fishing options.

Chickamauga Lake's combination of exceptional fishing, boating opportunities, and camping facilities make it a sought-after destination for outdoor enthusiasts in Tennessee. Whether you're targeting bass, crappie, or catfish, cruising the calm waters on a boat, or camping by the lakeside, Chickamauga Lake offers a serene and enjoyable environment for all who visit.

Primary fish species residing in Lake Chickamauga

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Chickamauga Lake Amenities

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

Today's Weather & Forecast

Boating is a favorite activity on Chickamauga Lake, thanks to its expansive water surface and multiple access points. Anglers and water enthusiasts can launch their boats and enjoy exploring the lake's numerous coves, bays, and channels. Whether it's cruising at a leisurely pace, water skiing, or engaging in other water sports, the lake provides ample space for recreational boating activities.

Fishing Boat Rentals

Chickamauga Marina
Rentals: Pontoon boats
423 622-1978

Harbor Lights Marina
Rentals: Pontoon boats
423 842-5391

Lakeshore Marina
Rentals: Open bow and pontoon boats
423 870-2000

Pine Harbor Marina
Rentals: Pontoon boats
423 332-3963

Marinas

Chickamauga Marina
3001 Kings Point Rd
Chattanooga, TN 37416
423 622-1978

Harbor Lights Marina
9718 Hixson Pike
Soddy-Daisy, TN 37379
423 842-5391

Island Cove Marina
6667 TN-58
Harrison, TN 37341
423 344-8331

Lakeshore Marina
5600 Lake Resort Terrace
Chattanooga, TN 37415
423 870-2000

Pine Harbor Marina
1145 Poling Cir
Soddy-Daisy, TN 37379
423 332-3963

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Armstrong Ferry Public Boat Ramp
Located at the northern end of the lake, on the southeast side, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Boat Ramp TWRA
Located at the northern end of the lake, off Garrison Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with limited, gravel parking.

Blythe Ferry Boat Ramp
Located mid-lake, on the south side of the lake, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

Holly Park Boat Launch Ramp
This is a three-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking. It is located in the western part of the lake, just east of the Highway 27 Bridge.

Chickamauga Dam Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest corner of the lake, at the south end of the dam, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

Grasshopper Public Boat Ramp
Located mid-lake, on the south side of the lake, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Harrison Bay State Park Boat Ramp
Located in the southwest corner of the lake, off Harrison Bay Road, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and lots of convenient paved parking.

Lee Pike Boat Ramp
Located mid-lake, on the west side of the lake, at the north end of the Lee Pike Bridge, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

Sale Creek Recreation Area Boat Ramp
Located mid-lake, on the west side of the lake, at the north end of the May Road Bridge, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

Skull Island Public Boat Ramp
Located in the southeast corner of the lake, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with limited, gravel parking.

TWRA Boat Ramp Savannah Bay
Located in the southeast corner of the lake, at the north end of the Snow Hill Road Bridge, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with limited, gravel parking.

Wolftever Creek Boat Ramp
This is a four-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking. It is located at the north end of the Highway 58 Bridge, in the southeast corner of the lake.

Click here for a Tennessee Fishing License.

Camping facilities near Chickamauga Lake offer opportunities for visitors to fully immerse themselves in the natural surroundings. Campgrounds provide amenities such as campsites, picnic areas, and restroom facilities. Camping near Chickamauga Lake allows anglers and outdoor enthusiasts to extend their stay, making the most of their fishing adventures and enjoying the peaceful ambiance of the lake.