Fishing Chickamauga Lake
AKA: Chickamauga Reservoir, Lake Chickamauga
Popular Fish Species Chickamauga Lake, TN
Largemouth Bass Fishing
Chickamauga Lake continues to deliver great catches of largemouth bass, in part due to the benefits of the TWRA Florida largemouth bass stocking project. Excellent fisheries management by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency has maintained a thriving bass fishery, providing both quantity and quality for anglers of all skill levels. Smallmouth bass and spotted bass also reside here in good numbers. Recent results by locals, and bass fishing tournament participants, attest to the fact that fishing for largemouth bass has been very rewarding lately. Also, there is the potential for catching a monster. Big mouth bass often move shallow and become fairly aggressive when they are in a feeding mood. If they seem disinterested in your presentations, try slowing down and use smaller, lighter baits. 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 options. In winter, spend your time fishing Chickamauga Lake on deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time. Fishing for largemouth bass can range from fair to very good, any time of the year.
Crappie Fishing
Fishing for crappie at Chickamauga Lake continues to be very productive, as it has improved nearly every year in recent years. The lake has good populations of both black crappie and white crappie. These two species generally school by with their own, but once located around cover, you may find that you catch both species, due to the fact they often share the same cover. Crappie fishing can be found in varying size schools, hanging around brush, vegetation, wood or other cover. Using a fish finder any time of year can help locate these crappie schools, which tend to stack vertically around cover. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here. In spring and fall focus on the 8 to 12 foot range. The best time to catch crappie tends to be at dawn and dusk. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out deep, as well as find ledges near channels, especially areas with brush or timber in deeper water.
Walleye Fishing
For over a decade walleye have been stocked into Lake Chickamauga, creating a healthy population of walleye. A popular area is the headwaters below Watts Bar Dam. May and June tend to be the best time for weekend anglers to catch them. During this time they tend to move shallower and closer to shore. Other times of the year they are more likely to roam around in deeper water. As always, stay around schools of baitfish. They are eager to feed throughout the lake, but tend to concentrate around structure on points, flats and ledges off the river channels. A proven method for catching walleye here is trolling with spinners tipped with live bait, or trolling with long-billed, deep diving crankbaits. However casting live bait, jigs, worms and spoons also works well at times.
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, 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.
Chickamauga Lake Lake Video
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.
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.
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.
Fishing Guides On Chickamauga Lake
Scott Patton Fishing Guide - bass
Carters Guide Service - bass, stripers
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 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.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
Agency Creek Campground - 423 334-0927
Bluewater Resort & RV Campground - 423 775-3265
Possum Creek RV Park & Campground - 423 332-8468
Cottonport Marina & RV Resort Campground - 423 454-4110
Chattanooga North - Cleveland KOA Campground - 423 472-8928
Chickamauga Lake, TN Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Chickamauga Lake
Harrison Bay State Park
8411 Harrison Bay Rd
Harrison, TN 37341
423 344-6214
Fishing lakes in each state.
070624
Chickamauga Reservoir in TN
TENNESSEE
Crappie, catfish, walleye and striped bass fishing in southeast TN.
