Fishing Great Falls Lake
AKA: Great Falls Reservoir
Popular Fish Species Great Falls Lake, TN
Channel Catfish Fishing
To fish for catfish on Great Falls Lake, most any rod and reel will work, as long as the line is strong enough. For serious catfish enthusiasts, using the right equipment improves success. A medium action, to medium-heavy action rod is ideal, in the 6' to 7' range. Use a slip sinker or Carolina rig with popular catfish baits on at least 10-pound line. Use sharp hooks with bait holders on the shank, or circle hooks for live bait. The Lake has a decent population of channel catfish, and they are eager to bite. The typical fish are about 2 pounds, with larger ones caught frequently. Night fishing for catfish often delivers better results than daytime fishing. Fishing for channel catfish is often most productive around any kind of structure in the area. In Spring channel catfish migrate toward incoming water, so stay up river away from the main lake. In early summer look for rocky banks, the bigger the rocks the better. In summer and winter deeper structure is where to look. 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.
Largemouth Bass Fishing
Great Falls Lake is considered a good bass fishing lake by locals. Fishing for bass can be quite rewarding, with an occasional bass over 4 pounds being caught. Bass typically move shallow and often become aggressive when they are in a feeding mood. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap. Around grass, use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In deeper water, drop shot rigs, big worms, jigs and spoons are good options. In winter, spend your time fishing deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time.
Redear Sunfish Fishing
Fishing for redear sunfish, also known as shellcrackers, is popular here at Great Falls Lake. Like most bream, they are a popular species with young and old, as well as beginners and seasoned anglers alike. This year, much like recent years, the redear sunfish population is healthy and always looking for something edible. Redear sunfish fishing is about as simple as fishing gets. Any lighter fishing pole, reasonably light line, small hooks baited with anything eatable, creates a great setup. Add a bobber and you can set the depth you prefer the bait to position. Redear prefer clear, warmer water and hang around brush, rocks, vegetation, docks or any cover available.
Great Falls 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, bluegill, redear sunfish, rock bass, warmouth and muskie at Great Falls Lake in Tennessee.
With over 120 miles of shoreline, Great Falls Lake has plenty of places to wet a line. Created from the confluence of the Caney Fork River, Collins River and the Rocky River, this 1,800-acre lake in central Tennessee, supports a host of fresh-water fish species. Bass and crappie are the featured species, but the lake also contains quality populations of catfish, walleye, sunfish, muskie and others. Fishing from a boat enhances the opportunity for success, but there are areas for fishing from shore. Kayaks and canoes are an option for anglers hoping to get some exercise while fishing. The lake is lined with boat docks and a fair amount of trees and brush also provide cover for bass and crappie.
Primary fish species residing in Great Falls Lake
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
Great Falls Lake Amenities
Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: NEARBY
Bait & Tackle: NO
Restaurant: YES
Today's Weather & Forecast
Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings
Kings Landing Ramp
Located mid lake, north side, at the end of Kings Landing road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking.
Fishing License
Click here for a Tennessee Fishing License.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
Camp Overton Campground - 931 686-2093
Hy-Lake Christian Camp Campground - 931 657-5012
Collins River Camp, Ramp & RV Campground - 931 686-4468
Great Falls Lake, TN Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Great Falls Lake
Rock Island State Park
82 Beach Rd
Rock Island, TN 38581
931 686-2471
Fishing lakes in each state.
021125
Great Falls Lake in Tennessee.
TENNESSEE
Bass and crappie fishing in central TN.
