Fishing John Sevier Reservoir

AKA: John Sevier Detention Reservoir, John Sevier Lake

Popular Fish Species
John Sevier Reservoir Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boat Launch Ramps
Fishing License
Campgrounds & RV Parks
Map
Contact Info

John Sevier Reservoir, TN

Popular Fish Species John Sevier Reservoir, TN

Largemouth Bass Fishing

John Sevier Reservoir is considered a good bass fishing lake by locals and tournament anglers alike. While fishing success can vary day to day, overall it's a good bass lake. Fishing for bass can be quite rewarding, with an occasional bass over 4 pounds being caught. Bass often move shallow and 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.

Smallmouth Bass Fishing

Smallmouth bass are the most sought-after species at John Sevier Reservoir, with fish over 3 pounds very common. 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.

Crappie Fishing

Crappie anglers can fish for both black crappie and white crappie at John Sevier Reservoir. These two species tend to school separately. However, once located around cover, you may catch both species, as they often use the same cover. For best results when fishing for crappie, light line and small hooks are key, especially when fishing live or prepared baits. Crappie jigs are also productive her in a wide variety of colors. This is a good place to catch quantities of nice, fat slabs. 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. 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. The best time to catch crappie tends to be at dawn and dusk.

John Sevier Reservoir 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, bluegill, redear sunfish, rock bass, warmouth and white bass at John Sevier Reservoir in Tennessee.

Located in the northeast corner of Tennessee, John Sevier Reservoir is a 305-acre impoundment with bass, crappie, catfish, white bass, bluegill and other sunfish. A small boat launch ramp off Tunnel Hill Road, on Beech Creek, is the only formal place to launch. Canoes, kayaks and small craft can be portaged from other locations around the lake. There are no amenities, camping or marinas here, so bring what you need. The town of Rogersville is a couple miles north of the dam, where you can find lodging and dining options.

John Sevier Reservoir is known for its diverse fish populations, with popular species including largemouth bass, crappie, and bluegill. Anglers target largemouth bass around shallow cover. Crappie fishing is productive, particularly in the spring and fall when they congregate shallow to spawn. Bluegill can be found near the shoreline all around the lake.

Primary fish species residing in John Sevier Reservoir

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

John Sevier Reservoir Amenities

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

Today's Weather & Forecast

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

John Sevier TVA Boat Ramp
This is a two-lane, concrete ramp with docks and both paved and gravel parking. It is located in the northeast side of the lake, off TVA Road.

Malindas Ferry TVA Boat Ramp
This is a one-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking. It is located in the northeast part of the lake, just south of the Malindas Ferry Road bridge, at the west end of the bridge.