Fishing John Sevier Reservoir
AKA: John Sevier Detention Reservoir, John Sevier Lake
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.
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.
John Sevier Reservoir Fishing Video
Lake Video
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 Detention Reservoir, located in Sullivan County, Tennessee, offers anglers a serene fishing experience and a chance to connect with nature. While it primarily serves as a detention basin for flood control, it also provides recreational opportunities such as fishing.
John Sevier Reservoir is known for its diverse fish populations, with popular species including largemouth bass, crappie, and bluegill. Anglers can target largemouth bass by casting near the submerged structures and vegetation around the lake. Crappie fishing is productive, particularly in the spring and fall when they congregate near submerged brush piles and fallen trees. Bluegill can be found near the shoreline and offer exciting fishing opportunities for both novice and experienced anglers.
While John Sevier Detention Reservoir may not offer extensive boating or camping opportunities, it provides a peaceful and accessible fishing experience for those looking to spend a relaxing day on the water. Anglers can enjoy the serenity of the surroundings while casting their lines for bass, crappie, and bluegill.
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.
Fishing Guides On John Sevier Reservoir
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 are not available at John Sevier Detention Reservoir, as it is primarily a flood control area. However, there is a nearby camping option, allowing anglers and outdoor enthusiasts to extend their stay and explore other recreational activities in the region.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
The closest camping is 15 miles away, in the Cherokee Lake Campground.
John Sevier Lake, TN Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
John Sevier Reservoir
Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency
3030 Wildlife Wa
Morristown, TN 37814
423 587-7037
Fishing lakes in each state.
101224
John Sevier Lake in Tennessee.
TENNESSEE
Catfish, bass, crappie and sunfish fishing in northeast TN.
