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Fishing At Nickajack Lake In 2024

AKA: Nickajack Reservoir

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By AA-Fishing Staff Writers

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, white bass, yellow bass, striped bass, hybrid striped bass, paddlefish and sauger at Nickajack Reservoir in Tennessee.

Nickajack Lake, TN

Flowing through the Tennessee River Gorge, Nickajack Lake is a 10,370-acre reservoir in the southeast part of the state. The lake meanders through the city of Chattanooga, and has early 180 miles of shoreline. There's over a dozen places to launch pleasure boats, pontoon boats and fishing boats. There are plenty of places to fish, and plenty of fish to find - whether you fish from shore or from a boat, kayak or canoe. Bass, crappie, striped bass, catfish, walleye, sunfish, paddlefish, and other species reside in Nickajack Reservoir in healthy numbers.

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

Nickajack Lake, located in southeastern Tennessee, offers anglers a fantastic fishing experience, boating opportunities, and a chance to enjoy the surrounding natural beauty. This 10,370-acre reservoir, formed by the Tennessee River, provides excellent fishing for a variety of popular fish species.

Nickajack Lake is known for its outstanding bass fishing. Largemouth bass and smallmouth bass are the primary targets for anglers, and the lake's structure, including submerged brush, rock formations, and ledges, provides ideal habitats for these species. Anglers can employ various techniques such as flipping, pitching, and topwater fishing to entice the bass. The lake's healthy bass population and the opportunity to catch trophy-sized fish make it a favorite destination for anglers.

In addition to bass, Nickajack Lake supports other popular fish species. Crappie fishing is productive, with both black and white crappie offering anglers plenty of action. Anglers can find success near submerged brush piles, fallen trees, and bridge pilings, where crappie often congregate. The lake is also home to catfish, including channel catfish and blue catfish, which can be targeted using a variety of baits and techniques. Other species found in the lake include sauger, walleye, and sunfish, providing anglers with additional fishing options.

Nickajack Lake's combination of excellent 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, enjoying a leisurely boat ride, or camping by the lakeside, Nickajack Lake offers a serene and enjoyable environment for all who visit.

Fishing Boats For Rent In TN

Primary fish species residing in Nickajack Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Largemouth bass Smallmouth bass Spotted bass Channel catfish Flathead catfish Black crappie White crappie Walleye Bluegill Redear Sunfish Rock Bass Warmouth Sunfish White Bass Yellow Bass Striped bass Hybrid Striped Bass Paddlefish Sauger

Nickajack 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 favored activity on Nickajack Lake, thanks to its vast expanse of water and multiple access points. Anglers and boating enthusiasts can launch their boats from public ramps and explore the lake's scenic bays, channels, and open waters. Boaters can enjoy leisurely cruises, engage in water sports activities, or simply relax while taking in the stunning views of the surrounding hills and wooded shoreline.

Fishing Boat Rentals

Hales Bar Marina & Resort
Rentals: Pontoon boats
423 942-9000

Marinas

Hales Bar Marina & Resort
1265 Hales Bar Rd
Guild, TN 37340
423 942-9000

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Bennett Lake Boat Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, north side, off Bennett Lake Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

Boat Ramp, TVA Racoon Mountain Pump Station
Located in the western section of the lake, south side, off Racoon Mountain Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.

Hale's Bar Boat Ramp
Located in the southwest section of the lake, south side, off Hale Bar Road, this is a single-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking.

Public Boat Launch Ramp
Located just east of the dam, off Macedonia Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

Shellmound Boat Ramp
This is a two-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking. It is located in the northeast section of the lake, north side, off Highway 27.

Suck Creek Boat Launch
This is a two-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking. It is located in the northwest corner of the lake, just east of the dam.

Sullivan's Landing TWRA Boat Ramp
Located mid lake, on the east side of the lake, off Highway 41, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Click here for a Tennessee Fishing License.

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

Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby

Marion County Park Campground - 423 942-6653

Shellmound Campground - 423 942-9857

Hales Bar Marina & Resort Campground - 423 942-9000

Raccoon Mountain Campground - 423 821-9403

Nickajack Lake, TN Map - Fishing & Camping Areas

Contact Information

Nickajack Reservoir
Hales Bar Marina & Resort
1265 Hales Bar Rd
Guild, TN 37340
423 942-9000

 

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Nickajack Reservoir in Tennessee.

Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and spotted bass fishing in southeast TN.

Fishing at Nickajack Lake, in Tennessee.