Fishing Nickajack Lake
AKA: Nickajack Reservoir
Popular Fish Species Nickajack Lake, TN
Largemouth Bass Fishing
Compared to other impoundments on the Tennessee River system, Nickajack Lake continues to deliver higher catch rates of largemouth bass. Results by locals, and many bass fishing tournaments, attest that fishing for largemouth bass has been as good as advertised. A significant number of large bass also roam these waters for the added bonus of a potential lunker. Thorough fisheries management by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency has maintained a quality bass fishery for some time now. Generally speaking, when the bite is good bass often move shallow and become fairly aggressive. Any time you find them shallow and 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 weapons. In winter, spend your time fishing Nickajack Lake on deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time. Smallmouth bass and spotted bass also reside here in good numbers.
Crappie Fishing
Black and white crappie both reside in Nickajack Lake, with black crappie typically out-weighing white crappie. They do school together so when you find them you may catch both species. Crappie fishing is on the rise and they can be found in sizeable schools. Crappie always like cover and structure, so locate brush and vegetation. Using a fish finder can help locate schools of crappie, 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 in deeper water.
Blue Catfish Fishing
This year blue catfish are running in the big to monster size in Nickajack Lake. Most of the local guides offer catfish trips, and big blues are the favorite target. The state record is over 120 pounds. Fishing for blue catfish is most often productive during spring through summer around any kind of structure. 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. Use a slip sinker or Carolina rig with cut bait or other popular catfish baits. Other catfish in the lake include channel and flathead catfish.
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 Fishing Video
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.
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.
Primary fish species residing in Nickajack Lake
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
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.
Fishing Guides On Nickajack Lake
MidSouth Bass Guide - bass
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 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
Fishing lakes in each state.
062324
Nickajack Reservoir in Tennessee.
TENNESSEE
Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and spotted bass fishing in southeast TN.
