Fishing Tims Ford Lake
AKA: Tims Ford Reservoir
Popular Fish Species Tims Ford Lake, TN
Largemouth Bass Fishing
Currently, largemouth bass are thriving in Tims Ford Lake due to excellent fisheries management and plenty of cover for both baitfish and bass. Fishing for largemouth bass is good virtually any time they are shallow - in spring, mornings in summer, and during warm Fall afternoons. 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 on deeper structure. Smallmouth bass and spotted bass also reside here in good numbers.
Smallmouth Bass Fishing
Smallmouth bass are a favorite of many locals at Tims Ford Lake, as they are plentiful and they are eager to bite, once located. Fishing for smallmouth bass is good anytime they are shallow - in spring, during high water, mornings in summer and during warmer fall afternoons. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap, and around grass use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In winter, spend your time on deeper structure with small worms, jigs and spoons. Largemouth bass and spotted bass also reside here in good numbers.
Striped Bass Fishing
Due to their large size, striped bass are a favorite of many locals and fishing guides at Tims Ford Lake. They are plentiful, run in schools and can grow to bragging size. During the day stripers hang out in deeper water and feed close to the bottom, 50 feet or deeper. Morning draw the stripers to the much shallower water, look for them around the 20-foot range as they feed on shallow-running schools of bait. The lake is filled with plenty of baitfish and sunfish to to keep the fishery thriving. Being successful at fishing for stripers is a matter of locating schools of bait, and the wolf packs of stripers which are likely to be nearby. Fish finders, and forward facing sonar, are a big help in locating these roaming schools. Live bait is very effective here, and stripers can be caught year round.
Tims Ford 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, white bass, yellow bass, striped bass and hybrid striped bass at Tims Ford Lake in Tennessee.
Home of giant crappie and smallmouth bass, Tims Ford Lake is a 10,500-acre reservoir in the south-central part of the state. The lake is also home to catfish, striped bass, largemouth, white bass and numerous sunfish. The area and lake are pretty as a picture and an ideal place for a vacation or weekend fishing trip.
Tims Ford Lake, located in southern Middle Tennessee, is a picturesque reservoir that offers anglers a diverse fishing experience, excellent boating opportunities, and scenic camping options. This 10,700-acre lake, formed by the Elk River, is a popular destination for both local and visiting anglers.
Tims Ford Lake is known for its outstanding bass fishing. Largemouth bass and smallmouth bass are abundant in the lake and attract anglers of all skill levels. The lake's structure, including submerged brush, rocky points, and boat docks, provides ideal habitats for these prized game fish. Anglers can employ various techniques such as casting with crankbaits, jigs, and soft plastics to entice the bass. The lake's healthy bass population and the opportunity to catch trophy-sized fish make it a favorite destination for both recreational and tournament anglers.
In addition to bass, Tims Ford 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 various baits and techniques. Other fish species found in the lake include sunfish, walleye, and sauger, providing anglers with additional fishing opportunities.
Tims Ford Lake's combination of excellent fishing, boating opportunities, and camping facilities make it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts in Tennessee. Whether you're targeting bass, crappie, or catfish, enjoying a leisurely boat ride, or camping by the lakeside, Tims Ford Lake offers a serene and enjoyable environment for all who visit.
Cabin rentals, camping and lodging are all conveniently located around the lake. Various boat ramps are available for pleasure and fishing boats, and there are areas for portage of kayaks and canoes. Though limited, there are places near boat ramps and campgrounds for fishing from the bank.
Primary fish species residing in Tims Ford Lake
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
Lake Video
Tims Ford Lake Amenities
Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: NEARBY
Restaurant: YES
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boating is a favored activity on Tims Ford Lake, thanks to its expansive water surface and multiple marinas. Anglers and boating enthusiasts can launch their boats from public ramps and explore the lake's many coves, bays, and open waters. Boaters can enjoy leisurely cruises, engage in water sports activities, or simply relax while taking in the scenic beauty of the surrounding hills and wooded shoreline.
Fishing Boat Rentals
Lakeview Marina
Rentals: Pontoon boats, canoes and kayaks
931 967-6711
Tims Ford Marina & Resort
Rentals: Pontoon boats
931 967-4509
Twin Creeks Marina
Rentals: Pontoon boats and kayaks
931 229-4095
Marinas
Holiday Landing Marina
912 Old Awalt Rd
Tullahoma, TN 37388
931 455-3151
Lakeview Marina
1439 Tims Ford Dr
Winchester, TN 37398
931 967-6711
Tims Ford Marina & Resort
175 Marina Ln
Winchester, TN 37398
931 967-4509
Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings
Anderton Public Boat Ramp
Located in the west sector of the lake, west side, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and limited, gravel parking.
Lakeview Marina Launch Ramp
This is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking. It is located mid lake, north side at the end of Tims Ford Drive.
Lost Creek Boat Ramp
Located in the far northeast corner of the lake, off Lost Creek Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Neal Bridge Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast sector of the lake, north side, at the Ridgeville Road Bridge, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.
Tims Ford Lake Boat Ramp
Located immediately east of the Tims Ford Dam, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Tim's Ford Lake, Devil's Step Boat Launch
Located in the southeast sector of the lake, south side, at the Fairview Campground, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Turkey Creek Campground Boat Ramp
Located in the northeast sector of the lake, north side, off Turkey Creek Boat Dock Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Fishing Guides On Tims Ford Lake
Mid South Bass Guide - largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted 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 Tims Ford Lake provide visitors with the opportunity to extend their stay and fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area. Campgrounds offer amenities such as campsites, picnic areas, and restroom facilities. Camping near Tims Ford Lake allows anglers and outdoor enthusiasts to make the most of their fishing adventures and enjoy the peaceful ambiance of the lake and its surrounding woodlands.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
Tims Ford State Park Campground - 931 962-1183
Tims Ford Marina & Resort Campground - 931 967-4509
Camp Riva Lake Campground - 931 962-2753
Tims Ford Lake, TN Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Tims Ford Lake
Tims Ford State Park
570 Tims Ford Drive
Winchester, Tennessee 37398
931 962-1183
Fishing lakes in each state.
031624
Tims Ford Lake in Tennessee.
TENNESSEE
Giant crappie and smallmouth bass fishing in south-central TN.
