Guide To Fishing At Watauga Lake

AKA: Watauga Reservoir

What to fish for...

Fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, black crappie, white crappie, walleye, rainbow trout, brown trout, lake trout, bluegill, redear sunfish, rock bass, warmouth and white bass at Watauga Lake in Tennessee.

Along the northeast border of the state, Watauga Lake is a 6,400-acre reservoir that annually makes the Bassmaster Top 100 bass lakes in the USA. Smallmouth bass, trout and walleye are the favored species here, but the lake also boasts largemouth, spotted and white bass, plus crappie and numerous sunfish, including bluegill.

Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Rental Boats
Marinas
Boat Launch Ramps
Campgrounds & RV Parks
Map
Lake Video
Contact Info

Multiple marinas and boat launch ramps are conveniently located around the lake. Known as a very "bank fishing friendly" lake, there is over 100 miles of shoreline to approach from land or water. The lake is used by pleasure boats, family boats, ski boats and all types of fishing boats including kayaks, canoes and pontoon boats. Plenty of cabins, camping and cabins are available for family vacations or weekend fishing trip.

Primary fish species residing in Watauga Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Watauga Lake Amenities

Marina: Seven
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: Eight
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Fishing Boat Rentals

Fish Springs Marina
Rentals: Pontoon boats
423 768-2336

Lakeshore Marina
Rentals: Fishing boats, runabouts and pontoon boats
423 725-2223

Marinas

Fish Springs Marina
191 Fish Springs Rd
Hampton, TN 37658
423 768-2336

Pioneer Landing Campground Marina
105 Cowan Town Rd
Butler, TN 37640
423 768-3164

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Little Milligan Boat Ramp
Located mid lake, south side, off Moody Circle road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Sink Mountain Recreation Area Boat Ramp
Located in the northeast corner of the lake, north side, this is a gravel ramp with limited, gravel parking.

Watauga Dam Boat Ramp And Parking
This is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking. It is located in the northwest corner of the lake, immediately east of the dam.

Click here for a Tennessee Fishing License.