Fishing At Watts Bar Lake

AKA: Watts Bar Reservoir

What to fish for...

Fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, channel catfish, blue catfish, black crappie, white crappie, walleye, bluegill, redear sunfish, rock bass, warmouth, white bass, yellow bass, striped bass, hybrid striped bass, muskie, paddlefish and sauger at Watts Bar Lake in Tennessee.

An anglers paradise April through December, Watts Bar Lake is a 39,000-acre reservoir in the southeast part of the state, at Grandview, TN. Giant bass, monster crappie, and big stripers are the main draw here at Watts Bar Reservoir. The lake also has catfish, muskie, white bass and sunfish, as well as other species. There is over 700 miles of shoreline to traverse, whether from shore or by boat, in search for your favorite species. There are marinas, campgrounds, boat launches, lodging and other amenities scattered around the lake to enhance your visit. Bring or rent a fishing boat, canoe or kayak and explore the many ways to catch fish here. In spring and fall target the shallows, paying close attention to cover like boat docks, brush and trees. Then in winter and summer concentrate on deeper water around creek channels, flats, ledges, humps and points. Access to areas for fishing from shore is limited, and other than in campground areas, may take some exploring.

Primary fish species residing in Watts Bar Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Watts Bar Lake Amenities

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

Today's Weather & Forecast

Fishing Boat Rentals

Arrowhead Resort
Rentals: Bass boats and pontoons
423 365-6484

Bayside Marina & Resort
Rentals: Pontoon boats
865 898-1993

Long Island Marina
Rentals: Pontoon boats and kayaks
865 376-6288

Terrace View Marina
Rentals: Pontoon boats
423 365-6060

Marinas

Long Island Marina
1060 Paint Rock Ferry Rd
Kingston, TN 37763
865 376-6288

Rhea Harbor Marina
385 Lakeshire Dr
Spring City, TN 37381
423 365-6851

Spring City Resort & Marina
2109 New Lake Rd
Spring City, TN 37381
423 365-5150

Terrace View Marina
3367 Euchee Chapel Rd
Spring City, TN 37381
423 365-6060

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Big Springs Access Area
This is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking. It is located in the southwest sector of the lake off Highway 304.

Cane Hollow Boat Ramp
This is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking. It is located mid lake, west side, off Phillips Drive.

Caney Ford Boat Ramp
This is a four-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking. It is located in the north-central sector of the lake, off Caney Creek Road.

Dr. Tom Fuller Memorial Park
Located in the north-central sector of the lake, off Pumphouse Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with docks and plenty of paved parking.

Eden Marina and Campground Boat Ramp
Located in the southwest sector of the lake, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with limited, gravel parking.

Euchee Boat Ramp
This is a two-lane, concrete ramp with limited gravel parking. It is located in the southern sector of the lake off Highway 304.

Foshee Pass Recreation Area Boat Ramp
Located in the southern sector of the lake, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Old James Ferry Road Boat Ramp
This is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking. It is located in the eastern sector, north side, south of the Highway 58 Bridge.

Polecat Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast sector, south side, off of London Highway, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

Rhea Springs Boat Ramp
Located in the western sector of the lake, in the Rhea Springs Campground, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with limited gravel parking.

Click here for a Tennessee Fishing License.