Fishing Watts Bar Lake
AKA: Watts Bar Reservoir
Popular Fish Species Watts Bar Lake, TN
Largemouth Bass Fishing
Currently, largemouth bass are thriving in Watts Bar Lake> As an impoundment on the Tennessee River, it has very fertile water 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 Fishing
Smallmouth bass are also a favorite of many locals at Watts Bar Lake, as they are plentiful and fun to catch. 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. Spotted bass can also be caught here, often in good numbers.
Striped Bass Fishing
Due to their large size, striped bass are a favorite of many locals and fishing guides at Watts Bar Lake. They are plentiful, run in schools and can grow to bragging size. 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.
Watts Bar Lake Fishing Video
Fish species to fish for...
Guide to 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 on the Tennessee River, 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. Check out fishing reports for popular species at this lake.
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.
Fishing Guides On Watts Bar Lake
Barry's Guide Service - crappie
If you offer fishing guide services on Watts Bar Lake, please contact us for a free listing to be posted here.
Fishing License
Click here for a Tennessee Fishing License.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
Caney Creek RV Resort Campground - 865 882-4042
Eden Marina & Campground - 423 365-6929
Hornsby Hollow Campground - 423 334-1709
Fooshee Pass Campground - 423 334-4842
Cedar Point RV Park & Cabins - 423 322-6490
Watts Bar Lake, TN Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Watts Bar Lake
Spring City Resort And Marina
2109 New Lake Rd
Spring City, TN 37381
423 365-5150
Fishing lakes in each state.
030524
Watts Bar Lake in Tennessee.
TENNESSEE
Giant bass, monster crappie, and big striper fishing in southeast TN.
