Fishing Woods Reservoir

AKA: Woods Lake

Most Popular Fish
Woods Reservoir Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boat Launch Ramps
Local Fishing Guides
Fishing License
Campgrounds & RV Parks
Map
Contact Info

Woods Reservoir, TN

Popular Fish Species Woods Reservoir, TN

Crappie Fishing

Black and white crappie both reside in Woods Reservoir, 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 are being caught with regularity. 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.

Woods Reservoir Popular Fish - White Bass

White Bass Fishing

After previous-years with successful spawns, white bass are again flourishing in Woods Reservoir. Anglers should expect some great fishing this year. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency has done a great job managing this fishery. White bass are aggressive, hard-fighting and just plain fun to catch. When fishing for white bass, the average fish is typically in the one- to two-pound range. These schooling fish tend to roam around the lake looking for ideal water conditions and baitfish. Look for them to generally be in 15 to 35 feet of water, whether they are hovering around the bottom or swimming in open water. Fish finders are the best way to locate big schools of white bass. In spring, once the water temperature rises into the mid sixties, they move shallow into the backs of coves and creek channels to spawn. At this time anglers can fish from shore and often do quite well. Use lures that imitate baitfish, including crankbaits, jerkbaits, jigs and spoons.

Woods Reservoir Popular Fish - Channel Catfish

Channel Catfish Fishing

For over a decade, a healthy population of channel catfish have populated the waters of Woods Reservoir, and anglers are enjoying the benefits. Before consuming catfish from the lake, check with The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, for health advisories. In Spring channel cats migrate toward incoming water, so stay up river away from the main lake. Night fishing for channel catfish often delivers better results than fishing during the day. In early summer look for rocky banks, the bigger the rocks the better. In summer and winter deeper structure is where to look. The river end of the lake is often the area where the bigger catfish are caught. Fishing for channel catfish is often productive around any kind of structure in the area. Road beds, creek channels and rocky points are all good places to begin. Use a slip sinker or Carolina rig with popular catfish baits. Flathead catfish and blue catfish also reside in the lake and fishing for them is often good as well.

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 and yellow bass at Woods Reservoir in Tennessee.

Woods Reservoir Fishing Video

Considered one of the best crappie lakes in the state, Woods Reservoir is located on Arnold Air Force Base, in the south-central part of Tennessee. In addition to excellent crappie fishing, this 4,000 acre lake has sizable populations of a variety of fish species. Bass, walleye, catfish and sunfish also reside here, and are popular with local anglers. Fishing is open to the public, and there is a campground available to service members, past and present - see details.

Woods Reservoir, located in central Tennessee, is a hidden gem for anglers seeking a peaceful fishing experience. This 3,980-acre reservoir, formed by the Elk River, offers serene waters, diverse fish species, and opportunities for boating and camping.

Woods Reservoir is known for its excellent bass fishing. Largemouth bass and smallmouth bass are the primary targets for anglers, and the lake's structure, including submerged brush, rocky points, and ledges, provides ideal habitats for these game fish. Anglers can use a variety of techniques such as casting with crankbaits, jigs, and soft plastics to entice the bass. The lake's relatively calm waters and scenic shoreline make it an inviting destination for both casual and avid bass anglers.

In addition to bass, Woods Reservoir supports other popular fish species. Crappie fishing is productive, with both black and white crappie offering anglers opportunities for success. Anglers can find crappie near submerged structures, such as fallen trees and brush piles, where they 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 and sauger, adding to the diversity of angling options.

Woods Reservoir's combination of excellent bass fishing, serene boating opportunities, and camping facilities make it a beloved destination for anglers and nature lovers in Tennessee. Whether you're casting your line for bass, exploring the lake's calm waters by boat, or camping amidst the tranquil surroundings, Woods Reservoir offers a serene and enjoyable environment for all who visit.

Primary fish species residing in Woods Reservoir

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Woods Reservoir Amenities

Marina: NO
Boat Rental: NO
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: NEARBY
Bait & Tackle: NO
Restaurant: NEARBY

Today's Weather & Forecast

Boating on Woods Reservoir allows anglers and outdoor enthusiasts to explore its peaceful waters. Boaters can launch their boats from public ramps and cruise the lake's tranquil expanse, taking in the scenic beauty of the surrounding wooded hillsides. The absence of heavy boat traffic makes it an ideal location for leisurely boating, fishing excursions, and wildlife observation.

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Brumalow Creek Boat Ramp
Located mid lake, north side, off Manchester Beach Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

Franklin County Park Boat Ramp
This is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking. It is located in the southwest sector, south side, off Elder Road.

Morris Ferry Boat Dock
This is a single-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking. It is located in the south-central sector, south side, off Morris Ferry Dock Road.

Fishing Guides On Woods Reservoir

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 Woods Reservoir provide visitors with the opportunity to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area. Campgrounds offer amenities such as campsites, picnic areas, and restroom facilities. Camping near Woods Reservoir allows anglers and outdoor enthusiasts to extend their stay and fully enjoy the peaceful ambiance of the lake and its surrounding woodlands.

Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby

Arnold Air Force Base Outdoor Recreation Campground - 931 454-6084