%2Ffit-in%2F250x250%2Fguide_websites%2F2292%2Fimages%2F1740568741895image-2025-02-26t191857.060.png&w=1200&q=100)
Top-Rated Tennessee River Fishing Adventure
- Published Date: July 17, 2025
- Fishing
- Pickwick Dam-Tennessee River RV Park, 2785 Wharf Rd, Savannah, TN 38372, United States
- $350 - $500 price range
Summary
%2F%2Fusers%2F3cc9fcc2-5b0e-4f0b-a5be-9800082d98b1%2Fratecard%2Ftn_striper.png&w=1200&q=75)
Reel-to-Reel Action
Ooltewah TN fully equipped fishing charter
Just another successful fishing day in Ooltewah.
That feeling of reeling in every after cast.
Monster fish? We know where!
Tennessee never disappoints on snappers
Handled Snook like a champ on Tennessee River
Redfish in Ooltewah, TN. Bigger than average.
Looking for Snook, they're here in Ooltewah!
Snook honeyhole in Ooltewah, TN just found
Great day for fishing in Ooltewah, TN.
Ooltewah TN fully equipped fishing charter
Just another successful fishing day in Ooltewah.
That feeling of reeling in every after cast.
Monster fish? We know where!
Tennessee never disappoints on snappers
Handled Snook like a champ on Tennessee River
Redfish in Ooltewah, TN. Bigger than average.
Looking for Snook, they're here in Ooltewah!
Snook honeyhole in Ooltewah, TN just found
Great day for fishing in Ooltewah, TN.
Ooltewah TN fully equipped fishing charter
Just another successful fishing day in Ooltewah.
That feeling of reeling in every after cast.
Monster fish? We know where!
Tennessee River Fishing: 4-6 Hour Adventure
Hey there, fellow angler! Ready for a day of non-stop action on the Tennessee River? Our 4-6 hour fishing trips are perfect for both newcomers and seasoned pros looking to hook into some of the best freshwater fishing the South has to offer. We'll be cruising the productive waters of Watts Bar Lake and Chickamauga Lake, two of the Tennessee River's most renowned fishing spots. With a diverse range of species and year-round availability, every trip promises a unique adventure on these world-class waters.
What to Expect on the Water
As soon as we push off from the dock, you'll feel the excitement building. Our seasoned guides know these waters like the back of their hand, and we'll waste no time getting you to the hottest fishing spots. Whether you're after hard-fighting stripers, chunky largemouth bass, or trophy catfish, we've got you covered. We offer both 4 and 6-hour trips, giving you the flexibility to fit your fishing adventure into your schedule. And let me tell you, time flies when you're reeling in fish after fish!
Don't worry if you're new to fishing – our guides are patient teachers and love showing folks the ropes. We'll provide all the gear you need, from rods and reels to bait and lures. All you need to bring is your sense of adventure (and maybe a snack or two). With a max of 4 guests per trip, you'll get plenty of one-on-one attention to help you land that big one.
Techniques & Terrain
On the Tennessee River, we mix it up depending on what's biting and where. Some days we'll be casting topwater lures for bass along the shoreline, while other times we might be trolling deep for monster stripers. We might even drop some stink bait down for catfish if that's what you're after. Our boats are fully equipped with top-of-the-line fish finders and GPS, so we can track down the schools and get you on the fish fast.
Watts Bar Lake and Chickamauga Lake offer a variety of fishing environments. We've got rocky points, submerged timber, deep channels, and shallow flats. Each spot calls for different techniques, and we'll show you how to adapt your approach for maximum success. You might start the day jigging for smallmouth bass near a rocky bluff and end up sight-casting to cruising carp in the shallows. That's the beauty of fishing these diverse waters – you never know what you'll catch next!
Top Catches This Season
Let me tell you, the fishing has been on fire lately! We've been seeing some monster stripers in the 30-40 pound range, especially in the cooler months when they're feeding heavily. Largemouth bass fishing has been stellar, with lots of 5-pounders and even a few pushing 10 pounds coming to the boat. And don't even get me started on the catfish – we've had days where everyone on board is hooked up with big blues and flatheads!
One of the coolest things about fishing the Tennessee River system is the variety. On any given day, you might catch half a dozen different species. It's not uncommon to have a mixed bag of largemouth, smallmouth, white bass, stripers, and catfish by the end of your trip. That kind of diversity keeps things exciting and gives you a real taste of what these waters have to offer.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Largemouth Bass: The king of freshwater gamefish, largemouth bass in the Tennessee River grow big and fight hard. These ambush predators love to hang around structure like fallen trees and boat docks. In the spring and fall, you can often find them in shallower water, while they tend to move deeper during the hot summer months. There's nothing quite like the explosion of a big largemouth smashing a topwater lure at dawn!
Striped Bass: If you're after a true freshwater giant, striped bass (or "stripers") are your target. These powerful fish can grow over 50 pounds in the Tennessee River system. They're open-water predators that often hunt in schools, so when you find them, the action can be non-stop. Stripers are most active in cooler water, making spring and fall prime time for trophy hunting. Hooking into one of these freight trains will test your arms and your drag!
Smallmouth Bass: Don't let their size fool you – pound for pound, smallmouth bass are some of the hardest fighting fish in freshwater. These bronze bombers love rocky areas and current, so we often target them around points and in tailwaters. Smallies are most active in cooler water, making early spring and late fall prime times to catch a trophy. When a big smallmouth goes airborne, hold on tight!
White Bass: Also known as "stripe," these smaller cousins of striped bass are a blast on light tackle. They often school up and chase bait to the surface, creating exciting "boils" that can last for hours. White bass fishing is usually best in the spring when they make their spawning runs up tributary creeks. When you find a school of white bass, it's not uncommon to catch one on every cast!
Blue Catfish: The true giants of the Tennessee River, blue catfish can grow to over 100 pounds. These bottom-dwellers are opportunistic feeders, gobbling up everything from shad to small ducks. We typically target them in deeper holes using cut bait or live bait. Blue cats fight like freight trains, and when you hook a big one, you'd better hold on tight!
White Catfish: While not as large as their blue cousins, white catfish are abundant in the Tennessee River and make for great eating. They typically hang out in areas with softer bottoms and can be caught on a variety of baits. White cats are active year-round, but the fishing really heats up in the summer months when they move into shallower water to feed.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
I'll let you in on a little secret – once you've fished the Tennessee River, you'll be hooked for life. The combination of stunning scenery, diverse fish species, and year-round action is hard to beat. Our guests often tell us that their Tennessee River fishing trip was the highlight of their vacation.
Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to check some new species off your list or a family wanting to create lasting memories, these waters have something for everyone. And with our experienced guides handling all the details, you can focus on what matters most – having a great time and catching fish!
Time to Book Your Spot
Alright, let's get you out on the water! Our 4-6 hour Tennessee River fishing trips are available year-round, but prime dates can fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. Whether you're planning a quick half-day adventure or want to make a full day of it, we've got you covered. Remember, all gear is provided, and we can accommodate up to 4 guests per trip – perfect for a family outing or a day out with your fishing buddies.
Don't miss your chance to experience some of the best freshwater fishing the South has to offer. The big one is waiting, and we're ready to help you catch it. So what are you waiting for? Grab your spot on a Tennessee River fishing adventure with Tennessee Fishing Excursions today. Trust me, your only regret will be not booking sooner. See you on the water!
Learn more about the animals
Blue Catfish
Blue catfish are the true giants of the Tennessee River system. These behemoths can top 100 pounds, though most run 10-30 pounds. You'll find blues in the main river channel, often near deep holes and underwater structure. They're active year-round but really turn on in late fall and winter. Anglers target them for their massive size and hard-fighting nature. Fresh cut bait like skipjack herring is the ticket, fished on the bottom with heavy tackle. Here's an insider tip: look for areas where two different types of bottom meet, like where mud transitions to gravel. Blues often patrol these edges. When you hook into a big blue, be ready for a slugfest - these heavyweight cats will put your arms and your gear to the test!
Largemouth Bass
Largemouth bass are the heavyweights of the bass world, often tipping the scales at 5-8 pounds. You'll find them lurking near submerged logs, weed beds, and drop-offs in Watts Bar and Chickamauga. These ambush predators are most active in the cooler morning and evening hours, especially in summer. Anglers love targeting largemouth for their explosive strikes and acrobatic fights. They'll hit a variety of lures, but plastic worms and crankbaits are local favorites. For a fun challenge, try "walking the dog" with a topwater lure at dawn. Just be ready - when a big largemouth blows up on your bait, it'll get your heart racing! These bass are also mighty tasty if you want to keep a few for dinner. Remember to work those shoreline structures methodically and you'll be well on your way to landing a Tennessee River lunker.
Smallmouth Bass
Smallmouth bass are the acrobats of the Tennessee River. Averaging 2-4 pounds, these bronze torpedoes are known for their spectacular leaps and hard-fighting nature. You'll find them around rocky points, current breaks, and gravel bars. Smallies are most active in spring and fall when water temps are cooler. Anglers prize them for their aggressive strikes and spirited fights. Try working a tube jig or crawdad-imitating crankbait along the bottom for best results. Here's a local secret: when the water's high and muddy, throw noisy topwater lures near shoreline cover. Smallmouth will often blast these even in less-than-ideal conditions. Whether you keep them for dinner or practice catch-and-release, smallmouth bass provide some of the most exciting fishing action on the Tennessee River.
Striped Bass
Striped bass are the bulldogs of the Tennessee River system. These powerful fish commonly run 10-20 pounds, with some topping 40+. You'll find them patrolling open water, following schools of shad. Stripers are most active in cooler months, providing exciting action through fall and winter. Anglers target them for their brute strength and tasty white meat. Live bait like shad or skipjack works well, but artificial lures like deep-diving crankbaits and heavy jigging spoons can also trigger strikes. Here's an insider tip: focus on main river bends and deep holes when water's moving through the dam. The current concentrates bait and stripers often stack up in these areas. When you hook into a big striper, be ready for a battle royale - these fish will test both your gear and your stamina!
White Bass
White bass are scrappy fighters that typically run 1-3 pounds. Look for them schooling near points, humps, and channel edges, especially during their spring spawning run up tributary creeks. These silvery battlers often feed in a frenzy, so when you find one, you've likely found a bunch. White bass hit hard and fast on small jigs, spinners, and live minnows. They're most active at dawn and dusk, but can provide action all day long if you find a school. Anglers love targeting whites for their aggressive nature and delicious mild flavor. Here's a local trick - watch for seagulls diving on bait schools. That's often a dead giveaway that white bass are feeding below. Cast into the fray and hang on tight!
White Catfish
White catfish are the compact bruisers of our catfish family, usually weighing 1-2 pounds. You'll find them in deeper holes and around structure in slower-moving sections of the river. These whiskered predators are most active at night, making them a favorite target for after-dark anglers. Folks enjoy catching whites for their hard fights and excellent table fare. Use cut bait, nightcrawlers, or stink baits fished on the bottom. Here's a local tip: try fishing near tributary mouths after a good rain. The influx of food often draws in hungry white cats. While they may not be the biggest catfish in the river, white cats more than make up for it with their scrappy nature and willingness to bite.
About the Big Easy
%2F%2Fusers%2F3cc9fcc2-5b0e-4f0b-a5be-9800082d98b1%2Fvehicle_picture%2Fsea_ark_image.png&w=1200&q=75)
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 9
Manufacturer Name: Suzuki
Maximum Cruising Speed: 54
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 250
