Fishing the Valley
Come to the Tennessee Valley where the waters are clean and the fishing is good. If bass is your bag, we’ve got some of the best lakes in the country, including Bassmaster favorites Chickamauga and Guntersville. But if it’s trout you’re after, you’ll find monsters of the species in our mountain streams and the tailwaters below TVA’s dams. Browse through the collection of stories below for the inside line, and get hooked on Valley fishing.
Fish are Friends
Those who enjoy fishing at Douglas Lake will soon have even better fishing stories to tell thanks to efforts to refresh and improve the underwater habitat.
Bassmaster Classic Showcases Area Biodiversity
Attendees of the Bassmaster Classic Expo were treated to a close-up view of native fish species in TVA's 750-gallon mobile aquarium, highlighting the Valley's biodiversity and TVA's stewardship efforts.
So Much More Than Fishing
TVA partnered with C.A.S.T for Kids, which provides fishing opportunities for children with special needs, to provide an amazing adventure on Guntersville Lake.
Primitive Fish Reveal Evidence of Healthy Fishery
Each year, TVA Fisheries biologists conduct fall fisheries sampling across the Tennessee River watershed.
TVA Biologists Hook 53-inch Lake Sturgeon
TVA biologists landed a number of lake sturgeon on a set of trotlines near Kingston Fossil Plant as part of an annual sturgeon survey.
Fly Fishing’s Unlikely Following
Millennials are described as being multitaskers who are achievement-oriented. Fishing, specifically fly fishing, was partly an answer to social distancing prompted by COVID-19. The sport has seen a surge among young anglers in the Tennessee Valley.
The Carp are Jumping!
Asian silver carp — known for jumping in large schools when stimulated by watercraft vibrations — can multiply quickly and disrupt river ecosystems. The invasive species is already established in Kentucky and Pickwick reservoirs.
Where the Sport Fish Are
We surveyed our own lakes to measure populations of three species of black bass — largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass — as well as black and white crappie. Here's what we found where.
Trout Fishing the TVA Tailwaters
Like to fish, but bass aren’t your bag? Try the more meditative art of trout fishing. Here’s a Q & A guide to where and how to safely fish for trout in the Tennessee Valley.
An App for Anglers’ Advantage
Join with savvy anglers and download the TVA Lake Info app, and learn to work with the Tennessee River system’s currents. It’s an essential tool for every tackle box.
Big Ones Below Norris
The tailwater below Norris Dam offers outstanding trout fishing and perfect conditions for paddling—and A.D.A. access to boot. Fun for everyone!
Creating Family Fishing Traditions on TVA Lakes
From trophies worthy of hanging on the wall to the simple joys of a bluegill on a little girl’s line, TVA lake fishing creates memories that cross generations. PLUS: 10 family-friendly destinations for fishing from the shore.
Casting a Wide Net
TVA joins with TWRA to help fund the Etnier Ichthyology Endowment at the University of Tennessee in support of funding research on and improving aquatic diversity among the fishes of Tennessee.
Lake Sturgeon Make a Comeback
This ancient fish, once extinct in the Tennessee River system, has made a comeback thanks to a savvy reintroduction initiative by TVA and its partners.
The Secret Ocoee
There’s more to the Ocoee River than world-class whitewater rafting. We caught up with an experienced guide to find out what other secret adventures the Ocoee has to offer.
Catch Those Carp!
TVA is working with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency to promote fishing of Asian carp to reduce populations of this invasive species in the Valley’s reservoirs.
Why Did the Trout Cross the Road?
Because TVA and its partners made it possible by restoring a stream beneath a bridge in Unicoi County, Tenn., to more natural conditions, opening up miles of habitat for native brook trout.
Fish are Having a Ball on TVA Lakes
TVA and TWRA are joining forces to create fish habitat in the Valley’s reservoir system by adapting an innovative technology originally created to help regenerate coral reefs in salt water.
Kids Playing Hooky
Here's how to fish with kids—to help them be successful, keep them safe and get them hooked for life on one of the Valley's most popular summertime sports.
Fast Current Changes Grass Game on Tennessee River
TVA lakes are known for their aquatic weeds — a.k.a. grass — a real attraction for bass and those who are out to catch them. But due winter's rushing waters, the growth patterns have changed this year.
Fishing for Scholarships
Valley-based Bethel University broke new ground by offering scholarships for bass fishing athletes. Now it’s a collegiate fishing powerhouse.