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.

 

Primitive Fish Reveal Evidence of Healthy Fishery

Each year, TVA Fisheries biologists conduct fall fisheries sampling across the Tennessee River watershed.

Two Biologists with Sturgeon

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.

Silver Carp jumping in the Tennessee River

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.

Men in a fishing pontoon boat

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.

Man fishing trout

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.

Bass Tournament

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.

fish in a jar

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.

Man on a Pontoon Boat

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.

Man holding a trout

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.

weeds everywhere

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.