Tailwater Pursuits

TVA dam releases create world-class trout fishing and whitewater paddling opportunities for kayakers and rafters. Here’s a guide to when and where to find them.

Boating, fishing, and skiing are still the most popular types of recreation on TVA lakes. But more and more people are getting interested in the world of tailwater sports—such as kayaking, rafting, and trout fishing—that can happen in the water below the TVA dams.

To support these recreation activities, TVA posts a May-to-October schedule for recreational releases for the spots listed below:

• Apalachia
• Norris
• Ocoee No. 1
• Ocoee No. 2
• Ocoee No. 3
• Tims Ford
• Upper Bear Creek
• Watauga/Wilbur

Whether you're a rookie or a skilled paddler or angler, consult your local outfitter to learn how to match the ideal flow to your skill level.

Locate Your Reservoir

View our recreation map to find the reservoir you want to target for tailwater.

Boating Safety for Paddlers

Whitewater sports are fun, but safety is paramount! Here’s some advice that could save your life:

• Wear a helmet and a personal floatation device.
• Paddle water appropriate to your skills.
• Dress to prevent hypothermia.
• Watch for fallen tree limbs, barbed wire, bridge piers and other hazards.
• Don’t paddle alone.
• Don’t paddle in rivers or reservoirs during flood operations or after a heavy rain.
• Never fish, wade or paddle too close to the face of a dam.
• Stay out of restricted areas.
• Mind all posted warnings on TVA's dam sites.