How's fishing in Tennessee?

[overtheedge86]

So I the wife and I may be going to her grandfathers place in Chattanooga for a week in July. I'm wondering what kind of fishing i can get in while I'm up there. I understand the smoky mountains aren't far, do trout run through those streams? I would like to bring my 5/6 weight flyrod and get into what ever i can. If anyone could give a little insight I would be very thankful.

[gatordave]

I'd say it's pretty good. They have held the Bass Masters tournaments on the river there..

[dunfly]

There are trout in the mountain streams, but they tend to be small. A 5 wt would be the maximum I would use. There are tailwaters at the dams, but I don't know anything about fishing them.

[tackleman]

check out this link for a camground / rv resort in that area they have "floating" cabins right on the river. and look at the link for the land cabins as well. looks like a great place, can fish right from your front door. http://halesbarmarina.com/cabinsfloating.php

[Evan]

If I were you, I'd focus on the tailwaters. That's where the biggest fish are going to be.

[Chief1600]

PM sent with the information I have.

[ratherbefishin]

You are near Watts Bar. Pretty good bass fishing, both largemouth and smallmouth, as I recall and I think they also have plenty of crappie and some hybrid rock bass. Been years since I was there but the memories are good.

[tackleman]

i have never been there, but going to make a couple trips that way, if we have to move from florida, this may be the place for us to go. time and oil will tell!!

[TampaJim]

I suggest you take a VERY interesting day trip.

1) Have an early breakfast and drive to Lynchburg the FASTEST WAY according to GPS.
2) Tour the Jack Daniel's Distillery (allow two hours).
3) Make the 1:00pm lunch seating at Ms. Bobo's Boarding House (reservations at 931-759-7394)
4) Slowly walk around Lynchburg and enjoy the little shops ... don't move fast, you'll be VERY full from lunch.
5) Leave town by 3:00-3:30pm and take the BACKROADS toward Chattanooga (SR50).
6) Enjoy the beautiful scenery for an hour.
7) Stop and fish the tailwaters of Tims Ford Lake (a.k.a. the world famous Elk River).

When you arrive at the river ... cross the river and turn into the parking area on the left (north). Walk down to the river and enjoy!! BIG BEAUTIFUL TROUT absolutely jumping and fighting for every insect that hits the water. There are some monsters in there. Don't wade. It is tempting, but the water is WAY faster than you think ... you will end up in Alabama if you dare try.

8) Drive back to Chattanooga in the early evening hours, enjoying the sunset over the mountains while driving the scenic backroads toward civilization.

BTW, this is a GREAT way to spend an entire day AND one that is "wife approved" for sure.

[shamus]

Check out Tellico Plains. There is a trout hatchery and miles of river.

[Rik]

Two hours at the Jack Daniel's distillery BEFORE lunch?

[overtheedge86]

Thanks for all the info guys.

TampaJim I may just have to give that a go, sounds great.

Good point Rik, may have to do it in reverse.

[TampaJim]

Two hours at the Jack Daniel's distillery BEFORE lunch?

It is a dry county ... looking and smelling only. At the end of the tour, you can have H2O, lemonade or iced tea. Pretty funny.

The tour is a must-do - after all, JD is a true American tradition. BTW, the lunch at the boarding house is excellent and a neat experience as well.

Even though I have done the trip before, it was good enough that I would be more than happy to do it again and again ... especially the Elk River fishing in the late afternoon.

[overtheedge86]

It is a dry county.

WHAT!? Oh well probably better that way.