Channel Catfish Fishing in Tennessee
Check regulations
Check regulations
Year-round
Overview
TVA dam tailwaters offer some of the best catfishing in the Southeast.
The Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers hold impressive populations of channel, blue, and flathead catfish.
Reelfoot Lake produces big channel cats among the cypress stumps.
Summer nighttime fishing on reservoir flats with cut skipjack is outstanding.
Best Waters in Tennessee
- Kentucky Lake (Tennessee portion) — Massive TVA reservoir with excellent catfish on ledges and in current areas below dams.
- Reelfoot Lake — Natural lake with quality channel catfish around cypress stumps and ditches.
- Old Hickory Lake — Cumberland River reservoir near Nashville with accessible catfishing from shore and boat.
- Pickwick Dam tailwater — Below-dam area with strong current and massive concentrations of catfish.
Local Techniques & Baits
Techniques
- Tailwater fishing
- Anchored rod-and-reel
- Drift fishing
- Jug fishing
- Limb lines
Baits & Lures
- Cut skipjack herring
- Fresh shad
- Nightcrawlers
- Chicken liver
- Punch bait
Seasonal Guide for Tennessee
SpringSpring Fishing
Pre-spawn feeding in March-April. Target flats and channel edges with fresh cut bait.
SummerSummer Fishing
Peak season. Below-dam tailwaters produce big numbers. Night fishing on main-lake flats is excellent.
FallFall Fishing
Catfish gorge on shad. Follow baitfish schools and fish cut bait near the surface or mid-column.
WinterWinter Fishing
Deep holes in river channels and below dams hold concentrated fish.
Regulations
Regulations change frequently. Always verify current regulations with Tennessee Fish & Wildlife. Information shown was last updated 2025-01-01.
Specific regulations for channel catfish in Tennessee are not listed in our database. Please check the official Tennessee regulations for current rules.