About Your Guide

Brian Barton

Independent Guide
Captain Brian is a USCG-licensed Master Captain who has spent more than 40 years fishing the Tennessee River.

His connection to these waters goes far beyond recreational fishing. Over the years, Captain Brian has worked as a commercial fisherman and freshwater mussel diver before making the transition into guiding anglers full time. That background has given him a deep understanding of the river, its fish, and the seasonal changes that shape the bite.

Today, Captain Brian specializes in fishing Pickwick and Wilson Lakes for a variety of species, including Smallmouth Bass, Spotted Bass, White Bass, Catfish, Bream, and more. Live bait fishing is a major part of his program, and he enjoys creating trips that combine steady action with plenty of opportunities to learn.

Education is a big part of the experience. Captain Brian is happy to explain what he's doing, why the fish are where they are, and how different techniques come together throughout the day. His trips are designed to be welcoming for beginners while still offering plenty of value for experienced anglers.

Above all, Captain Brian wants...

About Your Guide

Brian Barton

Independent Guide
Captain Brian is a USCG-licensed Master Captain who has spent more than 40 years fishing the Tennessee River.

His connection to these waters goes far beyond recreational fishing. Over the years, Captain Brian has worked as a commercial fisherman and freshwater mussel diver before making the transition into guiding anglers full time. That background has given him a deep understanding of the river, its fish, and the seasonal changes that shape the bite.

Today, Captain Brian specializes in fishing Pickwick and Wilson Lakes for a variety of species, including Smallmouth Bass, Spotted Bass, White Bass, Catfish, Bream, and more. Live bait fishing is a major part of his program, and he enjoys creating trips that combine steady action with plenty of opportunities to learn.

Education is a big part of the experience. Captain Brian is happy to explain what he's doing, why the fish are where they are, and how different techniques come together throughout the day. His trips are designed to be welcoming for beginners while still offering plenty of value for experienced anglers.

Above all, Captain Brian wants
guests to enjoy their time on the Tennessee River. Expect a friendly, laid-back atmosphere, plenty of local knowledge, and the kind of Southern hospitality that makes a day on the water feel like more than just a fishing trip.
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Tennessee River Multi-Species

NEW 1 - 3 People 4 - 6 Hours From $350
Freshwater Fishing Trip
Freshwater Fishing Trip
Freshwater Fishing Trip
Freshwater Fishing Trip
Freshwater Fishing Trip
Freshwater Fishing Trip
Freshwater Fishing Trip
Freshwater Fishing Trip
Freshwater Fishing Trip
Freshwater Fishing Trip
Freshwater Fishing Trip
Freshwater Fishing Trip
Freshwater Fishing Trip
Freshwater Fishing Trip
Freshwater Fishing Trip
Freshwater Fishing Trip
Freshwater Fishing Trip

About Your Trip

Water Type

River, Lake

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Weather

You won’t lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather

Spend the day fishing the Tennessee River with Captain Brian on a high-action, multi-species trip built around bending rods and keeping things fun!

Fishing Pickwick and Wilson Lakes, Captain Brian specializes in live bait fishing for a wide mix of species. Smallmouth Bass, Spotted Bass, White Bass, and Catfish are some of the main targets, but these waters can produce a variety of fish throughout the day. On a good trip, it's not uncommon to...

About Your Trip

Spend the day fishing the Tennessee River with Captain Brian on a high-action, multi-species trip built around bending rods and keeping things fun!

Fishing Pickwick and Wilson Lakes, Captain Brian specializes in live bait fishing for a wide mix of species. Smallmouth Bass, Spotted Bass, White Bass, and Catfish are some of the main targets, but these waters can produce a variety of fish throughout the day. On a good trip, it's not uncommon to
see several different species come over the rail.

This is Captain Brian's most popular style of trip and a great fit for anglers of any experience level. If you're new to fishing, he'll walk you through everything you need to know. More experienced anglers can enjoy the steady action while learning more about the Tennessee River and the seasonal patterns that drive the bite.

Captain Brian has been fishing these waters for more than 40 years and brings a lifetime of local knowledge to every trip. His goal is to provide a relaxed, educational day on the water with plenty of Southern hospitality mixed in.

Choose from 4, 5, or 6 hours of fishing depending on how much time you'd like to spend on the river. Bottled water is provided, and you're welcome to bring along food, drinks, and a cooler with ice if you plan to take legal fish home.

Come experience the variety of the Tennessee River and see just how many species you can put in the boat with Captain Brian!
Amenities

Water Type

River, Lake

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Tackle

All rods, reels, and tackle are included.

Beer

Feel free to enjoy responsibly, but please no glass.

Live Bait

Live bait is provided for an additional fee.

Location

This guide can be flexible with the departure location.

Weather

You won’t lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather

Kid Friendly

This trip can cater to small children.

Flexible Cancelation

This trip can be canceled up to 14 days before the trip.

Fish Cleaning

No cleaning service provided.

Boat Restroom

No, this boat does not have a bathroom on board.

Disability Friendly

This trip is not suited for those with disabilities.

Lunch

Please provide your own food / snacks.

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About Your Boat

Boat photo for Tennessee River Multi-Species
Boat photo for Tennessee River Multi-Species
Boat Type
Utility Boat
Boat Manufacturer
War Eagle
Boat Length
21'
Boat Restroom
No

About Your Boat

Boat Type
Utility Boat
Boat Manufacturer
War Eagle
Boat Length
21'
Boat Restroom
No
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Potential Target Species

Color-coded seasonality below is based on .
  • Get it while it's HOT!
  • This species is in play.
  • You might get lucky (as long as things are in-season).
  • Couldn't tell ya! (no data)

Brian Barton Outdoors Photo Gallery

Tennessee River Multi-Species
July 15th, 2026
Muscle Shoals, Alabama
Tennessee River Multi-Species
July 15th, 2026
Muscle Shoals, Alabama
Tennessee River Multi-Species
July 15th, 2026
Muscle Shoals, Alabama
Tennessee River Multi-Species
July 15th, 2026
Muscle Shoals, Alabama
Tennessee River Multi-Species
July 15th, 2026
Muscle Shoals, Alabama
Tennessee River Multi-Species
July 15th, 2026
Muscle Shoals, Alabama
Tennessee River Multi-Species
July 15th, 2026
Muscle Shoals, Alabama
Tennessee River Multi-Species
July 15th, 2026
Muscle Shoals, Alabama
Tennessee River Multi-Species
July 15th, 2026
Muscle Shoals, Alabama
Tennessee River Multi-Species
July 15th, 2026
Muscle Shoals, Alabama
Tennessee River Multi-Species
July 15th, 2026
Muscle Shoals, Alabama
Tennessee River Multi-Species
July 15th, 2026
Muscle Shoals, Alabama
Tennessee River Multi-Species
July 15th, 2026
Muscle Shoals, Alabama
Tennessee River Multi-Species
July 15th, 2026
Muscle Shoals, Alabama
Tennessee River Multi-Species
July 15th, 2026
Muscle Shoals, Alabama
Tennessee River Multi-Species
July 15th, 2026
Muscle Shoals, Alabama
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