Damn Good Lake Fishing Guides In Tennessee

Check real-time availability and compare rates on Tennessee lake fishing trips. Confidently book your next day on the water.

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Recently Booked Lake Fishing Guides In Tennessee

Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

River, Lake Fishing in Greenback

TN Striper & Catfish Trip

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26 ft 1 - 5 People From $300
Bucket List
The Captain Experiences team chose this trip as one for the bucket list.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

River, Lake Fishing in Knoxville

Tennessee Musky Fishing

100% (1)
17 ft 1 - 3 People From $350
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

River, Lake Fishing in Sevierville

Eastern TN Trout Float Trips

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1 - 2 People From $350
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

River, Lake Fishing in Knoxville

Tennessee Musky Fly Fishing

100% (1)
17 ft 1 - 2 People From $350
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

River, Lake Fishing in Chattanooga

Tennessee River Fishing Trip

NEW
24 ft 1 - 4 People From $300
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

River, Lake Fishing in Sevierville

Eastern TN Smallmouth Float Trips

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1 - 4 People From $350

Top Types of Lake Trips in Tennessee

Top Species for Lake Fishing in Tennessee

“Our Damn Good Guides go above and beyond, and we’ve handpicked every single one. We’re passionate about the outdoors and look forward to getting you out on the trip of a lifetime, every time.”

Jonathan and Attison   |   Co-founders   |   Austin, Texas

More Lake Fishing Guides In Tennessee

Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

River, Lake Fishing in Sevierville

Eastern TN Smallmouth Float Trips

NEW
1 - 4 People From $350
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

River, Lake Fishing in Chattanooga

Tennessee River Fishing Trip

NEW
24 ft 1 - 4 People From $300
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

River, Lake Fishing in Knoxville

Tennessee Musky Fly Fishing

100% (1)
17 ft 1 - 2 People From $350
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

River, Lake Fishing in Sevierville

Eastern TN Trout Float Trips

NEW
1 - 2 People From $350
Bucket List
The Captain Experiences team chose this trip as one for the bucket list.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

River, Lake Fishing in Knoxville

Tennessee Musky Fishing

100% (1)
17 ft 1 - 3 People From $350
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

River, Lake Fishing in Greenback

TN Striper & Catfish Trip

NEW
26 ft 1 - 5 People From $300
See All Lake Trips in Tennessee

Other Trips in Tennessee

Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

River Fishing in Johnson City

Tailwater Trout

NEW
15 ft 1 - 2 People From $450
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

River Fishing in Buffalo Valley

Caney Fork River Fly Fishing

NEW
16 ft 1 - 2 People From $400
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

River Fishing in Buffalo Valley

Fly Fishing On The Elk River

NEW
16 ft 1 - 2 People From $400

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Everything to Know About Booking a fishing trip in Tennessee

What are the best lake fishing trips in Tennessee?

Why should I book a lake fishing trip in Tennessee with Captain Experiences?

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 7 lake trips in Tennessee, and the most popular trips in the area are TN Striper & Catfish Trip guided by Anthony, Tennessee Musky Fishing guided by Steven, and Eastern TN Smallmouth Float Trips guided by Derek.

Our guides in Tennessee are rated a 5 out of 5 based on 3787 verified reviews on Captain Experiences.

All guides on Captain Experiences are vetted by our team. You can access their reviews, click through trip photos, read bios to get to know them, and preview trip details like species, techniques, group sizes, boat specs and more.

Looking for kid friendly lake guides / fishing lessons in Tennessee? Check out our beginner and family friendly lake guides in Tennessee.

What types of lake fishing trips are common in Tennessee?

The most commonly sought after species for lake fishing are: 1. muskie, 2. blue catfish, 3. striped bass, 4. smallmouth bass, and 5. largemouth bass.

The most common fishing techniques in Tennessee are light tackle fishing, drift fishing, and artificial lure fishing but fly fishing and jigging are popular as well.

How much does a Tennessee lake fishing trip cost?

Prices for lake fishing in Tennessee can range anywhere from about $350 to $710, but the average price for a half day trip for lake fishing in Tennessee is $370. The average price for a full day trip for lake fishing in Tennessee is $568.

Is booking a fishing guide worth the money?

Hiring a guide provides a number of benefits and many choose to book a fishing guide for a combination of experience, local knowledge, convenience, and cost-effectiveness.

Working with experienced fishing guides who know the best local spots and techniques can dramatically increase your odds of a great day. Having someone who is on the water every day and knows the area like the back of their hand is going to give you the best chances of success.

Booking a guide is also more cost effective, especially if you only get out a handful of times per year. When you consider all of the costs you would incur on your own such as the price of a boat, maintenance, insurance, gas, high-quality gear and tackle, repairs, and more, you’ll find that DIY is sometimes not worth the expense.

Even if you’ve got a great setup already in your home waters, booking a guide also provides a great opportunity to experience new techniques, new locations, or even a chance at a new target species to knock off the bucket list.

What month is best for lake fishing in Tennessee?

The most popular season for lake fishing in Tennessee is spring, and most anglers book their trips 34 days in advance.

Do I need a Tennessee fishing license and what are the bag limits in Tennessee?

See here for more information on fishing licenses in Tennessee, bag limits for target species, and fishing season regulations in Tennessee. When in doubt, your fishing guide will always know the right rules and regulations in Tennessee.

What is lake fishing in Louisiana all about?

Lake fishing in Louisiana offers anglers a tranquil yet rewarding experience amidst the state's rich natural landscapes. Louisiana boasts numerous lakes, each with its own unique fishing opportunities. One of the most popular lakes for fishing is Toledo Bend Reservoir, known for its excellent bass fishing. Anglers flock to Toledo Bend to catch largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and spotted bass, often using a variety of techniques such as topwater lures, crankbaits, and soft plastics. The reservoir's expansive waters and submerged structures provide ample habitat for bass, making it a favorite destination for both recreational and tournament anglers alike.

Another notable lake for fishing in Louisiana is Lake Pontchartrain, located near New Orleans. This brackish lake offers a diverse fishery including speckled trout, redfish, flounder, and sheepshead. Anglers can fish from piers, shorelines, or boats to target these species using live bait such as shrimp or mullet, as well as artificial lures like soft plastics and spoons. Lake Pontchartrain's proximity to the Gulf of Mexico influences its fish populations, providing anglers with the opportunity to catch both freshwater and saltwater species in the same waters.

Louisiana also features smaller lakes and reservoirs throughout the state, offering a range of fishing experiences for anglers seeking bass, crappie, catfish, and more. From the scenic beauty of Lake Bistineau to the secluded fishing spots of Lake Claiborne, these lakes provide peaceful settings and abundant fishing opportunities year-round. Whether casting from the shore, drifting in a boat, or enjoying the serenity of a quiet lakefront, lake fishing in Louisiana promises excitement, relaxation, and the chance to reel in a variety of prized fish species.

What are the most popular months to go lake fishing in Louisiana?

Lake fishing seasons in Louisiana vary throughout the year, offering anglers different opportunities based on the behavior of fish species and seasonal conditions. In the spring, as temperatures rise and waters warm, many lakes in Louisiana experience increased activity from bass and crappie. Largemouth bass, in particular, become more active as they move into shallower waters for spawning. Anglers often target bass using a variety of techniques such as topwater lures, spinnerbaits, and soft plastics, taking advantage of the fish's aggressive feeding behavior during this season.

Summer brings warmer temperatures and longer daylight hours, which can influence fishing patterns in Louisiana's lakes. Fish like crappie and bluegill may move deeper into cooler waters during the heat of the day, making early morning and late evening fishing sessions more productive. Bass fishing can also remain strong during the summer months, with anglers focusing on submerged structures and shady areas where bass seek refuge from the heat. Adjusting fishing tactics to accommodate the warmer water temperatures and fish behavior is key to success during the summer season.

As fall approaches, lake fishing in Louisiana enters a prime season for a variety of species. Bass fishing, in particular, picks up as water temperatures cool and bass become more active in preparation for winter. Crappie fishing also improves as these fish move into shallower waters to feed before colder weather sets in. Fall offers anglers the opportunity to catch larger specimens of bass and crappie, making it a favorite time for many freshwater anglers. Overall, each season in Louisiana's lakes provides unique fishing experiences and opportunities to pursue a variety of fish species, ensuring that anglers can enjoy the sport year-round.

What techniques are popular for lake fishing in Louisiana?

Lake fishing in Louisiana offers anglers a variety of techniques and strategies to pursue a wide range of freshwater fish species. One popular method is bass fishing, which attracts anglers to lakes like Toledo Bend and Lake Bistineau. Techniques such as using topwater lures, crankbaits, and soft plastics are effective for targeting largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and spotted bass. Anglers often focus on submerged structures such as fallen trees, weed beds, and underwater rock formations where bass are known to hide and feed. Adjusting lure presentation and retrieval speed based on water clarity and fish activity can significantly improve success rates.

Crappie fishing is another favored pursuit in Louisiana's lakes, particularly during the spring and fall seasons when these fish move into shallower waters to spawn or feed. Anglers often use techniques such as jigging with small minnows or artificial jigs near submerged brush piles, docks, and bridges where crappie congregate. Crappie are known for their schooling behavior, so once anglers locate a productive spot, they can often catch multiple fish in quick succession.

For anglers seeking a more relaxed fishing experience, catfish are abundant in many of Louisiana's lakes and reservoirs. Techniques such as bottom fishing with cut bait, worms, or prepared stink baits are effective for catching channel catfish, blue catfish, and flathead catfish. Anglers often target deep holes, river channels, and areas with submerged structure where catfish are likely to feed. Patience and persistence are key when targeting catfish, as they can be active throughout the day and night depending on the lake and conditions. Overall, lake fishing in Louisiana offers a diverse range of species and fishing techniques, ensuring anglers of all skill levels can enjoy a rewarding day on the water.

What species are popular for lake fishing in Louisiana?

Lake fishing in Louisiana presents anglers with a diverse array of fish species to target throughout the year, each offering its own unique appeal and challenge. Largemouth bass are among the most popular targets for lake anglers, known for their aggressive strikes and impressive fighting ability. Lakes like Toledo Bend and Lake Bistineau are renowned for their bass populations, attracting anglers who use techniques such as topwater lures, crankbaits, and soft plastics to entice these prized game fish. Bass fishing in Louisiana's lakes can be particularly productive during the spring and fall when bass are more active and often found near submerged structures and vegetation.

Crappie, another favorite among lake fishermen in Louisiana, provide exciting opportunities, especially during the spawning seasons in spring and fall. These fish are often found in schools around submerged brush piles, fallen trees, and docks, making them accessible targets for anglers using small jigs or minnows. Crappie are prized for their delicate, white flesh, making them a popular catch for both sport and table fare. Anglers who enjoy the challenge of targeting schooling fish in varying depths of water can find great satisfaction in crappie fishing on Louisiana's lakes.

Additionally, catfish are plentiful in many of Louisiana's lakes, offering a more relaxed fishing experience for those who prefer bottom fishing techniques. Species such as channel catfish, blue catfish, and flathead catfish can be caught using cut bait, worms, or stink baits near deep holes, river channels, and underwater structures. Catfish are known for their strong feeding habits and can provide excellent action throughout the day and night, making them a reliable target for anglers seeking a laid-back fishing adventure. Overall, lake fishing in Louisiana promises a rewarding experience with a variety of species to pursue, ensuring every fishing trip holds the potential for a memorable catch.

Recent Reviews

  • ★★★★★
    Ryan was a great fishing guide. He knew a lot about the lake and told us his experiences guiding on the lake. We would definitely recommend Ryan to anyone wanting to go walleye fishing on Normandy lake.

    Jesse W. | July 7, 2024

    Trip: Guided Walleye Fishing - Normandy Lake

  • ★★★★★
    What a great day on Melton Hill Lake with Steve. He knows the water like he has been fishing it all his life. Exactly what our group was looking for and he moved things around to make it work for us. Awesome guy and expert Musky guide!

    Jeff L. | October 24, 2020

    Trip: Tennessee Musky Fishing

Other Types of Fishing in Tennessee

How are fishing conditions in Tennessee?

View Tennessee Fishing Reports from our damn good guides.

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