I’ve always loved the simplicity of a paddle in hand, a fishing rod nearby, and the quiet rhythm of a lake waking up around me. Paddle fishing has become one of my favorite ways to explore Tennessee’s waters. It allows for a more intimate connection with nature—no roaring motors, just the gentle glide of a kayak or canoe and the hope of a good catch.
Tennessee offers an abundance of paddle-friendly lakes, many of which are teeming with bass, bluegill, crappie, and even catfish. What makes this state stand out isn’t just the fishing—it’s the peaceful environment, the wildlife encounters, and the sense of escape that only paddle fishing can offer. If you’re looking for lakes that are ideal for paddle fishing, Tennessee has you covered in more ways than you might imagine.
Reelfoot Lake – A Quiet Maze of Cypress and Wildlife
Reelfoot Lake in the northwest corner of Tennessee is a paddler’s paradise. It’s shallow, calm, and filled with submerged stumps and cypress trees that make motorboat navigation tricky—perfect conditions for paddle fishing. Every time I’ve gone out here, I’ve seen herons, ospreys, and the occasional bald eagle.
Bass fishing is solid, but what really shines here are the bluegill and crappie. In the spring and early summer, you’ll find these panfish schooling in shallower areas, and casting from a kayak allows you to sneak in quietly without spooking the fish. The stillness of this lake, paired with its unique landscape, makes it one of the top lakes that are ideal for paddle fishing.
Dale Hollow Lake – Clear Water and Smallmouth Glory
Dale Hollow, straddling the Tennessee-Kentucky border, is famous for smallmouth bass. The clarity of the water and the structure below—points, ledges, and rock piles—make it perfect for finesse techniques like drop-shotting or slowly dragging a tube bait. Though it’s a larger lake that accommodates all types of watercraft, it has quiet coves and inlets that are well-suited for paddle fishing.
I often launch near Willow Grove or Eastport, then paddle along the shoreline to target bass holding near submerged trees or rock transitions. The best part of Dale Hollow is how well it lends itself to long, exploratory trips. If you’ve never cast a line into its clear waters from a kayak, you’re missing one of the best lakes that are ideal for paddle fishing in the state.
Tims Ford Lake – Hidden Inlets and Steady Action
Located in southern Middle Tennessee, Tims Ford Lake is often overlooked for paddle fishing, but it shouldn’t be. The lake features long stretches of shoreline, coves, and gradual drop-offs. I’ve had good luck here casting soft plastics and small crankbaits for largemouth and spotted bass.
What makes Tims Ford stand out for paddle fishing is its protected areas. Some fingers of the lake are narrow enough to feel like rivers, giving you a bit of a float-trip vibe. I’ve had plenty of luck casting parallel to rocky banks and letting my lure flutter down into deeper water. There’s also a good amount of shade, which is helpful on hot Tennessee summer days.
Chilhowee Lake – Nestled in the Foothills
Chilhowee Lake sits along the Little Tennessee River and is surrounded by the foothills of the Smoky Mountains. It’s a shallow, narrow lake with limited motorboat traffic, which means it stays peaceful even during peak seasons. I’ve had entire mornings to myself out here, paddling in silence and watching mist rise off the water.
Fishing here is all about stealth. Casting topwater lures early or working soft plastics near the rocky bottom usually produces good results. The scenery alone makes it worth the trip, but the steady bite of smallmouth and the occasional spotted bass only adds to its reputation as one of the lakes that are ideal for paddle fishing.
Woods Reservoir – Stealthy Spots for Bass and More
Just down the road from Tims Ford, Woods Reservoir offers another great paddle fishing destination. Unlike larger lakes, Woods has minimal boat traffic and wide, open sections of calm water. I’ve launched from the boat ramp near the dam and paddled toward the wooded fingers, where the bass action is often steady.
What I like most about Woods is the variety. You can target largemouth, crappie, and even catfish, depending on where you fish and what bait you use. It’s a solid place for trying out new techniques or simply enjoying a relaxing morning with minimal interruptions.
Tellico Lake – Scenic and Versatile
Tellico Lake is one of the more scenic places I’ve fished. The Smoky Mountains in the distance and the clean, winding shoreline make it a dream for landscape photography and paddle fishing alike. Despite being a fairly large lake, Tellico has tons of quiet inlets, especially near the upper river sections, where kayaks and canoes are most at home.
I like to target laydowns and shaded banks here. The water clarity is high, so I tend to use natural-colored lures and finesse techniques. When the sun is low, the reflections across the still water are mesmerizing. Tellico definitely ranks high among lakes that are ideal for paddle fishing, not just for the catch, but for the setting.
Laurel Hill Lake – A Hidden Gem in Middle Tennessee
Sometimes the best fishing happens at lakes that don’t draw big crowds. Laurel Hill Lake, located near Lawrenceburg, is one such gem. It’s small, electric motor only, and ideal for paddlecraft. The lake is managed by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, and I’ve consistently found healthy bass and panfish populations here.
I love how manageable the lake feels—it’s not too big to explore in one day, and it offers plenty of structure like stumps, grass lines, and submerged brush. Quiet mornings here are great for working a frog across lily pads or flipping jigs along shaded banks. If you’re looking for solitude and solid action, this one delivers.
Fort Patrick Henry Lake – A Surprising Urban Escape
Tucked in near Kingsport, Fort Patrick Henry Lake is surrounded by development, yet somehow maintains a sense of peaceful seclusion once you’re on the water. It’s one of my favorite spots to hit after work or for quick half-day trips. Paddle fishing is especially productive around the upper sections near the Holston River confluence.
Spotted bass and smallmouth are the primary targets here, but you’ll also run into the occasional walleye or hybrid striped bass. It’s a bit of a mixed bag, which keeps things interesting. Launching a kayak from Warrior’s Path State Park is easy, and from there you can reach coves and rocky points with very little paddling.
Normandy Lake – Low Traffic and Reliable Bites
Normandy Lake near Tullahoma is another under-the-radar paddle fishing destination. It doesn’t draw the massive tournaments like some of the larger Tennessee reservoirs, which means the fish see less pressure and often respond more eagerly. I’ve had great luck here fishing weed edges and drop-offs in less than ten feet of water.
Because the lake is relatively narrow, it’s easier to paddle across and explore both sides. The dam area offers deeper water, while upstream sections are more shallow and vegetated—great for topwater action. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned kayak angler, Normandy has a lot to offer.
Herb Parsons Lake – A Panfish Paradise
Herb Parsons Lake in west Tennessee is perfect for relaxed days and light tackle fishing. It’s a 177-acre TWRA-managed lake that doesn’t allow gas motors, so you’re guaranteed a quiet trip. I often bring ultralight gear and spend the morning chasing bluegill and shellcracker along the banks.
There are also plenty of bass here, and I’ve had surprising success casting small jerkbaits or spinnerbaits along the submerged brush. Because it’s not a massive lake, it’s perfect for newcomers to paddle fishing who want to build their confidence and skills in a safe, accessible setting.
Tips for a Great Paddle Fishing Experience in Tennessee
Scout Your Launch Points
Not all lakes have easy access for kayaks or canoes. Before heading out, I always check TWRA access maps and satellite imagery for parking areas and boat ramps. Some lakes have gravel launches specifically for paddlecraft, and those are worth seeking out.
Go Early or Late
Like with most fishing, paddle fishing is most productive at dawn and dusk. Bass tend to be more aggressive during low-light periods, and the water is often calmer—perfect for spotting topwater strikes or subtle surface movement.
Travel Light, Stay Organized
Space is limited on a kayak or canoe, so I bring only what I need—usually two rods, a small tackle tray, a fish gripper, and a net. Having everything within arm’s reach and secured prevents a lot of headaches.
Don’t Forget Safety
Even on calm lakes, a personal flotation device (PFD) is a must. I also carry a whistle, waterproof phone case, and a dry bag for my valuables. Tennessee weather can turn quickly, so checking the forecast before paddling out is always wise.
Respect the Environment
It’s easy to take these quiet lakes for granted, but they’re delicate ecosystems. I always pack out every bit of trash, avoid disturbing nesting birds, and release fish quickly if I’m not keeping them for the table. Paddle fishing is best when it leaves no trace behind.
Final Thoughts
Tennessee is full of lakes that are ideal for paddle fishing—some remote and wild, others nestled close to home. Each offers its own blend of beauty, challenge, and reward. Whether I’m gliding silently through a cypress forest at Reelfoot or chasing smallmouth over rocky points at Dale Hollow, I always feel connected to the water in a deeper way when I leave the motor behind.
Paddle fishing isn’t just about catching fish—it’s about slowing down, moving quietly, and seeing Tennessee’s natural beauty from a different angle. These lakes provide not only great angling opportunities but also the peace that comes with every stroke of the paddle.