Cast a Line in the Lakeway to the Smokies
Loudon County, long recognized as the Lakeway to the Smokies, is also known as one of the best fishing counties in Tennessee. With thousands of acres of lakes and streams, the county draws competitive bass fishermen and everyday water enthusiasts alike, all looking to drop a line and take advantage of the great fishing.
Loudon County features several fishing tournaments throughout the year. Check the calendar for what's coming up.
WatchIt's not just throwing out a line and watching a bobber. See what a tournament day on Tellico and Fort Loudoun Lakes really looks like.
The Lakes
Known for producing quality largemouth and smallmouth bass, and very popular with tournament fishermen. A higher percentage of "lunkers" are found here than in most other East Tennessee reservoirs. Also a top choice for crappie, with catfishing on par (the state record 130 pound blue catfish was taken here by commercial gear in 1976), plus bluegill, white bass, sauger, and walleye.
A 5,690 acre reservoir where warm water discharged at the Bull Run Steam Plant extends the growing season for many species. Musky, striped bass, and crappie are the main draw, alongside bass, catfish, walleye, sauger, sunfish, white bass, bluegill, and paddlefish.
A 14,200 acre reservoir featuring cooler waters from the Tellico River and Chilhowee Reservoir, making this a big draw for rainbow and brown trout, as well as walleye. Also home to largemouth and smallmouth bass, crappie, catfish, sunfish, paddlefish, and more.
A 39,600 acre reservoir home to both white and black nose crappie in great quantities, with the season picking up from late February through early May. Stripers in the 50 to 60 pound range and Cherokee Bass in the 15 to 20 pound range are frequently caught, along with white bass, sunfish, catfish, and sauger.
On the Water
