What Concord Park Offers
Concord Park is a day-use facility in Knoxville that sits on the Tennessee River and draws anglers looking for smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, and catfish in an urban setting. The park itself is modest — a boat ramp, parking, and picnic tables — but the water holds fish year-round and the access is straightforward. You do not need a reservation; you show up, launch, and fish.
The Tennessee River through this section runs relatively calm and holds structure that smallmouth prefer: rocky banks, current breaks, and deeper holes. Spring and fall are strongest for smallmouth activity, though summer catfish bite can be reliable if you fish early or late. Winter slows the bite but does not shut it down entirely.
Key Takeaways
- Concord Park has a public boat ramp and day-use parking but no overnight camping or lodging on-site.
- Smallmouth bass are the primary target, with largemouth and catfish also present in the Tennessee River section here.
- Spring (March through May) and fall (September through November) produce the most consistent smallmouth fishing.
- You must carry a valid Tennessee fishing license, and bass have a 12-inch minimum length limit with a 5-fish daily bag.
Seasons and What to Fish
Spring is the strongest season at Concord Park. Water temperatures climb from the 50s into the 60s and 70s, and smallmouth move shallow to spawn. Jigs, crankbaits, and soft plastics work well along the rocky banks. Largemouth also bite during this window, though they are less abundant than smallmouth in this part of the river.
Summer fishing slows during midday but picks up at dawn and dusk. Catfish become more reliable targets, especially if you fish cut shad or chicken liver on the bottom. Smallmouth retreat to deeper, cooler water and require more precise presentations. By July and August, many anglers shift to night fishing or early morning trips.
Fall (September through November) rivals spring for smallmouth activity. Water cools, fish feed aggressively, and topwater lures can produce explosive strikes. This is also when many anglers target catfish, as they feed heavily before winter.
Winter fishing is slowest but not dead. Smallmouth move to the deepest holes and respond to slow, subtle presentations — drop-shot rigs and small jigs fished vertically. Catfish continue to bite, though less frequently. Many anglers take a break during January and February.
Access, Parking, and Facilities
Concord Park is located at 1000 Concord Street in Knoxville, just off Neyland Drive near the University of Tennessee campus. The park has a public boat ramp suitable for small to medium boats and a gravel parking lot. There is no launch fee, but parking is limited — arrive early on weekends.
The facility includes picnic tables and restrooms but no fuel dock, bait shop, or food service. Bring everything you need: water, snacks, tackle, and a full tank of gas. The nearest tackle shops and restaurants are a few minutes' drive away in downtown Knoxville.
The ramp itself is concrete and well-maintained, but it can get crowded on spring and fall weekends. If you arrive after 9 a.m. on a Saturday, expect to wait or find parking difficult. Weekday mornings are far less congested.
Regulations and Licensing
Tennessee requires all anglers 13 and older to carry a valid fishing license. You can purchase a one-day, three-day, or annual license through the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) online, by phone, or at most sporting goods stores. Licenses are also sold at some local bait shops near the park.
Bass regulations on this section of the Tennessee River are: 12-inch minimum length limit, 5-fish daily bag limit. Catfish have no minimum size and a 25-fish daily bag limit. These rules apply year-round. Check the current TWRA regulations before you fish, as rules can change.
The park itself closes at sunset, so plan your trip accordingly. Night fishing is not permitted on the park grounds, though you can fish the river from private property or other public access points if you have permission.
Tackle and Techniques That Work
For smallmouth, bring a mix of presentations. Jigs (1/4 to 1/2 ounce) in brown, black, and green work year-round, especially when tipped with a crawfish trailer. Crankbaits in shad patterns are effective in spring and fall when fish are shallow. Soft plastics — 4 to 6-inch worms and creature baits — produce in all seasons if you fish them slowly near structure.
Topwater lures (poppers and walk-the-dog baits) can be deadly in fall and early spring when smallmouth are aggressive. Fish them early and late in the day, or on overcast mornings. During summer and winter, drop-shot rigs and small jigs fished vertically near deeper banks are more reliable.
For catfish, cut shad, chicken liver, or stink baits on a simple three-way rig or slip sinker setup work well. Fish the bottom in deeper holes, especially near the dam or in current breaks. Catfish bite best at night, but you can catch them during the day if you fish the deepest available water.
When to Go and What to Bring
Spring (March through May) and fall (September through November) are the best times to visit. Water is comfortable, fish are active, and the weather is mild. Plan for a half-day or full-day trip; most anglers fish 4 to 6 hours and catch fish consistently during these seasons.
Bring a cooler with water and snacks, sunscreen, and a hat. The park offers no shade, and the sun reflects off the water. Wear polarized sunglasses to see fish in shallow water. A life jacket is required by law if you are in a boat, and the Tennessee River current can be strong after heavy rain.
If you are new to the area, consider hiring a local guide for your first trip. Guides know the current structure, seasonal patterns, and can save you time learning the water. Several outfitters in Knoxville offer half-day and full-day trips on this section of the river.
Nearby Alternatives and Other Options
If Concord Park is crowded or you want to explore other water, the Tennessee River has several other public access points within 30 minutes. Fort Loudon Lake (formed by a dam downstream) offers different habitat — more weed beds and shallow flats — and can be better for largemouth during certain seasons. Melton Hill Lake (upstream) is larger and has more developed facilities, including a marina and multiple ramps.
Norris Lake, about 45 minutes north, is a major reservoir with excellent smallmouth and largemouth fishing, especially in spring and fall. It has more amenities than Concord Park and several public ramps, but it is also more crowded. If you want solitude and are willing to drive, smaller lakes and streams in the surrounding mountains offer less pressure and good fishing for smallmouth and native brook trout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a boat to fish Concord Park?
No. You can fish from the bank along the park grounds, though access is limited. A small boat or kayak gives you much more water to cover and better success. If you do not own a boat, some local outfitters rent kayaks or small johnboats by the day.
What is the best time of day to fish here?
Early morning (sunrise to 9 a.m.) and late afternoon (4 p.m. to sunset) are most productive year-round. Midday fishing is slow, especially in summer. If you can only fish midday, focus on deeper water and slower presentations.
Can I keep fish I catch at Concord Park?
Yes, as long as they meet size and bag limits. Bass must be 12 inches or longer, and you can keep up to 5 per day. Catfish have no size limit and a 25-fish daily bag. Many anglers practice catch-and-release for smallmouth, especially during spawning season (April and May).
Is there a bait shop at or near the park?
No bait shop is on-site. The nearest tackle shops are in downtown Knoxville, a few minutes' drive away. Bring your own tackle and bait, or stop at a shop before you arrive at the park.
What should I do if the water is high or muddy after rain?
High water makes fishing harder but not impossible. Smallmouth move to calmer areas behind rocks and along the banks. Catfish actually bite better in slightly stained water. If the river is dangerously high or the current is very strong, consider waiting a day or two for conditions to settle.