Tellico Lake is a 38-mile-long reservoir in East Tennessee with consistent largemouth and smallmouth bass fishing, plus walleye and catfish in deeper water

Tellico Lake stretches from Loudon County south into Roane County, formed by Tellico Dam on the Little Tennessee River. The lake holds roughly 16,000 acres of surface water and reaches depths over 100 feet in the main channel. You will find largemouth bass in the shallower coves and along vegetation, smallmouth bass on rocky structure and ledges, and walleye in the deeper pools—especially during low-light hours. Catfish and crappie are also present, though bass dominate the fishing pressure and the reports.

The lake's character changes from north to south. The upper end near Loudon is narrower and more river-like, with current and faster-moving water. The middle and lower sections open into broader pools with more traditional reservoir structure. Spring and fall typically produce the most consistent action, though summer night fishing for catfish and walleye can be excellent if you are willing to adjust your schedule.

Key Takeaways

  • Tellico Lake has five public boat ramps spread across its length, with the largest facilities at Tellico Village and Kahite, both on the lower lake.
  • Largemouth bass bite best in spring (March through May) and fall (September through November) around shallow cover and creek mouths.
  • Smallmouth bass are present year-round on rocky banks and underwater ledges, with peak activity in spring and early summer.
  • A Tennessee fishing license is required; you can purchase it online through the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency or at tackle shops near the lake.
  • The lake is open to public fishing, but some shoreline is private property—stick to public access points and respect posted boundaries.

Where to Launch and Access the Water

Tellico Lake has five public boat ramps managed by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). The Tellico Village Marina on the lower lake offers a full-service facility with fuel, tackle, and a restaurant; it charges a day-use fee for the ramp. Kahite Park, also on the lower lake, has a free ramp and picnic area. Both are easily reached from Interstate 75 near Knoxville.

Moving north, Poplar Springs Park sits on the middle lake and offers a free ramp with parking and restrooms. Whiteside Park is a smaller free facility further north. At the upper end, Tellico River Park near the dam provides a free ramp and is the closest access to the narrower, more river-like upper section. All five ramps accommodate trailers, though Tellico Village and Kahite handle the heaviest traffic on weekends.

If you do not have a boat, bank fishing is possible at several TVA parks along the shoreline, though access is limited compared to boat ramps. Tellico Village and Kahite both allow shore fishing, and Poplar Springs has a small bank-fishing area. Bring your own parking and expect limited facilities at bank-access points.

Bass Fishing Seasons and Techniques

Largemouth bass are most active from March through May, when they move into shallow water to spawn. Fish creek mouths, coves with fallen timber, and areas with aquatic vegetation—typically in 3 to 8 feet of water. Soft plastics, crankbaits, and topwater lures all produce during this window. Summer slows the bite as fish move deeper, but early morning and evening sessions can still yield results. Fall (September through November) brings another strong bite as water cools and bass return to shallower structure.

Smallmouth bass are present year-round and prefer rocky banks, underwater ledges, and the main-channel structure. Spring and early summer (April through June) are peak months. Use jigs, tube baits, and small crankbaits in the 4 to 15-foot range. Smallmouth are less predictable than largemouth but often bite consistently if you locate the right structure. Winter can be productive too—smallmouth remain active in deep water when largemouth have largely shut down.

Both species respond to live baitfish (shiners, shad) if you prefer that approach. Trolling crankbaits along the main channel and ledges works well for covering water and finding fish quickly, especially if you are new to the lake.

Walleye and Catfish in Deeper Water

Tellico Lake holds a solid walleye population, though they are less targeted than bass. Walleye concentrate in the deeper pools and main channel, particularly in the lower and middle sections of the lake. Fish early morning, late evening, or at night using live shiners, small jigs, or crankbaits. Depths of 15 to 40 feet are typical, and a depth finder is nearly essential for consistent success. Spring and fall are productive, but night fishing in summer can be excellent when daytime heat pushes walleye deeper.

Catfish are abundant and often overlooked by visiting anglers. Fish the deeper holes and channel ledges at night with cut bait, chicken liver, or stink baits. Catfish bite year-round, and summer nights are particularly productive. You do not need specialized tackle—a medium spinning rod and basic catfish rig will work. Catfish are also a good option if you want to fish from shore, since they do not require precise casting or structure knowledge.

Regulations and Licensing

Tennessee requires a fishing license for anyone 13 years old and older. You can purchase a license online through the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) website, by phone, or at tackle shops near Tellico Lake. A one-day license costs less than a week-long license, which costs less than an annual license—choose based on how long you plan to fish. Non-residents and residents pay different rates; check the TWRA website for current pricing.

Bass have a 12-inch minimum length limit and a daily creel limit of six fish per person. Walleye are 15 inches minimum with a limit of six per day. Catfish have no minimum size and no daily limit. Crappie are 9 inches minimum with a limit of 30 per day. These regulations can change, so confirm the current rules on the TWRA website or ask at a local tackle shop before you fish.

The lake itself is open to public fishing, but much of the shoreline is private property. Respect posted signs and use only designated public access points. Trespassing on private land is illegal and will result in citation.

When to Fish and What to Expect

Spring (March through May) is the most popular season. Water temperatures climb from the 40s to the 60s, bass move shallow, and the bite is reliable. Expect moderate to heavy boat traffic on weekends, especially at Tellico Village and Kahite. Mornings are typically calmer than afternoons.

Summer (June through August) is hot and the daytime bite slows, but night fishing for catfish and walleye is productive. Boat traffic remains heavy on weekends. Early morning sessions (before 9 a.m.) can still produce bass, especially if you target deeper structure or shaded areas.

Fall (September through November) brings cooler water and another strong bite for both largemouth and smallmouth. Boat traffic decreases after Labor Day, making weekday fishing more peaceful. Water clarity is often excellent in fall.

Winter (December through February) is quieter. Bass fishing slows, but smallmouth remain active in deep water, and catfish bite consistently at night. Boat traffic is minimal, and you may have stretches of the lake to yourself. Dress warmly—wind and cold water are real hazards.

Tackle Shops and Local Resources

Several tackle shops serve Tellico Lake anglers. Tellico Village Marina stocks basic tackle and rents boats if you do not have your own. Shops in nearby Knoxville and Loudon carry more extensive selections of lures, rods, and terminal tackle. Ask staff at any shop for current bite reports and recent patterns—local knowledge changes week to week and is worth the conversation.

The TVA website and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency website both post water level information, which affects where fish hold and how accessible certain areas are. Checking water level before you go can save you a wasted trip if the lake is unusually high or low.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a boat to fish Tellico Lake?

No. Bank fishing is possible at Tellico Village, Kahite Park, and Poplar Springs Park. However, boat access gives you far more water to explore and better odds of finding active fish. If you do not own a boat, Tellico Village Marina rents them by the day.

What is the best time of year to fish Tellico Lake?

Spring (March through May) and fall (September through November) are most consistent for bass. If you target walleye or catfish, summer night fishing can be excellent. Winter is quieter and less crowded, though the daytime bite is slower.

Can I fish from shore at Tellico Lake?

Yes, at designated public access points. Tellico Village, Kahite Park, and Poplar Springs Park all allow shore fishing. Catfish and crappie are easier to catch from shore than bass, since they do not require precise casting or deep-water structure knowledge.

What size bass do I need to keep?

Bass must be at least 12 inches long. You can keep up to six per day. Check the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency website before you fish, as regulations can change.

Is Tellico Lake good for beginners?

Yes. The lake has plenty of bass and catfish, multiple easy-to-use boat ramps, and several tackle shops nearby. Spring is the easiest season to start—fish are active and shallow, making them easier to locate. Catfish are also forgiving and bite consistently, making them a good first target.