Fishing at Douglas and Cherokee Lakes in East Tennessee near Forest Grove Resort.

Cherokee Lake Fishing Info

Is it a surprise that Cherokee Lake/Reservoir is a major fishing opportunity for locals and visitors alike? It shouldn’t be, it’s a big body of water near the vibrant Smoky Mountains with an equally lively ecology and economy built from it. What may be surprising is how often visitors come to Cherokee Lake to do some not-insignificant fishing without knowing or becoming aware of the regulations and considerations that go into keeping Cherokee Lake a healthy ecosystem to fish from. Though a comparatively small lake compared to other fishing destinations and lakes in the US, the state of Tennessee takes its activities seriously and has quite a bit of information that locals and visitors are required to know before casting line.

In this article, we’ll offer many of the main points in a “Frequently Asked Questions” format to make it easier to become familiar with those regulations and considerations as stipulated by the Tennessee government website. The TN.gov site is somewhat famously dense in terms of offering information and a “casual glance” through it might not be realistic, so this blog will be structured to help accomplish that goal.

Let’s begin:

Is A Fishing License Required To Go Fishing In Cherokee Lake?
Yes. Always.

Is It Expensive To Get A Fishing License?
That varies. There are many types of Tennessee fishing licenses spread out between ages, ability and whether or not the applicant is a state or country resident. Additionally, there are licenses for varying amounts of days: 1 day, 3 day, 7 day, etc. The prices for them range appropriately, with non-resident fees generally being more expensive than licenses for residents.

https://www.tn.gov/content/tn/twra/upcoming-license.html has the full list of prices and includes info on other hunting and activities requiring permits.

What About Small Children? Do They Need A License To Fish?
Children under the age of 13 do NOT require a license, whether they are a resident or not. Other regulations on size and amount of fish apply, but children under 13 can essentially fish for free.

If I Purchase A License, How Long Do I Have To Use It?
An unused license is good for 365 days from purchase. If it is not used within 365 days, you will need to purchase a new one.

Where Can I Get These Licenses?
Quoting directly from tn.gov:
“Most licenses, except the Lifetime Sportsman License and specialty licenses, such as Wheelchair, Disabled Veteran, SSI (Supplemental Security Income), and Blind Fishing licenses, are available from most county clerks, sporting goods stores, hardware stores, marinas, On The Go APP, GoOutDoorsTennessee, at a TWRA Licensed Agent or at a Regional Office.”

Are There Any Free Fishing Periods?
Yes. We have “Bobby Wilson Free Fishing Day” each year for all ages and “Free Fishing Week” each year for children under 16 years of age.

How Big Is Cherokee Lake?
Cherokee Lake/Reservoir has over 30,000 surface acres and nearly 400 miles of shoreline.

What Kind Of Fish Could I Expect To Catch?
TN.gov lists the following: Threadfin Shad, Gizzard Shad, Alewife with Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Striped Bass, Cherokee bass, Crappie, Walleye
Saugeye, Paddlefish, White Bass, Black Bass, Bluegill, Spotted Bass, Paddlefish, Rock Bass, Warmouth and Catfish.

Additionally, other wildlife such as turtles, salamanders and crayfish can be expected in the waters, but although they are not fish, they have their regulations for and protections against catching. See https://www.tn.gov/content/tn/twra/fishing-regs.html.

What Are The Bait Regulations In Cherokee Lake?
See https://www.tn.gov/twra/fishing-regs/live-bait-regs.html.

Can I Use Something Other Than Angling To Catch Fish In Cherokee Lake?
Tennessee allows the use of angling, minnow seine (float and lead line), minnow and crayfish traps, cast nets, shad trawls, a dip net, tools that are not-mechanized and your own two hands when/if available.

How Cold/Warm Does It Get Around Cherokee Lake Seasonally?
It can be an undertaking to answer that question sufficiently, especially as the climates have changed drastically in East Tennessee since the mid-2000s. Basically, you can expect it will be the COLD SEASON from the last week of October to the first week of April. It will be the HOT SEASON from mid-May to the second week of October. That leaves at least 8 weeks of the year to have the “perfect” weather everyone wants.

During the COLD SEASON, it will usually be highs in the 50s and lows in the 30s in general surrounding January and February. January and February are the coldest months where freezing temperatures are the norm and the best chance of snow or frozen lake conditions will be present.

During the HOT SEASON, it will usually be highs in the 80s and lows in the 60s in general surrounding mid-June, July and August (sometimes part of September). Mid-June to the start of September are the hottest months and temperatures in the 90s will be the norm and be the most active season for thunderstorms (some years we predict literally 80% or more of the Summer days to have storms, though whether or not they actually form is anyone’s guess).

Take these conditions into consideration when planning a fishing trip to Cherokee Lake.

Anything Else I Should Know About Fishing At Cherokee Lake?
Interestingly, the TN.gov website offers a handful of “fishing tips” such as the following:

* Largemouth bass – The highest catch occurs in March and April when the water warms and bass moves to shallow water to spawn.  Some popular tackles are Silver Buddies, Carolina-rigged plastic lizards, Texas-rigged 4-inch plastic worms, crankbaits, Shad Raps, Rapalas, Rat-L-Traps, spinnerbaits, buzz baits, and many more.

* Smallmouth bass – They move to clay and gravel points in the spring for spawning but can be found in rocky areas as well.  Fish love bait on the bottom, Carolina-rigged lizards, or cast firefighter or shad colored Shad Raps, Rapalas, and Rebels.

* During the late fall and early spring many move upstream to the John Sevier Steam Plant.  Year-round, but especially in the summer when dissolved oxygen levels are low, the lower section of the reservoir from Macedonia Hollow to the dam is hard to beat.  Live shad or large shiners with a single hook, sinker, and greater than 15 lb. test monofilament is a well-used method.  One-ounce white doll flies with a 6-inch plastic trailer, Red Fins or Little Mac plugs, Sassy Shads on a 1-oz lead head, Zara Spooks, white Slug-gos, and jigging spoons are also used.

* Fish in coves near fish attractors, brush piles, or downed trees in the early spring or late fall.  Small minnows, plastic grubs, flies tipped with minnows, and small crankbaits work best. Trolling flies with grubs is also a common method to catch crappies.

* The best season is from January through May when all three species concentrate upstream near the John Sevier Steam Plant. They are best caught with larger flies tipped with minnows, Rooster Tail or June Bug spinners, plastic grubs, and hair doll flies.

* Paddlefish concentrate in the upper end of the reservoir during early spring as they migrate upstream to spawn.  They feed on plankton and are practically impossible to catch on a lure, therefore snagging is an accepted method for legally harvesting Paddlefish.  Use heavy tackle and at least a 30-pound line to battle a foul-hooked giant and fish in the upper end of the reservoir near Horseshoe Bend.

For the full scope of information and fishing/hunting regulations in Tennessee, visit, you guessed it, the TN.gov website at https://www.tn.gov/twra/fishing/where-to-fish/east-tennessee-r4/cherokee-reservoir.html and https://www.tn.gov/content/tn/twra/fishing-regs.html.