Check out Tennessee's Family Fishing Lakes
Looking for a fishing hole with a little peace and quiet? Somewhere to spend quality time with family and loved ones?
Then try one of the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency Fishing Lakes for solitude, relaxation, and the chance to catch bass, sunfish, crappie, catfish trout, and walleye.
These lakes managed by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency are open year-round for fishing.
Designed and regulated for family fishing, these lakes prohibit alcoholic beverages, houseboats, and inboard motors, and except for the recreational zone at Lake Halford no water skiing, personal watercraft, and swimming are allowed.
Most lakes have wheelchair-accessible fishing piers, easy access to bank fishing, boat rentals, launching ramps, and picnic areas.
Some lakes offer conveniences such as bait, tackle, snacks, and drinks.
These lakes are managed to provide fishing opportunities while producing the best quality fishing possible.
Eleven of the lakes are located in West Tennessee and range from 87 acres to 985 acres in size, and the other eight lakes are located in Middle Tennessee and range from 12 acres to 325 acres.
One of the 4 lakes at Williamsport (Whippoorwill) is for youth-adult fishing only,, and a shoreline area at Laurel Hill Lake is designated for youth-only fishing.
In addition, there are a couple of fishing ponds totaling approximately 15 acres located on the Bridgestone/Firestone Centennial Wilderness WMA in White County. For more information about these ponds call the Region 3 TWRA office at 833-402-4698.
If the family wants to get away from it all, then consider one of these 19 Family Fishing Lakes to pursue your thoughts, and relinquish your worries to the tug of bluegill, bass, crappie, catfish, and more.
You might find something you've lost while enjoying an activity that is basic, simple, and just plain fun and relaxing.
· A $6.00 daily permit (available at some lakes) or a $48.00 annual permit is required to fish these lakes except for Garrett and Whiteville Lakes. License and permits can be purchased online at Gooutdoorstennesse.com, the “TWRA On The Go App, TWRA license agent, and any regional office.
· Boats may be rented for $10.00 per day at most lakes on a seasonal basis. This permit may be purchased at the individual lake office.
· Fishing is permitted seven days per week from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset (except Garrett Lake is open 24 hours a day).
· Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day the following lakes are closed: Gibson Co., Glenn Springs, Herb Parsons, and Lake Graham
· The only tackle/gear that is legal is rod and reels, poles, hand-held lines, and jugs (with certain restrictions (and no jugging allowed at Lake Halford). All other gears are prohibited. See Fishing Regulation Guide for rules along with size and creel limits for each lake, and further information.
· Boats used for any activity other than fishing are prohibited, except for hunting on specific lakes during the regular hunting season as listed in the Tennessee Hunting Guide. Boats may not exceed the no-wake speed. Motors (except trolling motors) are prohibited on some lakes. Personal boats may not be left overnight.
Motorized vehicles are permitted only on designated roads.