Fishing Fort Loudoun Lake
AKA: Fort Loudon Reservoir
Popular Fish Species Fort Loudoun Lake, TN
Largemouth Bass Fishing
Fishing for largemouth bass at Fort Loudoun Lake, has been so good, for many years now, that it continues to attract national bass tournament organizations to hold major events here. Excellent fisheries management by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency has maintained a quality bass fishery providing both quantity and quality for anglers. Smallmouth bass and spotted bass also reside here in good numbers. Recent results by locals, and bass fishing tournament participants, attest to the fact that fishing for largemouth bass has been exceptionally rewarding lately. The fact that a significant number of larger bass also roam these waters, enhances fishing for locals and tournament anglers alike. Bass often move shallow and become fairly aggressive when they are in a feeding mood. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap. Around grass use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In deeper water, big worms, jigs and spoons are three good options. In winter, spend your time fishing Fort Loudoun Lake on deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time.
Smallmouth Bass Fishing
Smallmouth bass are a favorite of many locals at Fort Loudoun Lake, as they are tough fighters and exciting to catch. Fishing for smallmouth bass is good anytime they are shallow - in spring, during high water, mornings in summer and during warmer fall afternoons. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap, and around grass use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In winter, spend your time on deeper structure with small worms, jigs and spoons. Largemouth bass and spotted bass also reside here in good numbers.
Blue Catfish Fishing
For many years now, blue catfish are running in the big to monster size in Fort Loudoun Lake. Most of the local guides offer catfish trips, and big blues are the favorite target. The state record is over 120 pounds. Fishing for blue catfish is most often productive during spring through summer around any kind of structure. The river end of the lake is often the area where the bigger catfish are caught. Road beds, creek channels and rocky points are all good places to begin. Use a slip sinker or Carolina rig with cut bait or other popular catfish baits. Other catfish in the lake include channel and flathead catfish.
Fish species to fish for...
Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, channel catfish, blue catfish, black crappie, white crappie, walleye, bluegill, redear sunfish, rock bass, warmouth, white bass, striped bass, hybrid striped bass, paddlefish and sauger at Fort Loudoun Lake in Tennessee.
Fort Loudoun Lake Fishing Video
Starting in the southern outskirts of Knoxville, TN, and sprawling southwest for miles to Lenoir City, Fort Loudoun Lake is a 14,500-acre reservoir with a multitude of fishing choices. Crappie, bass, walleye, sunfish, white bass, stripers, and others reside here in impressive numbers. Dozens of boat ramps are scattered around the 379 miles of shoreline for launching pleasure and fishing boats. Power boats are the ideal way to fish here, but that doesn't rule out the chance of catching a nice stringer from a kayak, canoe or small fishing boat. Much of the shoreline is lined with private homes, golf courses and business. There are plenty of docks to fish, many of which have brush piles and other cover to attract crappie and bass. Untold miles of creek channels, ledges, humps and points offer excellent holding areas for schooling fish, when they move out of the shallows in summer and winter.
Fort Loudoun Lake, located on the Tennessee River in eastern Tennessee, offers anglers a prime fishing destination with abundant fish populations and a range of recreational opportunities. This 14,600-acre reservoir provides a diverse array of fish species, making it a popular spot for fishing enthusiasts, as well as boating and camping enthusiasts.
Fort Loudoun Lake is renowned for its excellent bass fishing. Largemouth bass and smallmouth bass are the primary targets for anglers, and the lake's structure, including submerged trees, rock formations, and points, provides ideal habitats for these species. Anglers can employ various techniques, such as flipping, topwater fishing, and finesse presentations, to entice the bass. The lake's healthy bass population and the opportunity to catch trophy-sized fish make it an appealing destination for both recreational and tournament anglers.
In addition to bass, Fort Loudoun Lake supports other popular fish species. Crappie fishing is excellent, with both black and white crappie providing ample angling opportunities. Anglers can find success by targeting submerged brush piles, docks, and standing timber where crappie often congregate. The lake is also home to catfish, including channel catfish and blue catfish, which can be targeted using a variety of baits and techniques. Other species found in the lake include sauger, walleye, and sunfish, providing anglers with additional fishing options.
Fort Loudoun Lake's combination of excellent fishing, boating opportunities, and camping facilities make it a sought-after destination for outdoor enthusiasts in Tennessee. Whether you're targeting bass, crappie, or catfish, enjoying a leisurely boat ride, or camping by the lakeside, Fort Loudoun Lake provides a serene and enjoyable environment for all who visit.
Primary fish species residing in Fort Loudon Lake
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
Fort Loudoun Lake Amenities
Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: NEARBY
Convenience Store: NEARBY
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boating is a favored activity on Fort Loudoun Lake, thanks to its expansive water surface and multiple boat ramps. Anglers and boating enthusiasts can launch their boats and explore the lake's scenic coves, channels, and open waters. Boaters can enjoy leisurely cruises, water sports activities, and the opportunity to take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and shoreline.
Fishing Boat Rentals
Concord Marina
Rentals: Pontoons and barges
865 966-5831
Volunteer Landing Marina
Rentals: Bass boats and pontoons
865 633-5004
Marinas
Choto Marina
12214 Choto Marina Wy
Knoxville, TN 37922
865 966-5472
Concord Marina
10903 S Northshore Dr
Knoxville, TN 37922
865 966-5831
Fort Loudon Marina
5200 City Park Dr
Lenoir City, TN 37772
865 986-5536
Louisville Landing Marina
2932 Louisville Boatdock Rd #3718
Louisville, TN 37777
865 984-9001
Volunteer Cove Marina
3725 Maryville Pike
Knoxville, TN 37920
865 579-0100
Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings
Concord Park Boat Launch
Located in the northern sector of the lake, north side, off S Northshore Drive, this is three-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
I C King Public Boat Ramp
This is a kayak launch area with paved parking, located in the northeast sector, east side, in I C King Park.
Ish Creek Boat Ramp
This is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and lots of paved parking. It is located in the southwest section of the lake, south side, off TVA Access Road.
Lenoir City Park Boat Ramp
Located in the northwest corner of the lake, north side, off City Park Drive, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Louisville Boat Ramp
Located in the northeast sector of the lake, south side, in Louisville Point Park, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.
Neyland Drive Boat Ramp
Located in the northeast corner of the lake, north side, off Neyland Drive, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with limited, gravel parking.
TWRA Boat Ramp
Located mid lake, south side, at the west end of the Topside Road Bridge, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.
TWRA Public Gravel Ramp
Located in the southwest sector of the lake, north side, off Lakeland Drive, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking.
Yarberry Recreation Area Boat Ramp
Located in the southwest corner of the lake, south side, off Yarberry Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.
Fishing Guides On Fort Loudoun Lake
Fort Loudoun Lake Fishing Guides - bass
If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.
Fishing License
Click here for a Tennessee Fishing License.
Camping facilities near Fort Loudoun Lake offer opportunities for visitors to extend their stay and fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area. Campgrounds provide amenities such as campsites, picnic areas, and restroom facilities. Camping near Fort Loudoun Lake allows anglers and outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy the peaceful ambiance of the lake and its surrounding natural scenery.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
Yarberry Campground - 865 986-3993
Poland Creek Recreation Area Campground - 865 681-1983
Southlake RV Park Campground - 865 573-1837
Fort Loudoun Lake, TN Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Fort Loudoun Lake
Tennessee Valley Authority
400 West Summit Hill Drive
Knoxville TN 37902
865 632-2101
Fishing lakes in each state.
070124
Fort Loudoun Lake in Tennessee.
TENNESSEE
Crappie, bass and walleye fishing in east-central TN.