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6/24/2025 12:09:53 PM EDT
Looking to take a quick vacation trip with my Godson and maybe his brother in a couple weeks.  What is a good spot where we can do some fishing, bass mostly or trout, and also have access to some local amenities?  Been looking at the various lakes in the state.  Probably grab an Airbnb for lodging.   I have been looking around Norris Lake.
Fighting for underscores everywhere.
6/24/2025 12:22:36 PM EDT
[Last Edit: rebel_rifle][Edited] [#1]
East TN is full of lakes and rivers first of all. Are you bringing a boat? Renting a fishing boat is not as prevalent as it was years ago.

When you say bass or trout, wading or by boat? Guided or not?

One thing specifically regarding Norris, it gets very crowded this time of year. Anything near Sevier county as well, Douglas lake, French Broad River, etc.


ETA: virtually all bass fishing is by boat but trout can be waded or by boat, depending on the generation schedule at the appropriate dam.
6/24/2025 1:46:53 PM EDT
[#2]
Look at Center Hill Lake, specifically Pates Ford Marina. They have a restaurant/bar called Fish Lips. A lot of the Nashville music crowd goes there to rub elbows with the common folks. Never know who will be there but several have houseboats at the marina. The marina has cabins and houseboats for rent. As far as fishing boat rentals those all shut down when Tennessee started requiring boater safety certification for anyone renting a motorized boat.
Nearby Canoe the Caney has canoe and kayak rentals on the Caney Fork which is trophy trout water for the area.
I think one of the major problems with America today is not enough families sit down to a big plate of squirrels momma just fried up.
6/24/2025 2:53:27 PM EDT
[#3]
Thanks for the info!  This is kind of last minute so just tossing ideas together.   We do not have a boat, so I'd hope to find a rental where I can fish near our lodgings, but also have other options like a rental boat or a good dock to fish off of.  

I realize this is kind of peak tourist vacation season so popular spots will be busy.  

My Godson is a big trout fly fishing fan so someone we could spend a day doing that would be nice as well.  I prefer a bit more laid back fishing, pole in one hand and cold beer in the other.
Fighting for underscores everywhere.
6/24/2025 3:30:22 PM EDT
[#4]
Quote History
Originally Posted By bodybagger:
Look at Center Hill Lake, specifically Pates Ford Marina. They have a restaurant/bar called Fish Lips. A lot of the Nashville music crowd goes there to rub elbows with the common folks. Never know who will be there but several have houseboats at the marina. The marina has cabins and houseboats for rent. As far as fishing boat rentals those all shut down when Tennessee started requiring boater safety certification for anyone renting a motorized boat.
Nearby Canoe the Caney has canoe and kayak rentals on the Caney Fork which is trophy trout water for the area.
View Quote

@bodybagger  I cannot wait and we are close!  We've got a buyer on the hook as we speak.
6/24/2025 8:03:46 PM EDT
[#5]
Quote History
Originally Posted By manchu39:

@bodybagger  I cannot wait and we are close!  We've got a buyer on the hook as we speak.
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Quote History
Originally Posted By manchu39:
Originally Posted By bodybagger:
Look at Center Hill Lake, specifically Pates Ford Marina. They have a restaurant/bar called Fish Lips. A lot of the Nashville music crowd goes there to rub elbows with the common folks. Never know who will be there but several have houseboats at the marina. The marina has cabins and houseboats for rent. As far as fishing boat rentals those all shut down when Tennessee started requiring boater safety certification for anyone renting a motorized boat.
Nearby Canoe the Caney has canoe and kayak rentals on the Caney Fork which is trophy trout water for the area.

@bodybagger  I cannot wait and we are close!  We've got a buyer on the hook as we speak.

Man thats awesome!! Looking forward to seeing you here!
I think one of the major problems with America today is not enough families sit down to a big plate of squirrels momma just fried up.
6/24/2025 8:07:34 PM EDT
[#6]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Network_Daddy:
Thanks for the info!  This is kind of last minute so just tossing ideas together.   We do not have a boat, so I'd hope to find a rental where I can fish near our lodgings, but also have other options like a rental boat or a good dock to fish off of.  

I realize this is kind of peak tourist vacation season so popular spots will be busy.  

My Godson is a big trout fly fishing fan so someone we could spend a day doing that would be nice as well.  I prefer a bit more laid back fishing, pole in one hand and cold beer in the other.
View Quote

Check out the Hiwassee river as well
Trout fishing Hiwassee river tennessee
I think one of the major problems with America today is not enough families sit down to a big plate of squirrels momma just fried up.
6/24/2025 8:21:45 PM EDT
[#7]
Just an FYI.

If fishing any tailwater, be vey aware of the generation schedule. Failure to do that can kill you.

Most dams are TVA, but sone are USACE. Each has their own apps to see the schedules. You also have to know when the water gets to you and leaves the stretch you’re in. This is where a guide can really help out. Lake fishing is totally different than tailwater fishing.

I say this as one who regularly fishes tailwaters such as the Clinch, Holston, French Broad,  South Holston, Caney Fork and Hiwasse.
6/24/2025 10:25:05 PM EDT
[#8]
Quote History
Originally Posted By rebel_rifle:
Just an FYI.

If fishing any tailwater, be vey aware of the generation schedule. Failure to do that can kill you.

Most dams are TVA, but sone are USACE. Each has their own apps to see the schedules. You also have to know when the water gets to you and leaves the stretch you’re in. This is where a guide can really help out. Lake fishing is totally different than tailwater fishing.

I say this as one who regularly fishes tailwaters such as the Clinch, Holston, French Broad,  South Holston, Caney Fork and Hiwasse.
View Quote


Lake Tannycomo nearly got me in Branson when they started running the dam last year.
Fighting for underscores everywhere.
6/24/2025 11:11:36 PM EDT
[#9]
Quote History
Originally Posted By bodybagger:

Man thats awesome!! Looking forward to seeing you here!
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Quote History
Originally Posted By bodybagger:
Originally Posted By manchu39:
Originally Posted By bodybagger:
Look at Center Hill Lake, specifically Pates Ford Marina. They have a restaurant/bar called Fish Lips. A lot of the Nashville music crowd goes there to rub elbows with the common folks. Never know who will be there but several have houseboats at the marina. The marina has cabins and houseboats for rent. As far as fishing boat rentals those all shut down when Tennessee started requiring boater safety certification for anyone renting a motorized boat.
Nearby Canoe the Caney has canoe and kayak rentals on the Caney Fork which is trophy trout water for the area.

@bodybagger  I cannot wait and we are close!  We've got a buyer on the hook as we speak.

Man thats awesome!! Looking forward to seeing you here!

Same! It’s a brand new adventure and I cannot wait! We’ll connect and would love to go fishing with you. See y’all soon… GOD willing

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