HEREChattanooga
Chattanooga
Fishing
Report
Live conditions, species status, solunar ratings, water body profiles, TWRA regulations, and community fishing coverage for Hamilton lakes and rivers.
Bass: Active Crappie: Active Catfish: Hot 3 Waters Profiled
First Look • Fishing Conditions
🌘
Waning Crescent
Illumination: 35%
88°F
96°F
6 mph
1017
as of 11:25 PM ET
Very Good — decreasing moon builds toward new moon peak. Dawn and dusk feeding surges expected.
Hamilton • Southeast Tennessee SC
Your Local Fishing Resource
HEREChattanooga is your local source for fishing reports, conditions, and TWRA regulations across Hamilton. Use the waters list to find lakes, rivers, and reservoirs near you, the regulations section for current limits, and the guides directory to book a trip.
Current Conditions • Chattanooga Waters
Species Status
Largemouth Bass
ACTIVE
Summer pattern — fish deep structure early and late. Frog fishing on lily pads productive at dawn.
Top BaitFinesse Jig, Drop Shot
Depth15-25 ft midday
Smallmouth Bass
ACTIVE
Smallmouth active on shoals. Work crawfish patterns on rocky bottom.
Top BaitTube Jig, Crawfish Pattern, Ned Rig
DepthShoal tail-outs, 3-12 ft
Crappie
FAIR
Summer or late fall. Fish are deeper — target 12-20 ft brush piles with tube jigs.
Top BaitSmall Tube Jig, Live Minnow, Slip Float
Depth12-20 ft brush
Catfish
HOT
Catfish are highly active in warm water. Night fishing from bank is excellent — cut shad and chicken liver.
Top BaitCut Shad, Chicken Liver, Prepared Stink Bait
DepthChannel edges, 10-30 ft
Bluegill / Bream
HOT
Bluegill on the bed — largest fish of the year on spawning colonies in 1-4 ft gravel flats. Cricket fishing is magic.
Top BaitCricket, Worm, Small Jig (1/32 oz)
DepthSpawning: 1-4 ft. Non-spawn: dock edges 4-10 ft
Trout
SLOW
No summer trout stocking. Trout season paused — check <?php echo here_dnr(); ?> for next stocking dates.
Top BaitPowerBait, Night Crawler, Inline Spinner
DepthStocked areas — designated lakes and streams
Species status is based on seasonal patterns and current conditions for Hamilton waters. Always verify TWRA regulations for creel limits, size minimums, and any current advisories before heading out.
Report a Bite Update
First Look
Weather & Fishing Conditions
88F
Mostly Clear
Feels like 96°F
as of 11:25 PM ET
Wind
6 mph SSE
Humidity
62%
Pressure
1017 hPa
Est. Water Temp
96°F
Moon
Waning Crescent
Sunrise / Sunset
10:34 am / 12:58 am
Location
Chattanooga, SC
On-the-Water Tips
- Hot air temps push fish deep. Fish 12-20 ft ledges and structure in the heat of the day. Early morning and evening are your windows.
- Calm winds make for ideal casting conditions. Fish will be spooky in clear water — use light line and natural presentations.
- Falling barometric pressure activates feeding. Fish are on the move — work moving baits and cover water quickly.
Solunar Index
Fishing Conditions Dashboard
Air Temperature
88°F
Warm — Fish Deep
Wind Speed
6 mph
Calm — Ideal
Barometric Pressure
1017 hPa
Falling — Feeding!
Moon Phase
🌘
Good
Extended Outlook
5-Day Fishing Forecast
TONIGHT
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
82° / 72°
3 mph wind • 0% humidity
SLOW
SUN
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
86° / 70°
3 mph wind • 0% humidity
SLOW
MON
Showers And Thunderstorms
83° / 70°
3 mph wind • 0% humidity
SLOW
TUE
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
86° / 71°
3 mph wind • 0% humidity
SLOW
WED
Partly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
88° / 72°
0 mph wind • 0% humidity
SLOW
Lakes & Rivers
Water Body Profiles
3 fishing waters within Hamilton — with species, access, tips, and restrictions.
Chickamauga Lake
Largemouth bass
Smallmouth bass
Crappie
Catfish
Walleye
Striped bass
Angler Tip
Tennessee River (downtown reach)
Catfish
Striped bass
Drum
Largemouth bass
Angler Tip
Nickajack Lake
Largemouth bass
Catfish
Crappie
Drum
Angler Tip
Did We Miss a Spot?
Know a Chattanooga-area fishing lake, pond, or river stretch that should be on this list? Let us know.
Report a Fishing SpotLocal Experts
Field Guides
Hire a local fishing guide and put your line on the right water in Chattanooga. Expert captains who know Hamilton waters.
CP
Cliff Pitts
Veteran Lake Wylie guide specializing in striped bass and crappie.
Lake Wylie
Catawba River
Guide Service or Charter Captain?
Get listed in the Field Guides section and reach active anglers across Hamilton and the HERE City Network.
List Your Guide ServiceCommunity Reviews
I Fished Here
Share Your Trip
Fished a Chattanooga-area lake or river? Tell us about it in 280 characters or fewer.
Community
Here We...
Reel Them In...
Big catches, personal bests, and tournament fish from Chattanooga anglers.
Cast Them Cold...
Your favorite post-fishing spots. Where do you go when the rods are stowed?
Coverage
Fishing News HERE
Local — Chattanooga and Southeast Tennessee
Coming Soon
Local
Chattanooga Fishing Coverage Coming Soon
Local lake reports, stocking news, tournament results, and Southeast Tennessee fishing coverage from the HEREChattanooga newsroom.
National — Bass, Fishing Regulations, and Conservation
Coming Soon
National
National Fishing Coverage Coming Soon
Bass fishing news, conservation legislation, national tournament results, gear reviews, and fishing stories with a Chattanooga perspective.
More at Outdoor Sports
Hunting, camping, hiking, and all outdoor sports coverage for Chattanooga and Southeast Tennessee SC
Tackle, Rods and Reels
Essential Gear HERE
Gear reviews and picks for the Chattanooga angler — rods, reels, tackle, and kayaks tested for Southeast Tennessee SC waters.
Gear Reviews — Tested for Southeast Tennessee SC Waters
As an Amazon Associate, HERE earns from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability subject to change.
Fishing Rod Holder Smart Fish Catcher Fishing Pole Holders Automatic Spring Tip-Up Hook with…
Rod
Hand-picked by the HERE Fishing desk this week. Fishing Rod Holder Smart Fish Catcher Fishing Pole Holders Automatic Spring Tip-Up Hook with….
$26.96
Best for: Recommended by the HERE Fishing desk
View on Amazon →
HADORAM Robotic Swimming Lure 5.1” Fishing Lure 4-Segement Multi Jointed Swimbait Electric B…
Lure
Hand-picked by the HERE Fishing desk this week. HADORAM Robotic Swimming Lure 5.1” Fishing Lure 4-Segement Multi Jointed Swimbait Electric B….
$22.99
Best for: Recommended by the HERE Fishing desk
View on Amazon →
Garmin Striker Cast, Castable Sonar, Pair with Mobile Device and Cast from Anywhere, Reel in…
Reel
Hand-picked by the HERE Fishing desk this week. Garmin Striker Cast, Castable Sonar, Pair with Mobile Device and Cast from Anywhere, Reel in….
$129.99
Best for: Recommended by the HERE Fishing desk
View on Amazon →
Deeper PRO+ 2 Sonar Fish Finder - Portable Fish Finder and Depth Finder For Kayaks, Boats an…
Fish Finder
Hand-picked by the HERE Fishing desk this week. Deeper PRO+ 2 Sonar Fish Finder - Portable Fish Finder and Depth Finder For Kayaks, Boats an….
$159.99
Best for: Recommended by the HERE Fishing desk
View on Amazon →
Chasing Gladius MINI S Upgraded Professional Underwater Drone Set, with 4k Resolution + EIS …
Fishing Gear
Hand-picked by the HERE Fishing desk this week. Chasing Gladius MINI S Upgraded Professional Underwater Drone Set, with 4k Resolution + EIS ….
$1399.00
Best for: Recommended by the HERE Fishing desk
View on Amazon →
【2025 New】FIFISH V-EVO 4K60FPS Underwater Drone with Robotic Arm, with Removable SD Card, QY…
Fishing Gear
Hand-picked by the HERE Fishing desk this week. 【2025 New】FIFISH V-EVO 4K60FPS Underwater Drone with Robotic Arm, with Removable SD Card, QY….
$1699.00
Best for: Recommended by the HERE Fishing desk
View on Amazon →
Tackle Shop, Guide Service, or Marina?
Get featured in the Essential Gear section and reach active anglers across the HERE City Network — 100+ cities.
Learn About Gear AdvertisingTennessee DNR
TWRA Regulations
License requirements, bag limits, and size limits for Hamilton waters. Always verify current regulations at dnr.sc.gov.
SC Fishing Licenses
Bag & Size Limits — Chattanooga Waters
Special Rules & Alerts for Chattanooga Waters
- Lake Bowen & Blalock: Boating permit required from Chattanooga Water. Gas motor HP restrictions — check current Chattanooga Water rules before launching.
- Lake Blalock Special: 14-inch minimum size for black bass. 5 combined black bass daily limit. Check closure status after Hurricane Helene impacts.
- Lake Craig & Edwin Johnson: No gasoline engines — electric trolling motors only. Lake Edwin Johnson also enforces TWRA creel limits: 10 bream, 3 bass, 3 catfish.
- Free Fishing Days 2026: May 25 (Memorial Day weekend) and July 4 — no fishing license required on these two days.
- Rivers (Pacolet, Tyger, Lawson's Fork): Statewide creel limits apply. No boating permits required. TWRA fishing license required for anglers 16+.
Regulations shown are for general reference. Always verify current rules with the SC Department of Natural Resources at dnr.sc.gov or by calling the TWRA Wildlife Helpline. Regulations may change each season. Municipal reservoir rules (Chattanooga Water, SJWD) are set separately from TWRA.
Spawn Timing & Key Dates
Season Calendar
SC DNR stocks May-June annually
SC DNR stocks November-January
Bottom fishing with cut bait
Spawn timing is approximate and based on typical Hamilton water temperature patterns. Actual timing varies by year and water body. TWRA trout stocking schedules are published annually — visit dnr.sc.gov for exact dates and stocking locations.
Questions and Answers
Fishing FAQ
Common questions about fishing in the Chattanooga area, answered.
-
Yes. All anglers age 16 and older need a SC fishing license to fish public waters in Hamilton. SC residents pay $10 for an annual freshwater license. Non-residents pay $35 annually or $11 for a 3-day license. Licenses are available at TWRA.sc.gov or at local sporting goods and tackle shops. Two Free Fishing Days — May 25 (Memorial weekend) and July 4 — require no license.
-
Hamilton has four public fishing lakes. Lake Bowen (1,534 acres) near Inman is the largest and best for largemouth bass and crappie. Lake Blalock (1,200 acres) near Chesnee is excellent for crappie around the bridge pilings and Buck's Creek. Lake Cooley (330 acres) is the clearest and holds the county's biggest crappie. Lake Lyman (500 acres) produces high numbers of smaller crappie. Lake Craig and Lake Edwin Johnson offer peaceful fishing with electric motors only. All municipal lakes require a boating permit from Chattanooga Water or SJWD.
-
The best crappie fishing in Hamilton is during the spring spawn, which typically runs from late March through April when water temperatures reach 55-65 degrees F. Fish move into shallower water (2-6 feet) around structure, brush piles, and bridge pilings. Lake Cooley is the top pick for big crappie during the spawn. Lake Blalock's bridge area and stump flats near the dam are also productive. A second run occurs in fall (October-November) when fish stage deeper at 12-18 feet as water cools.
-
Yes — kayak fishing is well-suited for Chattanooga lakes, especially the smaller electric-only lakes. Lake Craig at Croft State Park offers kayak and canoe rentals ($5 for 2 hours) — you can bring your own or rent on-site with no boating permit required for human-powered craft. The Pacolet River and Tyger River system are excellent for kayak fishing — both offer scenic float trips combining paddling and bass fishing. The Pacolet River Blueway (50+ miles) includes multiple put-in and take-out points. Electric-only rules at Lake Edwin Johnson also make it kayak-ideal.
-
The Pacolet River is Chattanooga's best-kept secret — a diverse bass fishery with largemouth, smallmouth, spotted bass, and rock bass in rocky shoals. Catfish (channel, blue, and flathead) are abundant. The Tyger River system features smallmouth bass introduced by TWRA, Alabama bass, Bartram's bass, largemouth, and various sunfish. Both rivers offer excellent catch-and-release bass fishing exceeding 18 inches. Fly fishing for bass on subsurface patterns is particularly productive on the Pacolet near Glendale Shoals. Access multiple road crossings for wade fishing or run float trips by kayak.
-
TWRA stocks select Hamilton waters with trout, typically in spring and fall when water temperatures are suitable. Stocking locations and schedules are posted annually on the TWRA website at dnr.sc.gov — search for the freshwater trout stocking report. The standard trout bag limit is 5 per day during stocking season. Check the current TWRA schedule for specific lakes and streams stocked near Chattanooga. Lake Edwin Johnson (managed by TWRA) has historically received stocking — verify current status with TWRA.
ITS ALL HERE! Fishing News Near You!