The Best Lakes in Tennessee
Whether you’re looking to get away from the city and enjoy some peaceful, quiet time, or want to get out on the water and enjoy some good old fashioned lakeside recreation, there are some of the best lakes in Tennessee for you to consider.
Reelfoot Lake
Located in northwest Tennessee, Reelfoot Lake is a natural lake that offers an array of recreational activities. Whether you’re interested in water skiing, jet skiing, birdwatching, or boating, there’s something for everyone.
Reelfoot Lake is a unique ecosystem that is home to over 30 rare or endangered plants and animals. One of the largest natural fish hatcheries in the world, Reelfoot Lake has over 50 species of fish. The lake also provides great fishing opportunities.
Reelfoot Lake is also known for its bald cypress trees. The area around the lake is home to nesting pairs of bald eagles. It is also home to 14 rare bird species. These birds include the Swainson’s warbler and the Mississippi kite.
Reelfoot Lake is also home to several species of catfish and bream. Fishing for these species is usually good from April to June. Some of the best baits include jigs, worms, and crickets. You can also try casting spinner baits and spoons for bass.
If you’re looking for a more relaxing way to enjoy the lake, there’s a state park near Reelfoot Lake. The park offers seven cabins with lakeside views. You can also rent a boat from the state park.
Center Hill Lake
Known for its clear, deep water and mountainous terrain, Center Hill Lake is considered one of the best lakes in the Southeastern United States. The man-made lake is located in middle Tennessee and offers visitors a variety of recreational opportunities. It is home to many fish species such as rainbow trout, Kentucky bass, walleye, and white crappie.
Center Hill Lake is a perfect place for swimming, boating, and fishing. Originally built to provide flood control, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has operated three swim areas on the lake. There are also nine commercial marinas. Some of the marinas offer lodging options and a wide variety of services.
The lake is also home to one of the most popular water ski facilities in the state. There are several commercial marinas on the lake that offer jet skis, kayaks, and canoes. The Vanderbilt Sailing Club is also located on the lake. There are also several campgrounds on the lake.
In addition to its recreational activities, Center Hill Lake is a great place to relax. It offers beautiful scenery and has a variety of cabins. It also hosts several fishing tournaments. It is a popular destination for boating enthusiasts in middle Tennessee.
Watauga Lake
Located in the Appalachian Mountains, Watauga Lake is one of the most beautiful mountain lakes in Tennessee. It is also a popular fishing location. It is surrounded by dense forest and mountain views. The lake is popular for fishing, water skiing, kayaking, and other water activities. It is also a popular site for bass fishing.
Watauga Lake is owned by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). It was created in the 1940s, when TVA built a dam on the Watauga River. It is located in the “high country” of eastern Tennessee, near Elizabethton.
Watauga Lake was built for flood prevention. It also provides seasonal flood storage. The reservoir is surrounded by densely forested mountains and has a maximum depth of 81 meters. There are eight public boat ramps along the shoreline of the lake.
The lake is surrounded by Cherokee National Forest. There are several campsites, cabins, and vacation rentals on Watauga Lake. It is also home to the Watauga Lake Sailing Club. The lake hosts a variety of events including a Frostbite sailing race and a bass tournament.
Chickamauga Lake
Located in Tennessee, Chickamauga Lake is one of the state’s best fishing lakes. Its waters are home to bluegill, catfish, and bass. It also has several marinas and parks, and it is known for its abundance of wildlife.
Chickamauga Lake is part of the Chattanooga region. It is located between Rhea and Hamilton counties. It is also near Rock Island State Park and Edgar Evins State Park. Besides fishing, you can also enjoy boating, boating and water skiing, swimming, and camping.
Chickamauga Lake has a total of 810 miles of shoreline. There are eight marinas, a wildlife center, two parks, and eight other recreational facilities. It also has a designated swimming area upstream from Chickamauga Dam.
Chickamauga Lake was named for the Chickamauga Cherokee tribe that lived in the area. It is now a popular recreation spot. You can find over 400 vacation rentals and enjoy all the fun activities that this lake has to offer.
Center Hill Lake is another popular recreation area near Chickamauga Lake. It was constructed in 1948 by the US Army Corps of Engineers. It is a man-made lake that offers fishing, wakeboarding, boating, and more. It also has 12 waterfalls and restaurants. You can also enjoy birdwatching, hiking, and more.
Nickajack Lake
Whether you’re looking for an outdoor adventure or just a place to unwind, Tennessee has a lake for you. With dozens of beautiful lakes to choose from, you’re sure to find one that meets your needs.
Nickajack Lake is a natural body of water that stretches for 46 miles from Nickajack Dam to Chickamauga Dam near Chattanooga. This scenic body of water is a popular spot for fishing, water skiing, and other outdoor activities.
If you’re looking to fish, Nickajack Lake has a variety of fishing piers, marinas, and boat launches. The lake is also home to a number of different bass species. You can also enjoy water skiing, jet skiing, or swimming.
The area is also home to American coots, bald eagles, and other wildlife. The lake also offers a variety of picnic areas and boat ramps.
For boaters, Nickajack Lake is a great place to find some of the largest carp and black buffalo in the state. The lake is also home to some of the most beautiful water in the state.
Old Hickory Lake
Located in Hendersonville, Tennessee, Old Hickory Lake is one of the most popular recreational lakes in Tennessee. This lake is known for its beautiful scenery and fishing. The lake is also home to many different types of animals. The lake has plenty of parks to enjoy. There are also many marinas and boat ramps for you to explore.
Old Hickory Lake is an ideal destination for families, fishing enthusiasts, and boating enthusiasts. The lake provides excellent recreation for millions of visitors each year. There are many activities to enjoy, including water skiing, water skiing, sailing, and water rafting. The lake also has eight public marinas.
Lake Hickory is home to many different types of fish. These fish include black crappie, striped bass, and white crappie. The lake is also home to bluegill and flathead catfish.
Throughout the summer, fishing is popular in the lake. Largemouth bass are the premier game fish of Old Hickory Lake. Many catfish anglers prefer Skipjack Herring as a bait. There are no creel limits on catfish that are 34 inches or smaller.
Cordell Hull Lake
Located in the Cumberland River near Carthage, Cordell Hull Lake is a natural wonder, and one of the best lakes in Tennessee. This lake offers an assortment of outdoor activities, including fishing, boating, hiking, water skiing, and wildlife viewing.
Cordell Hull Lake is also home to numerous species of birds and native animals. This lake is popular with visitors who love fishing. The lake is also home to a marina, motels, bed & breakfasts, and camping. The lake’s 380 miles of shoreline and 12,000 acres of surface area provide plenty of recreational space for anglers.
The lake also has excellent largemouth bass and sauger fishing opportunities. In recent years, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency has conducted surveys to determine the status of the lake’s fishery. The surveys show that Cordell Hull is home to a population of sauger that is self-sustaining. In addition, the lake’s waters are warm enough for warm-water species, such as flathead catfish.
Cordell Hull Lake is also a popular place for families. There are numerous parks and playgrounds. There are also boat ramps and picnic areas for family recreation. There are also two concession-operated marinas that rent watercraft.
Dale Hollow Lake
Whether you are a nature lover, sports enthusiast, or just want to spend time with family or friends, Dale Hollow Lake is the perfect place for you. This lake offers many water-related activities, including swimming, canoeing, and fishing. It also offers a variety of other activities, such as camping, hiking, and wildlife viewing.
Dale Hollow Lake is home to a number of species, including the Green Heron, Cooper’s Hawk, and Ring-Necked Duck. Some of these species make their homes year-round, while others are more seasonal visitors.
Dale Hollow Lake is also home to the Dale Hollow National Fish Hatchery, which is the largest federal fish hatchery east of the Mississippi. The facility produces 1.5 million trout per year. The fish hatchery is open to the public daily.
Dale Hollow Lake is home to many small tributaries and creeks, making it a great place for fishing. Dale Hollow Lake is one of the top five lakes in the nation for smallmouth bass fishing. Some of the largest smallmouth bass ever caught have come from the lake’s waters.
