Fall fishing is heating up on Douglas Lake and Cherokee Lake in East Tennessee. As water temperatures start to drop, the shad are on the move—and when the baitfish move, the game fish follow. This is the time of year when fish roam more, chasing bait schools and creating more visible schooling action than we saw during the heat of summer. That also means East Tennessee’s famous topwater bite is coming back into play.
Right now, early mornings and late evenings are producing the most consistent action. Low-light conditions have always been key for fall fishing in this region.
Douglas Lake Fall Fishing
Douglas Lake has been on fire lately, especially in the river sections and anywhere you find a little current. Cooler water and slightly dropping lake levels tend to jumpstart the bite in these areas earlier than the main lake. The fish are moving, so covering water is critical.
- Buzzbaits and walking baits for topwater action over flats and points.
- Lipless crankbaits to cover water quickly and locate active fish.
- Jigs or other bottom-contact lures when fishing around remaining cover.
- Evening fishing on Douglas can be especially rewarding. Keep your eyes peeled for schooling activity—it may just be a quick surface boil, but if you’re ready to cast, you can turn that into a guaranteed hookup.
Cherokee Lake Fall Fishing
On Cherokee Lake, the shad are starting to bunch up, and the predator fish are never far behind. Smallmouth bass have been holding on windy points toward the lower end of the lake, while largemouth bass are more active in river-like sections with docks, brush, and shaded banks.
- Walking baits, poppers, and swimbaits just under the surface for feeding fish.
- Keep moving with the fish—they’re not staying in one place for long.
Early Fall Fishing Tips for Douglas & Cherokee Lakes
- Follow the shad – If you see bait flickering or birds working an area, there’s a strong chance bass are nearby.
- Fish evenings and early mornings – Low light triggers more aggressive feeding, especially on topwater.
- Keep moving – Roaming fall bass rarely stay in one spot. Cover water until you find them.
- Have a topwater rod ready – Surface activity can happen fast, and being ready is the difference between a miss and a hookup.
Planning a Fishing Trip to Jefferson County, TN
If you’re thinking about visiting East Tennessee for fall fishing, Jefferson County is the perfect home base. Nestled between Douglas Lake and Cherokee Lake, this area offers anglers easy access to some of the best bass fishing in the Southeast, along with plenty of amenities to make your trip comfortable and memorable.
- Lakefront cabins and vacation rentals with private docks make it easy to launch at first light.
- Campgrounds and RV parks around both lakes cater to fishing travelers with boat-friendly parking and hookups.
- Cozy bed & breakfasts in historic towns like Dandridge or Jefferson City offer charm and local flavor.
- Start your morning with a hearty Southern breakfast at a local diner before hitting the water.
- After a day of fishing, enjoy fresh-caught catfish, barbecue, or classic comfort food at locally-owned restaurants.
- Many lakeside eateries even have docks so you can pull your boat right up for lunch.
- Spend a few hours exploring historic downtown Dandridge, Tennessee’s second-oldest town.
- Take a scenic drive through the Great Smoky Mountains—just a short trip from Jefferson County.
- Visit local distilleries, wineries, or antique shops for a relaxing break between fishing sessions.
Pro Tip: Fall weekends can be busy with both anglers and leaf-peepers, so book lodging early and check local tournament schedules if you want a quieter trip.
Plan Your Fall Fishing Trip to Douglas Lake and Cherokee Lake
If you’ve been waiting for fall fishing on Douglas Lake or Cherokee Lake, now’s the time to get on the water. The bait is moving, the bass are feeding, and East Tennessee’s lakes are alive with action. Whether you’re chasing smallmouth, largemouth, or just looking for a great day of topwater bites, early fall is delivering the kind of fishing stories worth telling. And with Jefferson County as your base camp, you’ll have the perfect mix of world-class fishing and small-town Tennessee charm.