Appalachia’s Best Fishing
If fishing is something you love, then visiting our area is a must for you. Our lakes boast some of the best crappie, bass, and general fishing in not only East Tennessee but also the nation. The fish densities in Cherokee are greater than most other TVA reserviors, and Douglas is continuously recognized as a top lake for crappie and bass fishing. All the prime fishing in the area has made both lakes popular destinations for fishing tournaments.
Cherokee Lake in Jefferson City, TN, has over 390 miles of shoreline with a surface area of 30,300 acres. While fishing this lake is great no matter the time of year, it’s especially phenomenal during the winter pre-spawn period. Cherokee has been recognized as one of the top 25 Southeast’s best lakes by Bassmaster.
Douglas Lake, with access points in Dandridge, Baneberry, and White Pine, has 550 miles of shoreline and 30,400 acres of surface area. It has been rated as the premier crappie lake in East Tennessee and one of the top 5 in the nation. It’s also top 10 in the nation for largemouth bass.
Guided Fishing Trips
Enjoy year-round guided fishing trips with professional and licensed guides with over 25 years of experience on Cherokee and Douglas lakes. Rods, reels, bait & tackle furnished, or bring your own equipment. You will receive the personalized instruction and attention needed to make your trip a success. Bring your valid fishing license and do not forget your camera, so you can capture the memories of your big catch and the beautiful scenery of East Tennessee.Â
East Tennessee Fishing Adventures
Offering full service guided fishing trips on both Cherokee and Douglas Lakes. With an extensive knowledge of fishing in East Tennessee, they offer a fun and professional excursions for the whole family.
East Tennessee Guide Service
East Tennessee Guide Service offers 4 hour and 8 hour guided fishing trips for some of the best largemouth bass, small mouth bass, and striper to 6 different lakes in East Tennessee including Cherokee Lake, Douglas Lake.
Nathan Mountain Outdoors
US Coast Guard Certified fishing guide offering bass, crappie, bluegill and river kayak fishing trips. They are also fully licensed hunting guides, specializing in hunting turkey and deer in East Tennessee.
Smokies Angling Adventure
The guides at Smokies Angling Adventure’s specialize in Largemouth, Smallmouth, Crappie, Bluegill, Trout and Striper fishing excursions.
Skylar Hamilton Fishing
Bassmaster Elite Pro Angler and local of Douglas and Cherokee Lakes, Skylar’s guided trips will provide all necessary items including  life jackets, rods, reels and lures if needed for a successful day on the water.Â
Smoky Mountain Fishing Co.
A premier Smoky Mountain Fishing guide service offering guided trout fishing expeditions in the Smoky Mountains and on Holston River as well as Striper, Sauger, Walleye and Crappie fishing on Douglas and Cherokee Lakes.
Tournament Fishing
On the south end of the county, Douglas Lake weaves through the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains and offers 513 miles of shoreline in all. Fed by the French Broad and Nolichucky Rivers, Douglas Lake offers abundant opportunities for fishing and boating. Douglas Lake has been named a top 100 Best Bass Lake by Bassmaster and hosts many national and regional tournaments year round.
Named for the Native American tribe who once inhabited the area, Cherokee Lake is surrounded by farmlands, rolling hills and to the northwest, the Clinch Mountain Range. Cherokee Lake beckons water enthusiasts to its 30,000 acre playground.Â
Upcoming Tournaments
Use the buttons below to see the dates for upcoming tournaments at the TWRA Dandridge Boat Dock and Ramp and the TVA Cherokee Dam Boat Ramp.
Big Bass Tour – Ott Defoe Classic
157 Public Drive
Lake Public Access Points
Playing on our lakes is one of both the locals’ and our visitors’ favorite past times. Fortunately, we have many conveniently located free public boat ramps on both Cherokee and Douglas Lakes.
Tennessee Fishing Information
Tennessee requires a license to fish in its waters. Learn more about resident and non-resident requirements using the button below.
All About #FishJeffCo
Douglas and Cherokee Lakes – The Pre-Spawn Bite
Jefferson County is blessed to have two of the country’s most prolific and scenic fisheries in Douglas Lake and Cherokee Lake. Avid anglers from around the country – and, indeed, from around the world – travel long distances to compete on these two incredible...