UTERRainbow trout fishing in Tennessee freshwater
In Tennessee freshwater, rainbow trout peak March–May and October–November and are around year-round, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. April: South Holston, Watauga and Clinch tailwaters — sulphur hatch begins.
No note for October — see the months around it.
Rainbow trout in Tennessee freshwater, month by month
- JanuaryAround
- FebruaryAround
- MarchPeak
- AprilPeakSouth Holston, Watauga and Clinch tailwaters — sulphur hatch begins.
- MayPeak
- JuneAround
- JulyAround
- AugustAround
- SeptemberAround
- OctoberPeak
- NovemberPeak
- DecemberAround
Where to fish rainbow trout near Dale Hollow, Chickamauga Lake, Kentucky Lake
Dale Hollow's smallmouth, Chickamauga's giant largemouth, Kentucky Lake's crappie and ledges, the TVA tailwaters' trout and sauger, and Reelfoot's crappie.
What to use for rainbow trout
- NightcrawlersWhole on a #6 to #2 hook under a bobber or on a bottom rig; threaded on a spinner harness drifted for walleye. The bait that catches everything in fresh water.
- Salmon eggs (roe)A dime-sized spawn sac tied in mesh, or single eggs on a #10 to #6 egg hook, drifted along the bottom for steelhead, trout and salmon. Check the state's rule — bait is banned on many trout and salmon waters.
- Wax wormsOne or two on a tiny ice jig or a #10 hook for bluegill, perch and crappie, under the ice or a float.
- Leader10–20 lb fluorocarbon
- Hook#2–3/0
- Jig head1/8–1/2 oz
- Braid10–30 lb
Feeds in 36–70°F water, best at 48–62°F.
Questions anglers ask
When is the best time to catch rainbow trout in Tennessee freshwater?
Peak season is March–May and October–November. Rainbow trout are here year-round. April: South Holston, Watauga and Clinch tailwaters — sulphur hatch begins.
Where do rainbow trout hold in Tennessee freshwater?
Look on river, creek / stream, lake, reservoir, pond / pit — around Dale Hollow, Chickamauga Lake, Kentucky Lake, Norris Lake, Reelfoot Lake, South Holston River.
What is the best bait for rainbow trout in Tennessee freshwater?
Live bait: nightcrawlers, salmon eggs (roe), wax worms. Nightcrawlers: Whole on a #6 to #2 hook under a bobber or on a bottom rig; threaded on a spinner harness drifted for walleye. The bait that catches everything in fresh water. Tackle: leader 10–20 lb fluorocarbon, hook #2–3/0, jig head 1/8–1/2 oz, braid 10–30 lb.
What are the rules for rainbow trout in Tennessee freshwater?
Size and bag limits and closed seasons are set by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) and change — read the current rule at https://www.tn.gov/twra/fishing-regs.html before you keep a fish. A licence is sold at https://www.tn.gov/twra/fishing/fishing-licenses.html.
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All about rainbow trout · Tennessee fresh water, the whole year