UTERWhite bass fishing in Tennessee freshwater
In Tennessee freshwater, white bass peak March–April and July–October and are around year-round, spawning in March–April, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. March: Runs up the Duck, the Clinch and the Holston; Cherokee and Douglas tribs.
No note for October — see the months around it.
White bass in Tennessee freshwater, month by month
- JanuaryAround
- FebruaryArriving
- MarchSpawningRuns up the Duck, the Clinch and the Holston; Cherokee and Douglas tribs.
- AprilSpawning
- MayLeaving
- JuneAround
- JulyPeak
- AugustPeak
- SeptemberPeak
- OctoberPeak
- NovemberAround
- DecemberAround
Where to fish white bass 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 white bass
- Minnows (fatheads, shiners)Hooked lightly through the lips or behind the dorsal on a #6 to #2 hook under a slip bobber for crappie, perch and walleye; a big golden shiner on a 2/0 to 4/0 for largemouth, pike and stripers.
- Leader10–20 lb fluorocarbon
- Hook#2–3/0
- Jig head1/8–1/2 oz
- Braid10–30 lb
Feeds in 45–86°F water, best at 56–78°F.
Questions anglers ask
When is the best time to catch white bass in Tennessee freshwater?
Peak season is March–April and July–October, with fish spawning in March–April (often a closed or catch-and-release window — check the rule). White bass are here year-round. March: Runs up the Duck, the Clinch and the Holston; Cherokee and Douglas tribs.
Where do white bass hold in Tennessee freshwater?
Look on river, reservoir, lake, creek / stream, bridge — around Dale Hollow, Chickamauga Lake, Kentucky Lake, Norris Lake, Reelfoot Lake, South Holston River.
What is the best bait for white bass in Tennessee freshwater?
Live bait: minnows (fatheads, shiners). Minnows (fatheads, shiners): Hooked lightly through the lips or behind the dorsal on a #6 to #2 hook under a slip bobber for crappie, perch and walleye; a big golden shiner on a 2/0 to 4/0 for largemouth, pike and stripers. 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 white bass 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.
Fish it with the tide in your pocket
Fish Scouter scores white bass for this hour on this water, draws every reef, wreck and access point near you, and keeps your spots. $9.99 a month, 14 days free.
Start 14 free daysMore
All about white bass · Tennessee fresh water, the whole year