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  4. Catfish fishing in Tennessee

Catfish fishing in Tennessee

Tennessee provides strong freshwater fishing opportunities for catfish. Lakes, rivers, and reservoirs across the state offer reliable action for anglers.

Types of Catfish in Tennessee

Best baits and lures for Catfish in Tennessee

According to catch data from over 20 million anglers on Fishbrain, these are the best baits used to catch Catfish.

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Biggest Catfish catches

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Latest Catfish fishing reports in Tennessee

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Channel catfish

Ish Creek

length · weight

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Channel catfish

Cameron Brown Park

length · weight

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Flathead catfish

Cameron Brown Park

20 in · 3 lb 2 oz

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Channel catfish

Harpeth River

length · weight

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Channel catfish

Norris Lake (Clinch River)

19 in · 2 lb

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Channel catfish

Westhaven Lake

length · weight

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Channel catfish

Ish Creek

length · weight

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Channel catfish

Ish Creek

length · weight

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Channel catfish

Chickamauga Lake (Tennessee River)

length · weight

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Channel catfish

Tennessee River

length · weight

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Regulations for Catfish in Tennessee

Disclaimer: Always check local fishing regulations, water access rights and land ownership before fishing, regardless of any catches logged in that area by the Fishbrain community. Fishbrain has mapped millions of acres of government-owned land across the USA to help you identify potential fishing access, but you are responsible for ensuring compliance with all legal requirements.

Fishing regulations in Tennessee can change throughout the year. Make sure to check this page before fishing for the most up to date rules and regulations for the current season. Local regulations govern when you can fish, the max size of the fish you can keep, how many fish you can keep, and more.

Below you will see fishing regulations for catching Channel catfish as of April 6th, 2026. To view regulations for a different fish species, please click on your preferred species in the drop-down.

Channel catfish

Seasons

Open

Memorable

1 > 34

Measurement

Total Length
Purchase your Tennessee fishing license on the Go Outdoors Tennessee website.

Only one catfish over 34 inches may be harvested per day. This aggregate trophy limit includes Channel, Blue and Flathead Catfish. No harvest limit on catfish less than 34 inches.

Several waters have exceptions to these statewide limits. Refer to TWRA for a full list of exceptions to statewide limits.

Ictalurus punctatus

Regulations for

35°49′50.2″N 85°58′39.5″W
Regulations in the map
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