Catfish Fishing in Tennessee
Where, when, and how to catch catfish in Tennessee — plus local guides and current regulations.
Featured Catfish Guides
Expert captains ready to take you on your next adventure in Tennessee.
Scenic City Fishing Charters
Fishing Guide Service in Chattanooga, Tennessee specializing in catching trophy catfish, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, walleye and crappie on the Tennessee River.
Tennessee River Monsters Fishing Guide Service - Striper & Catfish
Tennessee Striper, Catfish, and Largemouth fishing guide service and charter! Looking to catch a big fish? Get in touch with Tennesseerivermonsters.com/
Medley Fishing School
Trout Fishing Guide Service, also Crappie, Giant Catfish, Walleye, Sauger, Shellcrackers & great fishing, Gardening Tips. 4 bedroom Lodge just .25 miles from Edgar Evins State Park, & .80 mile from the Caney Fork River and Center Hill Dam and Lake. Customer Lodging and full family reunions available. Fall Foliage tours available until end of November. Music venue for your birthday party. Real Estate Appraiser. Cooking Tips for wildgame.
Donald Hedge Fishing Guide Service
Donald Hedge is the premier pickwick lake fishing guide. For over 30 years Donald has fished Pickwick Lake and the Tennessee River below the dam targeting trophy smallmouth, largemouth, striped bass, catfish, and white bass.
Seasonal Activity Chart
Catfish
Catfish fishing in TN: focus on seasonal forage and water conditions near Camden. Use natural presentations and adjust depth with temperature and current.
How to Catch Catfish
Catfish Fishing Regulations in Tennessee
Open Season
Year-round
Daily Bag Limit
No limit on catfish 34 inches and less in length. Only one catfish over 34 inches in length may be harvested per day.
Size Limit
No size limit on catfish 34 inches and less in length.
License Required
Tennessee Fishing License
Some lakes and rivers may have site-specific regulations; consult the TWRA fishing guide for details.
⚠️ Always verify current regulations with the Tennessee state wildlife agency before fishing.
Popular Cities for Catfish Fishing in Tennessee
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to catch Catfish in Tennessee?
The best months for Catfish in Tennessee are March, April, May, October, November.
What are the Catfish fishing regulations in Tennessee?
In Tennessee, the season is year-round, the daily bag limit is No limit on catfish 34 inches and less in length. Only one catfish over 34 inches in length may be harvested per day., the minimum size is No size limit on catfish 34 inches and less in length.. Regulations change throughout the year, so confirm current rules with the Tennessee wildlife agency before fishing.
Do I need a fishing license to catch Catfish in Tennessee?
Tennessee Fishing License. On a guided charter, anglers are often covered under the captain's license — confirm with your guide when booking.
Where is the best Catfish fishing in Tennessee?
Popular Catfish destinations in Tennessee with local charter guides include Nashville.
Which charters target Catfish in Tennessee?
Catfish charters in Tennessee include Scenic City Fishing Charters, Tennessee River Monsters Fishing Guide Service - Striper & Catfish, Medley Fishing School. Compare captains, reviews, and rates above.