Cherokee Reservoir, Tennessee Fishing

Location and Information: Cherokee Reservoir is located in Hamblen, Hawkins, Grainger and Jefferson Counties, Tennessee. This body of water covers just under 28,800 acres of surface area which has an average depth around 30 feet.

There are numerous different species of fish to find on this body of water. So, what type of fish are in this lake? You can find Sunfish, Channel Catfish, Flathead Catfish, Bluegill, Sauger, Saugeye, Walleye, Crappie, Striped Bass, Smallmouth Bass and Largemouth Bass on these waters.

Top Species and Creel Limits for Cherokee Reservoir in Tennessee

  • Largemouth/Smallmouth Bass: 5 per day in combination, only one may be smallmouth bass June 1 through Oct. 15.
  • Largemouth Bass: 15 inch minimum length limit
  • Smallmouth Bass: June 1–Oct. 15: 1 per day, 18 inch minimum length limit.
  • Oct. 16–May 31: 5 per day, 15 inch minimum length limit.
  • Spotted Bass: 15 per day, no length limit.
  • Crappie (all species): 15 per day in combination, 10 inch minimum length limit.
  • Catfish (all species): No creel limit for fish 34 inches and less in length; only one fish over 34 inches in length may be harvested per day.
  • Striped Bass or Hybrid Striped Bass: 2 per day in combination, 15 inch minimum length limit.
  • White Bass: 15 per day, no length limit.
  • Walleye/Sauger/Saugeye: 10 per day in combination, 15 inch minimum length limit.
  • Paddlefish: 1 per day, no length limit. Season is open from April 1–15. Culling is prohibited. Holston River from Malinda Ferry Road (Hwy. 344) bridge upstream to John Sevier Dam is closed to snagging from March 1–31 and April 16–May 31.
  • Rock Bass: 20 per day, no length limit.
  • Redear Sunfish: 20 per day, no length limit.
  • Bluegill/Warmouth and other sunfishes: no creel or length limit.

Cherokee Reservoir Fishing Videos

Premier Angler aims to provide general information about some of the top fishing destinations across the country. To ensure up-to-date accuracy, make sure to check with your state’s natural resources department and your local marinas before hitting the water.