Watauga Reservoir, Tennessee Fishing

Location and Information: Watauga Reservoir is located in Johnson and Carter Counties, Tennessee. This body of water covers approximately 6,350 acres of surface area which has a maximum depth of 260 feet and an average depth around 15 feet deep. You will find boating, kayaking and fishing.

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, Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Crappie, Smallmouth Bass and Largemouth Bass on these waters.

Top Species and Creel Limits for Watauga Reservoir in Tennessee

  • Largemouth/Smallmouth Bass: 5 per day in combination.
  • Largemouth Bass: 12 inch minimum length limit.
  • Smallmouth Bass: 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.
  • White Bass: 15 per day, no length limit.
  • Walleye: 5 per day, 18 inch minimum length limit. Walleye run regulation: from Jan 1–April 30 to the use of one hook having a single point or one lure having no more than one hook with a single point (artificial or bait) on the following waters: Elk River (Hwy 321 bridge downstream to Row Branch), Doe Creek (Old Cabin Private Road downstream to Roan Creek), Roan Creek (Mountain Lake Estates Bridge downstream to Doe Creek), and Watauga River (NC line downstream to the end of Cowanstown Road).
  • 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.
  • Trout: 7 per day, no length limit, only two may be lake trout.

Fishing videos for this reservoir

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.