Happy Free Fishing Day! Today (June 10) anyone may fish free without a license in Tennessee’s public waters – and what beautiful waters we have to play on in Knoxville! Our area’s access to a multitude of lakes and its mild climate produces fishing that’s impressing anglers from all around the country. We’re truly lucky to be a river city with the Holston and French Broad rivers coming together to form the Tennessee River that flows right past downtown. On each of these tributaries, at the confluence, and many other spots around town, you’ll find terrific fishing for paddlers, waders, and shoreline fishermen.
A couple great spots to check out:
Holston River Launch
River fishing: Just below Cherokee Dam on the Holston River, you’ll find world-class fishing with rainbow and brown trout present in these cool waters. As you move down stream, you can expect to find ideal smallmouth bass habitat. Try wading or putting a boat in at the TVA ramp near Cherokee Dam on Renfro Road, Nances Ferry about 19 miles downstream, or at Holston River Park closer to the downtown area.
Melton Hill Park
Lake fishing: For a different experience on the other end of town, head to Melton Hill Park to explore fishing opportunities on the lake. You’ll find clear waters and an undeveloped lakeside with super-oxygenated water released from the bottom of Norris Dam, which creates an ideal environment for healthy populations of fish. With 28 different species of fish identified by TVA at Melton Hill Lake, you’ll be sure to hook something new.
So, get out and play this Free Fishing Day, and seek out a few of the many amazing bodies of water our river city has to offer! For more information about fishing and other water sports in Knoxville, visit OutdoorKnoxville.com