Reelfoot Lake

Tucked into Tennessee, United States, Reelfoot Lake is a lake that fishes differently season to season. Spring brings fish into the shallows to spawn or feed on early baitfish; midsummer pushes them to cooler, deeper water; autumn turns them aggressive again as they pack on weight before winter. Anglers planning a trip to Reelfoot Lake should check water temperature and recent weather — a sudden cold front can shut a lake like this down for a day.

Location

36.3560, -89.4350 · View on OpenStreetMap →

Species at This Spot

Largemouth bassBluegillWhite crappieRainbow troutLongear sunfishBlack crappie

Fishing Techniques

• For Largemouth bass

  Vary your retrieve speed and lure presentation until you find what the bass are keying on, as their preferences can change daily based on weather and water conditions.

• For Bluegill

  Fish near structure like docks, weeds, or submerged trees where bluegill seek cover and food.

• For White crappie

  Target submerged structure like brush piles and docks; crappie relate strongly to cover.

Recommended Gear

Tackle commonly used to target the species at Reelfoot Lake.

Plan Your Trip

Planning a trip to Reelfoot Lake? Check current conditions before you go: water level, recent weather, and any local closures. United States regulations on licences, seasons, and bag limits apply at Reelfoot Lake — confirm them ahead of time.

Nearby Spots in Tennessee

See all fishing spots in Tennessee →

Other Fishing Regions in United States