Fish densities in Cherokee Lake are greater than most of the other TVA Reservoirs due to the high-water level which results in a dense forage base of Threadfin Shad, Gizzard Shad, and Alewife.1 A variety of fish attractors have been constructed over the years to continue to improve fishing for anglers. These include brush piles which are used by many game fish and stake beds which are used primarily for concentrated crappie. TVA has also planted Willow, Swamp, Oak, Bald Cypress, and River Birch in drawdown areas to create additional long-lasting habitats.2
Cherokee Lake is known for its Striped Bass fishing but also offers the aforementioned Crappie, Black Bass, Walleye, Sauger, Sunfish, White Bass, and Catfish.3 Large Mouth and Small Mouth Bass do not need to be stocked in Cherokee Lake because of their great natural abundance.4 Of all the TVA lakes tested for fish densities, Cherokee Lake has the highest score for Large Mouth Bass.5
The availability of such fish attracts not only recreational but also professional anglers. In fact, the 2017 Bassmaster Elite was held at Cherokee Lake February 9-12, 2017,6 and the Bassmaster College Series, Eastern Regional, was held May 11-13, 2017.7 And, as recent as April 11th – April 14th, 2019, Fishing League Worldwide (FLW), the world’s largest tournament fishing organization, paid Cherokee Lake a visit during their FLW Tour.8 9
View our Events page for Coming Events at Cherokee Lake.
