Best Spots for SUP Fishing in Tennessee
Tennessee is a sleeper SUP fishing destination, with muskie rivers, trout tailwaters, and massive lakes ideal for fishing from a paddle board.
Tennessee quietly ranks among the best states in the Southeast for SUP fishing.
With muskie rivers, trout tailwaters, and expansive lakes, paddle board anglers can target a wide range of species while enjoying uncrowded water and scenic paddles.
Whether you’re new to SUP fishing or refining your skills, these Tennessee spots offer some of the most rewarding fishing you can experience from a board.
Tennessee may be famous for music, mountains, and whiskey, but it’s also one of the most underrated states in the country for SUP fishing. From slow-moving rivers loaded with muskie and trout to expansive lakes holding walleye, bass, and catfish, the Volunteer State offers paddle board anglers an incredible variety of water to explore.
Fishing from a paddle board gives you stealth, visibility, and access that boats can’t reach—and Tennessee’s mix of flatwater lakes and gentle rivers makes it especially well suited for SUP anglers. Whether you’re standing and casting all day or mixing paddling with fishing breaks, these are the best places in Tennessee to fish from a paddle board.
1. SUP Fishing the Collins River
Why it’s great for SUP fishing
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One of the few Tennessee rivers with muskie
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Clear water + limestone ledges = great sight fishing
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Long stretches allow for half-day or full-day SUP trips
Best targets: Muskie, smallmouth, bass
2. Paddle Board Fishing on Old Hickory Lake
Why it stands out
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Mostly flat water, beginner-friendly
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Proven big-fish history (walleye, bass)
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Tons of coves and structure to work
Best targets: Walleye, largemouth, catfish
3. SUP Fishing Percy Priest Lake
Why anglers love it
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Island camping opportunities
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Calm morning conditions
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Excellent for multi-species fishing from a stable SUP
Best targets: Bass, crappie, catfish
4. Trout SUP Fishing on the Watauga River
Why it’s special
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6,000–8,000 fish per mile
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Cold tailwater keeps trout active year-round
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Gentle flow perfect for paddle boards
Best targets: Brown trout, rainbow trout
5. Paddle Board Fishing Parksville Lake (Lake Ocoee)
Why it works
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Feeder creeks and waterfalls create fish-holding zones
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Scenic + productive
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Light chop builds confidence for river anglers
Best targets: Bass, panfish
6. SUP Fishing the Hiwassee River
Why it’s ideal
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Class I–II sections for adventurous anglers
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Clear water and long pools
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Excellent mix of paddling and fishing
Best targets: Trout, bass
Key Takeaways
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Tennessee offers some of the best SUP-accessible freshwater fisheries in the Southeast
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Paddle boards provide stealth and reach in rivers and coves boats can’t access
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From muskie to trout to bass, Tennessee rewards SUP anglers year-round
Best Paddle Boards for SUP Fishing in Tennessee
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Wide, stable fishing SUPs for lakes and tailwaters
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River-capable boards for Collins, Watauga, and Hiwassee
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Enough volume for coolers, rods, and tackle
Final Thoughts on SUP fishing in Tennessee
Tennessee is a hidden gem for SUP fishing, offering a rare mix of productive rivers, expansive lakes, and cold-water tailwaters that reward anglers willing to explore from a paddle board. Whether you’re stalking muskie on quiet rivers, drifting trout water below a dam, or working shoreline structure on a calm reservoir, fishing from a SUP opens up water that boats and bank anglers often miss.
With the right board, proper planning, and respect for changing conditions, SUP fishing in Tennessee can be as relaxing or as adventurous as you want it to be. From beginner-friendly lakes to flowing rivers that test your skills, the Volunteer State delivers some of the most versatile and rewarding paddle board fishing in the Southeast.
Grab your rod, load up your board, and take advantage of what Tennessee does best—uncrowded water, diverse fisheries, and unforgettable days spent fishing from a paddle board.
Table of contents
Scott Knorp
Glide Co-Owner, Serial Entrepreneur and Passionate Paddle Board Enthusiast
FAQs
Is Tennessee good for SUP fishing?
Yes. Tennessee has a rare combination of fish-rich rivers, calm reservoirs, and tailwaters that are ideal for paddle board anglers.
What fish can you catch SUP fishing in Tennessee?
Common catches include muskie, trout, bass, walleye, catfish, and crappie depending on location.
Are rivers or lakes better for SUP fishing in Tennessee?
Lakes are easier for beginners, while rivers reward experienced SUP anglers with less pressure and bigger fish.
Do you need a fishing license to SUP fish in Tennessee?
Yes. A valid Tennessee fishing license is required even when fishing from a paddle board.
Do I need a fishing license to SUP fish in Tennessee?
Yes. Anyone fishing from a paddle board in Tennessee must carry a valid Tennessee fishing license. This applies to lakes, rivers, and tailwaters, whether you’re targeting bass, trout, or catfish. Some tailwaters may also have special regulations or seasonal restrictions, so always check TWRA rules for the specific body of water before launching.
What type of paddle board works best for SUP fishing in Tennessee waters?
A wider, high-capacity paddle board with tie-downs and a stable deck is ideal. Tennessee waters often include current, chop from boat traffic, and uneven river bottoms, so stability and durability matter more than speed. Fishing-specific boards with reinforced rails and extra deck space perform best on lakes, tailwaters, and moving rivers.
