National Go Fishing day is June 18 and what better excuse to plan a trip to Knoxville and find a stream, lake or pond to bait your hook, cast your line and catch a fish or two. And what beautiful waters this area has to choose from! The multitude of lakes and rivers surrounding Knoxville along with the mild East Tennessee climate produce fishing opportunities that are impressive to anglers of all skill levels.    

Knoxville is lucky to be a river city with three rivers coming together right in downtown. The Holston and French Broad rivers form the Head of the Tennessee River. On each of these tributaries and many other spots around Knoxville, you will find terrific fishing for paddlers and shoreline fishermen.  

  1. Holston River Park
  2. Volunteer Landing Park
  3. Concord Park
  4. Melton Hill Park
  5. Big Ridge State Park

Holston River Park

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1.) Holston River Park offers several spots for bank fishing and a boat ramp for access to the main channel. The warm waters of the Holston provide a home to several species of black bass, including smallmouth and rock bass. 

Volunteer Landing Park

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Carp

2.) Catch some city-fish at Volunteer Landing Park on the beautiful Tennessee River and enjoy the views of downtown and Neyland Stadium. If you want to get to deeper water, rent a kayak from Knoxville Adventure Collective. Calhoun’s on the River, a classic Knoxville restaurant, is just a walk away for a lunch break.  

For a different experience, head west to explore fishing opportunities on the lake. 

Concord Park

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kayak

3.) Concord Park in west Knoxville is surrounded by Fort Loudon Lake and includes a marina with boat ramp and a shoreline trail which leads to a prime fishing spot. There are also kayak rentals available at this park if you want to paddle out to open water. The park has plenty of other options including trails and a playground, along with restrooms and a picnic area, making this a great place to spend the whole day outside. 

Melton Hill Park

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4.) Melton Hill Park has 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.  

Big Ridge State Park

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5.) For a full day (or weekend) adventure, visit Big Ridge State Park located just 35 minutes from downtown. Rent a boat to fish the 49-acre Big Ridge Lake, which is good for bass and bream. There’s plenty to do if the fish aren’t biting – trails, playgrounds, beach, volleyball, tennis and more! 

Explore some of the beautiful bodies of water that surround Knoxville on National Go Fishing Day!  For more information on fishing spots in town, visit Outdoor Knoxville. 

Girl Fishing