Reelfoot Lake TN

[Bank Beater]

I was wondering if anyone has ever been down to Reelfoot Lake in Tennessee? I have been thinking about going down and giving it a try with a couple of friends. Any ideas on where to stay or if a guide is needed? Thanks for any info on this.

[Wayne Ek]

Bank Beater, I was hoping someone with knowledge of the area would jump on this one. I'm interested in that lake also. I've never been there. I do know it's shallow and stump filled... so a guide for one day would probably be a wise investment. There are a number of resorts on the lake that offer total package deals. If anyone has additional information please jump in.

[SluggoMaster]

I wish I could help on this one, but I lived in TN all my life (until 10 years ago) and never fished it. When are you going to visit? How you catch fish on those reservoirs depends on the time of year. I can give you some general tips, but you need to get a good map, which can be picked up at most tackle shops in the area.

[fishmarket]

Fished Reelfoot a couple years ago, but it was right after a gigantic,huge rain/flood..anyway,nearly every spot on the lake looks like it holds fish. But we couldnt get them to bite a consistent basis. But, this is a crappie lake, when you see guys bringing out coolers full of big crappie you will be tempted to forget the bass! There are some good bass in the lake, though. We stayed at Cypress Point and it was ok..Billy Blakeley, from I hear is the man on Reelfoot..he guides out of Blue Bank resort. By the way, use a flat bottom boat, period..dont even think about anything else..just a heads up..good luck if you go.

[NBR]

I haven't fished it in years. Reelfoot was formed by an earthquake as I recall back in the 1800's. The quake filled a cypress swamp and the lake is full of living and dead cypress and stumps. Because there is so much cover I think a guide is necessary at least for a day maybe two.

Good fishing for largemouth, crappies and bluegill.

They at least used to use special little boats, armor clad to protect from stumps with a one lunger inboard and a prop protected by a steel plate. They had articulated oar set so when you pulled on an oar you went forward. Almost a necessity with all the trees.

I remember fishing there as a good experience but there are no circumstances that would casuse me to take my boat, stumps would almost assure a prop or lower unit repair. As I recall the southeast part is nearest the best fishing and I would suggest you look in that area for a lodge/camp.

Lots of water birds.

Years ago there was a great resturant at the outlet dam, also on the south side about mid lake.

[Bank Beater]

Thankyou for the info so far. Sounds like a guide would be a great idea with all the stumps. Also if every spot looks "fishy" it could be a long day trying to find them. I've been looking at the package deals, Bluebank was near the top of list for me, but I would imagine that most of the lodges are pretty simalar? Thanks again, this site has to one of the best I have ever been a part of for the amount of information that I have gotten!!!!!

[Wayne Ek]

Isn't it great. You can ask anything on this site and get some good information. Way to go Rick. Now my question is,

Deitz, when are we going fishing with T/C. Maybe a little wager on the side...like one pro-staff reel (Quantum) against another pro-staff reel (Shimano) Let's see if he catches this one folks.

[Deitz Dittrich]

LOL @ wayne.. trying to hide a wager in a post.. I love you man!... Lets wait till we shoot a H.S.O show this summer.. then all bets are ON!

[Wayne Ek]

OK, we kinda high-jacked this post. I was hoping you wouldn't find it... then C/T could go out with out you and open a can of whup---- on you in abstentia, and brag about it all year long