Obey River

Boat Ramps: 3
Access Points: 5
Species: 9

The Obey River is a tailwater flowing from Dale Hollow Dam in central Tennessee, creating a premier trout fishing destination. This 7.5-mile stretch of river runs from the dam downstream to its confluence with the Cumberland River near Celina. As one of Tennessee's cold-water tailwaters, the Obey River benefits from year-round trout stocking due to its proximity to the Dale Hollow National Fish Hatchery. While it may not receive as much attention as other famous Tennessee tailwaters like the South Holston or Watauga rivers, the Obey offers exceptional fishing opportunities with less fishing pressure, making it an ideal destination for anglers seeking quality trout fishing in a more peaceful setting.

Tennessee licenses and regulations4 to check before you go

Species & education

Learn what type of fish are at Obey River and what's needed to catch them.

Find which waters have the species you want to catch

Smallmouth Bass

Micropterus dolomieu

Rainbow Trout

Oncorhynchus mykiss

Brown Trout

Salmo trutta

Brook Trout

Salvelinus fontinalis

Cutthroat Trout

Oncorhynchus clarkii

Walleye

Sander vitreus

Black Crappie

Pomoxis nigromaculatus

Black Redhorse

Moxostoma duquesnei

White Crappie

Pomoxis annularis

Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Obey River. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.

Dale Hollow Recreation Area access

Access Point

Donaldson Park access

Access Point

Know where you can legally fish on Obey River

See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.

Tennessee licenses and regulations

Tennessee Boating Regulations

When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.

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Tennessee Fishing License

No Fishing License Needed If: You are under 13 years of age (resident or nonresident). A type 022 supplemental license is required for anglers targeting trout. State-wide creel limit 7 trout.

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Tennessee Fishing Regulations

This river has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this river is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.

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Tennessee Stream Access Laws

On any river or stream that’s capable of floating a craft, the public has rights to passage, hunting and fishing. The question of streambed use on designated non-navigable rivers, however, is less clear, and probably not legal.

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Take Obey River with you

The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.

Use the map without signal
Download the map around Obey River to use it offline when coverage drops.
Log your catches here
Keep a private fishing journal for Obey River to find where and when fish are biting for you.

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