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Striped Bass

Striped Bass

Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis) are among Tennessee's most popular and impressive freshwater gamefish, with the state holding multiple world records including specimens over 65 pounds.

These landlocked stripers are not native to Tennessee's inland waters but thrive through extensive stocking programs by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.

Scientific Name: Morone saxatilis

Physical Characteristics:
  • They're the largest true bass species that can be caught in Tennessee, commonly reaching 20-40 pounds with trophy fish exceeding 50 pounds.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • They prefer deep, cool waters with good oxygen levels and strong currents, particularly around dam tailwaters, deep channels, and areas with concentrated baitfish.

Key Locations

  • Tennessee's striped bass are found throughout major reservoirs and river systems including the Cumberland River system (Old Hickory, Cordell Hull), Tennessee River reservoirs (Watts Bar, Chickamauga, Nickajack, Guntersville), and East Tennessee waters (Norris, Melton Hill, Cherokee).
  • Prime locations include dam tailwaters (particularly Cordell Hull Dam area, Chickamauga Dam, Fort Loudoun Dam tailwater), the Cumberland River system near Nashville, and the discharge areas of steam plants like Bull Run on Melton Hill and Gallatin Steam Plant on Old Hickory.

Specific Spots

  • Deep main-lake points and channels, areas with strong current and baitfish concentration.

Striped Bass FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Striped Bass in Tennessee?

Live bait is extremely effective, with skipjack herring and gizzard shad being preferred choices. Large artificial lures work well including umbrella rigs, large crankbaits like Redfins, topwater baits such as Zara Spooks, swimbaits, jigging spoons, and A-rigs.

When is the best time to fish for Striped Bass in Tennessee?

Spring offers exceptional fishing as stripers follow migrating baitfish, particularly from March through May. Summer fishing requires targeting deeper, cooler waters during early morning and late evening hours. Fall provides excellent opportunities as fish gorge themselves before winter.

How do you catch Striped Bass in Tennessee?

Effective techniques include trolling with planer boards, vertical jigging around structure, drifting live bait in current, and casting to surface-feeding schools.

What do Striped Bass eat?

Striped Bass are opportunistic predators with an eclectic diet including over 65 species of fish and 45 invertebrates. Their primary forage consists of shad (threadfin and gizzard), skipjack herring, and other baitfish, but they also consume crayfish, aquatic insects, and various invertebrates.

Where do Striped Bass live in Tennessee?

They prefer deep, cool waters with good oxygen levels and strong currents, particularly around dam tailwaters, deep channels, and areas with concentrated baitfish.

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Tennessee licenses and regulations

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