The Caney Fork flows approximately 140 miles through central Tennessee, beginning as a small stream near Crossville and eventually joining the Cumberland River. This tributary system passes through Cumberland, Van Buren, White, Warren, DeKalb, Putnam, and Smith Counties before reaching its confluence. The river's character changes dramatically along its course, with two major impoundments—Great Falls Dam and Center Hill Dam—dividing it into distinct sections. Above Center Hill Lake, the upper Caney Fork and its tributaries support warm water species and have been stocked with muskellunge, including the Collins and Calfkiller rivers. However, the most renowned section for anglers lies below Center Hill Dam, where cold, oxygen-rich water released from the reservoir's depths creates exceptional tailwater trout fishing for the next 16 miles downstream. The river ranges 20-30 yards wide through most of the tailwater section, with varying depths and flow speeds dependent on dam releases. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency stocks over 100,000 trout annually in this tailwater section, establishing it as one of the premier trout fisheries in Tennessee. Trophy-class fish measuring five to seven pounds are regularly caught, making this a destination for anglers seeking substantial trout.
Learn what type of fish are at Caney Fork and what's needed to catch them.
Micropterus dolomieu
Oncorhynchus mykiss
Salmo trutta
Salvelinus fontinalis
Oncorhynchus clarkii
Esox masquinongy
Sander vitreus
Pomoxis nigromaculatus
Ictalurus furcatus
Lepomis macrochirus
Ictalurus punctatus
Pylodictis olivaris
Moxostoma erythrurum
Hypentelium nigricans
Lepomis microlophus
Ambloplites rupestris
Sander canadensis
Alosa chrysochloris
Ictiobus bubalus
Micropterus punctulatus
Minytrema melanops
Morone saxatilis
Morone chrysops
Catostomus commersonii
Learn how to get on Caney Fork. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Download the map around Caney Fork to use it offline when coverage drops.
Keep a private fishing journal for Caney Fork to find where and when fish are biting for you.
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See the best times to fish Caney Fork and check the forecast before you go.
Scheduled releases and generation forecasts from the dams on Caney Fork.
Caney Fork River · Below Center Hill Dam · U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Nashville District
Generating until 9:00 PM CST, up to 45 MW
Forecast updated today at 6:40 PM CST. Schedules can change, so check the operator's page before you go.
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