Center Hill Lake
Center Hill Lake
- Boat Ramps
- 28
- Access Points
- 44
- Species
- 26
Center Hill Lake is an impressive 18,000-acre fishing destination located in north-central Tennessee, spanning DeKalb, Putnam, Warren, and White counties. Created in 1948 with the completion of Center Hill Dam on the Caney Fork River, this reservoir features over 400 miles of shoreline characterized by rocky edges surrounded by steep ridges. The lake is a maze of points, channels, ledges, and islands, creating an ideal habitat for numerous fish species. With its clear waters and diverse underwater structure, Center Hill Lake has earned a reputation as one of Tennessee's premier fishing destinations, offering excellent opportunities for both casual and serious anglers throughout the year.
Species & education
Learn what type of fish are at Center Hill Lake and what's needed to catch them.
Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities
Learn how to get on Center Hill Lake. 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.
Know where you can legally fish on Center Hill Lake
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.
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.
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.
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.
Take Center Hill Lake 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 Center Hill Lake to use it offline when coverage drops.
Log your catches here
Keep a private fishing journal for Center Hill Lake to find where and when fish are biting for you.
HD depth charts from Garmin
Find drop offs, ledges, channels, points and shallow flats with Garmin depth charts in the app.
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Water and weather conditions (10 day forecast)
See the best times to fish Center Hill Lake and check the forecast before you go.
No forecast data available.
Fishing near Center Hill Lake
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Fish species
Fishing spots
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