Douglas Lake
Douglas Lake
- Boat Ramps
- 20
- Access Points
- 32
- Species
- 29
Douglas Lake is a premier fishing destination located in East Tennessee, boasting 555 miles of shoreline and a total surface area of approximately 30,600 acres. Created by the Tennessee Valley Authority through the damming of the French Broad River and its tributaries (the Nolichucky and Pigeon Rivers), this 43-mile long reservoir has established itself as one of the top fishing lakes in the country. The lake is renowned for being ranked among the top 10 in the nation for bass fishing and in the top 5 for crappie fishing. With its rolling hills and picturesque scenery, Douglas Lake provides anglers with diverse fishing opportunities against the backdrop of the Great Smoky Mountains, attracting both casual and professional anglers throughout the year.
Species & education
Learn what type of fish are at Douglas Lake and what's needed to catch them.
Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities
Learn how to get on Douglas 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 Douglas 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 Douglas 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 Douglas Lake to use it offline when coverage drops.
Log your catches here
Keep a private fishing journal for Douglas 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.
Get the onWater Fish app
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Water and weather conditions (10 day forecast)
See the best times to fish Douglas Lake and check the forecast before you go.
No forecast data available.
Douglas Lake fishing guides
Book a trip with a local fishing guide through Guidesly.

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