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Duck River

Boat Ramps
14
Access Points
28
Species
39

The Duck River is considered North America's most biologically diverse river, flowing 284 miles entirely within Tennessee. As the longest river in the state, it winds through seven counties from the Barrens in Middle Tennessee through Manchester, eventually joining the Tennessee River near New Johnsonville. This remarkable waterway supports 151 species of fish, 60 freshwater mussel species, and 22 species of aquatic snails, making it one of three global hotspots for fish and mussel diversity according to the US Geological Survey. With its varied terrain featuring boulder fields, diamond chop riffles, cliff walls, and grass banks, the Duck River offers exceptional fishing opportunities throughout its course.


Species & education

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

Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Duck 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.

Know where you can legally fish on Duck 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 Duck 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 Duck River to use it offline when coverage drops.

  • Log your catches here

    Keep a private fishing journal for Duck River to find where and when fish are biting for you.

Get the onWater Fish app

Free on iOS and Android

Water and weather conditions (10 day forecast)

See the best times to fish Duck River and check the forecast before you go.

DUCK RIVER NEAR SHADY GROVE, TN.

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