Raccoon Mountain Pumped Storage Dam and Reservoir

Boat Ramps: 0
Access Points: 0
Species: 3

Raccoon Mountain Pumped Storage Dam and Reservoir represents one of Tennessee's unique fishing destinations, functioning as TVA's largest hydroelectric facility near Chattanooga. This pumped-storage system features both an upper reservoir covering 528 acres atop the mountain at 1,672 feet elevation and connects to Nickajack Lake on the Tennessee River below. The upper reservoir reaches a maximum depth of 222 feet, while the lower reservoir has depths up to 145 feet. The facility operates like a massive battery, pumping water to the upper reservoir during low demand periods and releasing it through an underground powerhouse when electricity is needed. This operational cycle creates fluctuating water levels and current conditions that significantly influence fishing patterns throughout the system.

Tennessee licenses and regulations4 to check before you go

Species & education

Learn what type of fish are at Raccoon Mountain Pumped Storage Dam and Reservoir and what's needed to catch them.

Find which waters have the species you want to catch

Largemouth Bass

Micropterus salmoides

Blue Catfish

Ictalurus furcatus

Channel Catfish

Ictalurus punctatus

Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Raccoon Mountain Pumped Storage Dam and Reservoir. 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 Raccoon Mountain Pumped Storage Dam and Reservoir

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 Raccoon Mountain Pumped Storage Dam and Reservoir 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 Raccoon Mountain Pumped Storage Dam and Reservoir to use it offline when coverage drops.
Log your catches here
Keep a private fishing journal for Raccoon Mountain Pumped Storage Dam and Reservoir 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.