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Tims Ford Lake

Boat Ramps
10
Access Points
14
Species
24

Tims Ford Lake is a 10,500-acre reservoir located in south-central Tennessee, with approximately 250 miles of shoreline. Completed in 1970 and owned by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), this pristine body of water is renowned for exceptional fishing opportunities, particularly for smallmouth bass and crappie. The lake's clear waters, diverse structure, and excellent fisheries management have established it as one of Tennessee's premier fishing destinations. Designated as a Bill Dance Signature Lake, Tims Ford benefits from annual habitat management and improvements that maintain its high-quality fishing experience. With its picturesque surroundings and abundant fish populations, the lake offers an ideal setting for both serious anglers and recreational fishing enthusiasts.


Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Tims Ford 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 Tims Ford 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.

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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 Tims Ford 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 Tims Ford Lake to use it offline when coverage drops.

  • Log your catches here

    Keep a private fishing journal for Tims Ford 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

Free on iOS and Android

Water and weather conditions (10 day forecast)

See the best times to fish Tims Ford Lake and check the forecast before you go.

No forecast data available.


Smarter Fishing Starts in the App.

onWater Fish gives you everything you need to plan smarter, fish better, and own every trip from first cast to last.