Fishing on the Ocoee: where to wet your line

There’s a certain magic that happens when you cast your line into the water, your heart racing with anticipation, and the world just fades away as you wait for the tug of your line. Fishing can be more than just a hobby. It’s a timeless activity that allows you to connect with nature, offering a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. And fishing spots in Ocoee are all perfect for spending a day enjoying your favorite activity!

Ocoee, Tennessee, is no exception to the wonders of this captivating activity. Although it is known for its thrilling white water rapids and breathtaking views, it offers some of the best fishing experiences in the SouthEast. So grab your gear, put on your favorite fishing hat, and get ready to cast your line into the world of fishing along Ocoee River.

What Fish Inhabit The Ocoee River

The Ocoee River is home to a diverse variety of fish, making it a haven for all levels of anglers. The species you will find can vary depending on your location and the season, but these are some of the most common species you will encounter in your time on the Ocoee:

Rainbow Trout

Rainbow trout can be caught year-round, offering some of the best trout fishing opportunities in the region. However, the best times vary depending on the season. Early mornings and late evenings are generally productive, and spring and fall are prime seasons for rainbow trout fishing.

How to Catch Rainbow Trout

Bait/Lures:

• Live bait like worms or minnows.
• Artificial lures such as spinners, spoons, and small crankbaits.
• Flies like nymphs, dry flies, and streamers work well.

Techniques:

• Drift Fishing: Allow bait to drift naturally with the current.
• Casting & Retrieval: Use spinners and spoons with a steady retrieval.
• Fly Fishing: Effective in streams and rivers, particularly during hatches.
  

Tips:

• Focus on deeper pools during hot weather.
• Use bright-colored lures in murky water and natural tones in clear water.

Brown Trout

Brown trout can range in size, but it’s not uncommon to catch specimens in the 12 to 20-inch range. Larger brown trout, often referred to as “trophy” trout, can also be found. This makes the Ocoee an appealing destination for novice and experienced anglers.

How to Catch Brown Trout

Bait/Lures:

• Natural bait such as worms, grasshoppers, or crickets.
• Small spinners or spoons.
• Flies like caddisflies, mayflies, or woolly buggers.

Techniques:

• Stealth Approach: Brook trout are easily spooked; approach quietly.
• Casting Upstream: Cast ahead of their position to mimic natural food drift.
• Fly Fishing: Works particularly well in smaller streams.

Tips:

• Fish near undercut banks, logs, and overhanging vegetation.
• Early morning and late evening are often the most productive times.

Brook Trout

Brook trout are native to the Appalachian region, making the this area a prime location for their habitat. They are typically smaller than other trout species, with an average size ranging from 6 to 12 inches. However, larger catches can be found, especially in the Ocoee’s colder and less-pressured waters.

How To Catch Brook Trout

Bait/Lures:

• Larger baits like minnows, nightcrawlers, or crayfish.
• Artificial lures such as jerkbaits, crankbaits, and large spinners.
• Streamers and wet flies for fly fishing.

Techniques:

• Night Fishing: Brown trout are nocturnal and feed actively at night.
• Structure Targeting: Focus on areas with cover during the day.
• Drifting: Allow bait to drift naturally in currents or along structure.

Tips:

• Use natural-colored lures to mimic local prey.
• Be patient and make repeated casts near cover, as brown trout can be wary.

Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth bass in the Ocoee River vary in size but often reach 12 to 18 inches or more. They prefer rocky and gravel-bottomed sections of the river, where they can find cover and prey on aquatic insects, crayfish, and small fish.

How to Catch Smallmouth Bass

Bait/Lures:

• Live bait: Crayfish, minnows, or nightcrawlers.
• Lures: Tube jigs, crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and soft plastics.

Techniques:

• Target areas with structure like rocks, ledges, and submerged logs.
• Use a steady retrieval for crankbaits; pause occasionally to mimic injured prey.
• Bounce jigs or plastics off the bottom to simulate crayfish.

Tips:

• Fish during early morning or dusk for the best action.
• Adjust your retrieval speed based on water temperature; slower in colder water.

Largemouth Bass

Largemouth bass typically prefer slower-moving or still waters, such as lakes, ponds, and reservoirs. However, they can also be found in certain sections of the Ocoe, especially in calmer, deeper pools and areas with sufficient cover, such as fallen trees, submerged logs, and aquatic vegetation.

How to Catch Largemouth Bass

Bait/Lures:

• Live bait: Shiners, nightcrawlers, or bluegill.
• Lures: Topwater frogs, spinnerbaits, soft plastic worms, and crankbaits.

Techniques:

• Use topwater lures in the morning or evening when bass are near the surface.
• Work soft plastics slowly near cover, letting them sink naturally.
• Cast to the edges of vegetation or structure.

Tips:

• Experiment with colors; natural tones in clear water, brighter ones in murky water.
• Bass are ambush predators, so focus on areas with heavy cover.

Bluegill and Sunfish

Bluegill are a popular target for anglers of all skill levels due to their abundance and willingness to bite. They are commonly caught using light tackle, such as a small fishing rod, light line, and a bobber. Bluegill fishing can be an excellent way to introduce beginners, including children, to the joys of fishing.

How to Catch Bluegill and Sunfish

Bait/Lures:

• Live bait: Worms, crickets, mealworms.
• Lures: Tiny jigs, flies, or small spinners.

Techniques:

• Use a bobber to suspend live bait at the right depth.
• Cast small jigs or spinners and retrieve slowly.
• Fly fishing with small poppers or wet flies is highly effective.

Tips:

• Fish during midday when they are actively feeding in shallow water.
• Bluegill and sunfish are great for beginners due to their abundance and willingness to bite.

Channel Catfish

Channel catfish are the more common species in the Ocoee River. They have a cylindrical body and are usually olive-brown to slate-blue in color. They have a distinctive forked tail fin and dark spots on their sides.

How to Catch Channel Catfish

Bait:

• Stink bait, chicken liver, shrimp, or punch bait.

Techniques:

• Cast near structure like drop-offs or submerged debris.
• Slowly drift your bait along the bottom.

Tips:

• Channel catfish often travel in schools; if you catch one, others may be nearby.
• Fish during cloudy days or at night for best results.

Flathead Catfish

Flathead catfish are less common but can be found in deeper, slower-moving sections of the river. They have a flat, broad head and a mottled brown coloration. They are known for their large size and can grow to impressive weights.

How to Catch Flathead Catfish

Bait:

• Live bait: Bluegill, shad, or large minnows.

Techniques:

• Focus on live bait, as flatheads are predatory.
• Cast to areas with structure and allow your bait to stay in place.

Tips:

• Flatheads are solitary; you may need to wait for a bite.
• Target dusk or night hours for increased activity.

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Fishing On The Ocoee River

Excellent fishing spots are easy to come by in this area; with numerous rivers and lakes, you are bound to be close to a flourishing fishing population. The river has a diverse nature, as each section is unique, so there is a spot for everyone to enjoy.

parksville lake (also known as Lake Ocoee)

Parksville Lake, formed by the Ocoee Dam, is one of the most popular spots in the area due to its variety of fish and easy access by car. With a calmer atmosphere, you can enjoy fishing from the mossy banks or the comfort of a boat. A variety of species of fish flourish in this lake, including bass, bluegill, crappie, sunfish, and catfish. Every visitor gains easy access to the lake due to the many different entry points along the lake. These include the boat ramp and various docks and piers.

Although there are many to choose from, access points can be limited. Be sure to ask local shop owners or fellow fishers to stay updated on the best conditions and times to visit.

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Fishing on the upper ocoee river

The Upper Ocoee River offers exceptional fishing opportunities. Its headwater section features crystal-clear, fast-flowing waters that create an ideal habitat for trout. Anglers are attracted to this remote, pristine environment, which provides a peaceful, secluded fishing experience. The Upper Ocoee is home to thriving populations of rainbow trout, brook trout, and brown trout, making it a prime spot for trout enthusiasts.

Fly fishing is especially popular here because of the clear waters and abundant insect hatches. Spin fishing and bait fishing are also effective techniques. Access to the Upper Ocoee is less developed, often requiring some hiking or off-road travel. This makes it even more appealing for those seeking a tranquil, immersive fishing experience.

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Fishing on the middle ocoee river

The Middle Ocoee River, situated within the scenic Ocoee River Gorge in Tennessee, is distinctively known for its exhilarating white-water rafting and kayaking activities. This section of the river is defined by its fast-moving and turbulent waters, characterized by challenging rapids. Unlike other sections of the Ocoee, the Middle Ocoee is less suitable for traditional fishing.

While it’s true that some fish, notably smallmouth bass, can be found in this section, fishing is not a primary activity.

Access to the Middle Ocoee River can be demanding, as the primary focus here is on adventurous water sports like white-water rafting and kayaking. As such, anglers do not commonly frequent this section. Fishing is generally more popular in the Upper and Lower sections of the Ocoee River, which offer calmer and more accessible waters for angling.

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Fishing on the lower ocoee river

The Lower Ocoee River flows downstream from the Middle Ocoee through Copperhill, Tennessee, and McCaysville, Georgia. It offers a different but equally captivating fishing experience. Unlike the turbulent Middle Ocoee, this section features calmer flows with riffles and deeper pools. This makes it ideal for anglers and a favorite spot among fishing enthusiasts.

Access to the Lower Ocoee is easier and more developed compared to the Upper Ocoee. There are well-established access points that make getting to the river convenient. The combination of easy access and good fishing conditions makes the Lower Ocoee River a popular choice. It offers a memorable fishing adventure in the beautiful Ocoee River region.

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Where to Get Your Tennessee Fishing License

Before you cast your line in Tennessee’s pristine waters, you’ll need to purchase a fishing license. Luckily, obtaining one is a simple process, and there are several convenient options available:

Online
Purchase your license online through the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) website.
The online system is available 24/7, allowing you to choose the type of license that suits your needs, whether it’s a single-day pass, an annual license, or a lifetime license.

In Person
Retail Locations: Visit one of the many licensed agents, such as sporting goods stores, bait and tackle shops, Walmart, or outdoor recreation stores.
TWRA Offices: You can also purchase a license directly at regional TWRA offices.

By Phone
Call the TWRA license sales hotline at 1-888-814-8972 to purchase your license over the phone. Have your personal details and payment method ready for a smooth transaction.

Types of Fishing Licenses
Tennessee offers a variety of fishing licenses to fit different needs:

• Resident Fishing Licenses: Available for Tennessee residents, with discounted rates for seniors and youth.
• Non-Resident Licenses: Perfect for visitors planning a fishing trip to the state.
• Specialty Licenses: Options include trout permits and combination hunting and fishing licenses.

Tennessee’s Free Fishing Day

Tennessee’s Bobby Wilson Free Fishing Day is scheduled for Saturday, June 7, 2025. On this day, residents and visitors of any age can fish in Tennessee’s public waters without a license. Additionally, children aged 15 and younger can enjoy a full week of free fishing from June 7 through June 13, 2025.

This annual event, organized by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA), aims to introduce newcomers to the joys of fishing and encourage families to engage in outdoor recreation. The TWRA often stocks several thousand pounds of fish across the state to enhance the experience for participants.

While public waters, TWRA-owned and operated lakes, and state park facilities participate in Free Fishing Day, some privately owned pay lakes may continue to charge fees. It’s advisable to check with individual facilities regarding their participation.

For more information and updates on Free Fishing Day events and locations, visit the TWRA website.

Fishing Safety and Regulations

It’s important to note that fishing regulations and catch limits can change for every area of the Ocoee. When planning your fishing trip, make sure to check with local authorities or the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency for up-to-date information. Fishing rules may include size and creel limits, so it is essential to familiarize yourself before you embark into the waters to ensure compliance.

In addition to your fishing gear, safety equipment is crucial, especially in changing water conditions. Wear a lifejacket when boating or wading due to fluctuating water levels and rapids caused by dam releases.

Fishing spots on the Ocoee provide a diverse and rewarding experience for all levels of anglers. Whether you’re after a feisty bass or the tranquil trout, the Ocoee’s peaceful atmosphere creates the perfect backdrop for your fishing trip. You’ll find the world’s worries fade away as you anticipate that first tug on your line. So grab your gear and let the Ocoee be the place where you can experience serenity and adventure at the same time. Happy Fishing!