Boating At Nickajack Lake In Tennessee

Free Public Boating & Watersport Activities

Nickajack Lake, situated in southeastern Tennessee, is a stunning reservoir formed by the Nickajack Dam, offering a picturesque retreat for nature enthusiasts and water lovers alike. Located near the city of Chattanooga, the lake's convenient access makes it a sought-after destination for locals and tourists seeking outdoor adventures.

The area surrounding Nickajack Lake is dotted with several nearby attractions. The Tennessee River Gorge, known for its scenic beauty and diverse wildlife, provides ample opportunities for hiking and nature exploration. Additionally, the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga is a popular spot for families and those interested in learning about aquatic life.

Boating on Nickajack Lake is a favored activity, with its expansive waters providing plenty of space for various watercraft, including motorboats, sailboats, and pontoons. Water sports enthusiasts will find joy in activities such as water skiing, tubing, and wakeboarding, adding excitement to their time on the lake.

Nickajack Lake features a marina that caters to boaters' needs, offering services such as boat rentals, fueling stations, and boating supplies, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable boating experience.

With multiple, convenient boat launch ramps around the lake, boaters can easily access the water and set off on their aquatic escapades.

The lake's popularity for fishing is well-deserved, with abundant fish species such as bass, catfish, and crappie, making it a prime location for anglers to cast their lines and enjoy the thrill of a catch.

Nearby cities like Chattanooga add urban flair to the natural beauty of Nickajack Lake, providing additional attractions, dining options, and cultural experiences to enhance visitors' stay in the area.

The boating season on Nickajack Lake typically extends from spring through fall, allowing boaters ample time to revel in the lake's splendor and take advantage of its recreational offerings.

For those seeking a more immersive experience, camping facilities are available nearby, providing an opportunity to immerse themselves in the tranquility of the lake's surroundings and spend a night under the stars.

Boating, camping and fishing.

Flowing through the Tennessee River Gorge, Nickajack Lake is a 10,370-acre reservoir in southeast Tennessee. The lake meanders through the city of Chattanooga, and has early 180 miles of shoreline. There's over a dozen places to launch pleasure boats, pontoon boats and fishing boats. Marinas, campgrounds and restaurants are all handy. There are plenty of places to fish, and plenty of fish to find - whether you fish from shore or from a boat, kayak or canoe. Bass, crappie, striped bass, catfish, walleye, sunfish, paddlefish, and other species reside in Nickajack Reservoir in healthy numbers.

Area Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Camping

Marion County Park Campground - 423 942-6653

Shellmound Campground - 423 942-9857

Hales Bar Marina & Resort Campground - 423 942-9000

Raccoon Mountain Campground - 423 821-9403

Nickajack Lake Map

Fishing

Fish species found in Nickajack Lake include largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, black crappie, white crappie, walleye, bluegill, redear sunfish, rock bass, warmouth, white bass, yellow bass, striped bass, hybrid striped bass, paddlefish and sauger.

Largemouth bass Smallmouth bass Spotted bass Channel catfish Flathead catfish Black crappie White crappie Walleye Bluegill Redear Sunfish Rock Bass Warmouth Sunfish White Bass Yellow Bass Striped bass Hybrid Striped Bass Paddlefish Sauger