Franklin County, TN · Reservoir
Tims Ford Lake
A clear, deep reservoir in south-central Tennessee prized for smallmouth bass, with strong largemouth, crappie, striped bass, and walleye.
Live · updated
Top pick today
Walleye — Marginal conditions for Walleye.
Best conditions of 5 species tracked at Tims Ford Lake.
Atmosphere
Water
Sun & Moon
Species at Tims Ford Lake
5 species tracked, ranked by today's conditions. The top pick is open below — tap any species to expand it, or a chip to focus.
#1 Walleye Marginal conditions for Walleye. In season 37/100
What's helping
- Dark moon — walleye feeds aggressively in low light
- 5 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
- Stable flow — settled river level — clearer water, easier wading
What's hurting
- Thunderstorms — get off the water immediately when storms approach
About. Sander vitreus — Maryland's premier cool-water gamefish. Deep Creek Lake is the flagship fishery; also found in the non-tidal Potomac and the Youghiogheny River. Low-light feeder — dusk, dawn, and overcast/windy days are prime. Jigs, crankbaits, and nightcrawler harnesses are standard.
Prefers. Water 50–72°F (ideal 62°F) · either tide · depth 10–40 ft.
Last verified 44 days ago on 2026-05-29. Open source page →
- Min size
- 16"
- Daily creel
- 5
16" minimum, 5/day (with sauger).
Source: Tennessee regulations · verified 2026-05-29.
#2 Striped Bass Skip the Striped Bass trip today. In season 33/100
What's helping
- incoming tide — striped bass prefers incoming tide
- 5 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
What's hurting
- Thunderstorms — get off the water immediately when storms approach
About. Morone saxatilis — Maryland's state fish. Anadromous — runs into Bay tributaries to spawn each spring. Targeted by trolling, jigging, live-lining, and surf casting. Locally called "rockfish."
Prefers. Water 50–72°F (ideal 62°F) · incoming tide · depth 5–35 ft.
Last verified 44 days ago on 2026-05-29. Open source page →
- Min size
- 15"
- Daily creel
- 2
15" minimum, 2/day on most reservoirs; a thermal-refuge closure runs Jul 1–Sep 15 in designated zones.
Source: Tennessee regulations · verified 2026-05-29.
#3 Smallmouth Bass Skip the Smallmouth Bass trip today. In season 29/100
What's helping
- 5 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
- Stable flow — settled river level — clearer water, easier wading
What's hurting
- Thunderstorms — get off the water immediately when storms approach
About. Micropterus dolomieu — Premier gamefish of the non-tidal Potomac, the Upper Susquehanna, and Deep Creek Lake. Pound-for-pound one of the hardest-fighting freshwater fish. Hits tubes, crayfish imitations, spinnerbaits, and topwater poppers.
Prefers. Water 55–78°F (ideal 68°F) · either tide · depth 3–30 ft.
Last verified 44 days ago on 2026-05-29. Open source page →
- Daily creel
- 5
5/day (smallmouth/spotted combined); only one over 16" per day.
Source: Tennessee regulations · verified 2026-05-29.
#4 Largemouth Bass Skip the Largemouth Bass trip today. In season 23/100
What's helping
- 5 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
What's hurting
- Thunderstorms — get off the water immediately when storms approach
About. Micropterus salmoides — Most popular gamefish in MD non-tidal waters. Ambush predator around cover — lily pads, submerged timber, docks, grass edges. Hits plastics, spinnerbaits, jigs, and topwater across the season.
Prefers. Water 55–85°F (ideal 72°F) · either tide · depth 3–25 ft.
Last verified 44 days ago on 2026-05-29. Open source page →
- Daily creel
- no limit
No statewide creel or length limit; only one over 18" may be kept per day.
Source: Tennessee regulations · verified 2026-05-29.
#4 Crappie Skip the Crappie trip today. In season 23/100
What's helping
- 5 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
What's hurting
- Thunderstorms — get off the water immediately when storms approach
About. Pomoxis spp. — Covers both black crappie (P. nigromaculatus) and white crappie (P. annularis). Schooling panfish around brush, docks, and submerged timber. Spring pre-spawn is the prime season — small minnows and 1/16-oz jigs are the go-to.
Prefers. Water 50–80°F (ideal 65°F) · either tide · depth 3–20 ft.
Last verified 44 days ago on 2026-05-29. Open source page →
- Daily creel
- 20
20/day; only five over 12" per day.
Source: Tennessee regulations · verified 2026-05-29.
Location Info
Water Body
Reservoir
Access
Pier, shore, and ramp
Jurisdiction
Tennessee
Coordinates
Local reports & rules for Tims Ford Lake: Tennessee TWRA fishing report → · fish-consumption advisories (EPA directory) →
Nearby Access Points
Frequently Asked
Do I need a fishing license to fish at Tims Ford Lake?
Yes (anglers age 16 and older). To fish at Tims Ford Lake you need the appropriate state fishing license. See the agency's current rules: the state agency website
What fish are commonly targeted at Tims Ford Lake?
Tims Ford Lake is listed on this site for 5 commonly-targeted species: Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Crappie, Striped Bass, and 1 more. Which species is currently in season and which is scoring highest today is shown in the per-species ranking on this page.
When is the best time to fish at Tims Ford Lake?
It depends more on the species and the day's conditions than on a fixed "best hour." Water temperature, weather, and — at tidal locations — the stage of the tide drive activity most. The per-species ranking on this page scores every target species at Tims Ford Lake against today's live conditions, so the fish near the top are your best bets right now; check back as conditions change through the day.
What kind of access does Tims Ford Lake have?
Tims Ford Lake has multiple access types — pier, shoreline, and at least one public boat ramp.
Which state's fishing regulations apply at Tims Ford Lake?
state agency regulations apply at Tims Ford Lake. Size limits, creel limits, and seasonal closures are listed per species on each species page. Always confirm against the agency source linked from each regulation block — emergency closures can take effect mid-season.
Is Tims Ford Lake tidal water?
No. Tims Ford Lake is non-tidal — water level varies with rainfall, seasonal flow, and (where applicable) upstream dam releases rather than tidal exchange.