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Tennessee River Catfish Charter Lenoir City TN

  • Published Date: January 14, 2026
  • Fishing
  • Tennessee River

Summary

Join us for a 6-hour catfish fishing adventure on the Tennessee River system near Lenoir City. We'll target blue and channel catfish using proven techniques with live bait on waters like the Clinch River, Little Tennessee, and Cherokee Lake. Perfect for families and all skill levels - we provide all the gear, you just bring a valid fishing license. Our flexible departure spots let us follow the best fishing conditions. Whether you're new to catfish fishing or a seasoned angler, this trip delivers consistent action in some of Tennessee's most productive waters. Fish cleaning available for a small fee, and you're welcome to bring beer in cans.
Tennessee River Catfish Charter Lenoir City TN

Tennessee River Catfish

Tennessee River Catfish Charter - Lenoir City

Looking for some serious catfish action on the Tennessee River? You've come to the right place. Our 6-hour guided catfish charter puts you right where the big blues and channels are biting, and trust me, these waters around Lenoir City know how to produce. We're talking about prime Tennessee River fishing here - the kind of spots where local anglers have been pulling in monster cats for generations. Whether you're a weekend warrior or someone who's never held a rod, this trip delivers the goods. We keep our groups small at just 3 anglers max, so you get the personal attention that makes all the difference between stories and fish in the cooler.

What to Expect on the Water

When you book with us, you're getting a real Tennessee River experience. We'll hit the Clinch River, Little Tennessee River, or Cherokee Lake depending on where the fish are stacked up that day. I've been working these waters long enough to know that catfish move with the seasons, the weather, and their feeding patterns - and that's exactly why we stay flexible with our departure spots. You'll be fishing from a well-equipped boat with all the comforts you need for a solid day on the water. The beauty of this charter is that it works for everyone. Bring the kids, bring grandpa, bring your buddy who thinks he knows everything about fishing - we've got techniques that'll put fish on everyone's line. And here's the best part: you literally just need to show up with a valid Tennessee fishing license. We've got everything else covered, from the rods and reels to the tackle box full of proven catfish killers.

Proven Techniques & Live Bait

Catfishing isn't rocket science, but it sure helps to know what works and what doesn't. We stick to time-tested methods that consistently produce results on these river systems. Live bait is our go-to because nothing beats the real deal when you're targeting cats. We're talking fresh, lively bait that gets their attention and keeps them interested long enough to set the hook solid. The gear we provide is commercial-grade stuff - sturdy rods that can handle a 40-pound blue, reels with smooth drags, and tackle setups that won't let you down when that big fish decides to make a run. We position the boat using current breaks, drop-offs, and structure that holds fish throughout different times of the year. It's not about just throwing bait in the water and hoping - we're reading the river, watching our electronics, and putting you over active fish.

Top Catches This Season

Channel catfish are the bread and butter of Tennessee River fishing, and for good reason. These fish are fighters with serious attitude, typically running anywhere from 2 to 15 pounds, with the occasional heavyweight pushing 20-plus. They're most active during warmer months but can be caught year-round if you know where to look. Channels love structure - think fallen trees, rock piles, and channel edges where they can ambush baitfish. What makes them so popular with anglers is their willingness to bite and their excellent table fare. They're also perfect for families since they're aggressive enough that kids stay engaged but not so big they can't handle the fight.

Blue catfish are where things get serious. These river monsters can exceed 50 pounds and provide some of the most memorable fights you'll ever experience on freshwater. Blues prefer deeper water and main river channels, especially during summer months when they school up in predictable patterns. They're most active from late spring through early fall, but we catch them throughout the fishing season. What sets blues apart is their size potential and their fighting power - when a 30-pound blue decides to go deep, you'll know you're connected to something special. They're also excellent eating, with firm white meat that's perfect for the dinner table.

Flathead catfish round out our target species and represent the ultimate catfish challenge. These solitary predators are primarily active at night and prefer live bait over anything else. Flatheads can grow massive - we're talking fish that can exceed 60 pounds - and they fight like nothing else in freshwater. They're most active during summer months and prefer areas with heavy cover like log jams and deep holes with structure. While they're harder to target than channels or blues, landing a quality flathead is something anglers remember for years. Their unique appearance and fighting characteristics make them a favorite among serious catfish enthusiasts.

Time to Book Your Spot

This Tennessee River catfish charter delivers exactly what serious anglers are looking for - consistent action, quality fish, and a guide who knows these waters inside and out. With flexible departure locations, top-notch equipment, and proven techniques, you're set up for success from the moment you step on board. We keep our guest capacity low so everyone gets the attention they deserve, and our family-friendly approach means this trip works whether you're introducing someone to fishing or looking to add some Tennessee cats to your lifetime list. The 6-hour timeframe gives us plenty of opportunity to work different spots and techniques while keeping things comfortable for anglers of all ages. Fish cleaning service is available if you want to take your catch home, and our relaxed atmosphere means you can enjoy a cold beer while you're waiting for the next bite. Ready to see what the Tennessee River catfish scene is all about? These spots produce year-round, but the best dates fill up fast during peak season.

Learn more about the species

Blue Catfish

Blue cats are the giants of our river system, and they'll test your tackle like nothing else. These slate-blue bruisers commonly hit 20-40 pounds, with 50-60 pounders swimming in our deeper holes. Look for them in the main river channels, especially around current breaks and deep bends where they ambush baitfish. Summer and fall are prime time when they're most active feeding. What draws anglers back is the raw power - a big blue will strip line and make your drag scream. They're also excellent eating with firm, white meat. The key difference from channel cats is their squared-off anal fin and that distinctive hump behind their head. Pro tip: use fresh cut skipjack or herring on the bottom in 15-30 feet of water. When they hit, give them a second to turn the bait before setting the hook hard.

Blue Catfish

Channel Catfish

Channel cats are the bread and butter of Tennessee River fishing. These olive-colored fighters typically run 2-5 pounds, though 10-pounders show up regularly and anything over 20 pounds gets your heart pumping. They love structure - fallen trees, rock piles, and channel drops in 8-20 feet of water. Spring through fall produces the best action, especially when water temps hit 70-80 degrees. What makes them special is their incredible sense of smell and those whiskers that help them hunt in muddy water. They fight hard and taste even better on the dinner table. My go-to trick is using fresh cut shad on a slip sinker rig - let it sit still on the bottom and wait for that telltale tap-tap before they run with it. Sharp hooks are a must since their mouths are tough as leather.

Channel Catfish

Flathead Catfish

Flatheads are the true predators of our rivers - these yellow-brown giants with distinctly flat heads are pure muscle and attitude. They commonly reach 20-50 pounds, with occasional monsters pushing 80+ pounds that'll test every piece of gear you own. Unlike other cats, flatheads demand live bait - they want to see it struggle. Find them in deep holes, undercut banks, and around submerged timber in 12-25 feet of water. Summer nights are prime time when they move shallow to hunt. Anglers love them for two reasons: the fight is absolutely brutal, and the meat quality is superior to any other catfish. That firm, sweet flesh makes the battle worthwhile. My secret is using live bluegill or channel cats on a heavy slip sinker rig near structure. Once they grab it, there's no mistaking the steady, powerful pull of a big flathead heading for cover.

Flathead Catfish

About the Bushwacker Boat

Company vehicle

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 5

Manufacturer Name: Suzuki

Maximum Cruising Speed: 25

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 300

You'll be fishing aboard a comfortable river boat perfectly suited for Tennessee River catfish action around Lenoir City. This vessel accommodates up to 3 anglers and comes fully rigged with quality rods, reels, and tackle for targeting blue cats and channel cats. The boat's design handles the Clinch River, Little Tennessee River, and Cherokee Lake waters with ease, giving your captain flexibility to follow the fish based on seasonal patterns and current conditions. With ample deck space for casting and fighting fish, plus storage for your catch, this setup works great for families and anglers of all skill levels. The boat features comfortable seating and good stability for a relaxing day on the water. Your captain provides all the live bait and proven techniques needed to put you on productive catfish spots. Just bring your Tennessee fishing license and maybe a cooler with drinks – beer's welcome as long as it's in cans. The flexible departure locations mean you'll launch from wherever the fishing looks best that day.
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Ready to reel in your next trophy catch? Book your unforgettable Tennessee River adventure today with Bushwacker Guide Service in Lenoir City and experience expert-guided fishing like never before!

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