Tennessee · Fishing
Fishing in Altamont, Tennessee
Altamont sits on the Cumberland Plateau in Grundy County, and the fishing here is centered on a handful of quiet lake fisheries rather than moving water.
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Altamont sits on the Cumberland Plateau in Grundy County, and the fishing here is centered on a handful of quiet lake fisheries rather than moving water. The three lakes in and around town — Cumberland Mountain Lake, Cumberland Mountain SD Company Lake, and Skymont Lake Number One — are all still-water destinations suited to bank fishing or small watercraft. These are not high-traffic tournament waters, which means you're more likely to have a shoreline to yourself on a weekday morning than you are at a reservoir closer to a major city. Expect warm-water species typical of plateau lakes in middle Tennessee: bass, bluegill, and catfish are reasonable targets, though you should verify current stocking and species composition with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency before your trip since conditions on smaller lakes can shift season to season. Access points and amenities vary by lake, so it's worth confirming whether a specific site allows motorized boats before you haul one up the mountain. For anglers who want a low-key outing without the crowds of larger state reservoirs, the Altamont area offers a workable alternative.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of fish can I expect to catch at these lakes?
All three lakes — Cumberland Mountain Lake, Cumberland Mountain SD Company Lake, and Skymont Lake Number One -- are warm-water lake fisheries, so largemouth bass, bluegill, and channel catfish are the most likely targets. For current stocking information on any of these waters, check directly with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency before your trip.
Do I need a Tennessee fishing license to fish here?
Yes, a valid Tennessee fishing license is required for anyone 13 or older fishing in Tennessee waters. You can purchase one online through the TWRA website or at local sporting goods retailers. Some private or fee-access lakes may also require a separate day-use permit, so confirm the access rules for whichever lake you plan to visit.
What are the best times of day to fish these plateau lakes?
Early morning and the last two hours before sunset are generally the most productive windows for bass and bluegill in still-water lakes like these, particularly in warmer months when fish move shallow to feed. Midday in summer tends to push fish deeper and slow surface activity considerably.
Can I launch a boat on these lakes?
Access and boat-launch availability varies by lake and is not confirmed for all three locations listed here. Before your trip, contact the managing authority for each specific lake to find out whether motorized boats, kayaks, or canoes are permitted and whether a launch ramp is available.
What gear setup makes sense for fishing these lakes?
A medium-light spinning rod in the 6- to 7-foot range handles most situations on small plateau lakes, covering bass with soft plastics or topwater lures and panfish with small jigs or live bait under a bobber. If you plan to target catfish, bring a heavier setup with cut bait or chicken liver and fish the bottom near deeper structure or channel edges.
