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Tennessee · Fishing
Greeneville sits in the upper Tennessee Valley where the French Broad River drains a wide stretch of Greene County farmland and forest, giving anglers a mix of moving water and still water within a short drive of town.
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Greeneville sits in the upper Tennessee Valley where the French Broad River drains a wide stretch of Greene County farmland and forest, giving anglers a mix of moving water and still water within a short drive of town. The French Broad River Area is the centerpiece here — a broad, relatively slow-moving river by the time it reaches this stretch, where smallmouth bass, catfish, and various panfish are the realistic targets. Dillard Place offers another access point to river fishing in the area, useful when you want to avoid crowds or try a different section of bank. For a change of pace, Davy Crockett Lake provides lake fishing for bass and bream in a quieter setting that suits beginners and families well. None of these waters carry a gold-medal or wild-trout designation, so manage expectations accordingly — this is solid, accessible fishing rather than a destination trophy fishery. What it does offer is variety: you can work a river bank in the morning and switch to the lake in the afternoon without logging many miles. Greene County is also less pressured than the more famous tailwaters to the south, which counts for something on a weekend.
Smallmouth bass are the most sought-after species in this stretch of the French Broad, along with channel catfish and a variety of sunfish and rock bass. Largemouth bass show up in slower, deeper pools near structure. This section of the river is not stocked with trout, so leave the fly box at home unless you are heading to a different watershed.
Generally yes. The lake's calmer water makes casting easier to learn and bank access is more straightforward than wading or working a river current. Bluegill and bass respond well to simple rigs like a bobber and worm, which keeps the learning curve low. The French Broad is not technically difficult, but reading river current and finding holding water takes more experience.
Harmon Den Campground
~32 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NC.
Rock Creek Recreation Area (Cherokee National Forest, TN)
~51 min drive
A worthwhile stop near TN.
Lake Powhatan
~1h 6m drive
A worthwhile stop near NC.
South Toe River - Black Mountain Campground Access
~1h 8m drive
Easy
Rat Branch Boat Launch
~1h 18m drive
A worthwhile stop near TN.
Watauga River Tailwater
~1h 24m drive
Hard
Big Creek Group Camp
~39 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NC.
Davy Crockett Lake
~8 min drive
A worthwhile stop near TN.
Lake Powhatan Glamping
~1h 6m drive
A worthwhile stop near NC.
Holston River North Fork
~1h 14m drive
Easy
Big Creek Campground (great Smoky Mountains National Park)
~40 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NC.
Cherokee Lake
~44 min drive
A worthwhile stop near TN.
Also worth it near here
A medium-action spinning rod in the 6 to 7 foot range handles most situations well. For smallmouth, soft plastic crawfish, inline spinners, and small crankbaits are reliable producers. Bring a selection of weights and hooks if you plan to bottom-fish for catfish, and pack waders if you want to access mid-river structure — bank fishing is possible but limits your reach on wider sections.
Yes, a valid Tennessee fishing license is required for anyone 13 and older fishing any of these waters. You can purchase one online through the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency website or at local sporting goods and bait shops in Greeneville. Check the current TWRA regulations for any size or creel limits specific to Greene County waters before you go.
Early morning and the last two hours before sunset are consistently the most productive windows on both the river and the lake, particularly for bass. Spring and early fall are the strongest overall seasons — water temperatures are comfortable for fish to feed actively and the summer heat has not pushed them deep or lethargic. Summer fishing on the French Broad can still be productive if you target shaded banks and deeper pools during midday.
