Tennessee · Fishing
Fishing in Union City, Tennessee
Union City sits in the northwest corner of Tennessee, and for anglers, that geography is the whole point. Reelfoot Lake is the dominant fishery here, a natural oxbow lake created by the New Madrid earthquakes of 1811-1812 and now one of the most productive shallow-water fisheries in the mid-South.
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Union City sits in the northwest corner of Tennessee, and for anglers, that geography is the whole point. Reelfoot Lake is the dominant fishery here, a natural oxbow lake created by the New Madrid earthquakes of 1811-1812 and now one of the most productive shallow-water fisheries in the mid-South. The lake's flooded timber, lily pads, and cypress knees hold crappie, largemouth bass, bluegill, and catfish in numbers that keep locals coming back year after year. Reading House Slough rounds out the local options as a quieter lake-fishing alternative for anglers who want to avoid the boat traffic that Reelfoot draws during peak season. Most of the fishing at Reelfoot is done from flat-bottomed johnboats or guided skiffs, since navigating the submerged timber without local knowledge is genuinely difficult. The lake is shallow throughout, which means it warms early in spring and cools fast in fall, and those transitions are when the fishing tends to be most consistent. If you are planning a trip from Union City, Reelfoot is roughly 15 miles west, making it an easy day trip or a logical base for a multi-day stay.
Frequently asked questions
What fish species can I target at Reelfoot Lake?
Reelfoot Lake is best known for crappie and largemouth bass, but the lake also holds solid populations of bluegill, bream, and catfish. The flooded timber and cypress structure give each species distinct holding areas depending on the season.
Do I need a guide to fish Reelfoot Lake?
You are not required to hire a guide, but the submerged timber and shallow, maze-like layout of Reelfoot make it genuinely easy to get disoriented or damage a motor if you are unfamiliar with the water. First-time visitors especially benefit from going out with a local guide who knows the navigable channels and current hotspots.
What time of year is best for fishing near Union City?
Spring and fall are the most productive seasons at Reelfoot Lake. Crappie move shallow to spawn in March and April, making them easier to target around the cypress trees. Fall brings cooling water temperatures that push bass and crappie into more active feeding patterns before winter sets in.
What time of day should I plan to be on the water?
Early morning is consistently the most productive window at Reelfoot, particularly for bass and crappie during warmer months when the shallow lake heats up quickly after sunrise. Evening fishing can also be effective, especially in summer when midday heat pushes fish deeper into the timber shade.
What fishing license do I need, and where can I get one?
You need a valid Tennessee fishing license to fish Reelfoot Lake or Reading House Slough. Licenses can be purchased online through the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency website or at local bait and tackle shops near the lake. Non-resident licenses are available if you are coming from out of state.
