Tennessee River Catfish Charter - Lenoir City
Private Trip
River Fishing
Halfday catfish charter on Tennessee River waters near Lenoir CityAll equipment and live bait provided for familyfriendly fishing experienceFlexible departure locations based on current river conditions and fish activity
Looking for solid catfish action without burning a whole day on the water? This half-day charter puts you right where the whiskers are biting on some of East Tennessee's most productive catfish waters. We're talking about the Tennessee River system around Lenoir City – the Clinch River, Little Tennessee River, and Cherokee Lake – where channel cats, blues, and flatheads cruise year-round. Captain and crew from Bushwacker Guide Service know these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on fish whether you're bringing the kids for their first trip or you're a seasoned angler looking to fill the cooler. Four hours is the sweet spot for consistent action, and with all gear included, you just need your license and you're ready to go.
This isn't some cookie-cutter fishing trip where you sit in one spot all day hoping something happens. Your captain scouts conditions beforehand and picks departure locations based on where the bite's been best – could be launching near the Clinch River confluence, heading up toward Cherokee Lake, or working the deeper holes along the Little Tennessee. The beauty of fishing this system is the variety. You've got river channels, creek mouths, underwater ledges, and plenty of structure that holds catfish. The boat's rigged specifically for catfish fishing, with rod holders positioned for drift fishing and anchored presentations. When the fish are shallow and feeding active, we'll work the banks and drop-offs. When they're holding deeper during midday heat, we'll target the channels and holes where big blues and flatheads like to hang out. Weather plays a part, but catfish bite in most conditions – sometimes a cloudy day with a little chop on the water makes them more aggressive.
We're not messing around with fancy lures or complicated setups here. Catfish fishing is about putting the right bait in the right spot, and that means fresh live bait matched to what the fish are eating. Your captain provides everything – rods spooled with appropriate line weight, circle hooks that hook fish clean, and sinkers sized for the current and depth we're fishing. Depending on what's working best, we might be drift fishing with the current, anchoring up on productive holes, or working structure with precise presentations. The rods are medium-heavy action that can handle the fight these fish put up but still let you feel the bite. Reels are smooth drag systems because catfish make runs, especially the bigger blues and flatheads. Live bait varies by season and what's available – could be bluegill, skipjack, or other forage fish that catfish can't resist. The captain reads the water and adjusts techniques throughout the trip. Sometimes we're fishing right on the bottom in deep channels, other times we're working mid-depth around submerged timber or rock piles.
Channel catfish are the bread and butter of this fishery, and they're perfect for families because they bite consistently and fight hard for their size. Most channels here run 2-8 pounds, though bigger ones lurk in the deeper holes. They're active feeders that respond well to live bait, and you'll know when one hits – they don't nibble, they grab and run. Spring through fall are prime time, but these fish bite year-round when you know where to find them. What makes channel cats special is their willingness to bite and their scrappy fight. Kids love them because they're not intimidating to handle, but they pull hard enough to be exciting.
Blue catfish are the heavy hitters of the Tennessee River system, and when you hook into a big blue, you'll know the difference immediately. These fish can push 20, 30, even 40+ pounds in these waters, and they make long, powerful runs that test your drag and your arms. Blues prefer deeper water and stronger current, so we target them around channel drops, river bends, and areas where tributaries meet the main river. They're more particular about bait than channels, but when they're feeding, they'll hit hard. Summer and early fall are peak times when they're most active, though big blues can be caught any time of year if you know their patterns. Landing a trophy blue catfish is something you'll remember long after the trip's over.
Flathead catfish are the ultimate prize for serious catfish anglers – they're ambush predators that can grow massive and fight like they're trying to pull your boat underwater. Flatheads are solitary hunters that prefer live bait and structure like fallen trees, undercut banks, and rocky areas where they can hide and wait for prey. They're most active in low light conditions, which makes early morning and evening the prime times to target them. When a big flathead grabs your bait, there's no mistaking it – they typically hook themselves and immediately head for cover. These fish can exceed 50 pounds in the Tennessee River system, and even smaller ones in the 10-20 pound range provide an amazing fight. Flatheads are less common than channels and blues, but when you connect with one, it's the highlight of any fishing trip.
Four hours on proven catfish waters with an experienced local captain who provides all the gear and bait – that's hard to beat for the price. Whether you're introducing kids to fishing, planning a family outing, or just want some reliable action without the commitment of a full day, this charter delivers. The Tennessee River system around Lenoir City produces catfish year-round, and Bushwacker Guide Service has the local knowledge to put you on them regardless of conditions. With only three spots available per trip, you get personalized attention and plenty of room to fish comfortably. Fish cleaning service means you can take your catch home ready for the table, and the flexible departure locations ensure we're always fishing the most productive water. Don't wait – good catfish guides book up fast, especially during prime season when the bite's hot.
Step aboard our reliable 26-foot SeaArk aluminum boat, purpose-built for serious catfish hunting on Tennessee's prime waters. This stable platform handles the currents of the Clinch River, Little Tennessee River, and Cherokee Lake with ease, powered by a smooth 300 HP Suzuki that gets you to the honey holes fast. The wireless trolling motor lets you slip quietly into position without spooking the cats, while our GPS and fish finder combo pinpoints structure and schools below. The onboard livewell keeps your bait frisky, and the icebox handles your catch and cold drinks throughout the trip. With room for up to three anglers plus your captain, there's plenty of space to work the rods without getting tangled up. The aluminum hull cuts through chop and slides over shallows, perfect for following the bite wherever these whisker fish are holding.
Ictalurus FurcatusBlues are the giants of our catfish world, regularly hitting 20-40 pounds with some monsters pushing 60-plus. They roam deeper channels and main river areas, especially where there's current and good structure. Spring through fall gives you the best shot when they're actively feeding. What draws folks to blues is that trophy potential - landing a 30-pounder is a memory that sticks. They fight harder than channels and have excellent table fare. These fish are opportunistic feeders, often following schools of baitfish. The key with blues is fresh cut bait on the bottom in deeper water. I like using skipjack herring or gizzard shad, and patience pays off since they take time to commit to the bait.
Ictalurus PunctatusChannel cats are the bread and butter of our Tennessee River waters. Most run 2-8 pounds, but we see some nice 15-20 pounders that'll bend your rod good. They hang around deeper holes, creek mouths, and structure like fallen trees. Summer and fall are prime time when water temps warm up - they're most active then. What makes them fun is their strong, steady fight and they taste great on the table. These fish are smart too, using those whiskers to find food in muddy water. My go-to trick is using fresh cut shad on the bottom near current breaks. Let it sit still and wait for that telltale tap-tap before setting the hook hard into their tough mouths.
Pylodictis OlivarisFlatheads are the predators of the catfish family, growing 20-50 pounds with some real tanks over 60. They love deep holes, undercuts, and structure where they can ambush prey. Night fishing is when they really turn on, especially during warm months. What makes flatheads special is their aggressive nature and superior eating quality - best-tasting catfish around. Unlike other cats, they want live bait exclusively. Bluegill, small channel cats, or creek chubs work great. The trick is keeping your bait lively near cover where they hide during the day. Use heavy tackle because when a big flathead grabs your bait, it's going to make a serious run for the nearest snag.
Tennessee River