4.8(5 Reviews)2-Hour Wade Fishing in Chattanooga
4.8(5 reviews)
Private Trip
River Fishing
Top Rated
Twohour guided wade fishing trip near downtown ChattanoogaIncludes personalized casting lesson and all necessary equipmentTargets multiple bass species with customized skilllevel approach
Looking for some solid bass action without the drive to remote waters? This 2-hour guided wade trip puts you right in the heart of productive fishing just minutes from downtown Chattanooga. Brian knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll get you set up with everything you need for a successful outing. Whether you're new to fly fishing or looking to dial in your technique, this walk-in wade experience offers the perfect mix of instruction and fish-catching opportunities. Morning or evening slots work great, and you'll be targeting multiple bass species that call these Tennessee waters home.
This isn't your typical boat trip – we're talking wade fishing at its finest. You'll meet Brian at the access point, gear up with provided equipment, and wade into some of the most consistent bass water around Chattanooga. The beauty of wade fishing is getting that intimate connection with the water while maintaining the stealth that spooky bass demand. Brian tailors each trip to your skill level, so beginners get solid casting instruction while experienced anglers can focus on advanced techniques and reading water. The personalized approach means you're not just another number in a big group – it's all about maximizing your time and success on the water. These spots produce year-round, but Brian knows exactly where the fish are holding based on season, weather, and water conditions.
All your tackle comes included, so you can travel light and fish smart. Brian provides quality fly rods matched to the conditions, along with a selection of proven patterns that work consistently on these bass. You'll learn proper wade fishing etiquette – how to move quietly through the water, position yourself for the best presentations, and read the subtle signs that indicate holding bass. Fly selection varies with the season, but expect to throw streamers, poppers, and smaller baitfish patterns depending on what's working. The casting instruction covers everything from basic delivery to more advanced techniques like roll casts when you're dealing with overhanging cover. Wade fishing requires different skills than boat fishing, and Brian makes sure you understand how to work water methodically while staying safe and comfortable in the current.
"Had a great time fishing with Brian today. If you are in the Chattanooga area, I highly recommend spending a couple hours with him." - Nathaniel
"We had a great time with Brian today. He took the time to make sure we understood what we were doing and helped us along the way. Definitely looking forward to joining him again and catch more fish." - Christopher
"Brian was great, very knowledgeable. We will be booking again next time we are in the area." - Erica
Largemouth Bass are the main attraction here, and these Tennessee fish fight with serious attitude. They average 2-4 pounds with some real giants mixed in during peak seasons. Spring through fall offers the best action, with early morning and evening being prime time. What makes largemouth so fun on fly gear is their explosive strikes and acrobatic fights – they'll jump, dive, and test your drag system. These fish love structure and cover, so you'll be working around fallen trees, rock formations, and weed edges where they ambush prey.
Smallmouth Bass bring a different kind of fight to the table. Pound for pound, they're some of the hardest fighting freshwater fish you'll encounter. These bronze fighters prefer rocky areas and current breaks, making them perfect targets for wade fishing techniques. They typically run smaller than largemouth but make up for it with pure determination. Fall months are exceptional for smallmouth, when they feed aggressively before winter. Their strikes are often more subtle than largemouth, requiring good line control and sensitivity to detect the take.
White Bass show up in schools and provide fast-paced action when they're feeding. These silvery fighters average 1-2 pounds and are known for their willingness to hit streamers and smaller flies. They're most active during their spring runs and again in fall when they chase shad. When you find a school of feeding whites, the action can be non-stop with multiple fish on consecutive casts. They're great for beginners because they're aggressive and forgiving of presentation mistakes.
Skipjack Shad might not be the target species, but they're an important part of the ecosystem and occasionally end up on the end of your line. These baitfish support the entire bass population, and understanding their movements helps predict where the gamefish will be feeding. When skipjack are schooling near the surface, it's usually a good sign that bass aren't far behind. They're fun to catch on light tackle and provide excellent action when the bass fishing slows down.
This 2-hour wade trip delivers exactly what serious anglers want – quality fishing with expert guidance in productive water. Brian's local knowledge and personalized instruction make every trip worthwhile, whether you're landing your first bass on fly gear or adding new techniques to your arsenal. The convenience of fishing this close to Chattanooga means you can squeeze in some quality angling without burning a whole day traveling. With all gear provided and flexible scheduling options, there's no reason to wait. These spots produce consistently, but having an experienced guide who knows the current patterns and productive areas makes all the difference between a good day and a great day on the water.
Micropterus SalmoidesThe king of freshwater gamefish around here, largemouth typically run 12-24 inches and weigh 1-4 pounds in our local waters. They love hanging around submerged logs, weed beds, and shallow cover where they can ambush prey. Spring and fall are prime times when they're most active in the shallows. What makes them special? That explosive strike and the way they jump when hooked - pure adrenaline. They're also excellent eating when caught from clean water. My go-to tip: throw a colorful streamer or popper near structure and let it sit for a few seconds. Their curiosity usually gets the better of them, and that massive mouth opens wide beyond their eyes when they commit.
Alosa ChrysochlorisKnown locally as "Tennessee tarpon," skipjack are silver rockets that average 12-14 inches and leap right out of the water when feeding. They school in fast-moving water near rocky shoals and dam tailwaters. Spring is prime time when they're making their spawning runs upstream. What makes them fun is their acrobatic fight and the challenge of their small mouths - they're notorious for throwing hooks. While they're not great eating, they're fantastic bait for big catfish. The real thrill is watching them bust baitfish on the surface. To catch them consistently, use small flies or tiny jigs and fish where current meets slack water. They feed in schools, so when you find one, there are usually dozens more nearby.
Micropterus DolomieuPound for pound, smallmouth are the hardest fighting bass you'll find. They average 12-16 inches around here and prefer rocky bottoms, gravel bars, and clear flowing water. These bronze-backed beauties are most active during cooler months and early morning or evening hours. In summer, they move deeper to find cooler water. What sets them apart is their fight - they'll jump, run, and shake their heads like nothing else. They're also great eating with firm, white meat. The trick with smallmouth is matching water temperature to depth. In spring and fall, work shallow rocky areas with small streamers. Summer means going deeper with weighted flies. Watch for their distinctive red eyes - that's your confirmation you've got a true smallmouth on.
Morone ChrysopsThese silver-sided fighters average 10-12 inches but can reach 18 inches and pack a serious punch for their size. White bass travel in schools through deeper channels and rocky areas, especially during their spring spawn runs. They're aggressive feeders that will readily hit small jigs, minnow patterns, and spinners. What guests love most is their scrappy fight - they don't give up easy despite their size. Plus they make excellent table fare with firm, flaky meat. The key to finding them is looking for surface activity where they're chasing baitfish. Once you locate a school, work fast with small white or black jigs. They'll often stay in the same area feeding, so multiple hookups are common on a good day.
4.8 out of 5.0Easy going guide with a lot of fishing knowledge.
Had a great time fishing with Brian today. If you are in the Chattanooga area, I highly recommend spending a couple hours with him...
We had a great time with Brian today. He took the time to make sure we understood what we were doing and helped us along the way. ...
Brian was great, very knowledgeable. We will be booking again next time we are in the area.
Chattanooga