Knoxville Overnight Fishing Trip
Private Trip
River Fishing
Twoday overnight trip targeting Striper and Catfish in East Tennessee watersAccommodates up to five guests with camping setup and light tackle fishingRuns 9am to 7pm next day with multiple fishing locations covered
Picture this: you're settled around camp after a solid day chasing stripers and cats on East Tennessee waters, swapping fish stories while your lines soak overnight. Our top-rated Knoxville overnight fishing adventure gives you and up to four buddies a full 34-hour fishing experience that most anglers only dream about. Starting at 9am and wrapping up at 7pm the next day, this isn't your typical half-day charter – it's a proper fishing expedition that lets you really get into the rhythm of these productive waters.
This overnight trip is all about maximizing your time where the fish are biting. We'll be targeting trophy catfish and hard-fighting stripers using light tackle setups that'll give you the full experience of these fish's power. Your guide knows these East Tennessee waters like the back of their hand and will adjust techniques based on what's working – whether that's drifting cut bait for blues, working live shad for stripers, or switching up presentations as conditions change. The beauty of having two full days is we can explore different spots, try various methods, and really dial in what's producing. When evening rolls around, we set up comfortable camps and tents so you can relax, recharge, and get ready for another productive day on the water. It's the kind of fishing trip where you actually have time to enjoy the whole experience, not just rush through a few hours.
We primarily focus on light tackle fishing here, which means you'll feel every head shake and run these fish make. For stripers, we'll often work with live or cut shad, either drifting or anchored up on productive structure. These fish love to ambush baitfish around drop-offs, points, and creek mouths, so expect to move around and cover water until we locate active schools. Catfishing is a different game entirely – we'll set up with multiple rods using everything from chicken liver to cut skipjack, depending on what the blues and channels are wanting. Night fishing is where catfish really shine, so having that overnight component means we can fish prime time hours when these whisker fish are most active. Your guide carries all the tackle you'll need, from circle hooks and sinkers to leaders and fresh bait, though experienced anglers are welcome to bring their favorite rods if they prefer.
Striped bass in these East Tennessee waters are genuine fighters that'll test your drag and your arms. These silver rockets typically run anywhere from 3 to 15 pounds, with the occasional trophy pushing into the 20-pound range. Spring through fall offers the most consistent action, as these fish follow baitfish migrations and feed heavily before winter. What makes stripers so addictive is their aggressive strikes and powerful runs – they'll take your bait and immediately head for deep water or structure, making every hookup a real battle.
Blue catfish are the true giants of this fishery, and East Tennessee produces some world-class specimens. These whiskered bruisers can exceed 30 pounds and provide an entirely different kind of fight than stripers – they're bulldogs that use their weight and power to try wearing you down. Summer nights are prime time for blues, when they move into shallower water to feed. The thrill of hooking into a big blue in the dark, feeling that steady, heavy pull, is something every serious angler needs to experience.
Smallmouth bass add variety to the trip, especially when we're working rocky areas and creek mouths. These bronze backs are pound-for-pound fighters that'll jump and run like fish twice their size. They typically range from 1 to 4 pounds in these waters, with spring and fall being peak seasons. Smallmouth are perfect on light tackle – they hit hard, fight clean, and always seem to find a way to surprise you.
Rainbow trout bring a different flavor to the fishing, especially in the cooler months or when we're working tailwaters. These colorful fighters are incredibly acrobatic and will test your drag on light line. Most rainbows here run 12 to 18 inches, with some reaching into the 20-inch range. They're especially active during temperature changes and provide consistent action when other species might be finicky.
Brown trout are the craftiest fish we target, often requiring more finesse and patience. These golden beauties can grow quite large in East Tennessee waters and are known for their wariness and explosive fights once hooked. Fall is prime time for browns as they become more aggressive during their spawning period. Landing a quality brown trout is always a highlight of any trip – they're smart, strong, and absolutely beautiful fish.
This overnight fishing experience delivers what most day trips simply can't – enough time to really fish, relax, and enjoy the complete angling experience. With space for just five anglers, you'll get personalized attention from your guide and plenty of room to fish comfortably. Whether you're looking to land your personal best catfish, tangle with aggressive stripers, or just enjoy quality time on the water with friends, this trip covers all the bases. Keep in mind that deposits are non-refundable, so make sure your dates work before booking. If you're interested in expanding your outdoor experiences, ask your guide about seasonal waterfowl hunting opportunities – Fish Knoxville offers multiple ways to enjoy East Tennessee's abundant natural resources. Don't wait too long to secure your dates, especially during peak fishing seasons when these overnight slots fill up quickly.
This 22-foot Canyon Bay center console cuts through East Tennessee waters with authority, powered by a reliable Yamaha 250 that gets you to the fish fast and quiet. Built for serious anglers targeting trophy Stripers and Catfish, the spacious layout comfortably handles five fishermen with room for gear and coolers. The stable platform gives you solid footing whether you're fighting a big Cat or working light tackle on feeding Stripers. Deep gunwales and thoughtful design keep you safe during those long overnight sessions, while the smooth ride means less fatigue and more time focused on the bite. Perfect for covering water from dawn to dusk, then setting up camp before getting back after them the next morning.
Ictalurus FurcatusBlue catfish are the giants of Tennessee waters, with many pushing 30-50 pounds and some real monsters going even bigger. These slate-blue bruisers live in deeper holes and channels, especially near structure like fallen trees or rocky drop-offs. They're most active during warmer months but can be caught year-round if you know where to look. What makes blue cats exciting is their size and strength - when a big one hits, you know it. They're also excellent table fare with firm, white meat that's perfect for frying. These fish are opportunistic feeders, so fresh cut bait works best. Local tip: find the deepest holes near current breaks and let your bait sit on the bottom. Blue cats are lazy hunters that want an easy meal, so patience pays off with these giants.
Tylosurus AcusBrown trout are the smartest fish in our Tennessee streams, known for their golden-brown color with black spots and that distinctive orange adipose fin. They typically run 8-24 inches and are incredibly wary, preferring deep pools, undercut banks, and heavy cover during daylight. Fall is prime time when they feed aggressively before winter, though early morning and late evening produce fish year-round. What makes browns special is their intelligence and fight - they'll test every trick you know and make long, powerful runs. The meat is excellent with a slightly sweet flavor that's hard to beat. These fish adapt well to our cooler mountain waters. Here's a local secret: during fall nights, browns move shallow to feed. Try working streamers or large nymphs along undercut banks after dark - you might hook the fish of a lifetime.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbow trout are beautiful fish with their signature pink stripe and spotted bodies, typically running 12-20 inches in our cooler East Tennessee streams. They prefer clean, flowing water with temps between 55-65°F, often holding near cover like fallen logs or undercut banks. Early morning and late evening produce the best results, especially during spring and fall when they're most active. These trout are special because they're strong fighters that'll make several runs, plus they're fantastic eating with mild, flaky meat. Their acrobatic jumps and colorful appearance make every catch memorable. Here's something that works well locally: during mayfly hatches in late spring, use a small dry fly or nymph and fish the bubble lines behind rocks. The trout stack up in these feeding lanes.
Micropterus DolomieuSmallmouth bass are pound-for-pound some of the hardest fighting fish in these Tennessee waters. They average 2-4 pounds but feel twice that size when hooked. You'll find them around rocky bottoms, fallen timber, and ledges in 10-25 feet of water. They love clear, cooler areas with good current flow. Spring and fall are prime times when they're actively feeding in shallower water, though summer finds them deeper during the heat. What guests love about smallmouth is their acrobatic jumps and never-quit attitude - they'll fight all the way to the net. The meat's firm and tasty too. One trick that works well here: use a weightless soft plastic rigged weedless and let it fall naturally along rock piles. The slower fall drives them crazy.
Morone SaxatilisThese landlocked stripers in East Tennessee waters are serious fighters that'll test your gear. Most run 20-40 pounds with that classic silver body and dark horizontal stripes. They're structure-oriented fish, so we target them around drop-offs, submerged rocks, and channel edges in deeper water. Spring through fall gives us the best action when water temps hit that 55-68°F sweet spot. What makes stripers special is their powerful runs and stubborn fights - they don't give up easy. The meat's excellent eating too, with a sweet, flaky texture. Here's a local tip: when we're working around submerged timber, keep your drag loose initially. These fish will wrap you up in cover faster than you can blink if you don't let them run first.
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