Lake Fishing Trips in East Tennessee

Guided Lake Fishing Trips in East Tennessee

Fish the quiet coves and big water of East Tennessee’s top lakes with Nathan Mountain Outdoors. Whether you’re chasing bass, crappie, or bluegill — we’ll put you on fish and keep it fun.

From calm early mornings on Cherokee Lake to action-packed afternoons on Watts Bar, we offer fully guided lake fishing trips built around your goals. We welcome beginners, families, and serious anglers alike. All trips are hands-on and hosted by pro tournament angler Nathan Mountain, who brings decades of experience and a boatload of local knowledge.

What’s Included

  • Full-day and half-day lake fishing trips

  • All rods, reels, and tackle included

  • Live bait or artificial depending on season and target species

  • Cooler with ice and bottled water provided

  • Fish cleaned and bagged for you at the end of the trip

  • We fish out of a fully rigged bass boat with electronics, live wells, and everything needed for a successful day on the water.

Half-Day (4 Hours):

  • 1–2 people: $350

  • 3 people: $400

Full-Day (8 Hours):

  • 2–3 people: $500 total

What to Expect on the Water

Your day starts aboard a fully rigged bass boat, with plenty of space and storage for gear. You’ll be casting for largemouth bass, smallmouth, crappie, and bluegill across some of the best lakes in East Tennessee. Whether you’re an experienced angler or a first-timer, Nathan’s patient coaching and local knowledge give you the best shot at a successful, stress-free day.

What’s Included

  • Top-quality rods, reels, and tackle

  • Artificial lures and/or live bait

  • Fish cleaned and bagged

  • Cooler with bottled water and ice

  • Personalized instruction and coaching

Trips depart from public ramps near Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville. Custom pickup locations available on request.

Douglas Lake

World-class spring bass fishing just outside Pigeon Forge.

Douglas Lake is a hotspot for spotted bass, largemouth, and crappie, especially in early spring when the water warms up. Nathan knows the seasonal patterns and puts clients on fish even when the bite is tough.

  • Pre-spawn and spawn bass fishing in March–May

  • Calm coves great for families and first-timers

  • Stunning Smoky Mountain backdrop

Why Fish With Nathan?

With years of tournament experience and deep local knowledge, Nathan Mountain tailors each trip to your goals and skill level. Whether you’re a seasoned angler chasing a personal best or just looking to relax and catch some fish with friends or family, he’ll make sure your trip is comfortable, fun, and productive.

  • Patient, skilled instruction

  • Family-friendly trips

  • No crowds, no confusion — just great fishing

Fishing with a group?

The more the merrier! Call for group pricing.

FAQs

What should I bring on a lake fishing trip in East Tennessee?

  • Bring weather-appropriate clothing, a hat, sunglasses, a valid Tennessee fishing license, and anything you want to eat or drink. We’ll provide all the fishing gear, bait, and tackle unless you prefer to bring your own.

Are lake trips suitable for all experience levels?

  • Absolutely. Whether it’s your first time on the water or you’re a seasoned angler chasing a personal best, we tailor every trip to fit your experience level and goals.

How many people can join a lake trip?

  • We can accommodate up to three anglers per trip. Pricing is based on group size, with the best value for two or three people.

Do I need a boat fishing license?

  • A standard Tennessee fishing license is required for all guests 13 and older. You can get one online through the TWRA website or most local tackle shops and convenience stores.

Can kids come on the trip?

  • Definitely. Lake trips are great for families and young anglers. We keep things safe, fun, and focused on making memories.

Do you offer full-day lake trips?

  • Yes! We offer both Half Day (4 hours) and Full Day (7 hours) lake trips. Full days allow for more water covered and more time to dial in patterns.

Have any further questions? Contact us!

WHY DOUGLAS LAKE?

Douglas Lake is one of East Tennessee’s top fishing destinations, known for its scenic beauty, healthy fish populations, and year-round action. Backed by the Great Smoky Mountains and fed by the French Broad River, this reservoir offers everything from shallow spring bites to deep summer patterns.

Whether you’re casting near submerged structure or trolling open water, Douglas Lake delivers action for all skill levels — and we know how to find the fish.

Species you’ll find here include:

  • Crappie (spring and fall are hot — vertical jigging or dock shooting)

  • Largemouth and smallmouth bass (including big pre-spawn fish)

  • Striped bass and hybrids (hard fighters, best in cooler months)

  • Catfish (channel and blue — great for beginners or meat runs)

BOOK YOUR DOUGLAS LAKE FISHING GUIDE NEAR GATLINBURG & PIGEON FORGE

Spots fill up fast — especially during spring crappie runs, summer bass action, and holiday weekends around Sevierville and the Smoky Mountains.

If you’re searching for the best Douglas Lake fishing guide near Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge, we’re ready to help you catch fish, avoid the crowds, and make the most of your time on the water.

Have any further questions? Contact us!