FISHING AT HORSESHOE BEND MARINA
Fishing Caney Fork River
(Headwaters of Center Hill Lake)
Walleye run regulation in effect on the upper end of Center Hill Reservoir, including the Caney Fork River beginning at the boat ramp at Rock Island State Park and extending upstream to Great Falls Dam. Anglers restricted to use of one hook having a single barb or lure containing a single hook with one barb from January 1 - April 30. No more than 3 rods and reels or poles may be used.
Trout species include rainbow, brown, and brook. The stocking schedule is March through December.
Muskellunge are limited to one (1) per day, and a 50” minimum length.
“When you fish for love, bait with your heart, not your brain.
”
Caney Fork / Center Hill Lake Regulations
Largemouth/Smallmouth/Spotted Bass: 5 per day in combination.
Largemouth Bass: 15-inch minimum length limit.
Smallmouth Bass: 18-inch minimum length limit.
Spotted Bass: no length limit.
Crappie (all species): 15 per day in combination, 10-inch minimum length limit.
Catfish (all species): No creel limit for fish 34 inches and less in length; only one fish over 34 inches in length may be harvested per day.
White Bass: 15 per day, no length limit.
Yellow Bass: no creel or length limit.
Walleye: 5 per day, 16-inch minimum length limit.
Muskellunge: 1 per day, 50-inch minimum length limit.
Paddlefish: reservoir and its tributaries are closed to taking or possessing paddlefish.
Rock Bass: 20 per day, no length limit.
Redear Sunfish: 20 per day, no length limit.
Bluegill/Warmouth and other sunfishes: no creel or length limit.
SPECIAL RESTRICTIONS:
January 1–April 30: on Caney Fork River from Rock Island State Park boat ramp upstream to Great Falls Dam, anglers are restricted to the use of one hook having a single point, or one lure with a single hook with one point. No more than three rods and reels or poles per angler may be used.
FREE Fishing Day/Week
Saturday, June 12, is Free Fishing Day in Tennessee, and anyone (resident or nonresident) of any age may fish free without a license in Tennessee’s public waters! Even better, if you are 15 years old or younger, you may fish free the entire week, beginning on Free Fishing Day, June 12, and running through the following Friday, June 18.
This day and week are annual events in Tennessee and are great opportunities to introduce children to the joys and excitement of a day on the water catching fish! Not only is fishing a great family activity, but it also helps make us more aware of our natural environment.
Finding a place to fish is easier than ever. Starting in late spring, all you need to do is go to http://www.tnwildlife.org to view the 2021 Kid’s Fishing Events. There you will find a variety of activities planned across the state with details as to event locations and times. You can also contact your regional TWRA office to find out what’s going on in your area or let them know you are interested in sponsoring or volunteering to help with an event. Anglers and would-be anglers should check the events list often since more fishing rodeos are frequently added. Whatever you do, don’t miss the fun!
Free Fishing Day and Week apply to Tennessee’s public waters, Agency owned and operated lakes and state park facilities. Some privately owned pay lakes continue to charge during this special day and week. Please consult with lake operators if you have any questions about the status of a particular facility.
Fishing Licenses
Fishing licenses go on sale on February 18 each year and are valid through the last day of February of the following year. Most license types may be purchased at License Agents located at some County Clerk offices, sporting goods stores, hardware stores, and boat docks. All licenses can be purchased at TWRA regional offices. Also, many licenses can be purchased remotely using four methods:
Online: Log on to www.gooutdoorstennessee.com.
Mobile App: Visit www.gotwra.org to download the free app. It can be used to purchase most license types. No license will be mailed. * A collectible hard card license may be purchased for an additional $5.00.
US mail: Send your name, address (including zip code), social security number, date of birth, physical features (height, weight, eye, and hair color), and enclose the correct fee to: TWRA Sales Office, P.O. Box 41729, Nashville, TN 37204-1729.
License Agents: You can also purchase your hunting and fishing licenses from any of our License Agent locations in Tennessee.
Water Release Schedules for Dams
Water release schedules of TVA and US Army Corps of Engineers dams and observed lake elevations of TVA impoundments can be determined by calling (800) 238‑2264 or visit https://www.tva.com/Environment/Lake-Levels
US Army Corps of Engineers Lake Information
Center Hill Lake 931 858-4366 https://www.lrn.usace.army.mil/
This page includes material from the Tennessee Fishing Guide - available for free at the Horseshoe Bend Marina store.