From peaceful coves framed by hardwood ridges to broad, fast-flowing river reaches popular with wakeboarders, the waterways around Knoxville offer something for every boater. This guide covers the best lakes, where to rent a boat, safety and seasonal tips, fishing hotspots, and suggested day trips to help plan an ideal day on the water.
East Tennessee is home to lakes formed by the Tennessee Valley Authority and other reservoirs, each with its own personality. Some lakes are ideal for family outings and swimming, others are designed for quiet paddling and birdwatching, while a few are expansive enough for water sports and long cruises.
Norris Lake is a scenic reservoir known for deep, clear water and hundreds of private coves. Its shoreline stretches for hundreds of miles through heavily wooded hills, creating secluded anchorages that feel miles from civilization. The lake’s water levels can be very clear in summer, and several marinas offer slips, fuel, boat rentals, and dining.
Boaters should be prepared for narrow channels and rapidly changing weather when crossing exposed parts of the lake. Many coves are great for swimming and cliff-jumping, but always check for submerged rocks and local guidance about safe spots.
Tellico Lake sits to the east of Knoxville and gives a mix of broad riverine sections and quiet backwaters. The lake is popular with anglers chasing bass, crappie, and catfish, and there are public boat ramps and launch points that spread out usage across the shoreline. Several parks along Tellico provide picnic areas and playgrounds for families to enjoy before or after boating.
Because Tellico was developed with recreational use in mind, it offers a more organized experience with several marinas offering rentals, fuel, and instruction for newcomers. The scenery features rolling fields and occasional exposed rock faces, particularly as the lake narrows into river channels.
Fort Loudoun Lake hugs Knoxville’s west and north edges and is the most urban of the region’s lakes. It provides quick access from the city and is favored for short cruises, skiing, and tubing. Public parks and boat ramps are conveniently located along the shore, making it ideal for weekend outings when time is limited.
Because it is close to the urban center, Fort Loudoun can be busier than more remote lakes. Weekends and holidays are especially crowded, so launching early or choosing weekday trips will help avoid congestion.
Cherokee Lake, upstream of Knoxville, is large and varied with large deep pools and long stretches of open water. It draws boaters who enjoy longer runs, wake sports, and largemouth and smallmouth bass fishing. The lake also links to river corridors popular with kayakers and anglers seeking quieter, narrow channels.
Several marinas along Cherokee offer pontoons and fishing boats for rent. The lake’s size means longer travel times between facilities, so plan fuel and provisions accordingly.
Boat rentals make it easy to enjoy the water without owning or trailering a craft. Pontoons are a popular rental choice for families, while V-hull fishing boats and deck boats suit anglers and watersports enthusiasts. Kayaks and stand-up paddleboards (SUPs) are great options for quieter lakes and shallow coves.
Marinas around Norris, Tellico, Cherokee, and Fort Loudoun tend to offer the widest selection of rentals. Typical options include:
Reservations are recommended during the summer months, especially for weekends and holidays. Rentals are usually offered by the half-day, full-day, or multi-day, and deposits may be required. Bring identification, a credit card, and a basic familiarity with boat operation or request a brief safety/equipment orientation from marina staff.
Rental rates vary by boat size and season. Expect pontoons to cost more on summer weekends, with weekday rates and shoulder-season discounts commonly available. Fuel is often not included, so check whether the rental comes with a full tank and whether it should be returned similarly. Insurance or additional damage waivers may be offered or required.
Some marinas provide shallow-draft jon boats and small outboards that are more budget-friendly, while premium packages may include captain services for people who prefer to relax rather than pilot the boat themselves.
Boating safety is paramount. Familiarity with Tennessee boating laws, basic navigation, and weather awareness will keep trips enjoyable and trouble-free. Safety gear and common sense reduce risk and protect everyone onboard.
Tennessee law requires a wearable life jacket for each person aboard a recreational vessel. Children under a certain age (check current state regulations) must wear a life jacket when the boat is underway. Additionally, every boat should carry a throwable flotation device, signaling devices (whistle, horn, or air horn), and visual distress signals for after-dark or restricted visibility navigation.
Check fire extinguishers, navigation lights, and the condition of bilge pumps on rental boats before leaving the dock. Confirm where the kill switch lanyard is located and how to use it for boats with modern ignition systems.
Weather can change quickly in the region. Thunderstorms and high winds can make waves hazardous, especially on larger lakes. Check the forecast and radar apps before launching, and keep a marine VHF radio or a charged cell phone in a waterproof case for updates and emergencies.
Obey posted speed limits and no-wake zones, especially near marinas, docks, and residential shorelines. Watch for submerged hazards, marked shoals, and shallow areas. Many lakes have seasonal water level changes — slow down in unfamiliar coves and near brush lines where logs and stumps may lurk below the surface.
Boats used on Tennessee waterways must be registered with the state. Ensure the rental company provides properly registered vessels and displays the registration. Operators born after a certain year may need to complete a boating safety education course; check the latest state requirements if planning to operate a boat personally.
Practice Leave No Trace principles: pack out trash, avoid fueling on shore, and use designated pump-out facilities for boats with holding tanks. Prevent the spread of invasive species by rinsing and draining boats and equipment between water bodies, and inspect live wells and bilges.
Fishing is a major draw on these lakes. Whether targeting largemouth bass, smallmouth, crappie, or catfish, these reservoirs offer year-round opportunities. Fishing reports can vary by season, with spring and fall often providing the most consistent action for anglers.
Largemouth bass thrive in vegetated coves and around submerged structure; early morning and late evening are common feeding times in warm months. Smallmouth bass prefer rocky points and deeper water near ledges. Crappie concentrate around brush piles and submerged trees, especially in spring near spawning flats. Catfish tend to roam deeper main-lake channels and deeper holes, often feeding at night or just after dusk.
Ice is rare near Knoxville, so fishing is usually accessible year-round. For trolling and deep-water techniques during summer, electronics and downriggers can be helpful. Shallow-water techniques, including topwater lures, are effective during spring and fall transitions.
A valid Tennessee fishing license is required for most anglers over a certain age. Licenses can be purchased online, at sporting goods stores, and at many marinas. Special rules may govern trout streams or certain restricted areas, so review the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) regulations before heading out.
Planning a day on the water becomes easier with a clear itinerary. Below are a few sample trips suitable for different levels of experience and interest.
Launch early to avoid afternoon winds. Choose a cove with a sandy beach or a designated swim area. Anchor in shallow water for a picnic and swimming, and bring a floating mat or towable tube for kids. Pack sunscreen, hats, and plenty of water. Return to the marina before late afternoon when winds can pick up.
Head to structure-rich points and submerged brush lines at first light. Use a combination of electronics and local charts to find deeper humps and ledges. Change techniques during the day — start with topwater lures at dawn, switch to jigs or soft plastics mid-morning, and consider trolling or deep-diving crankbaits as the sun climbs.
Plan a late-afternoon launch and enjoy a slow cruise along scenic shorelines as the sun drops. Many lakes have waterfront restaurants accessible by boat or nearby docks for a meal. Bring layered clothing; temperatures can drop quickly after sunset.
Having the right gear simplifies the trip and increases comfort. A basic checklist helps ensure nothing important is left behind.
Boating near Knoxville brings together natural beauty, diverse recreational options, and convenient access to services. Choosing the right lake depends on priorities: quiet coves and swimming favor Norris and Tellico, while quick access and social boating are hallmarks of Fort Loudoun. Cherokee offers big-water experiences for longer runs and big-fish opportunities.
Respect the lake and other users, observe safety best practices, and plan trips around weather and seasonal patterns. With careful preparation, the lakes around Knoxville provide countless memorable days on the water for families, anglers, and watersports enthusiasts alike.
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