Tennessee Musky Fishing - Big Fish Down South

The musky, also known as the "fish of 10,000 casts", is one of America's largest, most elusive, and exciting freshwater game fish. As a long-time Tennessee angler and outdoor enthusiast, I can tell you that the musky fishing in the Volunteer State is second to none. From the many rivers that wind through the eastern mountains, to large reservoirs nestled between the rolling hills of Middle Tennessee, if you're looking to tangle with a toothy critter, Tennessee musky fishing won't disappoint.

Abundant Musky Waters Across the State

Wherever you wet a line for musky in Tennessee, stealth, patience, and perseverance will be required. Let's discuss a few of the state's prime musky waters in more detail.

Melton Hill Reservoir

Slow trolling large crankbaits like the Bondy Bait, Double Cowgirl, or Hellhound allow you to cover water and trigger reaction strikes from otherwise inactive fish. If trolling isn't your thing, fan cast large rubber baits like Bulldawgs or Medusas around rock points and submerged timber. Hang on tight, Melton Hill's toothy residents won't give up without a fight!

Norris Reservoir

When targeting Norris muskies, burning large spinnerbaits like the Double Cowgirl along extended points, humps, and creek channel edges allows you to cover water in search of active fish. Jerkbaits ripped over shallow weed edges and Bulldawgs pounded through standing timber also produce violent strikes from Norris Reservoir's many muskies.

Great Falls Reservoir

The clear water of Great Falls allows muskies to use their excellent vision to prey upon unsuspecting crappie, bluegill, and shad. Focus your efforts along dam faces, extended mudflats, creek channel swings, islands, and standing timber in the lower end of the reservoir. Glide baits like the Phantom Softail and Slopmaster are particularly deadly, imitating wounded baitfish as they "walk the dog" just below the surface. Hang on, as Great Falls' muskies are known for explosive topwater strikes!

Seasons and Techniques

The Volunteer State's musky fishing can be broken into two primary seasons - spring and fall. Here is an overview of what you can expect.

Spring

As the water warms into the low 50s, the musky's metabolism increases and they must feed aggressively. Focus on windblown points, channel swings, emerging weedlines, and creek arms warmed by runoff. Topwaters, bucktails, and soft plastics become deadly during the pre-spawn. Work them slowly and methodically, keeping them in the strike zone as long as possible.

Fall

As fall transitions into winter, target deeper creek channels, river channels, and reservoir basins warmed by discharge or power generation. These areas become winter holding zones that concentrate bait and sluggish muskies. Slowly working blade baits, swimbaits, and tube jigs along the bottom vertically jigging or casting and counting down can entice a strike.

Gearing Up

Chasing Tennessee muskies requires having the appropriate gear for battling these tackle busting giants. Let's look at some recommended rods, reels, line, and leader for musky fishing.

Musky Rods

While a baitcasting rod is most common, don't overlook the effectiveness of a spinning rod for tossing heavy jerkbaits, topwaters, and in-line spinners great distances with limited fatigue.

Musky Reels

Match your reel to a heavy duty musky rod rated for 80-100 lb braided line to form a balanced, durable setup.

Fishing Line

For mainline, 80 lb braided line provides excellent strength, sensitivity, and abrasion resistance for tossing heavy musky lures. Top shots of 50-80 lb fluorocarbon leader provide invisibility and abrasion resistance around toothy mouths. For increased stealth, some anglers opt for 40 lb low-vis green monofilament. A wire trace leader is highly recommended. AFW makes a great product.

Musky Lures

• Topwaters: Whopper Plopper, Wiley Musky Maniac, Spro Bronzeye Frog
• Crankbaits: Shad Rap, Bomber Long A, Bondy Bait
  
• Bucktails: Double Blade Water Wolf, Terminator T1, Salmo Hornet
  
• Soft Swimbaits: Bull Dawg, Frenzy, Swim Whizz
  

Additionally, stock up on titanium leaders, large nets, quality hooks, and other terminal tackle tailored to handle monster muskies.

The Fight of a Lifetime

Time slows and your nerves steady as you gain control, coaxing the colossal fish closer to the boat. As your net glides under its shiny flanks, a satisfied smile creeps onto your face. The musky's vacant glare confirms it fought just as hard. You've just experienced the satisfaction Tennessee musky fishing offers in spades. Enjoy this moment, as these glamorous fish only come the angler's way after considerable time and effort.

In Brief

Tennessee undoubtedly holds some of the finest musky fishing opportunities in the South. From the reservoir waters near major cities, to gin clear streams threading the Appalachian valleys, patience and perseverance will be rewarded with sights, strikes, and fish stories that last a lifetime. Gear up with the right rods, reels, and bait selection to be prepared for whatever comes your way. Seek knowledge from those who have been successful and be willing to learn. The "fish of 10,000 casts" is waiting. Enjoy the journey!

Seth Horne In The Spread,
Creator