Memphis area fishing

[AndyC]

I live in the Memphis area and would like some info on quick fishing trips. I have not really fished in the area much and don't know where to go. Any info about urban lakes like Shelby Farms Patriot Lake and Pine Lake, etc would be appreciated. If anybody needs a novice fishing partner, I am usually off on Fri and Sat and would welcome any opportunity to go fishing.

[bd-]

Welcome. We don't have a lot of West TN guys on this forum, but maybe we can help a little.

A long time ago I lived in Olive Branch, MS.

We fished at Sardis quite a bit and did well. It's a great lake for bass and HUGE crappie. In rainy years, Arkabutla spillway used to be great for catfish.

If you can go north to Reelfoot, it is a fantastic lake too. It is also one of the most beautiful and scenic lakes in Tennessee.

bd

[ALANRAYG2]

Welcome. We don't have a lot of West TN guys on this forum, but maybe we can help a little.

A long time ago I lived in Olive Branch, MS.

We fished at Sardis quite a bit and did well. It's a great lake for bass and HUGE crappie. In rainy years, Arkabutla spillway used to be great for catfish.

If you can go north to Reelfoot, it is a fantastic lake too. It is also one of the most beautiful and scenic lakes in Tennessee.

bd

I nominate Reelfoot Lake. There are small flat bottom boats for rent. some of the cabins offer special packages, too. I heard it's a great place to waterfowl hunt. You'll need to go there to check the place out. You'll catch crappie and gills and bass. I had hooked the largest bluegill in my life there. I couldn't turn him on my light action rod. Needless to say he got away. Bill Dance has made several catfish shows on the Mississippi River and on Reelfoot Lake. I don't remember the name of the guide he used on the Mississippi River. They caught some toad bluecats.
One word of caution, If you go to Reelfoot be very aware of the water moccasins. There are areas that have a lot of them. Check the boats before you get in them. The trees on Reelfoot are loaded with snakes. Most are nonvenomous. Just be aware and you will have a blast. Good Luck

[Alphahawk]

Well I will chime in here. I thought you were only looking for areas close to Memphis. If you can drive to Reelfoot you can certainly drive to Pickwick. The tail race at Pickwick is a fisherman's dream. You may have to climb over some rocks to get to the fishing area but it is no big deal...and when they are running about 80,000 CFS you can fish on the side walk. You can fish on both sides of the river below the dam and you can get to some excellent spots on the lake from the bank. If you have a small boat..or any boat for that matter...don't over look Big Hill Pond Sate Park. Some very nice bass fishing there and also some huge Shell Crackers and Gills.


Regards

[Travis C.]

Check out these links:

http://www.tn.gov/twra/gis/Region1_Waterways.html

http://www.tn.gov/environment/parks/findapark/

[tsuggs]

I'll be dangd alphahawk, I grew up in the boondocks of pocahontas tn and fished big hill pond numerous times as lad.Played football with the park rangers son,Jimmy harrison.Believe he still runs it.We had decent luck with limb lines on the hatchee river,but that was years ago fer me.Luv mees sum muddy water!

[Alphahawk]

I'll be dangd alphahawk, I grew up in the boondocks of pocahontas tn and fished big hill pond numerous times as lad.Played football with the park rangers son,Jimmy harrison.Believe he still runs it.We had decent luck with limb lines on the hatchee river,but that was years ago fer me.Luv mees sum muddy water!

For a while I owned a cottage in Middleton TN. I would drive to Pickwick and fish through the week and at times on the way home would fish Big Hill Pond...or Travis McNatt Lake...and of course in the Spring would tear up the Shell Crackers and Gills in the lake. I caught a lot of bass there too...but at that time...2000 through 2003...the lake was full of 2 pound bass...far too many fish in there. I did catch an 8 pounder one day and it should have been 10 pounds according to its length and girth. Mr Harrison would never lock the gate and told me to come and go as I pleased. He is a really nice guy. Have been thinking now that I have the kayak to just go back there someday. That lake was really under fished. Through the week it was like it was my private lake...I would be the only boat there....on most days. I fished the Hatchie Bottoms one time...and I ain't never going back...LOL. It is a beautiful place...and the fishing was unbelievable.....but the Cotton Mouths in there were just too much for me.

Regards

[AndyC]

Thank you for all the wonderful info. I had heard about both Sardis and Pickwick but have not yet had a chance to go to either one, but they are on my list of lakes to fish. I will also add Reelfoot to that list. Thanks again