Fall Creek Falls Fishing

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Notification

Trail Closures

Fall Creek Falls State Park

In August 2023, Fall Creek Falls State Park was impacted by a tornado. Please see the updates below regarding the current status of park availability due to past storm damage.

The following areas remain closed:

  • Piney Falls Trail (FCF parking lot to Piney Falls parking lot)
  • Millikan's Overlook Trail (overlook is open, trail is closed)
  • Autumn forest with a small waterfall and moss-covered rocks.
  • Calm lake reflecting a vibrant blue sky with fluffy clouds. Ripples cascade on the water's surface, bordered by a lush, tree-lined shore. Tranquil scene.

    Fishing at Fall Creek Falls

    Fall Creek Falls Lake, spanning just under 300 acres, is a premier fishing destination renowned for its abundant largemouth bass and record-breaking catches of channel catfish and bluegill.

    The fishing experience here is exceptional, especially during the spring and fall seasons, and offers excellent opportunities both from a boat and along the bank. Anglers can also enjoy bank and wade fishing in the creeks throughout the park. 

    As a Bill Dance Signature Lake, Fall Creek Falls Lake benefits from ongoing habitat management and enhancements. These improvements include the installation of fish feeders, the addition of artificial fish habitats, and the regular stocking of bluegill, threadfin shad, and channel catfish. In the spring and fall of each year, TWRA stocks rainbow trout in Cane Creek at two locations: the George Hole and the Newton Ford Bridge on Highway 284. These efforts ensure a thriving aquatic ecosystem, making it a top-notch fishing locale for both novice and experienced anglers.

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    Tennessee Fishing License

    All individuals age 13 and older must have a fishing license to fish in Tennessee.

    There are a variety of fishing licenses available for residents and non-residents, including a junior license for ages 13 - 15. Licenses are granted by Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) and may be obtained in person at sporting goods stores, county clerks, hardware stores, and boat docks or online.

    • A man in fishing gear standing on a dock with a fishing line casted

    Do Your Part

    Follow these best practices to preserve our environment. 

    • Follow Tennessee fishing regulations.
    • Obtain necessary permits. 
    • Dispose of fishing line and litter properly. 
    • Avoid disturbing vegetation. 
    • Stay on marked trails. 
    • Practice boat safety.  

    When following Catch and Release practices remember to handle the fish gently, minimize their time out of water, and use circle hooks or barbless hooks to reduce injury.  

    • Man fishing by a serene river at dusk.

    Bill Dance Signature Lakes

    Fall Creek Falls Lake is a Bill Dance Signature Lake.  

    Head over to Bill Dance Signature Lakes website to learn more and find other lakes.  

    Visit Our Gift Shops

    Fall Creek Falls State Park has three gift shops throughout the park.

     
      • Small, cozy boutique interior with clothing and accessories displayed on wooden shelves.

      Betty Dunn Nature Center Gift Shop

      10821 Park Road, Spencer, TN 38585

      Open daily from 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM

      • Dark wooden building with an American flag and people on the porch under clear skies.

      Boat Dock Gift Shop

      1996 Village Camp Road, Spencer, TN 38585

      Open seasonal hours

      • Indoor shop display with plush toys and clothing racks.

      Visitor Center Gift Shop

      2009 Village Camp Road, Spencer, TN 38585

      Open daily from 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

    Happenings

    No events are scheduled at this time, but there's always more to explore.

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