Scotts Gulf Wilderness Fishing | Tennessee State Parks

Man fishing by a calm, reflective lake surrounded by autumn trees.

Fishing at Scott's Gulf Wilderness

There are several fishing holes throughout the park where anglers can wet a hook and whet their appetites.

The Caney Fork River has several good fishing holes scattered up and down its length. The most accessible fishing area is the Mitchell Ford River Access, which has a good parking lot. It is about a 200-yard walk out to the river, with a large year-round pool there.

The Fork Hole is at the end of Scott’s Gulf Road. Scott’s Gulf Road itself is a six-mile gravel road, with the first four miles well-maintained. But the last two miles down to the Fork Hole is a rough road that park staff highly recommends a 4-wheel drive vehicle to traverse. This beautiful area at the confluence of the Caney Fork River and Bee Creek is worth the rough drive, even if you don’t fish.

The Amber’s Den Hole is another large, year-round pool in the Caney Fork River, but it requires a 2.4 mile hike down into it, on the Amber’s Den Trail. There are primitive campsites there, perfect for a “fish and camp” adventure. The trail (which is an old road) does lose around 800 feet in elevation as it descends from the Welch’s Point parking lot, so you will have to work to get into this fishing spot, but it is well worth the effort.

Please Note:

Any musky below 50 inches in length must be put back in the river.
Trout are not native to this portion of the Plateau, although they are stocked in some nearby streams and creeks.

Creel Limits and Size Limits

Featured Fish

Large Mouth Bass
Small Mouth Bass
Bream
Muskellunge

Places to Fish

Fish encountered in these different spots might include largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and bream. In the Caney Fork River, especially at Mitchell Ford, you might hook a muskellunge.

Fork Hole

The Fork Hole is at the end of Scott’s Gulf Road. Scott’s Gulf Road itself is a six mile gravel road, with the first four miles well-maintained. But the last two miles down to the Fork Hole is a rough road that really needs a 4-wheel drive vehicle to traverse. This beautiful area at the confluence of the Caney Fork River and Bee Creek is worth the rough drive, even if you don’t fish.
Amber’s Den Hole

The Amber’s Den Hole is another large, year-round pool in the Caney Fork River, but it requires a 2.4 mile hike down into it, on the Amber’s Den Trail. There are primitive campsites there, perfect for a “fish and camp” adventure. The trail (which is an old road) does loses around 800 feet in elevation as it descends from the Welch’s Point parking lot, so you will have to work to get into this fishing spot.
Lost Creek

You can also fish in Lost Creek, which is the main drainage of the Dog Cove Historic Area. There are several spots to bank fish just upstream of the bridge into Dog Cove. Parking is on the right after you cross the bridge.

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 residents 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.

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