Jacob Rowan fishes at the Chickamauga Marina. The main species of sport fish in the lake include white crappie, bluegill, white bass, channel and blue catfish, largemouth bass and sauger.Even as other forms of outdoor activities gain interest in the Chattanooga and tri-state area, hunting and fishing remain a popular activity for many residents and visitors.
There are numerous rivers, streams and private ponds throughout the region, as well as the Tennessee Valley Authority system of lakes. Largemouth and smallmouth bass can be caught throughout the region, along with catfish, striped bass and sauger on bigger waterways such as the Tennessee River and its reservoirs.
Bass fishing in particular has always been popular, and the growth of student fishing teams is increasing the number of young fishermen. Several area high schools have bass fishing teams, and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s bass club competes in tournaments throughout the Southeast and will host the 2012 Tennessee Collegiate Bass Fishing Trail series of college fishing tournaments.
Fly fishing is increasingly popular on smaller, fast-moving rivers and streams. Many bodies of water are regularly stocked by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency to boost the fish populations for anglers.
For hunters, several wildlife management areas in the region hold scheduled hunts for deer and small game in the late summer and fall.