Center Hill Lake Fishing - Smithville, TN
Fishing is a popular year round activity at Center Hill Lake. The sport is enjoyed by anglers of all ages and abilities. Fishing opportunities are numerous throughout the lake whether you are fishing from a boat or from the 255 miles of shoreline. Fishing tournaments are often held at the lake during summer months and professional fishing guides are also available for hire.
Fishing License Information
If you fish at Center Hill Lake or if you assist someone else to do so, you must have a valid Tennessee fishing license. There are some exceptions for example No one under 13 needs a license, nor does anyone born before March 1, 1926.
Fishing licenses are available for purchase online from the Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency. Tennessee Fishing licenses maybe also be purchased at various sports and outdoor retailers located throughout the state.
Fish Species at Center Hill Lake:
- Large Mouth Bass
- Small Mouth Bass
- Stripped Bass
- White Bass
- Spotted Bass
- Rock Bass
- Walleye
- Sunfish
- Catfish
- Crappie
- Bluegill
- Paddlefish
Current Fish Size & Creel Limits
| FISH SPECIES | SIZE LIMIT | DAILY LIMIT |
|---|---|---|
| Striped Bass | 15 inches | No Limit |
|
Large Mouth Bass |
15 inches | 5* |
| Small Mouth Bass | 18 inches | 5* |
| Spotted Bass | No Limit | 5* |
|
Rock Bass |
No Limit | 20 |
|
White Bass |
15 inches | No Limit |
| Walleye | 16 inches | 5 |
| Sunfish | No Limit | 20 |
| Crappie | 10 inches | 15 |
| Paddlefish | Off Limits | Center Hill Lake is closed to taking or possessing paddlefish. |
|
Catfish |
No Limit | No Limit NOTE: Fishermen may only keep one catfish longer than 34 inches per day. |
*Daily Bass Limit is any Combination of Large Mouth, Small Mouth, and/or Spotted Bass
State Record Paddlefish
On April 28, 1984 Shane Henry caught a state record paddlefish at Center Hill Lake. The record fish weighed in at 75 lbs 0 oz.
Daily Fish Report and Fishing Information Line
Center Hill Lake Fish Report
A weekday Center Hill Lake Fishing Information Line that provides fishing conditions and lake levels is available at (931) 858-4366.
Tennessee Fishing Angler's Guide
Additional Fishing Regulation Information can be found in the Tennessee Fishing Angler's Guide.