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Scenic Fly Fishing in Chattanooga | River Trip

  • Published Date: October 16, 2025
  • Fishing
  • Chattanooga
  • $100 - $175 price range

Summary

Picture yourself wading through crystal-clear Tennessee waters, fly rod in hand, surrounded by the natural beauty of Chattanooga. This 2-hour guided trip is perfect for anglers looking to combine fishing with scenic views. You'll be right near downtown, but you'll feel a world away as you cast for various bass species in calm, picturesque stretches of river. Whether you choose a morning or evening trip, you'll enjoy ideal conditions for both fishing and snapping some great photos. The trip includes quality gear and a quick casting lesson to get you started. It's a great way for couples, friends, or solo anglers to unwind and connect with nature. With space for up to four guests, you can make it a social outing or enjoy a more personal experience. Remember, this is a wade trip, so you'll be in the water – perfect for those who love an immersive fishing experience.
Scenic Fly Fishing in Chattanooga | River Trip

Riverside Catches

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A crappie fish caught in Chattanooga, Tennessee

Beautiful crappie catch

A scenic view of Chattanooga, perfect for the best fishing

Nice spotted bass catch

A white bass fish caught in Chattanooga

Bright white bass catch

Smallmouth bass caught in Chattanooga

Nice smallmouth bass catch

Smallmouth bass caught in Chattanooga

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Person fishing in Chattanooga

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Fishing for a white bass in Chattanooga

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Fishing in Chattanooga

Clear water catch on the river

A barramundi fish caught in Chattanooga

Solid largemouth bass catch

Largemouth bass caught while fishing in Chattanooga

Strong largemouth bass catch

A crappie fish caught in Chattanooga, Tennessee

Beautiful crappie catch

A scenic view of Chattanooga, perfect for the best fishing

Nice spotted bass catch

A white bass fish caught in Chattanooga

Bright white bass catch

Smallmouth bass caught in Chattanooga

Nice smallmouth bass catch

Smallmouth bass caught in Chattanooga

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Person fishing in Chattanooga

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Fishing for a white bass in Chattanooga

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Fishing in Chattanooga

Clear water catch on the river

A barramundi fish caught in Chattanooga

Solid largemouth bass catch

Largemouth bass caught while fishing in Chattanooga

Strong largemouth bass catch

A crappie fish caught in Chattanooga, Tennessee

Beautiful crappie catch

A scenic view of Chattanooga, perfect for the best fishing

Nice spotted bass catch

A white bass fish caught in Chattanooga

Bright white bass catch

Smallmouth bass caught in Chattanooga

Nice smallmouth bass catch

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Cast a Line in Chattanooga's Urban Oasis

Ready for a fly fishing adventure that's equal parts city and nature? Our Chattanooga Scenic Fly Fishing trip lets you wet a line right in the heart of town, surrounded by views that'll make you forget you're anywhere near civilization. This laid-back 2-hour wade trip is perfect for anglers looking to squeeze in some quality fishing time without venturing far from downtown. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting your feet wet, our expert guides will make sure you have a reel good time.

Trip Overview

Picture this: you're standing knee-deep in a crystal-clear river, casting your line as the morning mist rises off the water. The skyline of Chattanooga peeks through the trees, reminding you that world-class fishing is just minutes from your hotel. Our 2-hour guided wade trips are designed for up to four folks, making it ideal for a couples' outing or a small group of buddies. We've got all the top-notch gear you need, so just bring yourself and a willingness to learn. Before we hit the water, we'll run through a quick casting lesson to make sure you're feeling confident. Choose between morning or evening trips to catch the fish (and the light) at their best. It's the perfect way to unwind, snap some Instagram-worthy pics, and hopefully land a lunker or two.

What to Expect on the Water

Alright, let's talk nuts and bolts. We'll be wading in some of Chattanooga's prettiest stretches of river, where the water's cool and the fish are plentiful. You'll be using lightweight fly rods, perfect for presenting flies to wary bass. Don't worry if you're new to fly fishing – our guides are patient teachers and will have you false casting like a pro in no time. We'll focus on reading the water, spotting likely fish hangouts, and perfecting your presentation. The riverside scenery is killer, so even when the fish aren't biting, you'll be soaking in views that'll make your work buddies green with envy. Just remember, deposits are non-refundable, so make sure you're good to go before you book.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

There's something special about urban fly fishing that keeps folks coming back for more. Maybe it's the novelty of hooking into a feisty bass with skyscrapers in the background. Or perhaps it's the convenience of squeezing in a quick fishing fix without having to drive hours into the boonies. Whatever the draw, our Chattanooga Scenic Fly Fishing trip has become a customer favorite. It's a chance to disconnect from the daily grind and reconnect with nature, all without straying too far from your favorite coffee shop. Plus, the bragging rights of landing a trophy fish in the middle of the city? Priceless.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Largemouth Bass: The heavyweights of our urban rivers, largemouth bass are the prize many anglers are after. These bruisers can grow up to 10 pounds in our waters, though a 3-4 pounder is still a catch to celebrate. They love to hang out near structure – fallen trees, rocky outcroppings, and submerged vegetation. In the warmer months, try throwing poppers or streamers near the banks for explosive topwater action. Largemouth are known for their powerful runs and acrobatic leaps, so hold on tight when you hook into one!

Smallmouth Bass: Don't let their size fool you – smallmouth bass fight like fish twice their weight. These scrappy fighters are a blast on light tackle, known for their aggressive strikes and tenacious fights. They prefer cooler, moving water, so we'll target them in the faster sections of the river. Smallies are suckers for crayfish patterns, so a well-presented woolly bugger can be deadly. Fall is prime time for smallmouth, as they fatten up for winter and become more aggressive.

White Bass: These silver rockets are a ton of fun when they're running. White bass move upstream in large schools during their spring spawning run, typically from March to May. When you find them, the action can be fast and furious. They're not picky eaters, hitting everything from small streamers to tiny jigs. White bass typically range from 1-3 pounds, but what they lack in size they make up for in numbers. When a school is feeding, it's not uncommon to catch fish on nearly every cast.

Skipjack Shad: While not typically a target species, skipjack shad are a blast when they show up. These high-energy fish are known for their blistering runs and aerial acrobatics. They migrate upstream in the spring and fall, following baitfish. Skipjacks are prized by many anglers as cut bait for catfish, but on light tackle, they're a worthy quarry in their own right. They're suckers for small, flashy flies retrieved quickly through the current. Landing a few skipjacks can really spice up a day on the water.

Time to Book Your Spot

Look, we know you've got options when it comes to spending your free time in Chattanooga. But how many of those options let you cast a line in a world-class fishery, learn from expert guides, and still make it back in time for happy hour? Our Chattanooga Scenic Fly Fishing trip is the perfect blend of outdoor adventure and urban convenience. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to explore new waters or a complete newbie curious about fly fishing, we've got you covered. So why not add a little ripple to your routine? Grab your buddies, your better half, or just treat yourself to a few hours of riverside relaxation. The fish are waiting, and trust us, they're a lot more fun than another afternoon at the mall. Book your trip now and get ready to make some waves in the heart of Chattanooga!

Learn more about the species

Largemouth Bass

Largemouth bass are the heavyweights of the sunfish family, usually running 1-4 pounds but capable of topping 10. You'll find them lurking around stumps, weed edges, and docks in lakes and slow rivers. They're ambush predators, so look for cover near deeper water. Spring and fall are prime times when they're feeding aggressively in the shallows. Anglers love largemouth for their powerful runs and acrobatic leaps when hooked. They'll hit a variety of lures, but it's hard to beat a weedless plastic worm rigged Texas-style. Work it slowly along the bottom, paying attention to any slight tap or weight on the line. Set the hook immediately - largemouth have tough, bony mouths. Around here, I've had great luck throwing white spinnerbaits right after a summer rainstorm when the water's a bit stained. The flash and vibration really get their attention.

Largemouth Bass

Skipjack Shad

Skipjack shad are sleek, silvery fish that typically run 12-16 inches and weigh up to 3 pounds. You'll find them in clear, fast-flowing rivers and reservoirs, often near dams or in tailwaters. They're known for their acrobatic leaps when feeding or escaping predators. Spring is prime time as they make their spawning runs upstream. Skipjacks are a blast on light tackle, putting up a spirited fight with quick runs and aerial displays. While not considered prime table fare, they're excellent bait for catfish and stripers. To catch them, try small jigs, spoons, or inline spinners cast upstream and retrieved quickly. They often school up, so when you find one, you've likely found many. A local trick is to use a small white crappie jig under a float, letting it drift naturally in the current. Keep an eye out for surface activity - when skipjacks are feeding, you'll see them slashing and jumping after bait fish.

Skipjack Shad

Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth bass are the bulldogs of the bass world, typically running 2-4 pounds but capable of reaching 6-8 in bigger waters. You'll find them in clear, cool rivers and lakes with rocky or gravel bottoms. They love current, so focus on areas around riffles, drop-offs, and submerged boulders. Spring and fall are prime, but they feed actively all summer in deeper, cooler water. Pound-for-pound, smallies are arguably the hardest fighting freshwater fish - they'll test your gear and skills with powerful runs and acrobatic leaps. They're less tolerant of warm, murky water than largemouth, so finding them can be more challenging but rewarding. Smallies will hit a variety of lures, but it's hard to beat a 3-inch tube jig in green pumpkin or smoke color. Drag it along the bottom with short hops, paying attention to any slight tap. One local tip: on sunny days, try skipping soft plastics under overhanging trees and bushes where smallies often hide in the shade.

Smallmouth Bass

White Bass

White bass are scrappy fighters that typically run 10-12 inches but can reach up to 18. Look for them in large rivers and reservoirs, often schooling near points, flats, and channel edges. They're most active in spring during their spawning runs upstream. That's when you'll see them busting the surface chasing shad - it's an exciting sight. White bass hit hard and fight above their weight class, making them popular with light tackle anglers. They're also excellent table fare. To catch them, keep an eye out for feeding frenzies and cast small spinners, jigs, or live minnows into the action. My go-to trick is a 1/8 oz white marabou jig worked with short, sharp jerks. When you find one, there's usually more nearby, so stay put and enjoy the fast action. Just remember to check local regulations, as some areas have special rules to protect spawning runs.

White Bass
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Don't let another season pass you by! Experience the thrill of fly fishing in the beautiful waters of Chattanooga with expert guide Brian Pendergrass. Book your unforgettable fishing adventure today and discover why Chattanooga is a mecca for anglers around the world.

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