Are There Salmon in Tennessee? Exploring the State’s Salmon Populations

Salmon are prized sport fish that attract anglers from across the country. But can you actually find salmon in the landlocked state of Tennessee? While salmon are not native to Tennessee, efforts have been made to establish salmon populations within the state through stocking programs. Let’s take a closer look at what types of salmon can be found in Tennessee today.

An Overview of Salmon in Tennessee

The short answer is yes, there are salmon present in Tennessee, but they are not native species. Attempts have been made over the years to introduce non-native salmon species to Tennessee waters through hatchery stocking programs. The main salmon species found currently are:

• Chinook salmon
• Coho salmon
• Sockeye salmon
• Pink salmon

These salmon were brought to Tennessee in hopes of creating new recreational fisheries. Some populations have become established and self-sustaining, while others rely on continued stocking. Overall Tennessee offers limited but unique salmon fishing opportunities for intrepid anglers.

Tennessee is located far from any ocean, so salmon are not native to the state. The first attempts to introduce salmon occurred all the way back in the late 1800s, when federal hatcheries stocked Chinook salmon in the Clinch and Holston Rivers. These early efforts failed to establish lasting runs.

In the 1950s and 60s, the Tennessee Valley Authority made another attempt at introducing salmon as a sport fish They brought in Chinook, coho, pink, and sockeye salmon to reservoirs and tailwaters Some populations persisted in areas like Cherokee Lake and South Holston Lake.

Sporadic stocking of salmon continued through the 70s and 80s. Several salmon species took hold, reproducing naturally and providing fishing opportunities in east Tennessee. Regular stocking programs help maintain salmon numbers today.

Where to Catch Salmon in Tennessee

Here are some top spots anglers target salmon in Tennessee

• Cherokee Lake – One of the most consistent fisheries for catching Chinook salmon, which run 10-30 pounds here. They are stocked as fingerlings and grow big in the lake.

• South Holston Lake – Sockeye salmon were introduced here in the 1950s and still provide a unique fishery. Anglers catch 12-20 inch fish in late fall.

• Tellico River – Adult Coho salmon are stocked in the fall and provide action into winter. Fish average 6-10 pounds.

• Clinch River – Tailwater fishery offers chance for trophy brown trout as well as stocked rainbow trout and salmon.

• Watauga River – Primarily a trout fishery, but some salmon stray in from South Holston Lake at times.

Techniques for Catching Salmon

Salmon offer exciting fishing opportunities in Tennessee’s waterways. Here are some effective techniques anglers use:

• Trolling with downriggers – Allows getting baits and lures down deep where salmon cruise. Effective on reservoirs.

• Backtrolling – Drifting backwards while casting plugs or other lures is deadly on rivers. Lets you cover water to find biters.

• Drift fishing – Bouncing eggs or other baits along bottom in a driftboat floats through salmon holding spots.

• Casting Spoons – Throwing casting spoons and crankbaits to locate aggressive fish. Especially effective when salmon are spawning.

• Fly Fishing – Using streamers, egg flies, or other patterns can entice salmon on lighter fly tackle.

The right technique depends on the season and location. Talking to local anglers helps pinpoint what’s working at that time.

Prime Times to Target Salmon

Though salmon are present year-round, certain times offer the best opportunity:

• Fall – Peak season when salmon move into rivers and shallows to begin spawning. Excellent fishing.

• Late Winter – Right before spring spawning run, big females pack on pounds gorging. Great trophy action.

• Spring – Spawning salmon are aggressive takers as they move upriver. Sight casting to fish on redds.

• Summer – Best chance at big lake salmon in deep, cool water. Downrigging gets lures in strike zones.

Fishing for salmon generally revolves around their spawning cycle. However, exceptions like Cherokee Lake offer summer lake fishing. Adjust tactics based on seasonal patterns.

Salmon Fishing Regulations

Fishing for salmon is managed with specific regulations by the TWRA:

• Salmon are designated game fish – no commercial harvest allowed.

• Statewide daily limit 2 salmon in combination. Additional special regs on certain rivers.

• Minimum size limit of 14 inches for Coho, 24 inches for Chinook.

• Tailwater areas have strict bait and tackle restrictions – check before fishing.

• Closed to snagging salmon in spawning areas during spawn.

Anglers should review the Tennessee fishing proclamation for all current regulations before fishing. Key is knowing identification and legal size for the salmon species on that waterway.

Enjoying Your Catch

One of the joys of salmon fishing is getting to sample your catch. Salmon provide excellent table fare. Keep your catch cold and eat as soon as possible. Some preparation tips:

• Prep fillets by removing bones with tweezers/pliers. Skin on or off.

• Marinade in a mixture of soy sauce, brown sugar, oil, and spices.

• Salmon grill up quickly over high heat. Baste with marinade.

• Bake salmon wrapped in foil with vegetables and white wine.

• Salmon make hearty, healthy fish tacos with cabbage, pico, and lime.

Tennessee’s salmon provide a delicious culinary experience and exciting action for anglers. Though limited, opportunities exist to catch salmon in the Volunteer State.