The deep blue waters of Watts Bar Lake, located in the Tennessee River Valley, boast some of the best fishing in the state. One of the state's largest lakes, Watts Bar flows through the counties of Meigs, Rhea, Loudon and Roane in eastern Tennessee.
The 95-mile long lake extends from Watts Bar Dam at Spring City north to Fort Loudon dam. Built in 1939-42, Watts Bar Dam provides hydropower for the area and is one of nine Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) dams on the Tennessee River. Visitors may use overlooks on the west and east ends to view the dam and locks.
Outdoor recreation is abundant on and around the lake with its 780+ miles of shoreline. While swimming and boating are popular, fishing on 39,000 acre Watts Bar Lake is "world class" with smallmouth and largemouth bass the main catch.
The Kingston area is the center of most activity with a half dozen marinas and cabin/cottage rentals. Watts Bar Lake Campground offers trailer and luxury houseboat rentals. Half-day, dinner and other special excursions for 6 to 150 people are available through Watts Bar Yacht Charters.
Watts Bar Lake is located in eastern Tennessee running from Spring City north to Kingston. Since Watts Bar is such a long lake, there are many ways to access it. On I-40, take exit 347, then south on Hwy. 27. On I-75, take exit 60, then west on Hwy. 68.
