The lake bed in 3-D: deep basin, drop-offs and shoreline. Shape estimated, not for navigation. Spot 1 (point drop-off) is open for everyone; the other 6 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
Cherokee Lake
Grainger County, Tennessee · 28,800 acres (45 sq mi)
61°F water, calm this morning.
About Cherokee Lake
Cherokee Lake spreads over 28,800 acres in Grainger County, Tennessee. It was made by Cherokee Dam on the Holston. Cherokee Lake is a TVA reservoir on the Holston River that is one of the most popular bass-fishing lakes in East Tennessee.
From end to end it runs about 24.1 miles and its shoreline adds up to about 157 miles. The water sits about 1,050 ft above sea level. The nearest town, Jefferson City, is about 1.1 miles southwest. Knoxville, the nearest city, is about 26 miles southwest.
- Size
- 28,800 acres (45 sq mi)
- Shoreline
- About 157 miles
- End to end
- About 24.1 miles
- Elevation
- About 1,050 ft
- Type
- Reservoir
- Dam
- Cherokee Dam, Holston
- County
- Grainger County
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Friday Good
- 6:30 am – 8:45 amsunrise
- 3:45 pm – 5:00 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 10 mph
Saturday Good
- 6:30 am – 8:45 amsunrise · wind 0 mph
- 3:45 pm – 6:00 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 5 mph
Based on sun and moon times and the wind forecast. A guide, not a promise. The app shows the whole week.
Fish in Cherokee Lake
Anglers come to Cherokee Lake for largemouth bass, walleye and crappie. With the surface at 61°F, the notes below say which of them should be biting.
- GoodLargemouth bass
Fall feed. They chase baitfish into creeks and coves.
- GoodWalleye
Prime range. Low light is best, on reefs and weed edges.
- GoodCrappie
Active. Brush piles and docks in 8 to 15 ft.
From today's water temperature and the season. A guide, not a promise.
Fishing spots
- 1Point drop-off
The bottom falls away fast off this point; fish rest deep and move up the slope to feed.
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
6 more spots with LakeScope PRO: fish, depth band, water temperature, best time and bait for each.
Picked from the shape of the lake bed. A guide, not a promise.
Water temperature
At the surface, seen .
Water level
No daily level reading for this lake.
Ice
No clear view of the ice yet
Ice thickness is an estimate from air temperature, not a measurement. Check the ice yourself before going on it.
Weather and wind
Sunrise 7:08 am · sunset 5:26 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Cherokee Lake
- Jefferson Cityabout 1.1 mi southwest
- Bean Stationabout 2.8 mi northeast
- Morristownabout 2.9 mi southeast
- New Marketabout 3.3 mi southwest
- Knoxvillenearest city, about 26 mi southwest
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Questions about Cherokee Lake
What fish are in Cherokee Lake?
Cherokee Lake holds largemouth bass, walleye and crappie. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is Cherokee Lake?
We have no published depth for this lake. The 3-D view gives an estimated shape of the bed: where the deep basin and the drop-offs are. Not for navigation.
How big is Cherokee Lake?
28,800 acres, with about 157 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Cherokee Lake?
Jefferson City is about 1.1 miles southwest; Bean Station is about 2.8 miles northeast.
What is the water temperature at Cherokee Lake today?
The surface was about 61°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Cherokee Lake on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
