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 5 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
Nickajack Lake
Marion County, Tennessee · about 9,650 acres (15.1 sq mi)
61°F water, windy Friday (15 mph NW).
About Nickajack Lake
Nickajack Lake spreads over about 9,650 acres in Marion County, Tennessee. Nickajack Dam holds it back on the Tennessee. Nickajack Lake is a TVA reservoir on the Tennessee River below Chickamauga Dam near Chattanooga.
It stretches about 22.4 miles end to end and its shoreline adds up to about 106 miles. At about 630 ft above sea level, it follows the seasons of the region. It reaches about 145 ft at its deepest. Chattanooga sits right on the water.
- Size
- About 9,650 acres (15.1 sq mi)
- Deepest
- About 145 ft
- Shoreline
- About 106 miles
- End to end
- About 22.4 miles
- Elevation
- About 630 ft
- Type
- Reservoir
- Dam
- Nickajack Dam, Tennessee
- County
- Marion County
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Friday Good
- 6:30 am – 8:45 amsunrise
- 4:00 pm – 5:15 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 10 mph
Saturday Good
- 6:45 am – 9:00 amsunrise · wind 5 mph
- 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 10 mph
Based on sun and moon times and the wind forecast. A guide, not a promise. The app shows the whole week.
Fish to expect
Lakes like Nickajack Lake in Tennessee usually hold largemouth bass, crappie, white bass, catfish and bluegill and sunfish. The state fish and wildlife agency lists what is stocked and the rules for this lake. At 61°F on the surface right now, here is how each one should behave.
- GoodLargemouth bass
Fall feed. They chase baitfish into creeks and coves.
- GoodCrappie
Active. Brush piles and docks in 8 to 15 ft.
- GoodWhite bass
Schools chasing bait on points. Watch for splashes.
- FairCatfish
Waking up. Channels and creek mouths, especially after rain.
- FairBluegill and sunfish
Warming. Shallow, sunny pockets in the afternoon.
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
5 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.
Weather and wind
Sunrise 7:14 am · sunset 5:36 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Nickajack Lake
- Chattanoogaon the shore
- Signal Mountainabout 1.4 mi northwest
- East Chattanoogaabout 1.6 mi east
- Red Bankabout 1.9 mi north
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Questions about Nickajack Lake
What fish are in Nickajack Lake?
Lakes like Nickajack Lake usually hold largemouth bass, crappie, white bass, catfish and bluegill and sunfish. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is Nickajack Lake?
About 145 ft at the deepest point. The 3-D view shows where the deep water is.
How big is Nickajack Lake?
About 9,650 acres, with about 106 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Nickajack Lake?
Chattanooga is on the shore; Signal Mountain is about 1.4 miles northwest.
What is the water temperature at Nickajack Lake today?
The surface was about 61°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Nickajack Lake on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
