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
Tims Ford Lake
Franklin County, Tennessee · 10,700 acres (16.7 sq mi)
59°F water, calm this morning.
About Tims Ford Lake
Tims Ford Lake spreads over 10,700 acres in Franklin County, Tennessee. Tims Ford Dam holds it back on the Elk. Tims Ford Lake is a TVA reservoir on the Elk River designated a Bill Dance Signature Lake for its bass fishing.
From end to end it runs about 11.5 miles with roughly 110 miles of shoreline. Its surface is about 880 ft above sea level. Estill Springs is right by the lake. The closest city is Huntsville, about 36 miles away.
- Size
- 10,700 acres (16.7 sq mi)
- Shoreline
- About 110 miles
- End to end
- About 11.5 miles
- Elevation
- About 880 ft
- Type
- Reservoir
- Dam
- Tims Ford Dam, Elk
- County
- Franklin County
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Saturday Good
- 5:45 am – 8:00 amsunrise · wind 5 mph
- 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 5 mph
Sunday Good
- 5:45 am – 8:00 amsunrise · wind 0 mph
- 3:45 pm – 5:15 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 to expect
Expect the usual Tennessee mix for a lake this size: 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. With the surface at 59°F, the notes below say which of them should be biting.
- 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
- 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.
Weather and wind
Sunrise 6:18 am · sunset 4:39 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Tims Ford Lake
- Estill Springson the shore
- Winchesteron the shore
- Decherdabout 2.1 mi east
- Lynchburgabout 3.7 mi northwest
- Huntsvillenearest city, about 36 mi southwest
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Questions about Tims Ford Lake
What fish are in Tims Ford Lake?
Lakes like Tims Ford 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 Tims Ford 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 Tims Ford Lake?
10,700 acres, with about 110 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Tims Ford Lake?
Estill Springs is on the shore.
What is the water temperature at Tims Ford Lake today?
The surface was about 59°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Tims Ford Lake on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
