Bays Mountain Reservoir in Sullivan County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Bays Mountain Reservoir is one of the Sullivan County listings for Tennessee. The land about it is open valley. With some 44 acres of water, there is room for a boat but no need of one. It is a small entry by Sullivan County standards. For supplies, Mount Carmel is 3.7 miles out. After that come Kingsport at 4.1 miles and Church Hill at 5.6 miles. A county line runs close by, so local bylaws can differ within a short drive.

• Where to Fish on Bays Mountain Reservoir

  Our records carry no depth, so judge it from the bank. Standing timber shows when the level drops, and fish sit against it. The old creek line under the surface is the feature worth finding. Records held for Sullivan County cover brown trout, snubnose darter and common carp. Records at county level tell you what is around, not what is stocked here. Bays Mountain Reservoir responds to conditions more than to tactics.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The warm month here averages 75°F; the cold one sits at 34°F. The year gives four workable seasons without severe ends. It should never be assumed safe, whatever the month says. Autumn steadies things again once the heat lets go. On Bays Mountain Reservoir that shapes the whole year.

• Tackle & Baits

  We hold no note on access for this one. The nearest car park we can see is half a mile out, so expect a walk with your gear. Mapping shows a jetty some half a mile off. There are toilets half a mile off. Parking space is the usual limit rather than the bank itself. Rules for boats are stricter than rules for the bank in many places. For a change of water, Silver Lake is 4.3 miles distant. Confirm access to Bays Mountain Reservoir locally before you travel.