Memphis Lake Fishing Guide, Shelby County, Tennessee

• Overview

  Within Shelby County, Tennessee, you have Memphis Lake. The bank is 289 feet above sea level. At roughly 6 acres, the whole thing is within casting reach of a single walk. It is one of the smaller waters we list in Shelby County. Nearest place of any size is Memphis, 5.2 miles away. Beyond it, New South Memphis at 6.1 miles and Bartlett at 7.3 miles. It sits near the edge of the county, so check which rules apply.

• Where to Fish on Memphis Lake

  Depth figures are not published for this one. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. The productive water is a rod length or two out, not a hundred. Survey and observation records for Shelby County include bluegill, green sunfish, common carp and warmouth. Records at county level tell you what is around, not what is stocked here. The shape of Memphis Lake decides where the fish sit.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Averages move between 39°F in January and 82°F in July. Temperatures stay workable through the cold season. Heat pushes fish deep from June onwards, so start early. Late winter often fishes better here than midsummer does. It sets the rhythm of the year at Memphis Lake. A rising level usually fishes better than a falling one.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether the bank is open is not something our records settle. Parking is mapped about half a mile from the bank. For the catfish, fish bottom baits into the deeper holes and let them sit. Parking space is the usual limit rather than the bank itself. Signs go up and come down, so check on the day. Sky Lake sits 5.4 miles off and takes the overflow. What applies at Memphis Lake may have changed since it was mapped.