Fishing at Pinoak Lake, Henderson County, Tennessee

• Overview

  Pinoak Lake lies in Henderson County, Tennessee. It lies 466 feet above sea level. The water covers around 663 acres, which puts most of it out of reach from the bank. Some 14 miles of bank gives room to move when the wind turns. Among the waters listed for Henderson County, none is wider. Lexington lies 6.2 miles from the water. Parsons follows at 9.3 miles, then Mount Carmel at 20 miles. Local rules may differ a few miles either side of here.

• Where to Fish on Pinoak Lake

  There is no published depth for this one, so start shallow and work out. Look for where the old bank line still shows under the surface. The old creek line under the surface is the feature worth finding. Reported across Henderson County: cypress darter, goldstripe darter, bluegill, saddleback darter and freckled madtom. County records show what lives in the area; the local agency holds the water-by-water list. Take Pinoak Lake a stretch at a time.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The warm month here averages 78°F; the cold one sits at 36°F. No part of the year shuts this water. The cooler months are the comfortable ones to be out. March through May is the strongest run, with October and November a second stretch. At Pinoak Lake the season follows that pattern closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  Who may fish here is not settled in anything we hold. Parking is close: a car park sits half a mile from the bank. For the panfish, a small hook, a float and a piece of worm outfish everything fancy. Local rules can differ across the county line, so check where you stand. Signs go up and come down, so check on the day. Should this one be busy, Cedar Lake is 1.8 miles off. The position on Pinoak Lake is worth confirming on the day.