Fishing Tims Ford Lake in Franklin County, Tennessee

• Overview

  The Franklin County entry here is Tims Ford Lake, in Tennessee. It lies 883 feet above sea level. At 12.1 sq miles you are fishing a fraction of it whatever you do. There is roughly 115 miles of bank, and each arm behaves like its own water. Nothing else we list in Franklin County covers more water. Nearest town is Lynchburg, 7.8 miles off. After that come Estill Springs at 8.5 miles and Winchester at 8.8 miles. The boundary is close enough to be worth checking before you fish.

• Where to Fish on Tims Ford Lake

  Depth here is unknown, so count the lead down before committing. Rip-rap along the wall holds fish that the open bank never does. Standing timber shows when the level drops, and fish sit against it. Franklin County records list bluegill, blackside snubnose darter, rainbow darter and longnose gar among the fish reported. Species recorded across the county may be limited to a few waters. Tims Ford Lake responds to conditions more than to tactics.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The range across the year is 38°F to 77°F. The season runs year-round, with the peak either side of summer. Late winter and spring fish steadiest here. April and May are the settled weeks, with October close behind. The season on Tims Ford Lake follows the weather closely. A settled week fishes better than a changeable one.

• Tackle & Baits

  Public access is on record for this one. Overnight stays are possible about half a mile out, where camping is mapped. Facilities run to toilets half a mile from the water. Tims Ford Nature Center covers this ground, which means extra rules to check. Check locally before you travel, because a wasted drive is a long one. Close seasons apply to some species and not others. Lake Tullahoma sits 13 miles off and takes the overflow. Check the current arrangement for Tims Ford Lake.