Watts Bar Lake is situated in the heart of the Tennessee River Valley in Roane, Meigs, Rhea and Loudon counties. This reservoir covers 39,000 acres and has over 780 miles of shoreline.
Watts Bar Dam was built in 1942 by TVA for flood control and power supply as well as recreation. If outdoors is your thing, then Watts Bar Lake has got what you need - year round. From fishing, boating, camping (tents, RV or cabins) to scenic car rides and much more.
Area marinas offer hundreds of boat slips, large and small boat rentals, cabin rentals, houseboats and supplies. Countless coves and islands with natural sand beaches offer ideal spots for virtually all water sports. Fishermen can cast a line in the wide open flats or the narrow winding river channels and expect to see jumbo crappie, lunker, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, trophy stripers and a wide array of freshwater fish. The very best fishing is said to be between April 15 and November 1 when the lake is at the summer pool level of 741 feet above sea level. During the winter months, the level usually drops about six feet.
The scenic highway that runs from Watts Barr Dam to Cherokee National Forest in the Great Smokey Mountains proves to be a delightful drive any time of year.
Between the water activities, marinas, B&B's, delightful people and campgrounds - Watts Bar Lake offers something for the whole family.
