Welcome to TNmuskies.org, the home of musky fishing here in the great State of Tennessee. 

We catch some of the largest muskies in the south and we are not interested in harvesting any.  If you catch a legal fish, think twice before killing it.  The same muskies can be caught again, I have done it several times.  I'll get you the name and number of the best reproduction guys on the planet.  Nobody knows how large these beasts can get, and we will not know if we harvest them. 

We support Musky stockings on Melton Hill and praise TWRA for their efforts in maintaining a trophy fishery.

 Here is a November 2011 52 inch Melton Hill musky.  I never thought twice about keeping this fish.  I hope others will do the same if they happen land this trophy fish.

Coming January 2012, check out the new episode of The Hunt for Big Fish with Larry Dahlberg.  This episode was taped on Melton Hill and discusses the need to help perserve the quality of the fishery through regulations changes pertaining the use of live bait at Bull Run Steamplant.  This episode will document the reasons why live bait will destroy the fishery unless changes are made.  We did manage to catch some nice fish, but we all know it could be much better if the fishery was not decimated during the past few winters.

The late summer bite has fired up, now is the time to get on the boat and chase some Melton Hill muskies.

Above is a 52" Melton Hill Musky caught and released in August 2011.

 Congratulations to Scott Berrier for catching and releasing a potential state record fish from Melton Hill.  This trophy measured 53 and 3/8 inches and was released on January 20, 2011.  This fish demonstrates the potential of the Melton Hill musky fishery if managed correctly.  This fish will set the standard of what's to come if the state continues to stock enough muskies and anglers in the area are properly equipped to handle muskies.  Many fish have died before reaching their maximum size and it will take more guys like Scott that are willing to release these trophy muskies before we will know their full potential sizes.  And by the way, this fish was not caught on live bait!!!

 Thanks again Scott!!

If  you are tired of chasing largemouth bass and are ready to step up to the challenge of reeling in trophy muskies or massive striped bass we have here in East Tennessee, get in touch with me.  I have the experience needed to get you going in the right direction.  Not only can I show you how to successfully target these fish, I can show you what lures and methods are most effective throughout the year.  You might as well fish with someone that has been there and tried  that.

Below is a 48.5 inch Melton Hill musky caught in on a Meat and Potatoes double #10 bladed Hefty Girl in May 2010.  For more information about an affordable bucktail that works great visit:  http://www.meatandpotatoes.net/

Hey everybody, welcome to TNmuskies.org.  This site is dedicated to southern musky fishing.  My name is Billy from Knoxville, Tennessee and there is nothing I enjoy more than hitting the water in search of elusive fish.  After acquiring my BS in geological sciences in 2002, I began to hit the waters frequently after work.  My position and location enables me to fish quite often.  I enjoy fishing for a variety of fish including striped bass, trout, walleye, and muskies.  I have studied the ever changing variables involved with fish behaviors and have tried to take more of a scientific approach to figuring the fish's tendancies.  The reason I created this site was for anglers to share information, not necessarily secret fishing spots, but general information that might help out fellow fishermen.  We here in the Tennessee Valley are blessed with some of the greatest freshwater fishing in the country and it is up to us as anglers to support the efforts of the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA).  I have a group of friends around the area that fish often so I am usually aware of conditions on a few bodies of water throughout the year. 

Preservation

During my time fishing for muskies here in Tennessee, I have realized that the majority of muskies caught here in Tennessee are not properly handled.  I have whitnessed lots of abuse through the years and hopefully through the efforts of the Volunteer Musky Hunter Club and others we will educate local musky fishermen on the importance of careful handling and the overall preservation of muskies.  

Breaking News!!!

Studies have shown that muskies that are harvested have a zero percent chance of being caught again. 

Quickly measure, photograph, and release those muskies.  If you want a momento of that trophy fish, please consider a replica mount. 

Effective March 1, 2010, the minimum length for the harvesting of Melton Hill muskies is 50 inches, please practice catch and release.

Don't be a sucker and use live bait on muskies, I don't see the sport in it and it can greatly damage the fishery as studies have show that the majority of muskies caught on single hooked baits die.

Gear up if you want to chase muskies.  I use 80 lb line, 100 lb leaders, XH casting rods, baitcasters with extra strong drags.  Don't skimp on your gear if you want to chase muskies.  If you have any questions, check out the discussion forum.