A Beloved Summer Retreat
Showcasing 43,000 acres of pristine waters, Pickwick Lake is one of the only lakes in the nation to span three states—Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee. As a result, the lake has become a beloved summer retreat in each state, boasting many picturesque homes scattered throughout the 500 miles of breathtaking shoreline.
Essentials
Situated between Memphis and Nashville, Pickwick Lake has all the nearby necessities. Accessible airports include the Mole Hare Airport in Wildersville, as well as the Nashville International and Memphis International Airports. In addition, Hardin Medical Center in Savannah can provide emergency health assistance.
The lake boasts an impressive restaurant scene. Sunken Ship Bar & Grill, Pickwick Sports Bar & Grill, Freddy T’s Restaurant & Beach Club, and Rooftop Pizza B&B are beloved local spots. Many of these places offer karaoke, live music, games, and dancing.
A Lake Novelty
Pickwick Lake derives its unique name from the famous literary figure Charles Dickens. The lake’s first postmaster—a dedicated Dickens fan—named the lake after the celebrated writer’s first novel “The Pickwick Papers.” And the title still fits today. Whether visitors or residents have read the book or not, they often feel as if they have been swept into a picturesque novel upon a visit to the lake.
Power and Progress
The construction of Pickwick Lake began in 1934 and was completed in 1938. The Pickwick Landing Dam in Counce, Tennessee, stands 114 feet tall and stretches close to a mile and a half across the Tennessee River. The dam’s first turbine was the largest of its kind in the country when it was installed. Today, the Pickwick Dam contains six generating units capable of producing 247 megawatts daily.
Premier Fishing Destination
Due to its superb fishing conditions, Pickwick Lake routinely hosts many esteemed fishing tournaments, including FLW and B.A.S.S. events. In fact, Bassmaster ranked the lake in the top 100 bass fishing lakes in the nation.
Pickwick Lake is on the north end of the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway, and the currents flow south to north. So, anglers should monitor rain and weather conditions at the south end of the lake to gauge their fishing prospects.
As Bill Dance—a famous Tennessee fisherman—explains, Pickwick Lake boasts some of the best summer fishing. The lake provides easy boating access with ramps at many points on the shore. During the summer, the lake becomes busy with weekenders, so anglers might have better luck avoiding boat traffic if they fish on weekdays.
Popular species on the lake include crappie, catfish, bass, striper, and sauger. Notably, the lake has produced many record-setting catches over the years. That’s why Bill is convinced that a smallmouth bass—larger than the current world record of 11 pounds and 15 ounces—must be swimming in Pickwick Lake.
Recreation for Everyone
In addition to boating and fishing, Pickwick Lake also provides opportunities to play golf, camp, birdwatch, picnic, hike, play tennis, and enjoy water sports. If residents want to learn more about the local history, they can visit the Shiloh National Military Park, where they can view battlefield remnants and hear about historical battle strategies.
Fiction, Fishing, and Family
It’s no surprise that Pickwick Lake derives its name from a novel. At times, life on the lake—with its charming views, relaxing atmosphere, and family fun—feels more like fiction than fact. So, if you’re ready to write your next chapter, there’s no better backdrop than Pickwick Lake.