Tag: watts bar lake

Golf Courses Near Tellico and Watts Bar Lakes

by Lacey Spear
Rarity bay golf course by Tellico Lake
Photo Courtesy of Rarity Bay
  • Top golf courses near Lakes Tellico, Fort Loudoun, and Watts Bar:
    • The Links at Kahite Golf Club
    • Rarity Bay Golf Club
    • Tanasi Golf Club
    • Tennessee National Golf Club
    • Toqua Golf Club

If you’re looking for an unforgettable experience, try pairing excellent golf with breathtaking views. Situated in east Tennessee, Tellico and Watts Bar Lakes boasts unparalleled golf courses nestled on the banks of pristine waters. So if you want to live the ultimate lake lifestyle, there’s no better place to start than on these greens.

The Links golf course by Tellico Lake
Photo Courtesy of Tellico Village

Welcome to Tellico Village’s newest 18-hole championship course. The Links at Kahite Golf Club is a nature enthusiast’s paradise that showcases stunning Tellico Lake and Smoky Mountain views. You’ll never tire of taking in the flawlessly-manicured Bentgrass greens and Bermuda fairways. Yet, even though the course may be easy on the eyes, it still presents plenty of challenges. For example, the course contains 93 total bunkers, and 12 of those are on hole number 18. So, it’s the perfect place to play if you want to up your game.

Rarity Bay Golf Club

Photo Courtesy of Rarity Bay

Nothing compares to golfing on 150 acres surrounded by Tellico Lake and backdropped by the Great Smoky Mountains. Designed by DJ DeVictor and Peter Langham, Rarity Bay Golf Club features 18 holes on gently rolling hills. You can find the course rates and information about annual memberships here. If you become an annual member, you receive the following privileges:

  • Unlimited use of driving range
  • 14-day advance tee times
  • Member can play in MGA, LGA, Couples, and Club events
  • Members may bring guests to play at the Guest Rate
  • Pro Shop merchandise discounts
  • Restaurant discounts
  • USGA Handicap establishment available

Tanasi Golf Club

Tansi golf course by Tellico Lake
Photo Courtesy of Tellico Village

Showcasing Crenshaw Bentgrass greens and Bermuda fairways, Tanasi’s 18-hole course is a Tellico Village gem. Compared to the other two courses in the community, Tanasi features a more expansive layout and boasts larger greens. When you play on this breathtaking course, get ready for holes 8, 9, and 10, which offer some of the region’s most incredible lake views. But the course is not all looks and no books—the tough elevated greens and abundant bunkers pose plenty of challenges.

Tennessee National Golf Club

Photo Courtesy of Hampton Golf

Considered one of the top courses in the state, Tennessee National Golf Club is a premier golfing destination. Nestled on the banks of Watts Bar Lake, this Greg Norman Signature course has a walkable and private layout, offering the ultimate exclusive golfing experience. Plus, the course boasts spectacular amenities—perfect for families who want numerous options.

Toqua Golf Club

Photo Courtesy of Bergin Golf Designs

If you’re a fan of classic layouts, Toqua Golf Club could become your new favorite course. Originally built in 1987, the course underwent significant renovations in 2008. Today, this Tellico Village hotspot offers the best of both worlds—a traditional player-friendly layout with a fresh feel. Throughout the winding hills and valleys, the course features a variety of landscapes, from tree-lined holes to links settings on the lake.

  • Amenities: Driving range, short-game practice area, practice putting green, 6,800-square-foot clubhouse and restaurant
  • Location: 200 Toqua Club Way, Loudon, TN 37774
  • Contact: (865) 458-6546

Boasting stunning mountain vistas and exquisite lake views, these Tellico and Watts Bar courses offer the ultimate golfing experience.

The course contains 93 total bunkers, and 12 of those are on hole number 18.

Rarity Bay Golf Club was designed by DJ DeVictor and Peter Langham.

Tanasi Golf Club uses Crenshaw Bentgrass and Bermuda grass.

Tennessee National Golf Club

1987

Watts Bar Lake Fishing Guide Part 2

by Lacey Spear
Man fishing from boat on beautiful blue waters of Watts Bar Lake.
Photo Courtesy of Major League Fishing
  • Watts Bar Lake boasts excellent fishing prospects.
  • White and black crappie are prominent species.
  • There are three types of catfish: channel, flathead, and blue.

In the previous installment of our Watts Bar Lake fishing guide, we discussed the lake’s favorable bass fishing conditions and compared various bass species. However, the fishing fun doesn’t end there. In fact, the reservoir holds the Tennessee state record for many species, such as bigmouth buffalo, short-nose gar, river herring, yellow true bass, and golden red horse. But in this installment of our Watts Bar Lake fishing guide, we will focus on the best tactics for catching crappie and catfish. Read on to learn the ideal baits and seasons for these coveted species.

Crappie

Black and white crappie
Photo Courtesy of US Angler
black crappie
Black Crappie | Photo Courtesy of Tennessee Aquarium
white crappie
White Crappie | Photo Courtesy of iNaturalist

Back in the 1980s, white crappie harvests far exceeded black crappie catches. However, now anglers report reeling in an equal amount of these species. Crappie fishing generally peaks during the spawning period in early Spring, during March and April. White crappie usually spawn in 60-65 degree water, and black crappie spawn later when the temperatures reach 62-68 degrees.

During the early portion of the spawning period, crappie move toward the reservoir’s shallow areas. Fishermen will have the most success starting in the deeper water and trolling or spider rigging toward the lake’s shallow regions. As the spawning period progresses, anglers can fish directly in shallow water, casting around bushes, laydowns, or docks and using jigs with minnows and soft plastics. After the spawn, crappie will move back to deeper waters. Anglers report night fishing to be especially good in this post-spawning period. They advise fishing under docks or brush piles and casting with jigs and minnows.

Catfish

Graphic showing 3 types of catfish: channel, flathead, and blue
Photo Courtesy of Kate O’Reilly via Twitter
channel catfish
Channel Catfish | Photo Courtesy of My Canyon Lake
flathead catfish
Flathead Catfish | Image Courtesy of One Stop Tackle Shop
blue catfish
Blue Catfish | Photo Courtesy of Dan Barnett

Anglers can catch catfish year-round at Watts Bar. Unlike neighboring lakes like Chickamauga, Watts Bar does not permit commercial fishing. Therefore, the reservoir’s catfish populations remain bountiful. Blue catfish are the lake’s most prominent species, followed by channel and flathead. In addition, the reservoir offers a healthy habitat of forage, which sustains the catfish population.

During the early Spring, anglers can target catfish by cruising the river channel. Meaty baits—such as shad, bluegill, shrimp, and chicken pieces—will yield the best results. When June rolls around, Watts Bar catfish enter the spawning period. Fishermen can locate them around rocky areas and use Ivory soap and Catalpa worms for bait. However, as the summer progresses, anglers should navigate the mid-lake to the Ft. Loudoun Dam areas and use meaty baits. These same tactics will also be effective for the fall and winter.

Now you know all the tricks for reeling in crappie and catfish on Watts Bar Lake. So pack up the cooler, hook up the boat, and get ready for some unforgettable fishing trips!

FAQs

White crappie usually spawn in 60-65 degree water, and black crappie spawn later when the temperatures reach 62-68 degrees.

Unlike neighboring lakes like Chickamauga, Watts Bar does not permit commercial fishing.

Blue catfish are the lake’s most prominent species, followed by channel and flathead.

Family Home Hotspot: East Tennessee Lakes

by Lacey Spear
Older woman and man fish with three grandchildren at the lake.
Photo Courtesy of Shutterstock | Monkey Business Images
  • These three Tennessee lakes are great for raising children and hosting grandchildren:
    • Tellico Lake
    • Fort Loudoun Lake
    • Watts Bar Lake

Imagine living on pristine waters near premier cities and college football games. You invite the whole family to go boating on the lake and spend evenings together at top-rated waterfront restaurants. This is what life is like in the ultimate family home hotspot: east Tennessee lakes. Nestled near Knoxville, Lakes Tellico, Fort Loudoun, and Watts Bar showcase the state’s finest lake living and provide many family recreation and relaxation opportunities. So whether you want to spend Saturdays cheering on The Volunteers or taking a day trip to Atlanta, Nashville, or Charlotte, you are in the ideal location. If this sounds like your ultimate lifestyle, learn more about why these three lakes are perfect for gathering as a family.

For the Family Looking for a Retirement Home: Tellico Lake

An aerial shot of Tellico Lake in Tennessee, featuring large homes and clear blue waters.
Photo Courtesy of Karen Packett

With top-notch communities such as Tellico Village and Rarity Bay, Tellico Lake attracts retirees from all over the nation. Although Tellico Village is more exclusively a retirement destination than Rarity Bay, both feature attractive amenities, such as recreational facilities, wellness centers, golf courses, hiking trails, marinas, and more. Many locals also enjoy hosting progressive dinners, participating in sporting events, and going on boating adventures. In addition to these activities, retirees love sipping coffee on the back porch while soaking in the magnificent Smoky Mountains views. A Tellico Lake home is an unparalleled place to host children and grandchildren. They can enjoy boating, kayaking, skiing, and tubing on the water and have quick access to major Southeastern metropolitan hotspots. With all this fun and more, the entire family will never want to miss a trip to Tellico Lake!

For the Family Who Loves Local Events: Fort Loudoun Lake

An orange and pink sunset over Fort Loudoun Lake.
Photo Courtesy of Karen Packett

Fort Loudoun Lake has been synonymous with family from its earliest days. The lake derives its name from the 18th-century British fort constructed during the French and Indian War. At one point during the war, many Cherokee tribes abandoned the fort to fight skirmishes against the French. Their departure left the British significantly more peacetime than they had experienced before. As a result, soldiers’ wives journeyed to live at the fort, and several had children. Many believe their offspring to be the first English children born west of the Appalachian Mountains.

Today, families love attending the numerous festivals and fishing tournaments that occur every year on Fort Loudoun Lake. Known as a boat-centric lake, Fort Loudoun hosts dragon boat races and the annual Rockin’ The Docks—a favorite local event featuring food, fireworks, and live music. Plus, each year, the lake residents celebrate the Fourth of July, Memorial Day, and Labor Day together. These events offer meaningful opportunities to gather as a family and stay in touch with loved ones.

For the Family Who Loves the Outdoors: Watts Bar Lake

Photo of Watts Bar Lake taken from a lake home balcony featuring large white columns and wooden floors.
Photo Courtesy of Karen Packett

Spanning 39,000 acres, Watts Bar is the size of Tellico and Fort Loudoun combined. The lake typically attracts younger families than the other two and boasts vibrant waterfront restaurants and natural landscapes. Consisting of many wild, undeveloped areas, Watts Bar is ideal for families looking to experience peaceful, rural lake life. Watts Bar Lake is one of the most popular fishing lakes in east Tennessee, and it offers bountiful opportunities for catching striper, largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, and spotted bass. Plus, it provides excellent duck hunting opportunities in the winter and birdwatching endeavors year-round. If you value teaching your children and grandchildren about fishing and wildlife, there’s no better place to live than Watts Bar Lake.

Although Lakes Tellico, Fort Loudoun, and Watts Bar feature different specialties, they are all experts in one thing—being a family home hotspot. So, whether you’re raising kids or hosting the grandkids, there’s no better place to live than on an east Tennessee lake!

FAQs

Atlanta, Nashville, and Charlotte make for an easy day trip for Lakes Tellico, Fort Loudoun, and Watts Bar residents.

With top-notch communities such as Tellico Village and Rarity Bay, Tellico Lake attracts retirees from all over the nation.

Although Tellico Village is more exclusively a retirement destination than Rarity Bay, both feature attractive amenities, such as recreational facilities, wellness centers, golf courses, hiking trails, marinas, and more. Many locals also enjoy hosting progressive dinners, participating in sporting events, and going on boating adventures.

The Cherokees’ departure left the British significantly more peacetime than they had experienced before. As a result, soldiers’ wives journeyed to live at the fort, and several had children. Many believe their offspring to be the first English children born west of the Appalachian Mountains.

Today, families will love attending the numerous festivals and fishing tournaments that occur every year on Fort Loudoun Lake. Known as a boat-centric lake, Fort Loudoun hosts dragon boat races and the annual Rockin’ The Docks—a favorite local event featuring food, fireworks, and live music. Plus, each year, the lake residents celebrate the Fourth of July, Memorial Day, and Labor Day together.

Spanning 39,000 acres, Watts Bar is the size of Tellico and Fort Loudoun combined.

Watts Bar Lake is one of the most popular fishing lakes in east Tennessee, and it offers bountiful opportunities for catching striper, largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, and spotted bass. Plus, it provides excellent duck hunting opportunities in the winter and birdwatching endeavors year-round.

Lenoir City: “Lake Capital of the South”

by Lacey Spear
Downtown Lenoir City, located in Tennessee---the Lake Capital of the South.
Photo Courtesy of  Kozar Design Team 
  • Lenoir City, TN, is the “Lake Capital of the South”
    • Quick access to Lakes Tellico, Fort Loudoun, and Watts Bar
    • Stunning lake communities, such as Rarity Bay and Tellico Village
    • Excellent waterfront dining and annual lake events

Nestled in eastern Tennessee, Lenoir City showcases a bustling downtown and numerous recreational opportunities. As Joe Spence, Loudon County historian, explains, “Lenoir City originated from a 5,000-acre plot of land given to General William Lenoir by the state of North Carolina for his services in the Revolutionary War.” Over time, General Lenoir’s children and those who came after expanded the land into a thriving city. 

Joe Spence attributes Lenoir City’s rapid growth to its quick access to the railroad and river. And certainly, water has always proven instrumental in Lenoir City’s development. Today, the city contains three outstanding lakes—Tellico, Fort Loudoun, and Watts Bar. Lenoir City’s easy lake access, upscale waterfront communities, and vibrant lake-centric culture truly make it the “Lake Capital of the South.” 

Lake Access

A stunning large home on Tellico Lake in Tennessee.
Photo Courtesy of KAARMLS.com

First, Lenoir City bears the title of “Lake Capital of the South” because of its proximity to three spectacular Tennessee lakes—Tellico, Fort Loudoun, and Watts Bar. Lenoir City residents have direct access to Fort Loudoun and Tellico Lakes and only drive 20 minutes to visit Watts Bar Lake. Also, Lenoir City citizens can spend a day at nearby lakes, including  Melton, Hill, Norris, and Douglas, all within a 15 to 60-minute drive. 

Completed in 1979 by the Tennesse Valley Authority (TVA), Tellico Lake spans 15,560 acres and features 357 miles of shoreline. Locals and visitors often refer to it as “one of the cleanest lakes in Tennessee.” Moreover, with the Smoky Mountains as its magnificent backdrop, Tellico Lake boasts some of the most stunning views in the state. So if you are looking for a place to settle down or retire, Tellico Lake is ideal. 

Fort Loudoun Lake, completed by the TVA in 1943, is a nature lover’s oasis. Located in the headwaters of the Tennessee River, the lake stretches 55 miles upstream from the dam to the Holston and French Broad rivers. Fort Loudoun Lake contains 14,600 acres of pristine waters, perfect for bass fishing, boating, and birdwatching. 

The largest of the three Lakes, Watts Bar spans 39,000 acres and features 722 miles of shoreline, making it one of the South’s largest lakes. Created by the TVA in 1942, Watts Bar Lake is pure views, featuring rolling hills and dense forests. Also, interestingly enough, you could fit Tellico and Fort Loudoun Lakes in Watts Bar. So this is the lake for you if you want plenty of room for all your favorite recreational activities. 

Lake Communities

Photo Courtesy of Rarity Bay

Second, Lenoir City is the “Lake Capital of the South” because it contains many luxurious and upscale lake communities. Some of the most notable include Tellico Village, Rarity Bay, Emerald Point, Lashbrooke, Montgomery Cove, Mallard Bay, Jefferson Park, Grande Vista Bay, The Docks at Caney Creek, Rivermyst, and Lakefront Estates. Most of these communities feature resort-style living, with golf courses, marinas, restaurants, wellness centers, and more. If you long to live the laidback lake lifestyle, any of these scenic settings make an idyllic home. 

Lake Culture

Boats scattered across Watts Bar Lake at Lenoir City's Rockin' the Docks annual event.
Photo Courtesy of Visit Loudon County

Finally, Lenoir City is the “Lake Capital of the South” because the lake lifestyle permeates every aspect of the Lenoir City culture. As historian Joe Spence elucidates, whereas the river used to be Lenoir City’s lifeline, today, its lakes are its gems. Most Lenoir City residents spend their weekends at Tellico, Fort Loudoun, or Watts Bar Lakes, relaxing and engaging in recreational activities. They also enjoy dining in the city’s numerous waterfront restaurants, including hotspots such as Calhoun’s at the Marina, Tellico Village Yacht Club, and Lakeside Tavern. Additionally, annual events such as Rockin’ the Docks—pictured above—heighten the city’s affinity for its lakes. Rockin’ the Docks is a beloved local event that showcases fireworks, live music, and food and provides a snapshot of the carefree Lenoir City lake life. 

Now, you know why Lenoir City lives up to its cherished nickname. So what are you waiting for? Pack the lake toys, hook up the boat, and experience the picturesque “Lake Captial of the South” for yourself! 

Lenoir City, TN, is the “Lake Capital of the South” because it contains many luxurious and upscale lake communities. Some of the most notable include Tellico Village, Rarity Bay, Emerald Point, Lashbrooke, Montgomery Cove, Mallard Bay, Jefferson Park, Grande Vista Bay, The Docks at Caney Creek, Rivermyst, and Lakefront Estates.

Lenoir City, TN, has numerous waterfront restaurants, including hotspots such as Calhoun’s at the Marina, Tellico Village Yacht Club, and Lakeside Tavern.

Rockin’ the Docks is a beloved local event that showcases fireworks, live music, and food and provides a snapshot of the carefree Lenoir City lake life. 

Tellico Lake spans 15,560 acres and features 357 miles of shoreline.

Fort Loudoun Lake stretches 55 miles upstream from the dam to the Holston and French Broad rivers. Fort Loudoun Lake contains 14,600 acres of pristine waters, perfect for bass fishing, boating, and birdwatching.

Watts Bar spans 39,900 acres and features 722 miles of shoreline, making it one of the South’s largest lakes.