Carter County · reservoir · 6,353 acres
Watauga Lake
Stocked 10× since 2023 · TWRA
Watauga Lake is a reservoir in Carter County, Tennessee — most recently on May 19, 2026. FishableWaters aggregates every stocking record for this water from TWRA; the latest schedule and today's bite windows are above.
Best days this week
Days near a new or full moon tend to fish best.
Today's bite windows
Conditions, next 3 days
Today
Fog
78°
59°
7 mph
0%
Fri
Overcast
83°
60°
6 mph
0%
Sat
Overcast
85°
65°
11 mph
36%
↗ pressure risingPost-front rising pressure can slow things down for a day.
Stocking ledger
| — 2026 — | ||||
| May 19 | Walleye | 37,804 | ||
| — 2025 — | ||||
| Nov 12 | Black Crappie | 22,155 | ||
| Nov 10 | Black Crappie | 20,829 | ||
| May 12 | Walleye | 37,230 | ||
| — 2024 — | ||||
| Nov 13 | Black Crappie | 30,985 | ||
| Oct 23 | Black Crappie | 26,243 | ||
| May 16 | Walleye | 23,177 | ||
| May 13 | Walleye | 17,619 | ||
| — 2023 — | ||||
| Oct 25 | Black Crappie | 31,190 | ||
| May 24 | Walleye | 41,347 | ||
When does Watauga Lake get stocked?
Going by 10 records since 2023, stocking here peaks in May.
Angler reports
What's biting
No reports yet — be the first
Best bite times
No reports yet
Field notes
No notes yet
Nearby waters
- Milligan Branch0.8 mi
- Cobb Creek0.9 mi
- Capley Branch1.6 mi
- Copley Branch1.6 mi
- Pierce Branch1.6 mi
- Roan Creek1.7 mi
- Ham Smith Branch2.4 mi
- Elk River2.6 mi
Seasons, limits, and rules are the state's call — check the official TN regulations and buy your license before you go. We link the source; we never restate the rules.
Watauga Lake fishing — FAQ
When does Watauga Lake get stocked?+
Going by 10 records since 2023, stocking at Watauga Lake peaks in May. Check this page for the season's scheduled and most recent stockings.
Do I need a license to fish Watauga Lake?+
Yes — Tennessee requires a fishing license. Buy one from the state and check current seasons and limits before you go; both are linked on this page.
Where is Watauga Lake?+
Watauga Lake is a reservoir in Carter County, Tennessee. Driving directions and an interactive topo map are on this page.
Data: TWRA · updated May 19, 2026 · checked daily · we publish what agencies publish, nothing else.