Chickamauga Lake

Chickamauga Lake

Chattanooga, Hamilton County, TN
54mi²
225.00ft
Directions
Lake Information

Chickamauga Lake, located in Hamilton and Rhea counties in Tennessee, is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. The lake spans 34,502 acres, making it one of the largest reservoirs in the southeastern United States. The lake was created in 1940 by the completion of the Chickamauga Dam, which was constructed as part of the Tennessee Valley Authority's efforts to control flooding and provide hydroelectric power to the region. Chickamauga Lake is a paradise for anglers, with a variety of fish species such as catfish, bass, crappie, and bluegill. It is also home to the elusive muskellunge, or musky, which is a prized catch for many anglers. The lake's diverse habitat, ranging from shallow bays to deep channels, provides a range of fishing opportunities throughout the year. Many fishing tournaments are held on the lake annually, drawing anglers from all over the country. Aside from fishing, Chickamauga Lake is also a popular spot for boating and water sports. Its calm, clear waters are ideal for skiing, tubing, and wakeboarding. Many marinas and boat ramps are available for public use, and there are plenty of opportunities to rent boats or watercraft for those who don't have their own. The lake is surrounded by scenic beauty, with miles of undeveloped shoreline and forested hillsides. Visitors can explore the lake's many coves and inlets by canoe or kayak, or hike the nearby trails for a closer look at the area's natural beauty. Birdwatchers will find plenty of species to observe, including ospreys, bald eagles, and various waterfowl. For those who prefer to stay on land, Chickamauga Lake offers several parks and recreational areas for picnicking, camping, and hiking. Harrison Bay State Park is a popular destination, with over 1,200 acres of wooded shoreline, camping areas, picnic shelters, and hiking trails. Other parks around the lake include Booker T. Washington State Park, which offers boating and fishing facilities, and the Chickamauga Dam Reservation, which has a boat ramp and picnic area. In conclusion, Chickamauga Lake is a stunningly beautiful and diverse destination, offering something for everyone who loves the outdoors. With its abundance of fish species, calm waters, and scenic surroundings, it is no wonder that the lake is a popular destination for anglers, boaters, and nature lovers alike. Whether you're looking for a quiet escape or an action-packed adventure, Chickamauga Lake is a must-visit destination.

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Current Conditions

78°F°
Feels like 80°F°
Cloudy
Today's High
79°F°
Today's Low
64°F°

Water Temperature

68°F
Updated: (Apr 29)
Sign in to contribute temps.

Current water temperature for Chickamauga Lake is 68°F.

Current Snapshot

Wind1 mph SE (Gust 5 mph)
Pressure
29.95 inHg
Visibility19 mi
Humidity67%
Cloud Cover100%

Forecast: Thursday, May 1

Day 1 of 9

Hourly Insights

7 AM
65°F°
10 AM
71°F°
28%
1 PM
76°F°
4 PM
79°F°
8%
7 PM
73°F°
24%

Temperature

High
79°F°
Low
64°F°

Precipitation

Chance76%
Amount0.35"
Typerain

Wind

7mph
Avg Speed
Gusts up to
27mph
CalmModerateStrong
Max Speed13 mph

Sun, Moon & UV

Sunrise10:48 AM
Sunset12:26 AM
Moon PhasewaxingCrescent
Max UV Index5 (Moderate)

Solunar Fishing Forecast

Action Rating
2/5

Todays action is rated a 2 (scale is 0 thru 5, 5 is the best)

Major Times (Best)

9:08 PM - 11:38 PM

9:17 AM - 11:47 AM

Minor Times (Good)

1:19 PM - 2:49 PM

4:00 AM - 4:00 AM

Outlook for Thursday at Chickamauga Lake

Expect temperatures ranging from 64°F to 79°F. There's a 76% chance of rain, potentially bringing around 0.35" rain. Winds will be averaging 7 mph, with potential gusts reaching up to 27 mph. The maximum UV index will be 5 (Moderate), so plan sun protection accordingly. For anglers, today's fishing action is rated 2/5 (Todays action is rated a 2 (scale is 0 thru 5, 5 is the best)). Look for the best bite times during the major periods around 9:08 PM and 9:17 AM, or try the minor windows near 1:19 PM and 4:00 AM for potential early morning or evening action. Check back for the latest conditions and forecasts for Chickamauga Lake.

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April 30th 2025

Lake Information

Elevation
225 ft
Area
54 mi²
Coordinates
35.267, -85.119

Weather Forecast

Thursday

79°F
64°F

Friday

79°F
62°F

Saturday

68°F
59°F

Sunday

68°F
53°F

Monday

69°F
49°F

Tuesday

73°F
49°F

Wednesday

72°F
57°F

Thursday

72°F
58°F

Friday

71°F
57°F
Thursday - 5/1/2025
79°F
64°F
12am
69°F
68°F
30.01 hPa
2 mph
W
G: 6 mph
2am
67°F
68°F
30.02 hPa
2 mph
S
G: 5 mph
4am
67°F
68°F
30.01 hPa
5 mph
SSW
G: 11 mph
6am
65°F
68°F
30.00 hPa
5 mph
S
G: 12 mph
8am
67°F
68°F
30.04 hPa
6 mph
S
G: 17 mph
10am
71°F
68°F
30.03 hPa
8 mph
SSW
G: 20 mph
12pm
75°F
68°F
30.01 hPa
12 mph
SSW
G: 24 mph
2pm
77°F
68°F
29.97 hPa
12 mph
SSW
G: 27 mph
4pm
79°F
68°F
29.93 hPa
12 mph
SSW
G: 25 mph
6pm
75°F
68°F
29.93 hPa
10 mph
SW
G: 22 mph
8pm
70°F
68°F
29.94 hPa
7 mph
SSW
G: 16 mph
10pm
66°F
68°F
29.96 hPa
5 mph
SSW
G: 13 mph

Water Temperature History

Trends for Chickamauga Lake

Current Temp

Sign in to view

Latest recorded surface temperature.

Lowest in Period

39°F

On Jan 19

Coldest point in the Last 12 Months.

Average in Period

60°F

Typical temp during the Last 12 Months.

Temperature Trend: Last 12 Months

Surface temperature over the selected period.

Key Observations (Last 12 Months)

  • Warmest avg: August (83°F).
  • Coolest avg: January (41°F).
  • Rapid warming often occurs: March → April (+17°F).
  • Sharpest cooling trend: November → December (-13°F).

Weather Forecast

Wind speed and pressure trends

Hourly Wind Forecast

12am1am2am3am4am5am6am7am8am9am10am11am12pm1pm2pm3pm4pm5pm6pm7pm8pm9pm10pm11pm07142128

Wind Direction

279°

Pressure

1016 mb

Cloud Cover

90%

Visibility

12 miles

Daily Pressure Forecast

ThuFriSatSunMonTueWedThuFri0.008.8617.7226.5835.44
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Frequently Asked Questions About Chickamauga Lake

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