Fort Loudoun Lake

Blount / Knox / Loudon counties, TN, USA

Fort Loudoun Lake is a serene reservoir in eastern Tennessee, stretching approximately 55 miles from Fort Loudoun Dam near Lenoir City to Knoxville.

14,600 acres

Surface Area

60 ft

Max Depth

379 miles

Shoreline

1943

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About Fort Loudoun Lake

Fort Loudoun Lake, also known as Fort Loudoun Reservoir, spans about 14,600 acres with nearly 379 miles of shoreline and extends roughly 55 miles upstream, covering parts of Blount, Knox, and Loudon counties. The reservoir was formed as part of the TVA's mid-20th-century plan to provide navigation, flood control, and hydroelectric power along the Tennessee River.

Maintained at stable water levels (typically 812–813 ft in summer and minimum 807 ft in winter), Fort Loudoun Lake supports year-round navigability and recreational use with only minimal drawdown. Its inflows include the French Broad and Holston Rivers, feeding into the Tennessee River system.

Key Features

Swimming Areas

Boating & Water Sports

Fishing (Diverse Species)

Marinas & Boat Services

Fort Loudoun State Historic Park

Picnic Areas & Outdoor Leisure

Minimal Water Level Fluctuation

Wildlife Viewing

Quick facts (at-a-glance)

Surface area: ~14,600 acres
Shoreline length: ~379 miles
Length: ~55 miles upstream from dam
Created by TVA: 1943
Summer operating elevation: 812–813 ft
Inflow rivers: French Broad River, Holston River
Winter minimum elevation: 807 ft

Fort Loudoun Lake Vacation Homes For Rent

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Fort Loudoun Lake EVENT GUIDE

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Fort Loudoun Lake DINING GUIDE

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What you can do there

Boating & Water Sports: With expansive, navigable waters and minimal level fluctuations, it's great for motorboating, kayaking, paddleboarding, and water-skiing.

Fishing: A fertile fishery—angler favorites include largemouth, smallmouth, and white bass, bluegill, crappie, sauger (especially near the rivers’ confluence), and catfish (including record-size blue catfish pulled in 1976).

Swimming: Various shoreline parks and shallow coves offer family-friendly swimming spots.

Wildlife & Birdwatching: Tailwater areas near the dam are hotspots for birds like herons, cormorants, gulls, osprey, and bald eagles.

Picnicking & Leisure: Scenic shorelines with picnic areas, hiking trails, and access to nearby parks make it ideal for day outings.

Historical Exploration: Swing by Fort Loudoun State Historic Park for heritage trails, fort reconstructions, and family-friendly interpreters.

Access, marinas & ramps

Marinas & Services: There are 12 marinas around the lake offering comprehensive services, including boat clubs, slip rentals, dry storage, pump‑out services, repairs, restrooms, ship’s stores, restaurants, and towing.

Boat Ramps: Approximately 17 boat ramps are dispersed across parks, marinas, and creeks—providing excellent launch access for anglers, boaters, and recreation visitors.

Location & Access: Fort Loudoun Dam is about 30 minutes from Knoxville’s McGhee Tyson Airport and easily reached via I‑75 and I‑140 corridors.

Safety & regulations

TVA regularly updates water release schedules and observed levels—check their Lake Info mobile app or website for current conditions.
Fishing advisories: Avoid consuming catfish, largemouth bass over 2 lbs, or any largemouth from the Little River embayment due to PCB and mercury contamination.
Creel limits are enforced—e.g., 5/day largemouth bass (14" min), 2 striped bass (15" min), etc. Please check current Tennessee regulations before fishing.
Standard boating safety gear (PFDs, signaling, etc.) is required; observe speed zones and watch for other watercraft, especially near marinas.

Gallery

Nearby highlights & suggested day trips

Fort Loudoun State Historic Park – Reconstructed colonial-era fort, hiking trails, museum, and interpretive programs.
Knoxville & Volunteer Landing – Urban waterfront, dining, events like Boomsday fireworks, and UT Volunteers game-day ambiance.
Watts Bar Lake – Accessible via the lock; great for longer boat excursions and additional fishing/relaxation.
Scenic Drives & Small Towns – Explore nearby Lenoir City, Farragut, Loudon, Maryville, or explore historic Tellico and Cherokee heritage at Vonore.

Events & community

Fort Loudoun Lake is a vibrant community hub, particularly during warmer months. Marinas often host waterfront gatherings, fishing tournaments, and casual boat-rendezvous. In Knoxville, Boomsday, one of the nation’s largest fireworks shows, draws crowds to the lakefront—boaters love to watch it from the water. Whether for social boating, festival events, or casual outings with friends and family, the lake fosters a strong local recreational culture.