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Bill Dance Signature Lakes

Program Overview

Bill Dance Signature Lakes will connect the world’s most-loved angler with some of Tennessee’s greatest natural resources — its lakes. Already known for its premier fishing spots, this program will make Tennessee a best-in-class destination for anglers worldwide — beginners, experts and every skill level in between.

ABOUT BILL DANCE

Bill Dance, professional bass fishing’s first superstar, has taught generations to fish. Dance began competing – and winning – in bass tournaments in the early 1960s. With over 2,000 shows under his belt since 1968, he has educated millions of fishing enthusiasts as host and producer of “Bill Dance Outdoors” and “Bill Dance Saltwater, airing respectively on the Outdoor Channel and Sportsman Channel. From his production studio in Collierville, Tenn., Dance oversees a fishing empire that includes his TV shows, tackle endorsements, how-to seminars, and a series of popular “blooper” videos. Dance has written seven books and his articles have been published in Sports Afield, Field & Stream, Bassmasters, Outdoor Life and more.

Dance’s accomplishments, techniques, and fishing savvy have been recognized through countless awards, including 23 national B.A.S.S. titles, three-time B.A.S.S. Angler of the Year, 40 top-ten finishes and eight-time Bassmaster Classic Qualifier. In 2021, Dance received his Honorary Doctorate from the University of Tennessee for his outstanding contributions to the sport.  Country superstar Luke Bryan also celebrated the fishing legend in 2021 with the release of an ode titled “Bill Dance.” For over five decades, Bill Dance has served as an ambassador to the state of Tennessee, always filmed or photographed wearing his trademark orange and white University of Tennessee cap.

Signature Lakes

Bill Dance Signature Lakes currently include lakes in all three regions of the state, touching 13 state parks and 39 Tennessee counties.

Bill Dance Signature Lakes

Nine large reservoirs feature Bill Dance Signature Lake access points constructed to a standard of excellence endorsed and designed by Bill Dance Outdoors in collaboration with Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation and Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. These reservoirs include “Bill Dance Signature Lake access areas” with new or improved assets driving economic activity year-round for each surrounding community.   

In addition, “small venue” lakes entice anglers of all ages and experience levels to enjoy the outdoors while experiencing an above-average catch rate.

What To Expect

Bill Dance Signature Lakes, a statewide program, encompasses lakes best suited for a diverse offering of experiences for anglers of all skill levels. The program will include infrastructure improvements both above and below the water, along with branding and marketing to drive visitation and economic impact. Development includes:

  • Development of 9 large Tennessee Valley Authority, Army Corps of Engineers, and other state or locally managed Signature reservoir access points
  • Management of fisheries to offer anglers of all ages an excellent fishing experience
  • Creation of superior facilities that enhance the overall experience
  • Engagement of private-sector partners for sponsorship contributions

Media Inquiries

TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF TOURIST DEVELOPMENT (TDTD)
Mary Katelyn Price, Communications Specialist
Marykatelyn.Price@tn.gov

TENNESSEE WILDLIFE RESOURCES AGENCY (TWRA)
Jenifer Wisniewski, Chief, Outreach and Communication
Jenifer.Wisniewski@tn.gov

TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVATION (TDEC)
Eric Ward, Communications Director
Eric.Ward@tn.gov

Media KitWatch Video

Sponsorship Inquiries

TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF TOURIST DEVELOPMENT (TDTD)
Dennis Tumlin, Chief Customer Officer
Dennis.tumlin@tn.gov

 

Participating Sponsors

Made In Tennessee Fish Tennessee Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency Tennessee State Parks

Explore The Lakes

Brown's Creek Lake

Brown's Creek Lake

Natchez Trace: lake managed by TWRA and accessible by paddleboats and motorboats.

Optimized for: Bluegill, Catfish, Trophy Bass

Chickamauga Lake

Chickamauga Lake

Harrison Bay State Park & Chester Frost Park: 36,240-acre reservoir lake managed by TWRA and accessible by paddleboats and motorboats.

Optimized for: Quality Bass, Crappie, Walleye

Dale Hollow Lake

Dale Hollow Lake

27,700-acre reservoir in north central TN.

Optimized for: Quality Smallmouth, Walleye, Crappie

Douglas Lake

Douglas Lake

30,600-acre reservoir in east TN.

Optimized for: Quality Bass, Walleye, Crappie

Fall Creek Falls Lake

Fall Creek Falls Lake

Fall Creek Falls Lake: 345-acre lake accessible by paddleboats and electric trolling.

Optimized for: Catfish, Largemouth Bass, Trophy Bluegill

Herb Parson's Lake

Herb Parson's Lake

Fayette County: A 177-surface-acre lake. Managed by TWRA as a state fishing lake and accessible by paddleboats and motorboats.

Optimized for: Catfish, Bluegill, Largemouth Bass

Kentucky Lake

Kentucky Lake

Paris Landing State Park: 160,000-acre reservoir lake dammed on the TN River, managed by TWRA, and accessible by paddleboats and motorboats.

Optimized for: Quality Bass, Crappie

Lake Acorn

Lake Acorn

Montgomery Bell State Park: 40-acre lake accessible by paddleboats only; adjacent to the Lodge.

Optimized for: Bluegill, Catfish, Rainbow Trout (winter)

Norris Lake

Norris Lake

34,200-acre reservoir in East TN.

Optimized for: Striped Bass, Walleye, Crappie, Smallmouth Bass

Old Hickory Lake

Old Hickory Lake

22,500 acres in North Central Tennessee on the Cumberland River separating Sumner and Davidson counties.

Optimized for: Largemouth Bass, Striped Bass, Crappie, Sauger, Walleye

Pickwick Lake

Pickwick Lake

Pickwick Landing State Park: 43,100-acre reservoir lake accessible by paddleboats and motorboats.

Optimized for: Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass

Pin Oak Lake

Pin Oak Lake

Natchez Trace State Park: 690-acre reservoir lake managed by TWRA and accessible by paddleboats and motorboats.

Optimized for: Trophy Bass, Bluegill, Catfish

Reelfoot Lake

Reelfoot Lake

Reelfoot Lake State Park: 15,000-acre natural lake created by the 1811-12 earthquake; managed by TWRA and accessible by paddleboats and motorboats.

Optimized for: Quality Bluegill, Crappie, Catfish

Tim's Ford Lake

Tim's Ford Lake

Tim’s Ford State Park: 10,700-acre reservoir lake that is accessible by paddleboats and motorboats.

Optimized for: Quality Bass, Striped Bass, Walleye, Crappie, “Hybrid” Stripe

Travis McNatt Lake

Travis McNatt Lake

Big Hill Pond State Park: 165-acre, spring-fed lake accessible by paddleboats and electric trolling.

Optimized for: Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Catfish

Watauga Lake

Watauga Lake

6,430-surface-acre reservoir in northeast TN.

Optimized for: Quality Bass, Walleye, Trout, Crappie, Smallmouth Bass

Woodhaven Lake

Woodhaven Lake

Montgomery Bell State Park: 50-acre lake accessible by paddleboats.

Optimized for: Rainbow Trout (winter), Bluegill, Catfish

Lake Halford

Lake Halford

985-acre municipal lake located 5 miles southwest of Huntingdon, TN.

Optimized for: Quality Bass, Bluegill, Catfish