Cherokee Lake Fishing Charter
+214Launching out of Rutledge, Tennessee, Cherokee Lake Fishing Charter is offering fun-packed fishing trips on the bountiful Cherokee Lake. Just 20 miles from both Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg TN, this charter offers you a great way to spend a day in nature during your vacation in the beautiful Smokey Mountains. Your guide, Ryan has spent 25 years fishing these waters. He will do everything he can to put you on the catch of your dreams.
You’ll spend the trip fishing from a 2019, 23’ Sunchaser Pontoon boat, powered by a 150 HP Honda outboard. Pontoon boats are a great choice for families and groups of anglers wanting to fish without having to sacrifice comfort. The boat provides a highly stable fishing platform and plenty of space for up to 6 anglers, who can all fish at the same time. It’s equipped with all the latest electronics and safety equipment including a GPS and a fish finder as well as a trolling motor, allowing you to get better casting positions in those skinny waters.
The guide will equip you with all the fishing gear you need for the species you’re targeting, including Ugly Stik and Okuma rods and reels. Depending on your choice of targets you can expect to try out several fishing techniques such as trolling, bottom fishing, as well as light and heavy tackle casting. The species you can target on your trips include Striped Bass, Hybrid Bass, and Catfish. You’ll also be provided with live bait that the captain will prepare ahead of the trip to maximize the amount of action you see – so come prepared!
The things you should remember to bring are any drinks and snacks you’d like, a valid fishing license (can be bought online), and sunglasses. After that, you’re ready to come to the lake and start reeling in fish!
Captain
Ryan Banta
Most popular features:
Trip availability and prices
Customer reviews
Rating summary
Photos & videos by reviewers (422)
+419Angler rating
Anglers claimed
Good experience
94%
Appropriate for children
99%
Friendly captain
100%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Recommend this charter
96%
Caught fish
92%
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Fishing with Ryan
Half Day Trip (PM) on June 19, 2025
Very knowledgeable and patient. Fish were not biting til a out 10 minutes to the end a d we found the sweet spot and they were hitting hot and heavy. Strippers are a fun fish to catch and fight. Thank you Jay for a great time.
Very knowledgeable and patient. Fish were not biting til a out 10 minutes to the end a d we found the sweet spot and they were hitting hot and heavy. Strippers are a fun fish to catch and fight. Thank you Jay for a great time.
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Capt Jay was great!!
Half Day Trip (AM) on May 26, 2025
Although it wasn’t the kind of day we had hoped, my nephew did catch 3 fish while I got skunked. (That’s why they call it “fishing” and not “catching”. But it was expected with the cold and rainy weather. Capt Jay did his very best to find the fish and keep us entertained. He has a wealth of knowledge and was a great teacher. I would highly recommend Capt Jay!
Although it wasn’t the kind of day we had hoped, my nephew did catch 3 fish while I got skunked. (That’s why they call it “fishing” and not “catching”. But it was expected with the cold and rainy weather. Capt Jay did his very best to find the fish and keep us entertained. He has a wealth of knowledge and was a great teacher. I would highly recommend Capt Jay!
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
1 fish
Half Day Trip (PM) on August 29, 2024
Unfortunately we came during a period of time where they hadn’t had any rain in a while and so heat was the issue, the fish were staying on the bubbles to stay cool; the fish weren’t interested in chasing bait. Four hour trip and we finally caught a fish in the last few minutes.. the ride was nice, cool experience seeing the sunset over the mountains - the captain was very friendly and conversation flowed; captain was definitely trying for us..he offered for us to come back the next day and try again due to our experience, but we had to head back home. But nonetheless it was good, just taking a chance on if the fish bite or not.
Unfortunately we came during a period of time where they hadn’t had any rain in a while and so heat was the issue, the fish were staying on the bubbles to stay cool; the fish weren’t interested in chasing bait. Four hour trip and we finally caught a fish in the last few minutes.. the ride was nice, cool experience seeing the sunset over the mountains - the captain was very friendly and conversation flowed; captain was definitely trying for us..he offered for us to come back the next day and...
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Amazing
Half Day Trip (PM) on April 16, 2025
I went out with captain Jay and it was amazing! We were made aware that this time of year was slow and tough to fish! He knew exactly where to go and what to use for the conditions and he put us on so many fish we lost track! 10/10 recommend and won’t fish with anyone else if I’m ever back! Thanks again guys it was an incredible day!
I went out with captain Jay and it was amazing! We were made aware that this time of year was slow and tough to fish! He knew exactly where to go and what to use for the conditions and he put us on so many fish we lost track! 10/10 recommend and won’t fish with anyone else if I’m ever back! Thanks again guys it was an incredible day!
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Hunting Striped Bass - click here!
3/4 Day Trip on April 15, 2025
We had a blast. My son and I both caught fish and the captain made it a great trip. We covered a lot of water and had fun throughout the day. All fishing gear was in tiptop shape, which allowed us to keep more lines in the water. Looking forward to booking next year when we’re in Tennessee again.
We had a blast. My son and I both caught fish and the captain made it a great trip. We covered a lot of water and had fun throughout the day. All fishing gear was in tiptop shape, which allowed us to keep more lines in the water. Looking forward to booking next year when we’re in Tennessee again.
FAQs about Cherokee Lake Fishing Charter
What are the trip rates for Cherokee Lake Fishing Charter?
Cherokee Lake Fishing Charter offers the following trips to customers:
- US $400 per group, additional US $65 per person after 2 guests - Half Day Trip (AM) (4 hours)
- US $400 per group, additional US $65 per person after 2 guests - Half Day Trip (PM) (4 hours)
- US $450 per group, additional US $70 per person after 2 guests - 3/4 Day Trip (6 hours)
Which amenities are available onboard with Cherokee Lake Fishing Charter?
When you book a trip with Cherokee Lake Fishing Charter, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
- GPS
- Fishfinder
- Live Bait Well
- Wireless Trolling Motor
- Ice Box
What's included in the trip price with Cherokee Lake Fishing Charter?
Trips booked with Cherokee Lake Fishing Charter include:
- Rods, reels & tackle
- Live Bait (Live bait is caught prior to the trip and is included in trip price )
- Lures
- Catch cleaning & filleting (Cleaning and bagging of fish is included in the price. )
What types of fishing does Cherokee Lake Fishing Charter offer?
Cherokee Lake Fishing Charter offers the following types of fishing:
- River Fishing (Holston River)
- Lake Fishing (Cherokee Lake in East Tennesse )
What fishing techniques does Cherokee Lake Fishing Charter offer?
Cherokee Lake Fishing Charter offers the following fishing techniques:
- Light Tackle
- Heavy Tackle
- Bottom Fishing
- Trolling
Which fish species can I catch with Cherokee Lake Fishing Charter?
Top targeted fish species with Cherokee Lake Fishing Charter include:
- Bass (Largemouth)
- Bass (Smallmouth)
- Bass (Striped)
- Bass (White)
- Catfish
- Crappie
- Hybrid Striped Bass
Your captain
Rutledge, Tennessee, United States
The Angler's Choice Award is given to listings that consistently deliver a high-quality service and earn great reviews from customers.
Ryan has been an avid fisherman and hunter all his life, he’s always enjoyed spending time in nature and loves every chance he gets to do it. He’s been fishing the local waters for 25 years now and decided to start guiding fishing trips to introduce more people to the sport he loves and show them the beautiful nature of East Tennessee. What he enjoys the most about taking people fishing is to see the excitement of an angler fighting their first big fish.
Ronnie B.
Captain
The fish you can target
What is the boat like?
What kind of fishing will you do?
River Fishing
Holston River
Lake Fishing
Cherokee Lake in East Tennesse
Which fishing techniques you can try
Light Tackle
Heavy Tackle
Bottom Fishing
Trolling
Which amenities are available onboard
GPS
Fishfinder
Live Bait Well
Wireless Trolling Motor
Ice Box
What’s included in the trip price
Rods, reels & tackle
Live Bait
Live bait is caught prior to the trip and is included in trip price
Lures
Catch cleaning & filleting
Cleaning and bagging of fish is included in the price.
How cancellations work
Free cancellation up to 7 days prior to trip
You can cancel or modify your booking up to 7 days before the trip date, free of charge. If you cancel or modify your booking later, or fail to show up, you'll forfeit 100% of what you've paid.
What the listing policies are
Pickup not included
Transfer to/from departure site is not included in trip rates.
Child Friendly
Kids of all ages are allowed on the boat
You Keep Catch
Catch and Release Allowed
How you can pay
Book with 20% deposit, pay rest to captain
When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 20% deposit to guarantee your reservation.
The remaining balance is to be paid directly to the charter operator on or prior to your trip date in one of the following payment methods:
Cash
What’s biting in Rutledge right now
Bass (Largemouth)
Bass (Smallmouth)
Bass (Striped)
Catfish
Crappie