What to Fish Near Shiloh

Shiloh National Military Park sits on the Tennessee River in Hardin County, about 110 miles east of Memphis. The park itself does not allow fishing, but the Tennessee River immediately surrounding it holds smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, catfish, and crappie. The nearest public access for fishing is Pittsburg Landing, which sits at the park's northern boundary and offers a boat ramp where you can launch into the main channel. From there, you can fish the deeper pools and current breaks that hold bass year-round, or work the shallower flats in spring when crappie move into spawning areas.

The river here is a series of pools created by dams upstream. The water is generally clear to slightly stained depending on recent rainfall, and the bottom is a mix of rock, clay, and sand. Current breaks around the old pilings and submerged timber are your best targets, especially in fall and winter when bass suspend in deeper water. Spring brings the crappie spawn into the shallows, and summer fishing requires moving to deeper holes and fishing early or late in the day.

Key Takeaways

  • Pittsburg Landing, at the park's north end, is the only public boat ramp within the park boundary and provides access to productive smallmouth and largemouth bass water.
  • The Tennessee River here is a pool system with clear to slightly stained water, rock and timber structure, and seasonal patterns that shift from spawning flats in spring to deeper channels in summer and fall.
  • Catfish and crappie are abundant and less pressure-sensitive than bass, making them reliable targets when bass are inactive or when you want a different style of fishing.
  • The park's visitor center and museum are free to explore, and you can combine a morning of fishing with an afternoon learning the battle's history without paying an entrance fee.

Pittsburg Landing and the Main Channel

Pittsburg Landing is a small ramp facility with parking for about 20 vehicles and trailers. The ramp itself is concrete and well-maintained, though it can get crowded on weekends during spring and fall. Launch early if you plan to fish the prime morning hours, because the lot fills by mid-morning on Saturdays. There is no fuel dock or tackle shop at the landing, so bring everything you need from town—the nearest services are in Savannah, about 20 miles south.

Once on the water, the main channel runs north and south through the park. The deeper water—12 to 20 feet—holds smallmouth bass and catfish most of the year. Work the current breaks where the channel narrows, and fish the outside bends where the river scours deeper holes. In spring, the shallower flats on either side of the channel, especially near the old pilings and fallen timber, hold spawning largemouth and crappie. A 6- to 7-foot medium-action rod with 8- to 10-pound monofilament or braided line works well for both bass and catfish here.

Seasonal Patterns and What to Throw

Spring (March through May) is the most active season. Largemouth bass move into 2 to 6 feet of water to spawn, and crappie follow close behind. Fish jigs tipped with minnows or soft plastics around timber and the old pilings. Topwater lures work well at dawn and dusk. Water temperatures climb from the 50s to the low 70s, and the bite is most reliable from mid-morning through late afternoon as the water warms.

Summer (June through August) pushes bass deeper and slows the bite considerably. Fish the deeper channel holes—15 to 25 feet—with live shiners or soft plastics worked slowly along the bottom. Catfish become the more reliable target; fish cut bait or chicken liver on the bottom in the deepest holes, especially at night. Early morning and late evening produce the best results for bass, while catfish bite throughout the night.

Fall (September through November) brings a second strong bite as water temperatures drop and bass move back into shallower structure. Fish the same areas you fished in spring, but focus on the deeper edges of the flats and the timber in 6 to 12 feet of water. Crappie also bite well in fall, and you can catch them on small jigs or live minnows around any submerged structure.

Winter (December through February) slows the overall bite, but catfish remain active. Bass suspend in the deepest holes and are harder to locate, but vertical jigging with live shiners or small swimbaits can produce. If you prefer active fishing, focus on catfish with cut bait or stink baits fished on the bottom at night.

Tackle and Technique for Tennessee River Bass

Smallmouth bass in this section of the Tennessee River respond well to crankbaits that mimic the shad and crawfish in the system. A 1/2-ounce crankbait in shad or crawfish patterns, worked along the current breaks and timber, will produce consistent results. Jigs—1/4 to 1/2 ounce—tipped with crawfish trailers or minnows are equally effective and allow you to fish slower and feel the bottom structure more clearly.

Largemouth bass in the shallower flats prefer soft plastics and topwater lures. A 4-inch soft plastic worm or creature bait on a 1/4-ounce jig head works well in spring and fall. Topwater plugs and poppers are most effective at dawn and dusk, especially in spring when bass are aggressive. Cast parallel to the timber and let the lure sit for a moment before twitching it—the pause often triggers strikes.

For catfish, simplicity wins. A basic three-way rig with a 2-ounce sinker and a 12-inch leader to a 2/0 or 3/0 circle hook holds cut bait or chicken liver on the bottom. Cast out, set the rod in a holder, and wait for the rod to bend. Circle hooks often hook themselves as the catfish swims away, so you do not need to set the hook hard—just reel.

Getting to Pittsburg Landing and What to Bring

From Savannah, take Tennessee Highway 64 east toward the park. Follow signs for Pittsburg Landing; the road is well-marked and paved all the way to the ramp. The drive takes about 30 minutes from downtown Savannah. There is no entrance fee to launch a boat at Pittsburg Landing, though the park itself charges a small fee if you want to visit the visitor center and museum.

Bring a full tank of fuel, because there are no fuel docks nearby. Pack sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water—the river offers no shade once you are on the water. A basic tackle box with crankbaits, jigs, soft plastics, and catfish rigs will cover most situations. If you plan to fish at night for catfish, bring a headlamp and a cooler for your catch. The landing has no amenities, so use the restroom in Savannah before you launch.

Other Water Near the Park

If Pittsburg Landing is crowded or you want to explore other options, Cerro Gordo Landing sits about 5 miles south on the same river. It is a smaller, quieter ramp with fewer amenities but often less pressure. The fishing is similar—the same bass, catfish, and crappie—and the water is part of the same pool system. The drive from Savannah is slightly longer, but if you prefer solitude, it is worth the extra time.

Pickwick Lake, formed by Pickwick Dam about 15 miles south, is a larger reservoir with more developed facilities and a wider range of fish species. If you want to combine your trip with a visit to a more established fishing destination, Pickwick offers more ramps, tackle shops, and restaurants. However, the character of the fishing is different—Pickwick is larger and more open, while the Tennessee River at Shiloh is narrower and more intimate, with better structure for sight-fishing and more predictable seasonal patterns.

Combining Fishing with Park History

Shiloh National Military Park preserves the site of one of the Civil War's bloodiest battles, fought in April 1862. The visitor center is free to enter and holds exhibits, a film, and detailed maps of the battle. You can spend an afternoon walking the battlefield trails, which are also free, and learn the history of the two-day fight that changed how Americans understood the war's scale and cost.

Many anglers fish in the morning, then spend the afternoon at the visitor center or walking the trails. The park is open year-round, and the combination of fishing and history makes for a full day trip from Savannah. If you are traveling with family members who do not fish, they can explore the park while you are on the water, and you can all meet up afterward.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish from the shore at Shiloh National Military Park?

No. The park does not allow shore fishing anywhere within its boundaries. Pittsburg Landing is the only place where you can legally fish near the park, and you must launch a boat to access the water. If you do not have a boat, you can rent one from outfitters in Savannah or nearby towns.

What is the best time of year to fish near Shiloh?

Spring (March through May) and fall (September through November) are the most active seasons. Water temperatures are moderate, bass are aggressive, and crappie are abundant. Summer is slower and requires fishing deeper water and adjusting your timing to early morning and late evening. Winter is the slowest season overall, though catfish remain reliable.

Do I need a Tennessee fishing license to fish at Pittsburg Landing?

Yes. Tennessee requires a fishing license for anyone 13 and older. You can purchase a one-day or annual license online through the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency website, or at most tackle shops and sporting goods stores in Savannah. The license is inexpensive and covers all public waters in the state.

How deep is the water at Pittsburg Landing?

The main channel ranges from 12 to 25 feet deep, depending on recent dam releases upstream. The shallower flats on either side of the channel are 2 to 8 feet deep. Water levels can fluctuate by several feet depending on power generation at the dams, so ask at the landing or check the Tennessee Valley Authority website before you launch if you are concerned about low water.

Are there guides or outfitters near Shiloh?

Yes. Several fishing guides operate out of Savannah and nearby towns and can take you on the Tennessee River near Shiloh. A guide can save you time learning the seasonal patterns and structure, and they often provide tackle and boat. Search for "Tennessee River fishing guides" or ask at tackle shops in Savannah for current recommendations.