Pickwick Lake

Pickwick Lake is a reservoir along the Tennessee River in southwestern Tennessee, covering about 43000 acres of water. The shoreline forms many coves and inlets bordered by forested hills and wetlands.

The Tennessee Valley Authority built the dam in the 1930s to improve navigation along the river and generate electricity. The project was part of a national program for economic recovery during the Great Depression.

The lake draws anglers from across the southern states who come to fish for bass and catfish throughout the year. Families gather along the shoreline on weekends to launch boats, swim in the coves, and set up picnics under the shade trees.

Several marinas along the shore offer boat ramps and docking for recreational boats, while campgrounds provide sites near the water. Water levels and currents change according to releases from the dam, so checking conditions before visiting is helpful.

The northern end of the lake marks the start of the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway, an artificial channel stretching southward to the Gulf of Mexico. This connection allows barges to travel directly between the Tennessee River system and coastal ports.

Location: Tennessee

Part of: Tennessee River

GPS coordinates: 35.04026,-88.19344

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:28