What Louisville Point Park Offers

Louisville Point Park sits on the Tennessee River in Loudon County, about 20 miles south of Knoxville near the town of Loudon. The park is a Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) facility built around a boat launch and day-use area, designed primarily for anglers and boaters accessing the main channel of the river. The water here is part of the Tellico Lake system — a long, narrow impoundment that holds largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, catfish, and crappie.

The park itself is modest: a concrete boat ramp, parking for roughly 30 vehicles, picnic tables, and restroom facilities. There is no overnight camping. The real draw is the access point. Louisville Point gives you direct entry to a productive stretch of river channel where structure — submerged timber, rocky banks, and depth changes — holds fish year-round. The park is free to use, and the ramp is maintained by TWRA.

Key Takeaways

  • Louisville Point Park is a free TWRA boat launch on the Tennessee River in Loudon County, open for day use only with no camping allowed.
  • The ramp handles most recreational boats, but the parking lot fills quickly on weekends, especially during spring and fall bass season.
  • Largemouth and smallmouth bass are the primary target, with catfish and crappie available depending on season and water conditions.
  • You must have a valid Tennessee fishing license and follow all state regulations for the species and methods you use.
  • The park has no fuel, bait, or tackle services — bring everything you need or plan to stop in Loudon before arriving.

Access and Parking

The boat ramp at Louisville Point is a single-lane concrete launch in good condition, suitable for bass boats, center-console boats, and most recreational vessels up to about 25 feet. The ramp has a shallow approach, so launching and loading are straightforward even during lower water levels. Parking is available in a gravel lot adjacent to the ramp; on weekdays you will have no trouble finding a spot, but on Saturday and Sunday mornings during spring and fall, the lot can reach capacity by 8 a.m.

The park is located off Highway 72 near Loudon. From Knoxville, take I-75 south to Exit 368, then follow signs toward Loudon. The address for GPS is approximately 37.0°N, 84.3°W. There is no entrance fee, and the park is open during daylight hours year-round. Restrooms are available but are basic — bring hand sanitizer and paper towels if you prefer. There is no water fountain or drinking water at the facility.

Fish Species and Seasonal Patterns

Largemouth bass are the most pursued species at Louisville Point. Spring (March through May) is peak season, when bass move shallow to spawn and feed aggressively. Fall (September through November) is the second-best window, with active feeding as water cools. Summer can be productive early and late in the day, but midday heat pushes fish deeper. Winter fishing is slower but possible, especially on warmer days when bass move to deeper channel structure.

Smallmouth bass are also present and often overlooked by anglers focused on largemouths. They prefer rocky banks and deeper channel areas, and they bite consistently through fall and spring. Catfish — both channel and flathead — are available year-round and are most active at night or during low-light periods. Crappie (both black and white) appear in spring and fall, often near submerged timber and brush piles.

Water levels fluctuate based on dam operations upstream. Higher water pushes fish into flooded timber and brush; lower water concentrates them in the main channel. Check the Tellico Lake level before you go — TWRA posts updates, and local tackle shops in Loudon can tell you current conditions and what is biting.

Regulations and Licensing

Tennessee requires a valid fishing license for anyone 13 and older. You can purchase a license online through the TWRA website, by phone, or at most sporting goods stores and tackle shops in the Loudon area. Licenses are available as one-day, three-day, or annual options. A one-day license costs less than $15; an annual resident license is roughly $30 to $35, though prices vary by year.

Bass have a minimum size limit of 12 inches and a daily creel limit of six fish per person. Catfish have no size limit and a daily creel of 25 fish. Crappie are 9 inches minimum with a creel of 30 fish. Regulations can change, so check the current TWRA fishing guide before you fish. Live bait is allowed, and artificial lures work well for bass. Night fishing is permitted, which opens catfish opportunities after dark.

What to Bring and What to Expect

Louisville Point has no bait, tackle, fuel, or food services. Plan ahead: fill your gas tank in Loudon, buy bait and supplies at a local tackle shop, and bring snacks and water. The park has picnic tables if you want to eat on-site, but there is no restaurant or convenience store nearby. Cell service is generally available but can be spotty depending on your carrier.

Weather on the Tennessee River can change quickly. Bring a life jacket for everyone in your boat — it is required by law and essential for safety. Sun exposure is intense on the water, so sunscreen and a hat are necessary. In spring and fall, mornings can be cool; bring a light jacket. Summer heat and humidity are significant; plan to fish early and late in the day if you are sensitive to heat.

The river can be busy on weekends, especially during tournaments and holidays. If you prefer solitude, fish on weekdays or arrive very early on weekend mornings. The park itself is quiet and well-maintained, but the boat ramp area can be congested during peak hours.

Nearby Services and Lodging

Loudon is the closest town, about 5 miles away. It has gas stations, a few restaurants, and a couple of small tackle shops where you can get local advice and supplies. The town is not a major tourist destination, so options are limited compared to Knoxville. If you want more amenities, Knoxville is 20 miles north and has hotels, restaurants, and larger tackle shops.

There is no camping at Louisville Point Park itself. Nearby camping options include Tellico Lake campgrounds and private RV parks in the Loudon area, though availability varies by season. Many anglers make Louisville Point a day trip from Knoxville or stay overnight in town and drive to the park in the morning.

When to Fish Louisville Point

Spring (March through May) is the most popular and productive time. Water temperatures rise, bass move shallow, and the bite is consistent. Expect crowds on weekends. Fall (September through November) is nearly as good, with cooler water and active fish, and slightly fewer anglers than spring. Summer can work if you fish early morning and evening, but midday is slow. Winter is quieter and less predictable, but patient anglers can catch fish on warmer days.

Water levels are highest in spring (after winter runoff) and lowest in late summer and early fall. Higher water spreads fish across more habitat; lower water concentrates them in the main channel, which can make them easier to find but also easier to spook. Check conditions before you go — a local tackle shop or TWRA can tell you what the water looks like and what is biting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a boat to fish Louisville Point Park?

Yes. The park is a boat launch facility with no shore fishing access. You must have a boat or be able to fish from someone else's boat. There is no pier or bank fishing available at the park itself.

What is the best time of day to fish here?

Early morning (sunrise to mid-morning) and late afternoon into evening are most productive for bass. Catfish bite best at night. Crappie are active during low-light periods — early morning and dusk. Midday summer fishing is slow unless you fish deep structure.

Can I fish at night?

Yes, night fishing is permitted. Catfish are most active after dark, and some anglers have success with bass at night using topwater lures or live bait. Bring a headlamp and be aware that the parking lot is not lit, so plan your exit before dark.

What tackle and bait work best for bass here?

Largemouth bass respond to crankbaits, soft plastics (worms and creature baits), and topwater lures, especially in spring and fall. Smallmouth prefer jigs and live crayfish. Live shiners work for both species. Catfish take chicken liver, cut bait, and stink baits. Local tackle shops in Loudon can recommend specific lures and baits based on current conditions.

Is there a tournament schedule at Louisville Point?

Louisville Point is not a major tournament venue, but local and regional bass tournaments do use the ramp occasionally. Check with TWRA or local tackle shops for tournament schedules. If a tournament is running, the ramp will be crowded early in the morning, and parking will fill quickly.