Tims Ford Lake is a 10,700-acre reservoir on the Elk River in Franklin and Moore counties in south-central Tennessee, near Winchester and Lynchburg. It was created in 1970 when the Tennessee Valley Authority completed Tims Ford Dam for hydropower, flood storage, water supply, and recreation. The lake is widely regarded as one of the cleaner, deeper highland reservoirs in the mid-South and anchors Tims Ford State Park.

About 34 miles long with roughly 265 miles of shoreline, Tims Ford offers clear water, rocky points, creek arms, and a mix of developed and wooded banks. The pool typically varies about 15 feet from a summer full pool of 888 feet to a winter pool near 873 feet above mean sea level for seasonal flood storage. Depth and water clarity support both open-water fishing and scenic boating through the Elk River hills.

The lake is a popular destination for boating, paddling, camping, and fishing for largemouth and smallmouth bass, striped bass, and crappie, with fisheries managed by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. Tims Ford State Park, TVA access areas, marinas, and public ramps provide extensive access, and the lake draws visitors from Middle Tennessee, northern Alabama, and the broader region. State park lodging and campgrounds make multi-day trips easy.

Water levels on Tims Ford Lake are managed by TVA around a summer full pool of 888 feet above mean sea level, with a winter drawdown near 873 feet. Elevations shift seasonally and with rainfall and generation as the dam balances flood storage, power, and recreation. Monitoring current lake levels is important for boating safety, fishing success, dock access, and shoreline activities throughout the year.

Ask Tims Ford Lake Dock Talk