There’s no better gift for Grandpa than a sunny day out on Tellico Lake with the grandkids in the boat. And if you’re imagining a future of lazy Sundays on this lake, that’s exactly what life is like here. This relaxed atmosphere is one of the big reasons so many of our 55+ residents have turned down the chance to move into a landlocked subdivision. Here’s how we locals make the most of Father’s Day.
Kick Off the Morning with Fishing Off the Dock
There’s nothing quite like casting a line off your own dock at daybreak before the lake comes to life. Tellico Lake is known for its largemouth bass, crappie, and walleye. June mornings are the perfect time to get in on the action before things get too hot. Grandkids love the early-morning bite, even if it’s just bluegill off the dock. Just bring some coffee and a bit of patience. Let the little ones reel one in themselves.
Get the Boat Out for Tubing, Swimming and General Water Fun
By mid-morning, it’s time to fire up the boat and get the party started. Find a pretty cove and let the kids tube behind the boat or jump straight off the bow. The water’s warm enough by mid-June for a really fun day out.
Tried and Tested Tip: Anchor up in a shady cove by around midday; the June sun on the water can be much stronger than it feels, especially for the little ones.
Pack a Lunch and Have a Chill Out Session
Some of the best memories on Tellico Lake are made while sitting back and doing nothing. Pack some sandwiches, chips, and a cooler of drinks. Drop anchor in a quiet cove and let everyone float on tubes while lunch floats on in a cooler raft. It’s not the most high-octane activity. Still, trust us, the grandkids will love it.
A Little Tip: Don’t forget a dry bag for phones and sunscreen coolers can tip, kids can splash, and you don’t want to end up with a soggy phone spoiling all the photos.
Or If You’d Rather, Head to Calhoun’s or The Mudpuppy for Lunch
If packing a lunch isn’t really your thing, then why not pull the boat right up to the dock at Calhoun’s in Lenoir City or The MudPuppy. Both spots are super kid-friendly and boat-friendly. They offer the kind of classic lake lunches that make Father’s Day so special. You can order a burger, watch the boats go by, and let the grandkids stretch their legs on dry land for an hour or so. It’s just the kind of tradition that many families in our 55-plus communities families in our 55-plus communities like to enjoy.
Local Tip: Both spots get pretty busy by early afternoon on summer weekends. So getting there a bit earlier can really pay off.
Wind Down the Day with Sunset on the Water
After a full day of fishing, tubing, and lunch, the highlight of Father’s Day on Tellico Lake might be the last hour or so. Take it easy on the way back to the dock as the sun starts to go down over the water. Let the grandkids wind down in the back of the boat, and enjoy the kind of evening that makes you forget you’re there at all. For us, this is just what a normal Sunday looks like.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best place on Tellico Lake for a fun family day on the water?
Coves on Tellico Lake are numerous and great for swimming, tubing, and anchoring because they’re calmer than the main channel. These coves also have less boat traffic, so it makes it nice for the little ones to swim and play.
Can you get a decent lunch at Calhoun’s or The Mudpuppy if you arrive by boat?
Yes, both restaurants have docks and are commonly visited by boaters on Tellico Lake. Arriving early in the day (before 1 pm on weekends) makes it a whole lot easier to find a spot to dock your boat.
What kind of fish can you catch on Tellico Lake in June?
Tellico Lake is famous for its largemouth bass, crappie, and walleye swimming beneath the water. The best time to do some fishing is early in the morning, especially near any old dock structures and brush piles. Crappie tend to like to hide out in those places.
Do I need a boat to have a fun day on Tellico Lake?
No, you don’t. Many marinas, like Tellico Marina, offer dock access and even allow you to fish right off the shore. That being said, having your very own dock or boat gives you a lot more freedom to do whatever you want on lake days. For example, you can have a spontaneous family day.
Is Tellico Lake good for when my grandkids come to visit in the summer?
Absolutely, there’s plenty to do on Tellico Lake to keep anyone of any age entertained, from fishing to tubing to swimming in the coves. You can then grab a bite to eat at one of the many dockside restaurants. It’s no wonder grandparents are so popular for bringing their grandkids down to visit.
“The best Father’s Day present isn’t a gift at all – it’s a boat ride, a cove, and a bunch of kids that don’t want to go home yet.”
Living The Dream Every Father’s Day
Father’s Day on Tellico Lake doesn’t feel like a one-off special occasion—it’s more like we’re giving you a sneak peek at what every weekend feels like when you actually live here. The fishing, the coves, the dockside lunch at places like Calhouns and The Mud Puppy just a Tuesday for our residents. Imagine a holiday with the grandkids in town.
If you’re picturing a life like this for yourself, you’ll be living on Tellico Lake in one of our communities. Days like this become the new normal.
Give Rick Smenner a call – 865-696-9002 or rick@tellicolakehometeam.com