Low clouds drifting over the islands and water of Lake Guntersville seen from the air

Tours & tickets

Tours, fishing trips and day trips from Lake Guntersville

Fish the lake with a local guide, see a real Saturn V moon rocket in Huntsville, or head up the Tennessee River to Chattanooga for Ruby Falls, Rock City and the Incline Railway. Tours here are bookable online through Viator.

On the lake and the river

Lake Guntersville is one of the best bass lakes in the country, and a local guide knows where the fish are holding. The same Tennessee River flows on to Chattanooga, where riverboat cruises and riverfront walks are easy to book.

Huntsville and Birmingham

Huntsville, the Rocket City, is under an hour from Guntersville, with the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, a lively downtown and good food. Birmingham, about 90 minutes away, has the Civil Rights District, one of the most important places in American history.

Chattanooga and Lookout Mountain

Chattanooga is about 90 minutes up the Tennessee River valley. Ride the Incline Railway, go underground to Ruby Falls, walk the rock gardens of Rock City and visit the Tennessee Aquarium. Remember that Chattanooga is on Eastern Time.

Before you book

Lake Guntersville is better known for fishing and boating than for tours, and most fishing guides on the lake take bookings directly. If a guided trip on the lake matters most, contact a guide a few weeks ahead, especially in spring.

For a wider choice of tours and tickets, look to Huntsville, 45 minutes away, and Chattanooga, about 90 minutes away. Both are easy day trips. Read our guides to a day in Huntsville and a day in Chattanooga.

Things to check

  • The start point and time. Chattanooga is on Eastern Time, an hour ahead of Guntersville.
  • What is included, such as tackle on a fishing trip or lunch on a river cruise.
  • The cancellation policy and the weather policy for trips on the water.
  • Whether you need an Alabama fishing license.
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Good to know

Tours FAQ

Do I need a fishing license?

Yes. Most anglers aged 16 and over need an Alabama fishing license to fish the lake, including visitors from other states. You can buy one online from the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (Outdoor Alabama). On a guided trip, ask the guide what you need.

Are there tours on the lake itself?

Some, but not many can be booked online. Most fishing guides on Lake Guntersville take bookings directly. Online, the widest choice of tours and tickets is in Huntsville and Chattanooga, which are both easy day trips from the lake.

Can I visit Chattanooga in a day from Guntersville?

Yes. It is about 90 minutes each way by car. Remember that Chattanooga is on Eastern Time, an hour ahead of Guntersville. Read our Chattanooga day trip guide.

How far is the U.S. Space & Rocket Center?

It is in Huntsville, about 45 minutes by car from Guntersville. Allow at least half a day for the museum.

Can I cancel a tour if my plans change?

Many tours booked through Viator offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start, but not all. Check the cancellation policy on the tour page before you book.

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