The best fishing spots near Nashville, Tennessee
The best lakes and rivers for fishing near Nashville, Tennessee
Anglers from Nashville have access to plenty of stellar fishing opportunities, especially for bass and crappie fishing, within easy driving distance. We’ve compiled a list of the best fishing spots nearby Nashville, Davidson county and the surrounding area.
J Percy Priest Reservoir
- Distance from Nashville: 11.0 miles
- Nearest city: Nashville, TN
- County: Davidson County
- Size: 14,035 acres
- Species: Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Crappie, Panfish / Bluegill, Striped Bass, White Bass, Trout
From a recent fishing report on J. Percy Priest Reservoir
"We found lots of shad in the cove behind Hong Kong Island but no hook-ups. The cove by the Hong Kong pump house was loaded with shad as well. Caught 2 LM and 1 SM bass by pulling a DT -6 under schools of shad. The cove in Stewart creek where the ski course is was loaded with shad and bass."
Old Hickory Lake
- Distance from Nashville: 27.2 miles
- Nearest city: Hendersonville, TN
- County: Sumner County
- Size: 20,287 acres
- Species: Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Spotted Bass, Crappie, Walleye, Panfish / Bluegill, Striped Bass, Catfish, Sauger
Center Hill Lake
- Distance from Nashville: 70.2 miles
- Nearest city: Smithville, TN
- County: DeKalb County
- Size: 17,267 acres
- Species: Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Spotted Bass, Crappie, Walleye, Muskie
Lake Barkley
- Distance from Nashville: 65.8 miles
- Nearest city: Cumberland City, TN
- County: Stewart County
- Size: 320.6 acres
- Species: Panfish / Bluegill, Catfish, Drum
Duck River
- Distance from Nashville: 56.1 miles
- Nearest city: Duck River, TN
- County: Humphreys County
- Size: 2,890.2 acres
- Species: Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass
Cordell Hull Lake
- Distance from Nashville: 56.6 miles
- Nearest city: Carthage, TN
- County: Smith County County
- Size: 11,631.8 acres
- Species: Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Crappie, Walleye, Panfish / Bluegill
How To Fish Nashville Area Lakes
Largemouth Bass is the most popular targeted species in the area, along with Crappie and Panfish. When looking for bass, Tennessee anglers tend to turn to Shakey Heads, Shallow Diving Crankbaits and Hard Jerkbaits. For specific tackle recommendations for J. Percy Priest Lake, central Tennessee and more, select a water body to view a summary of local angler fishing reports.
