Best Fishing in Nashville 2026 — Percy Priest Lake, Cumberland River & Guided Bass Trips

Nashville sits between two of Tennessee's best fishing waters — Percy Priest Lake to the east and Old Hickory Lake to the northeast — and the Cumberland River runs directly through downtown. From the Nashville Sounds stadium to the bars of Broadway, you're 20 minutes from excellent bass fishing at all times. Here's where to fish.

1. Percy Priest Lake — Nashville's Premier Bass Lake

J. Percy Priest Lake is a 14,200-acre TVA reservoir 10 miles east of downtown Nashville off I-40. The lake consistently ranks in Tennessee's top five bass lakes for largemouth bass size and quantity. Spring (March–May spawn) and fall (September–November turnover) are the productive seasons. The eastern coves near the Elm Hill Marina area hold the best bass populations.

Guide fishing: Percy Priest Guide Service and Nashville Bass Guide Service both run half-day ($200–$275 for two people) and full-day ($350–$425) trips from Elm Hill Marina. All tackle and licenses included. Spring catch rates average 15–25 bass per boat per day with fish consistently running 2–5 lbs.

The public bass: Free boat ramps at Smith Springs, Cook Recreation Area, and Hamilton Creek Park provide access without guide fees. Tennessee fishing license required ($34/year non-resident, $26/year resident).

2. Cumberland River Downtown — Striped Bass

The Cumberland River flowing through downtown Nashville holds a surprisingly strong striped bass population — fish in the 20–40 lb class run through the downtown reach from October through April, following shad schools upstream from Old Hickory Lake. The water underneath the Shelby Street Pedestrian Bridge is a known striper holding spot.

How to target them: A 7-foot heavy-action rod, 30 lb braid, and a large white bucktail jig or live shad drifted through the main current seam under the downtown bridges at dawn. Most Nashville anglers have no idea this fishery exists.

3. Old Hickory Lake — Crappie Capital

Old Hickory Lake (22 miles northeast of Nashville on US-31E) is Tennessee's best crappie lake. Spring crappie (March–April) stack in the flooded brush and dock pilings along the north bank. Small jigs (1/16 oz, chartreuse or white) or live minnows on a simple bobber rig. Limits of 30 crappie per day are common during the spawn. Old Hickory Marina rents boats from $55/half-day.

4. Radnor Lake State Park — Catch-and-Release Urban Fishing

Radnor Lake State Natural Area, 6 miles south of downtown Nashville, features a pristine lake surrounded by forest with a healthy bass and bluegill population. The lake is catch-and-release only for all species. No boats allowed — bank and pier fishing only. The setting is extraordinary — it feels like wilderness five minutes from Green Hills.

5. Harpeth River — Small Stream Smallmouth

The Harpeth River west of Nashville (access from Bellevue on US-70S) is one of the most beautiful smallmouth bass streams in Middle Tennessee. The river runs clear over limestone gravel bars, flanked by cedar bluffs and sycamore trees. A 5-mile float from Newsom's Mill access to the Hwy 70 takeout takes 3–4 hours and consistently produces 20–40 smallmouth bass on a good summer day.

FAQ: Fishing in Nashville

Do I need a license to fish in Nashville? Yes — a Tennessee fishing license is required. Annual resident license: $26. Annual non-resident: $34. One-day non-resident: $11. Purchase at tn.gov/twra or any sporting goods store. Tennessee free fishing weekends run in June — check TWRA for 2026 specific dates.

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