Fishing J Percy Priest Lake
AKA: Percy Priest Lake
Popular Fish Species Percy Priest Lake, TN
Largemouth Bass Fishing
Percy Priest Lake offers good fishing for largemouth bass. Lately the fishing here for bass has continued to impress bass fishing enthusiasts. Some big bass roam Percy Priest Lake, thanks to excellent fisheries management by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, as well as the availability of extensive cover for both baitfish and bass. Smallmouth bass and spotted bass also reside here in good numbers. When the bite is good, bass typically move shallow and are quite aggressive. If you find them shallow and they are not tempted to bite, slow down and use smaller, lighter baits. Fishing for largemouth bass is good virtually any time they are shallow - in spring, mornings in summer, and during warm Fall afternoons. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap. Around grass use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In deeper water, big worms, jigs and spoons are three good weapons. In winter, spend your time fishing Percy Priest Lake on deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time.
Crappie Fishing
Black and white crappie both reside in Percy Priest Lake, with black crappie typically out-weighing white crappie. They can be caught pretty much year round. Crappie fishing is on the rise and they can be found in sizeable schools. Crappie always like cover and structure, so locate brush and vegetation. Using a fish finder can help locate schools of crappie, which tend to stack vertically around cover. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here. In spring and fall focus on the 8 to 12 foot range. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out deep, as well as find ledges near channels in deeper water.
Hybrid Striped Bass Fishing
Hybrid striped bass, also known as wipers, are a favorite of many locals and fishing guides at Percy Priest Lake, as they are plentiful and grow to bragging size. As a hybrid of striped bass and white bass, they have great potential for spawning massive numbers and growing to large sizes. Fishing for hybrid stripers is a matter of locating schools of bait, and schools of hybrid striped bass are likely to be in the area. Mornings, during Fall, hybrids can be caught on topwater or shallow running lures, as they are feeding on baitfish at the surface. When they move deeper, fish finders improve your odds of locating both bait and schools of wipers. Live bait, spoons and jigs are very very effective here, and these hungry fish can be caught year round.
Fish species to fish for...
Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, black crappie, white crappie, walleye, bluegill, redear sunfish, rock bass, warmouth, white bass, yellow bass, striped bass and hybrid striped bass at J Percy Priest Lake in Tennessee.
Percy Priest Lake Fishing Video
Nestled in the northeast outskirts of Nashville, TN, Percy Priest Lake is a 14,200-acre reservoir in the north-central part of Tennessee. Easy access from I-40 and plenty of amenities, camping and lodging options, make Percy Priest Lake an easy fishing getaway. With over 260 miles of shoreline, and much of it available for fishing from shore, there are plenty of places to wet a line.
J Percy Priest Lake, located near Nashville, Tennessee, offers anglers a diverse fishing experience, fantastic boating opportunities, and scenic camping options. This 14,200-acre reservoir, formed by the Stones River, provides excellent fishing for a variety of popular fish species.
J Percy Priest Lake is known for its outstanding bass fishing. Largemouth bass are abundant in the lake and attract anglers of all skill levels. The lake's structure, including submerged brush, boat docks, and rocky shorelines, provides ideal habitats for these prized game fish. Anglers can employ various techniques such as casting with crankbaits, jigs, and soft plastics to entice the bass. The lake's healthy bass population and the potential for trophy-sized catches make it a favorite destination for both recreational and tournament anglers.
In addition to bass, J Percy Priest Lake supports other popular fish species. Crappie fishing is productive, with both black and white crappie offering anglers plenty of action. Anglers can find success near submerged brush piles, fallen trees, and bridge pilings, where crappie often congregate. The lake is also home to catfish, including channel catfish and blue catfish, which can be targeted using various baits and techniques. Other fish species found in the lake include sauger, walleye, and sunfish, providing anglers with additional fishing opportunities.
J Percy Priest Lake's combination of excellent fishing, boating opportunities, and camping facilities make it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts in Tennessee. Whether you're targeting bass, crappie, or catfish, enjoying a leisurely boat ride, or camping by the lakeside, J Percy Priest Lake offers a serene and enjoyable environment for all who visit.
Fishing from a boat, canoe or kayak provides access to additional fishing spots and places not accessible for bank fishing. Bass, crappie and striped bass are the favorites here, but the lake also has notable populations of walleye, catfish, hybrids, white bass, bluegill and a variety of other fish species.
Primary fish species residing in J Percy Priest Lake
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
J Percy Priest Lake Amenities
Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: NEARBY
Restaurant: YES
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boating is a favored activity on J Percy Priest Lake, thanks to its extensive water surface and numerous marinas. Anglers and boating enthusiasts can launch their boats from public ramps and explore the lake's many coves, inlets, and open waters. Boaters can enjoy leisurely cruises, engage in water sports activities, or simply relax while taking in the picturesque views of the lake's shoreline and surrounding wooded areas.
Fishing Boat Rentals
Nashville Shores Marina
Rentals: Pontoon boats
615 883-0413
Safeharbor Boat Rentals - Elm Hill
Rentals: Bass boats and pontoons
615 889-5363
Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings
Long Hunter Boat Ramp
Located mid lake, on the north side of the lake, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and plenty of parking.
Elm Hill Boat Ramp
Located in the northwest corner of the lake, in Elm Hill Recreation Area, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Fate Sanders Recreation Area Boat Ramp
Located in the northeast section of the lake, north side, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Hamilton Creek Marina Upper Boat Launch
Located along the northwest sector of the lake, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.
Jefferson Springs Boat Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, south side, in Jefferson Springs Recreation Area, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking.
Lamar Hill Public Use Area Boat Ramp
Located in the northeast corner of the lake, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.
Marine Public Dock Ramp
This is a two-lane, concrete ramp with both gravel and paved parking, located in the Smith Springs Recreation Area, in the southwest sector of the lake, south side.
Seven Points Boat Ramp
Located in the southwest section of the lake, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Stewart Creek Boat Ramp
Located in the southeast sector of the lake, south side, off Smyrna Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.
Vivrett Creek Boat Ramp
Located in the southwest section of the lake, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Fishing Guides On Percy Priest Lake
Brian Carper's Fishing Guide Services - bass, crappie, hybrids
If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.
Fishing License
Click here for a Tennessee Fishing License.
Camping facilities near J Percy Priest Lake provide opportunities for visitors to extend their stay and fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area. Campgrounds offer amenities such as campsites, picnic areas, and restroom facilities. Camping near J Percy Priest Lake allows anglers and outdoor enthusiasts to make the most of their fishing adventures and enjoy the peaceful ambiance of the lake and its surrounding woodlands.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
Anderson Road Campground - 615 361-1980
Poole Knobs Campground - 615 459-6948
Seven Points Campground - 615 889-5198
J Percy Priest Lake, TN Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
J Percy Priest Lake
Seven Points Campground
1810 Stewarts Ferry Pike
Hermitage, TN 37076
615 889-5198
Fishing lakes in each state.
052124
J Percy Priest Lake in Tennessee.
TENNESSEE
Bass, crappie and striped bass fishing in north-central TN.
