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Fishing around Nashville
AI field guide · refreshed weeklyNashville Fishing Guide: Early Fall Transition
What's biting
Largemouth Bass
Where: Percy Priest Lake, Old Hickory Lake, shallow flats and creek channels; also Cumberland River backwater areas and farm ponds.
Early fall means bass are transitioning from summer deep-water haunts to shallower feeding zones. Target 1.5–3 m (5–10 ft) depths around submerged timber, vegetation, and rocky points at dawn and dusk. Topwater plugs and soft plastics (crawfish patterns) work well in low light.
Caution: Watch for submerged hazards and boat traffic on popular reservoirs.
Catfish (Channel & Flathead)
Where: Cumberland River main channel, Percy Priest tailrace, Old Hickory Lake deeper holes; active in current.
Warm water (28°C) keeps catfish feeding aggressively. Fish cut shad, live bluegill, or chicken liver in deeper holes and current breaks at night. Flatheads prefer live bait; channels take prepared stink baits.
Caution: Night fishing requires proper lighting and awareness of river hazards.
Crappie (Black & White)
Where: Percy Priest Lake structure (brush piles, dock pilings), Old Hickory Lake creek channels and submerged timber.
Crappie are schooling in 2–4 m (6–12 ft) of water around cover. Small jigs (1/16–1/8 oz) tipped with minnows or soft plastics are deadly; vertical jigging over structure is most productive.
Caution: Early morning and late evening are prime; midday fishing slows significantly.
Bluegill & Sunfish
Where: Farm ponds, lake shallows, creek mouths, and dock areas throughout the region.
Still-feeding well in warm water. Small spinners, wet flies, or live crickets work from shore or small boat. Focus on shaded areas and vegetation edges.
Caution: Respect private property; many productive ponds are on private land.
Walleye
Where: Old Hickory Lake deeper structure, Percy Priest Lake main basin; low-light periods.
Early fall walleye move to 3–5 m (10–16 ft) depths. Live shiners or small crankbaits work best at dusk and night. Trolling breaklines is productive.
Caution: Walleye are less abundant here than in northern reservoirs; patience and proper structure location are key.
Best times
Early morning (30 min before sunrise to 2 hours after) and late evening (2 hours before sunset through dark) are most productive. Overcast days and the approaching new moon (Sept 11) will improve daytime fishing. Avoid midday 11:00–15:00 when water temps peak and fish go deep.
Waters to try
- Percy Priest Lake (northeast of Nashville), Old Hickory Lake (east), Cumberland River (downtown and upstream), Stones River (tributary access), Radnor Lake (urban refuge, check regulations), local farm ponds (permission required).
Regulations
Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) sets all season dates, creel limits, and size restrictions. Check https://www.tn.gov/twra/fishing.html for current regs before fishing. Some waters have special rules; confirm locally. No live baitfish may be transported between waters without a permit.
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