Fishing Near Nashville, TN: Top 10 Places to Cast Your Line 🎣

By: Kara Mangalisan | Created: Feb 8, 2025 

Nashville isn’t just about country music—it’s also a great destination for fishing enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for bass, catfish, or trout, Middle Tennessee has plenty of excellent fishing spots. Check out this guide to things to do in Nashville for more activities in the area. Here are the top 10 places to go fishing near Nashville, TN:

Nashville's Top 10 Fishing Spots

1. Percy Priest Lake

📍 Location: Nashville, TN

A favorite among locals, Percy Priest Lake spans over 14,000 acres and is home to bass, crappie, and catfish. There are multiple boat ramps and shoreline access points, making it a versatile spot for anglers.

2. Old Hickory Lake

📍 Location: Hendersonville, TN (30 min from Nashville)

This massive reservoir offers excellent largemouth bass, catfish, and hybrid striped bass fishing. The lake has multiple marinas, boat ramps, and fishing piers for easy access.

3. Harpeth River

📍 Location: Franklin, TN (20 min from Nashville)

Ideal for kayak fishing, the Harpeth River provides scenic views and excellent smallmouth bass fishing. The slow-moving water makes it perfect for a peaceful day of fishing.

4. Cumberland River

📍 Location: Downtown Nashville & beyond

Running through the heart of Nashville, the Cumberland River is known for its trophy-sized striped bass, catfish, and sauger. Great for bank fishing or boat fishing.

5. Marrowbone Lake

📍 Location: Joelton, TN (20 min from Nashville)

A quiet and secluded 60-acre lake managed by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA), offering bass, catfish, and bluegill. No gas motors allowed, making it a peaceful fishing spot.

6. Radnor Lake

📍 Location: Nashville, TN

While fishing isn’t allowed inside Radnor Lake State Park, the nearby Otter Creek area offers opportunities for catching bass and bluegill in a scenic, natural setting.

7. Fall Creek Falls State Park

📍 Location: Spencer, TN (2 hours from Nashville)

One of Tennessee’s most beautiful state parks, Fall Creek Falls Lake offers bass, bluegill, and catfish. You can rent boats or fish from the shore.



8. Center Hill Lake

📍 Location: Smithville, TN (1.5 hours from Nashville)

A deep, clear reservoir known for its excellent smallmouth bass fishing. Center Hill Lake is also home to walleye and trout, making it a diverse fishing destination.

9. Dale Hollow Lake

📍 Location: Celina, TN (2 hours from Nashville)

This lake is famous for producing world-record smallmouth bass. With crystal-clear waters, it’s a favorite among serious anglers looking for trophy catches.

10. Williamsport Lakes

📍 Location: Columbia, TN (1 hour from Nashville)

Managed by TWRA, this area has four lakes stocked with bass, bluegill, and catfish. It’s an excellent spot for family-friendly fishing.

Fishing Reports 

To maximize your chances of a great catch, stay updated with real-time fishing reports. Here are some reliable sources:

• Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) – Offers weekly fishing reports and stocking schedules.
• US Army Corps of Engineers Reports – Provides water levels and fishing conditions for major lakes.
• Local Bait & Tackle Shops – Many shops update anglers on recent catches and conditions.
• Online Forums & Social Media Groups – Platforms like Facebook fishing groups or FishingBooker provide insights from local anglers.

Final Thoughts?

From massive reservoirs to quiet rivers, there’s no shortage of fishing opportunities near Nashville. Whether you prefer bank fishing, boat fishing, or fly fishing, these 10 spots have something for every angler.

For the best fishing getaway experience, consider staying with Home Team Vacation Rentals in Nashville. With comfortable, well-located properties near many of these top fishing spots, you can enjoy the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure. Pack your gear, book your stay, and start exploring Tennessee’s best fishing destinations!

Categories: Nashville