Fishing Cheatham Lake
AKA: Cheatham Reservoir, Lake Cheatham
Popular Fish Species Cheatham Lake, TN
Largemouth Bass Fishing
Cheatham Lake is a popular bass tournament lake. Weekend and tournament anglers find the fishing to be slow at times, yet pretty good at other times. Fishing for bass can be quite rewarding, with an occasional bass over 4 pounds being caught. Anglers can also catch smallmouth bass and spotted bass, which reside here in decent numbers. Bass often move shallow and become aggressive when they are in a feeding mood. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap. Around grass, use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In deeper water, drop shot rigs, big worms, jigs and spoons are good options. In winter, spend your time fishing deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time. A history of careful fisheries management by the State of Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency has helped to maintain a good bass fishery for anglers.
White Crappie Fishing
Plenty of healthy white crappie reside in Cheatham Lake, as they are making a nice comeback this year. The fish population is healthy and crappie fishing is excellent. The best time to catch crappie tends to be at dawn and dusk. Crappie always like cover and structure, so locate shallow brush and vegetation in Spring and Fall focusing on the 8 to 12 foot range. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out to as deep as 30 to 35 feet, as well as ledges near channels at these depths. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here.
Walleye Fishing
Cheatham Lake is home to a hearty population of walleye. Good fisheries management and plenty of forage in the lake have them growing fat and healthy.Walleye have excellent vision in low light scenarios which helps them find food in deep or murky water. Make an effort to be on the water anytime there are low light conditions. During May and June is the optimal time to catch them, while feeding in shallower water. Other times of the year they are more likely to roam around in deeper water. Concentrate around structure like points, flats and ledges off the river channels. One of the proven methods for catching walleye here is trolling with spinners tipped with live bait, or trolling with long-billed, deep diving crankbaits. However casting live bait, jigs, worms and spoons also works well at times.
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, hybrid striped bass, paddlefish and sauger at Cheatham Lake in Tennessee.
Cheatham Lake Fishing Video
Quality largemouth bass, sauger and white bass are featured species at Cheatham Lake. This 7,400-acre fishery in north-central Tennessee is half way between Clarksville and Nashville. Smallmouth and spotted bass, as well as crappie, catfish, walleye, sunfish and paddlefish also reside in Cheatham Reservoir. This is a great lake to fish from the bank and introduce kids to fishing. The impoundment is a section of the Cumberland River bed and flooded areas along the river. Bass and crappie action, in the shallows, can be fast and furious during spring, while sunfish, white bass and stripers are favorites during summer months when they school in deeper parts of the lake. Public boat ramps are available for launching pleasure and fishing boats. Kayaks, canoes and small watercraft portage is available from many camping and picnicking areas along the lake.
Cheatham Lake, situated on the Cumberland River in Tennessee, is a fantastic destination for fishing enthusiasts, offering a diverse range of fish species and a variety of recreational activities. This 7,500-acre reservoir provides anglers with ample opportunities to cast their lines and enjoy the surrounding natural beauty.
Cheatham Lake is known for its excellent fishing, with a variety of popular fish species found in its waters. Largemouth bass and smallmouth bass are the primary targets for many anglers, and the lake's structure, including submerged timber and rocky areas, provides ideal habitats for these species. Anglers can also find healthy populations of catfish, including channel catfish and blue catfish, which offer exciting battles for those pursuing them. Crappie and white bass are also present in the lake, providing additional fishing opportunities.
Cheatham 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, catfish, or other species, cruising the calm waters on a boat, or enjoying a tranquil camping experience, Cheatham Lake provides a serene and enjoyable environment for all who visit.
Primary fish species residing in Cheatham Lake
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
Cheatham Lake Amenities
Marina: FIVE
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boating is a popular activity on Cheatham Lake, with its expansive water surface offering plenty of space for water enthusiasts. Anglers can launch their boats from the lake's public access points and navigate the serene waters, exploring various coves, points, and underwater structures to find their desired fishing spots. Boaters can enjoy leisurely cruises, water sports activities, and the opportunity to explore the scenic beauty of the surrounding hills and forests.
Marinas
Harpeth Shoals Marina
230 Warioto Way
Ashland City, TN 37015
615 792-6652
Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings
Bluff Creek Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the south side of the lake, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking
Johnson Creek Recreation Area Launch Ramp
This boat ramp is located on the east side of the Old Lock A Road, in Johnson Creek. It is a one-lane, concrete ramp with limited, paved parking.
Pardue Boat Launch
This is located at the junction of the Cumberland River and the Harpeth River, on the south side of the lake. It is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Riverbluff Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located just south of the Cumberland Street Bridge, on the east side of the lake, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.
Fishing Guides On Cheatham Lake
Nashville Kats Guide Service - catfish
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 around Cheatham Lake provide an opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in the natural surroundings. Campgrounds offer campsites with amenities such as picnic tables, fire rings, and restroom facilities. Whether pitching a tent or bringing an RV, camping near Cheatham Lake allows anglers and outdoor enthusiasts to extend their stay and make the most of their fishing adventures. Camping also provides the opportunity to experience the peaceful ambiance of the lake, with the sounds of nature and starry skies serving as the perfect backdrop for a relaxing getaway.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
Lock A Campground - 615 792-3715
Harpeth River Bridge Campsite - 615 792-4195
RV Park at Riverview Campground - 615 714-8901
Edgar Evins State Park Campground - 931 858-2446
Cheatham Lake, TN Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Cheatham Lake
Edgar Evins State Park
1630 Edgar Evins State Park Rd
Silver Point, TN 38582
931 858-2446
Fishing lakes in each state.
091624
Cheatham Lake in Tennessee.
TENNESSEE
Smallmouth and spotted bass fishing in north-central TN.
