Guide To Fishing At J Percy Priest Lake

AKA: Percy Priest Lake

What to fish for...

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.

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.

Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Rental Boats
Boat Launch Ramps
Campgrounds & RV Parks
Map
Lake Video
Contact Info

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Click here for a Tennessee Fishing License.