Damn Good Percy Priest Lake Fishing Guides

Nestled just outside Nashville, Percy Priest Lake is the kind of place that offers a little bit of everything for anglers seeking a balanced blend of adventure and serenity. With over 14,000 acres of water and 19 miles of shoreline, the lake is dotted with coves, points, and submerged structures that attract all kinds of fish, from bass to catfish to crappie. The beauty of fishing Percy Priest is that it’s a place where you can cast your line in the early morning mist, and by midday, have your boat anchored under a shade tree, all while the city’s hustle and bustle feels miles away. Whether you're fishing from the bank or exploring by boat, there's always a sense of discovery in every corner of the lake.

Springtime at Percy Priest is when the lake truly comes alive. The air is fresh, the water’s warming, and the fish are making their move. Largemouth bass start working their way into the shallows, and if you time it right, the spawn can turn into an all-out feeding frenzy. It’s a perfect season for topwater lures or jigs as bass chase after shad and crawfish along the submerged rocks and timber. Early mornings and late evenings are the sweet spots when the action’s at its peak, with calm waters reflecting the surrounding hillsides. Spring is a time of renewal, and there's nothing quite like feeling the pull of a big bass in the early light.

As summer rolls in, Percy Priest shifts gears. The heat sends most anglers to the deeper parts of the lake, where the cooler water draws larger bass looking for a little peace. With the right techniques, you can still reel in some impressive catches, whether it’s by dragging a deep-diving crankbait or using a Carolina rig over submerged ledges. But it’s the crappie that really shine in the warmer months. The late summer nights on the lake offer the kind of quiet that lets you focus, whether you’re dropping a line or simply soaking in the views. By the time fall arrives, the waters cool down again, and the bite picks up, making Percy Priest a year-round haven that’s always worth the trip.

Fishing seasons at Percy Priest Lake are like clockwork—each one offering a fresh chance to explore a different side of this hidden gem just outside Nashville. Spring is when things kick into high gear, as the water starts to warm and the fish are on the move. Largemouth bass make their way into the shallows to spawn, and the action picks up along the points and submerged structures. If you’re into topwater action, this is your time. The bass are hungry, aggressive, and ready to strike. You can spend your mornings casting a popper across the glassy water, watching as the first rays of sunlight break through the trees. Spring on Percy Priest is all about timing—if you hit the spawn right, the bite will be fast and furious.

As summer sets in, the heat changes the game. The fish move deeper into cooler waters, and the early mornings and late evenings become the prime hours for reeling in big catches. The bass are less active in the shallows, but they’re still there—just waiting to be coaxed out with a well-placed jig or crankbait. Crappie, on the other hand, remain more accessible, hanging around submerged brush and shoreline structure. The slower pace of summer might seem like a lull, but it’s a time to experiment with different techniques and really figure out what works. When the lake’s quiet and the air is thick with the sounds of summer, there’s a stillness on the water that makes the catch all the more rewarding.

Fall brings the most dramatic shift in fishing at Percy Priest. With cooler temperatures and the lake’s waters turning crisp, the bass are ready to feed aggressively before the winter chill sets in. This is when you break out the big lures and start fishing those deeper spots, where the bass are fattening up for the months ahead. The crappie also make a strong comeback, stacking up in the shallows where they’re easier to find. The cooler, clear waters make for perfect fishing conditions, and with the lake’s scenic beauty at its peak—crisp air, vibrant leaves, and the sound of the water lapping against the shore—it’s a season that makes every cast feel like a victory. Whether you're fishing at dawn or soaking up the fall sunset, there’s something timeless about fishing Percy Priest when the leaves are turning, and the fish are feeding.

Percy Priest Lake, just a short drive from Nashville, is a treasure trove for anglers, offering a mix of clear waters and abundant fish species. If you're looking to target some of the best bass fishing in the region, this lake has you covered. The largemouth bass population here is strong, and they can be found lurking in the shallow coves or around the many submerged structures. A great technique is to fish early in the morning when the bass are feeding near the surface. A trusty topwater frog or a buzzbait worked across the lily pads will get their attention in a hurry. If the bite slows down, try slowing things up with a Carolina rig or a soft plastic worm along the deeper drop-offs, where the bass tend to move as the day heats up.

For those who prefer finesse fishing, Percy Priest offers plenty of opportunities to work a drop-shot rig or light jigs along the submerged points and brush piles that dot the lake’s many coves. The spotted bass here are a little more elusive, but with patience and the right presentation, you’ll be able to hook into them. Another reliable technique is throwing a jig or crankbait along the rocky edges, where the bass tend to hang out, especially in the cooler months when they’re actively feeding in the shallows. Whether you're tossing topwater lures in the morning or working deeper structures with jigs, Percy Priest has no shortage of spots to test your skills.

It’s not just bass that call Percy Priest home—crappie and catfish also offer excellent opportunities for anglers looking for something different. Crappie are abundant, especially in the spring when they spawn around submerged brush piles and docks. A small jig or live minnow drifted slowly through these areas will usually result in a steady bite. For a more laid-back experience, try your hand at catfishing, particularly in the deeper waters of the lake where these behemoths dwell. Live bait or cut bait on the bottom will draw in channel catfish and blue catfish, offering a fun fight for anglers who like to sit back and relax. Percy Priest Lake is the kind of place where you can catch anything from feisty bass to monster catfish, all while soaking in the beauty of Middle Tennessee.

Percy Priest Lake offers a diverse mix of species, making it a prime spot for anglers of all levels. The lake's crown jewel is the largemouth bass, which thrives in its clear waters and abundance of submerged structures. These fish are best targeted in the early morning or late evening when they’re feeding near the surface. Cast your topwater lures over the lily pads, or work a Carolina rig along the drop-offs and points. The bass here can grow into some true monsters, so it’s no surprise that this lake is a favorite for serious bass anglers. If you’re after a bigger challenge, don’t hesitate to try some deep-water techniques during the warmer months when bass move out to cooler waters.

But don’t think for a second that Percy Priest is all about bass. The lake also has an impressive population of spotted bass, a scrappy species that loves to hang around rocky points and submerged ledges. These fish are a little trickier to target, but with the right finesse techniques, you can hook into them with ease. Try drop-shot rigs or lighter jigs to work the deeper structures where the spotted bass lurk. It’s a rewarding experience when you finally land one of these hard-fighting fish, and they’re a worthy adversary for anyone looking to test their skills.

For anglers looking to mix it up, Percy Priest also boasts a strong population of crappie and catfish. Crappie are abundant, especially around the lake’s brush piles and docks, making it a perfect destination for a more relaxed fishing day. A small jig or live minnow can be the ticket to a successful crappie outing, particularly during their spring spawning season. And if you're in the mood for something with a little more heft, catfish are another strong contender in Percy Priest’s waters. Channel and blue catfish roam the deeper parts of the lake, and a heavy-duty rod with live bait can reel in some impressive catches. Whether you’re after bass, crappie, or catfish, Percy Priest Lake serves up a little bit of everything for those willing to cast a line.

Just a short drive from Nashville, Percy Priest Lake is one of those spots where anglers can escape the city’s hustle without venturing too far from the comforts of home. Stretching over 14,000 acres, this man-made lake offers an array of fishing opportunities, from the wide open waters to the hidden coves that line the shoreline. Whether you're chasing trophy-sized stripers or hoping to hook into a few bass for the cooler, Percy Priest delivers. And with boat ramps scattered across its shores, it's as accessible as it is promising.

What sets Percy Priest apart is the sheer variety of fish that call it home. Bass anglers will find plenty of largemouth and spotted bass hiding among the submerged trees and rocky points, while catfish and crappie enthusiasts will find plenty of action as well. The early spring and late fall months tend to be the sweet spots for anglers, but the fishing here is good year-round. With its mix of shallow flats and deeper waters, there's no shortage of fishing spots to explore, whether you’re trolling, jigging, or casting along the banks. The local tackle shops are stocked with everything you need and packed with knowledge on where the fish are biting, so it’s worth stopping by before you hit the water.

But like any good fishing spot, Percy Priest Lake isn’t without its challenges. On weekends, the lake can get busy with boaters and water skiers, so your best bet for some peace and quiet is to get out early or head out during the week. That said, the lake's layout offers plenty of spots where you can get away from the crowd and find your own piece of fishing paradise. Between the peaceful coves, the quality fish, and the easy access from Nashville, Percy Priest is the kind of place that’ll keep you coming back for more, whether you’re there for the catch or just to enjoy a quiet day on the water.