Lake Fishing Guide

Old Hickory Lake Fishing Guide

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Old Hickory Lake is a Lake known for Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Spotted Bass, Crappie. Our lure recommendations are matched to seasonal patterns and today's exact conditions.

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Fishing Guide: Old Hickory Lake

Old Hickory is a Cumberland River reservoir near Nashville, Tennessee, a fertile, current-influenced lake known for largemouth and smallmouth around grass, wood, ledges, and rock.

Known For

Cumberland River bass fishing with grass, wood, and current-swept ledges close to Nashville.

Best Spots & Structure

Grass edges and wood in the creeks
Milfoil and grass edges plus laydowns hold largemouth; frogs, swim jigs, and flipping.
Depth: 3-12 ft
Main-river ledges and rock
Channel ledges and rock hold smallmouth and spots feeding during current; cranks and jigs.
Depth: 8-20 ft

Top Techniques

  • Frogs, swim jigs, and flipping grass and wood
  • Ledge fishing with cranks and jigs during current
  • Drop shot and tubes for smallmouth on rock

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Seasonal Patterns

Spring
Bass spawn in grass and wood; reaction baits and flipping.
Summer
Grass and ledge bite during current; early/late shallow.
Fall
Bass chase shad into creeks; squarebills and topwater.
Winter
Deep, slow bite on channel structure and grass.

Best Times of Day

Current and low light; spring for the shallow bite.

Local Knowledge

  1. Green grass is a largemouth magnet.
  2. Current turns on the ledge fish.
  3. Rock holds the smallmouth and spots.
What fish can I catch at Old Hickory Lake?
Old Hickory Lake is home to Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Spotted Bass, Crappie, Catfish, Bluegill. Select a species below for full seasonal lure recommendations.

Best Lures at Old Hickory Lake by Species

Select a species to see full seasonal lure recommendations.

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