Fishing Opportunities at J. Percy Priest Lake
Fishing is one of the most popular recreational activities at J. Percy Priest Lake. The primary responsibility for fishery management rests with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA), in conjunction with the lake's Resource Management Office. The most popular species include largemouth and smallmouth bass, crappie, striped bass, Cherokee bass, and white bass. Other species such as catfish, bluegill, bream, and trout provide excellent opportunities for young anglers.
A valid Tennessee state fishing license is required to fish on J. Percy Priest Lake, and anglers are encouraged to obtain a current copy of Tennessee Fishing regulations for information pertaining to license requirements and creel and size limits.
Jug fishing, limb lines and trotlines are legal. Gill nets are not permitted. No commercial fishing is allowed on J. Percy Priest Lake. Jugs, limb lines and trotlines must be tagged and marked with the owner’s name and address within 5’ feet of the bank or on the floats. They must be checked at least once per day.
Daily Fishing Information
The J. Percy Priest Fishing Update Web Page provides weekday updates of fishing information, lake elevations, and fishing conditions at (615) 369-7555. Additional fishing information and regulations can be found at the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency Fishing web page. Additional lake and water release information can be obtained by calling the TVA Lake Information Line at 1-800-238-2264. Enter 48 for J. Percy Priest information.
Bank Fishing
Enhanced bank fishing areas are developed at Stewart Creek, Vivrett Creek, J. Percy Priest Overlook, and Cook Recreation Areas to provide bank fishing opportunities for anglers who do not have a boat. Accessible fishing opportunities are also provided at these locations for our physically challenged visitors who wish to enjoy this sport.
Fish Attractors
A permit (PDF format) is required for individuals to place fish attractors in J. Percy Priest Lake, and information is available regarding placement, approved materials, and locations for attractors. Please contact the Resource Manager's Office at 615-889-1975 with any questions regarding the fish attractor permit process.
J. Percy Priest Lake Record Fish
Anglers who may have a lake record fish should contact the J. Percy Priest Resource Manager’s Office at (615) 889-1975.
| Species |
Weight |
Location |
Caught By |
Method of Catch |
Date |
|
Largemouth Bass
|
10 lbs. 6 oz. |
Smith Springs |
R. F. Frankenbach |
Deep Wee-R |
June 5, 1978 |
|
Smallmouth Bass
|
7 lbs. 8 oz. |
Four Corners |
Jerry McClure, Jr. |
Depp Wee-R |
March 31, 1979 |
|
Kentucky Bass
|
5 lbs. 2.08 oz. |
Four Corners |
Steve Heath |
Pig and Jig Combo |
July 10, 2006 |
| White Bass |
2 lbs. 6 oz. |
Not Available |
Howard Harlan |
Not Available |
March 29, 1977 |
|
Striped Bass
(Rockfish)
|
47 lbs. 11.2 oz. |
Old Hickory
Ramp Area
|
Bill Stoney |
Stump Jumper |
March 29, 1998 |
|
Cherokee Bass
(Striped/White
Hybrid)
|
20 lbs. 10 oz. |
Old Hickory Cove
|
David Lawrence |
Fluke |
April 6, 2016 |
| Yellow Bass |
2 lbs. 5 oz. |
Schoolhouse Cove |
Tim Norris |
Shiner |
March 19, 2005 |
| Walleye |
7 lbs. 10.5 oz. |
Elm Hill |
Charles Davis |
Not Available |
May 10, 1980 |
| Rainbow Trout |
1 lb. 15 oz. |
West Fork |
Tim Pat Tidwell |
Float & Fly |
Jan. 20, 2002 |
| Saugeye |
6 lbs. 8 oz. |
West Fork |
Mike Medlock |
White Bandit Crankbait
|
Nov. 18, 1998 |
| Bluegill |
15 oz. |
Hermitage Landing |
Tyrone A. Smith |
Worm |
June 7, 1983 |
|
Flathead Catfish
|
57 lbs. 2 oz. |
Hobson Pike Area |
Darrell Wardlaw |
Noodle Jug |
June 25, 2005 |
|
Channel Catfish
|
25 lbs. 8 oz. |
Hamilton Creek |
Jim Pat Tidwell |
Cabela Jig |
Feb. 23, 1990 |
| Blue Catfish |
76 lbs. 1 oz. |
Elm Hill |
Irvin Leaver |
Plastic Lizard |
May 22, 2010 |
|
Bigmouth Buffalo
|
52 lbs. 2 oz. |
Not Available |
Greg Megibben |
Not Available |
April 6, 2001 |
| Black Buffalo |
54 lbs. 8 oz. |
Anderson Road |
Marion J. Lovell |
Deep Wee-R |
May 24, 1997 |
|
Smallmouth Buffalo
|
62 lbs. 7 oz. |
Not Available |
Jerry W. Young |
Not Available |
April 28, 2001 |
| Gar |
15 lb.s 12 oz. |
Poole Knobs |
Robert L. Singer |
Not Available |
Oct. 12 , 1977 |
| Black Crappie |
2 lbs. 14 oz. |
J. Percy Priest Dam Area |
Jim Pat Tidwell |
Minnow |
June 9, 2005 |
| White Crappie |
2 lbs. 12 oz. |
Bryant Grove |
James C. Blair, Jr. |
Texas Minnow |
April 15, 1992 |
| Carp |
29 lbs. 12 oz. |
Four Corners |
Todd Thompson |
Worm |
Sept. 9, 1978 |
J. Percy Priest Tailwater Record Fish
| Species |
Weight |
Location |
Caught By |
Method of
Catch
|
Date |
| Rock Bass |
2 lbs. 8 oz. |
Stones River |
Bill Sanford |
Not Available |
1958 |
| Rockfish |
42 lbs. |
Tailwaters |
Joe Wood |
Doll Fly |
April 29, 1984 |
| Cherokee Bass |
23 lbs. 3 oz.** |
Stones River |
Ray Pelfrey |
Not Available |
April 17, 1998 |
| Walleye |
10 lbs. 8 oz. |
Tailwaters |
Haskel Sadler |
Natural Bait |
Feb. 1977 |
| Brown Trout |
2.6 oz. |
Tailwaters |
Edward Escue |
Minnow |
March 19, 1987 |
** Designates that this weight is also a State Record.
If you think that you have caught a fish that is a rival to one of the ones listed, then print the following record application, fill it out and contact the J. Percy Priest Lake Resource Manager’s Office at (615) 889-1975.
Record Fish Application Form