You are hereUS / Tennessee / Tennessee Lakes / Lake Information for Percy Priest Reservoir
Lake Information for Percy Priest Reservoir
Percy Priest Lake (sometimes J. Percy Priest) is an artificial lake in north central Tennessee. It is formed by J. Percy Priest Dam, located between miles six and seven of the Stones River. The dam (easily visible from Interstate 40) is located about 10 miles (16 km) east of downtown Nashville and impounds a lake 42 miles (68 km) long. The lake and dam are named for Congressman Percy Priest.
The lake covers portions of Davidson, Rutherford, and Wilson Counties and consists of 14,200 acres (57 km²) of water at summer pool elevation 490 feet (149 m) above mean sea level. The water is surrounded by 18,854 acres (76 km²) of public lands; 10,000 acres (40 km²) are devoted to wildlife management.
Fishing opportunities abound at J. Percy Priest Lake, with a wide variety of species available from the Stones River tailwaters to the East and West Forks of the Stones River.
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.
Winter fishing for hybrid bass has been good. The cool weather tends to turn the fish on and they feed heavily on shad. Look for schooling shad and fish either live bait (shiners or shad) or even be prepared to toss topwater baits if the fish break the surface.
White bass have been biting in the winter as well. Look for concentrations of them in the same areas where you might find hybrids. Crankbaits, swimbaits, or inline spinners work well. Spoons will also attract hits from white bass and hybrids when they are hugging the lake bottom following baitfish.
Businesses Located Nearby
Boat Rental
- Boat Locker-Boat Mart
- 118 Space Park S - Nashville, TN
- (615) 791-1780
- Boat Mart
- 118 Space Park S - Nashville, TN
- (615) 834-2461
- Music City Jet Ski & Boat Rental
- 1120 Lakeside Dr - Ashland City, TN
- (615) 598-6699
Vacation Rental
- Nashville Vacation Rentals
- 1444 Campbell Rd - Goodlettsville, TN
- (615) 582-0111
- Elegant Nashville Vacation Rental
- 103 Fairmont Pl - Nashville, TN
- (305) 785-5391
- Margotta, Greg Owner - Alta Log Homes of Middle Tennessee
- 112 Cedar Bend Ct - La Vergne, TN
- (615) 465-2599