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Old Hickory Lake Fishing Report: 02 March 2026
Report Contributor – Noah Cartwright, Region II Creel Clerk
Sunshine on the water looks so lovey! Just a month after freezing over, we’ve finally thawed out with good weather in the cards for the foreseen couple weeks. The good weather brought a lot of first trips of the year on the lake, but did it turn the fish on? Unfortunately it didn’t seem to do too much good for the fish. Most folks getting out to enjoy the weekend warmth were about to hook a few, but not much to brag about. The water temps held around the mid-50°s through the weekend, and carried a load of trash and debris down the river.
Bass: Much like previous weeks, the bass just aren’t willing to play at the moment. I did see moments of good fish, with a three-pounder here and there, but by-and-large folks that caught fish at all were dinking and dunking. With weather like this, it’s hard to pass up a day on the water. Bringing a nice assortment of tackle and taking things slow will at the very least catch you a relaxing day on the water.
Crappie: Crappie on OH are likewise looking a bit scant. Anglers that catch any might have enough for a couple sandwiches but are disappointing anyone looking for a cookout. If you’re looking to catch some crappie on Old Hickory, make sure bring some patience and all the colors you’ve got. If the water disappoints, those green paper jigs can always catch you a good lunch from Captain D’s.
Sauger/Walleye: The walleye, however, are pretty well on. If you’re looking to fill out the freezer with a few good eatin’ fish, get up to Carthage. Folks are doing pretty well jigging or trolling the river for sauger and walleye. While they don’t have any problems shutting the freezer lid, folks are certainly keeping fish stocked, so if you’re looking to do the same, now’s a good time to try.
*If a species is not reported on, I have not seen/talked to enough folks fishing or catching that species to give an accurate, good quality report.
23 Feb 2026
Report Contributor: Noah Cartwright, Region II Creel Clerk
Angling success on Old Hickory remains minimal. Due to a low volume of angler interviews and my days off, last week did not yield quite enough data to update here. The following report is a rerun of the previous.
Bass: Just as in previous weeks, bass anglers have really struggled to have good trips out on Old Hickory. Many, maybe most of the folks I’ve talked to in the past month have been fighting more skunks than fish. There were, however, and handful of folks I did see doing exceptionally well, comparatively. Most of these folks were fishing deep drop-offs in the channel along bluff walls. Ned-rigs and crank baits stood out to me here. With the weather warming way up and cooling back down, it’s hard to give a definitive answer, but I’ve at least seen that folks can catch a lot of fish out there right now.
Crappie: Crappie anglers are still struggling quite a bit as well. I really didn’t see much excitement on that end this past week, just a few people able to haul in a handful of good fish, mainly around the dam on the brush and humps.
Striper: Striper anglers this week were a bit more meddling than the others I’ve reported on. Some were doing pretty well, others not so much, but it was about an even split. One thing I did notice is that everybody using live bait had a lot of trouble getting their skipjack, an oddity I’ve yet to see so far since writing these reports. Besides live bait, crank baits and A-rigs seemed to treat folks pretty well.
*If a species is not reported on, I have not seen/talked to enough folks fishing or catching that species to give an accurate, good quality report.
17 Feb 2026
Report Contributor – Noah Cartwright, Region II Creel Clerk
Love was not in the air on Old Hickory this past weekend. Lots of anglers struggled to catch fish, lending no credence to the enduring Valentine’s mantra, ‘Be Mine.’ There were some highlights, however, hung between mounds of misses, with a few people able to break the levy and catch a few fish. Water temps through the weekend hovered around the high-40°s.
Bass: Just as in previous weeks, bass anglers have really struggled to have good trips out on Old Hickory. Many, maybe most of the folks I’ve talked to in the past month have been fighting more skunks than fish. There were, however, and handful of folks I did see doing exceptionally well, comparatively. Most of these folks were fishing deep drop-offs in the channel along bluff walls. Ned-rigs and crank baits stood out to me here. With the weather warming way up and cooling back down, it’s hard to give a definitive answer, but I’ve at least seen that folks can catch a lot of fish out there right now.
Crappie: Crappie anglers are still struggling quite a bit as well. I really didn’t see much excitement on that end this past week, just a few people were able to haul in a handful of good fish, mainly around the dam on the brush and humps.
Striper: Striper anglers this week were a bit more meddling than the others I’ve reported on. Some were doing pretty well, others not so much, but it was about an even split. One thing I did notice is that everybody using live bait had a lot of trouble getting their skipjack, an oddity I’ve yet to see so far since writing these reports. Besides live bait, crank baits and A-rigs seemed to treat folks pretty well.
*If a species is not reported on, I have not seen/talked to enough folks fishing or catching that species to give an accurate, good quality report.
11 Feb 2026
Report Contributor – Noah Cartwright, Region II Creel Clerk
It’s certainly been a while! Frozen creeks and howling winds have kept me off the water for the better part of two weeks, only to come back to things in worse shape than they were before. If your New Year’s resolution was to catch more fish, you might want to steer away from Old Hickory, which seems to have given anglers more trouble in the past two months than anywhere else at any point in my time working in this position. Weekend water temps hovered around 38°-40°F, though expect things to warm up a bit in the coming couple of weeks.
Bass: I seemed to talk to a not insignificant number of folks getting out for the first time this year over the weekend. As nice as Sunday was, this seems a possible indication of the state of the bite, as even OH regulars didn’t seem to want to get out there. Of the folks I saw, most were struggling big time. I’m beginning to sound a bit like a broken record, or perhaps one where every track is pretty much the same song. I couldn’t pinpoint really any one bait, method, or location that was yielding any significant bass for folks, so if you’re looking to get out, enjoy some nice weather, and maybe catch some fish as a bonus, tie on a good variety of your greatest hits, and take it easy like Glenn Frey.
*If a species is not reported on, I have not seen/talked to enough folks fishing or catching that species to give an accurate, good quality report.
19 Jan 2026
Forecast Contributor – Noah Cartwright, Region II Creel Clerk
Poor weather has kept pressure down and angling success low, which my report will reflect. As the weather has chilled significantly, water temps have cooled to the mid-40°s
Bass: The bass angling remains largely unimpressive for the folks I’ve talked to. Many folks are catching at least a fish when they go out, though few are seeing any good enough to keep or weigh. Most folks I saw were fishing shallow and around docks, with general plastics, crank baits, and other fan favorites. I would imagine success could certainly be had in deeper water, though I didn’t see anyone able to confirm or deny this.
*Due to a low frequency of pressure/interviews, the species report you just read is a re-run of the previous week*
Crappie: Crappie anglers were actually doing fairly decent this week, though not stocking a freezer full by any means. Most folks I saw had several fish, though usually not more than six or seven. A lot of folks have been fishing around the dam on the numerous structures found underwater in that area as well as Spring Creek in timber off the channel, and Station Camp and Spencer creek around and between docks. Jigging seemed to be the ticket this week though as always minnows caught fish as well.
*Due to a low frequency of pressure/interviews, the species report you just read is a re-run of the previous week*
Sauger/Walleye: I was finally able to make my way up to Carthage to see some sauger and walleye anglers this week. I heard great reports coming from below Cordell Hull last week and the week before that. Unfortunately, though, on the days I was able to make it, things had slowed down considerably. Most folks I saw were fishing up below the dam, and I never saw a boat with more than two keeper fish. Most folks I talked to were using minnows. Some folks were trolling further down the river using cranks, with fair success as well.
*If a species is not reported on, I have not seen/talked to enough folks fishing or catching that species to give an accurate, good quality report.
05 Jan 2026
Forecast Contributor – Noah Cartwright, Region II Creel Clerk
Happy New Year! As 2026 rolls around, the lake is struggling to break some old habits. These past few weeks have been relatively lonely on Old Hickory, making it hard to get a great gauge on just how well things are going. When I’m out, the few folks I’ve been seeing have largely been struggling, and weather conditions have been doing them no favors. Little to no consistency in the weather has kept the already-tough water tough to fish. Water temps over the weekend clocked in around low-mid 40°s, but expect this to change as another week in the 60°s approaches.
Bass: I interviewed my first decent batch of bass anglers in a few weeks over the weekend, to little fanfare. Of any species, bass angling has taken the biggest backseat in these cooler months, and the bite hasn’t proven this wrong. Most folks are struggling to catch anything exciting, if anything at all. If you’re wanting to bass fish on Old Hickory right now, your intuition might be the best thing to follow.
Crappie: Folks out crappie fishing this week were able to bring a couple home, but certainly aren’t having a fish fry. Fishing in 12-18ft of water in brush structure with just straight jigs seemed to consistently get bites here and there. Old Hickory is a big lake with a lot of different options for where to catch your fish, so your angling intuition will be just as, if not more helpful than this report, if you’d like to get out and fish for some crappie.
*Due to a low frequency of pressure/interviews, the species report you just read is a re-run of the previous week*
Sauger/Walleye: Similar to weeks previous, folks out hunting for sauger and walleye are catching fish in numbers, but rarely stocking the live well. Jigging in the channel near the mouths of your big creeks and coves is where everybody who was doing well had been getting their fish. Below Cordell Hull could very well be a hot spot, but I’ve not been there recently enough to say for sure. Off the clock, I was shown a picture of one of the largest, most beautiful sauger I have ever seen, but secrets were not divulged. That fish was caught somewhere between Old Hickory and Cordell Hull dams.
*If a species is not reported on, I have not seen/talked to enough folks fishing or catching that species to give accurate, good-quality advice.
Safe travels wherever you may be going, and a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone!
22 Dec 2025
Forecast Contributor – Noah Cartwright, Region II Creel Clerk
Folks on Old Hickory are still generally struggling to wear out their lines. With the sporadic weather, conditions have been difficult to catch fish in. Sauger/walleye anglers still dominated the water, but unfortunately, my schedule took me out on days during and post-rain, so I was unable to capture a lot of pressure in my interviews. Water temps this week ranged from low-to-mid 40°s.
Crappie: Folks out crappie fishing this week were able to bring a couple home, but certainly aren’t having a fish fry. Fishing in 12-18ft of water in brush structure with just straight jigs seemed to consistently get bites here and there. Old Hickory is a big lake with a lot of different options for where to catch your fish, so your angling intuition will be just as, if not more helpful than this report, if you’d like to get out and fish for some crappie.
Sauger/Walleye: Folks out sauger/walleye fishing were having just as much success getting hung as they were catching sauger, but most reported having good trips out last week, prior to my interviewing them. Jigging in the channel near the mouths of your big creeks and coves is where everybody who was doing well had been getting their fish. Below the Cordell Hull dam, folks have reported doing well in previous trips, but due to poor weather, when I was there weren’t lighting it up during the trip I interviewed them for. I expect things to continue to pick up in the next couple of weeks going moving into the new year.
*If a species is not reported on, I have not seen/talked to enough folks fishing or catching that species to give accurate, good-quality advice.
Safe travels wherever you may be going, and a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone!
15 Dec 2025
Forecast Contributor – Noah Cartwright, Region II Creel Clerk
I was able to cover a much larger spread of Old Hickory this week compared to last. Unfortunately, I saw very few folks out fishing bearing the cooler temps, beyond duck hunters, who were seeing similar success to the anglers. The lake was dominated by crappie and sauger/walleye anglers, although I was unable to find a lot of fish being caught. Water temps this week ranged from mid-to-high 40°s.
Crappie: Folks out crappie fishing this week were able to bring a couple home, but certainly aren’t having a fish fry. Fishing in 12-18 ft of water in brush structure with just straight jigs seemed to get bites here and there. Old Hickory is a big lake with a lot of different options for where to catch your fish, so your angling intuition will be just as, if not more helpful than this report, if you’d like to get out and fish for some crappie.
Sauger/Walleye: I got to see several folks out fishing for sauger and walleye further downstream from where I was mainly at last week. Folks out were having just as much success catching catfish as they were good sauger, but most reported having good trips out last week, prior to my interviewing them. Jigging in the channel near the mouths of big creeks and coves is where everybody that’s doing well has been getting their fish. I expect things to continue to pick up in the next couple of weeks, moving into the new year.
*If a species is not reported on, I have not seen/talked to enough folks fishing or catching that species to give accurate, good-quality advice.
08 Dec 2025
Forecast Contributor – Noah Cartwright, Region II Creel Clerk
My week on Old Hickory was chilly, peaceful, and largely solitary. My schedule this week kept me in the river, where I saw several folks getting out for some early-season sauger/walleye fishing. I won’t be able to speak about fishing down in the lake this week since I wasn’t there, but if you’re looking to go out and catch what many, myself included, proclaim as the best-eating fish in Tennessee, I’ve got some pre-season data to give you.
Sauger/Walleye: This week gave me an incredibly rare double-dose of Old Hickory Section 4 (231 bridge to Rome access) for both of the two days I was out. This section, however, is special to me because it runs right through Hartsville, my hometown. This week, after nearly two years in this position, I got the opportunity to interview some folks who have been cheering me on since I was 9 years old, whom I consider family.
The sauger/walleye bite isn’t quite up to full throttle just yet; we’re far from it. With that being said, I did see some Hartsvillians able to bring fish home. The two hot spots for anglers this week hung around Sandy Bottom and 2nd Creek, but didn’t produce a ton of fish, maybe two or three. Folks that I did see catching fish were jigging minnows in the channel, anywhere from 20-40 ft deep. I got similar spoken reports from folks who had fished or had friends who fished further downstream around Misty Cove, Spring, and Barton’s Creek. Water temperatures this week ranged from 46° to 49°F.
The winter bite should start to pick up soon, especially if the weather stays cool. If you want to come out and catch some good-eating fish, bring your handwarmers, patience, and minnows, and you should catch some fish. Shout out this week to Mike, Brandon, Benny, Phillip ‘The Sauger King,’ and Bobby.
*If a species is not reported on, I have not seen/talked to enough folks fishing or catching that species to give accurate, good-quality advice.
24 Nov 2025
Forecast Contributor – Noah Cartwright, Region II Creel Clerk
Gobble gobble! The bite on OH this past week has been minimal on the days that I’ve been out. Folks have been able to enjoy some peaceful, lonesome days in between rain, but aren’t catching a whole lot to speak of. Bass pressure has decreased quite a bit, likely exacerbated over the weekend by the opening of rifle season. Folks looking elsewhere on the water haven’t been getting much either. Water temps from the 109 bridge down have stayed around the mid-50°s.
Bass: As mentioned above, the bass bite has decreased significantly. I’ve seen enough folks out there to know that they aren’t catching them, and not enough folks catching them to have a good idea of how to fish for them right now. If you’re wanting to go enjoy the weather or some peaceful time on the water, go for that and bring a couple of bass rigs to throw in the meantime.
Crappie: Most folks that I’ve seen out there lately have been looking for crappie. It seemed like the bite was starting to pick up a couple of weeks ago but has been settled by the constantly changing weather in the past week or so. If you’re looking to catch a few, 12-16ft has been the depth, mainly around brush for the folks I’ve seen able to reel in some keepers. Jigs and minnows are both getting bites.
I hope everyone has a happy Thanksgiving, and safe travels there and back, wherever you may go.
*If a species is not reported on, I have not seen/talked to enough folks fishing or catching that species to give accurate, good-quality advice.
17 Nov 2025
Forecast Contributor – Noah Cartwright, Region II Creel Clerk
Old Hickory has been relatively peaceful this past week, outside of the weather. From Old Hickory Dam all the way up to Carthage, the lake has not had a whole lot of pressure on it, and unfortunately, the bite has been similar. For the folks I’ve seen out, most have been catching fish but not lighting it up. With water surface temps in the mid to high 50°s, conditions are approaching the winter bite but aren’t quite there yet.
Bass: Bass anglers on OH are still experiencing a pretty significant lull in the bite. For the folks I’ve talked to, most are able to reel something in, but very few that would be worth weighing in a tournament if they’re big enough at all. Most folks I’ve talked to are fishing shallow.
Crappie: Crappie anglers have really been out in force, of the folks I’ve primarily been seeing. Results have been variable. I’ve seen several folks who’ve been able to do well and get out with a good bag, and others who have struggled. Most folks having success I’m seeing are using jigs fishing brush around 10-15ft deep, back in the coves and creeks like Drake’s, Big Cedar, and Spencer. And plenty of folks have been catching good-sized fish, 12-14 inches. If you’re looking to stock your freezer, you stand a pretty good chance of at least catching dinner, if you can just keep the Yellow Bass off the hook!
Sauger/Walleye: This past week, I’ve talked to one angler who got a really nice walleye up in the river and saw no other anglers fishing for them. It might not be quite time for them yet, but if you’re looking for some fish, they’re definitely catchable.
*If a species is not reported on, I have not seen/talked to enough folks fishing or catching that species to give accurate, good-quality advice.
23 Oct 2025
Forecast Contributor – Noah Cartwright, Region II Creel Clerk
From the 80°s last week to the 60s this week, fall set in quickly and brought some nasty gales with it. I saw a sharp decline in angling pressure this past week, especially as these winds brought in by the front have made people conditions on the water uncomfortable. With that, I did see a fairly eclectic mix of angling pressure out there, having talked to folks about bass, crappie, striper, catfish, and sauger/walleye fishing. Unfortunately, I didn’t see a whole lot of success from anyone, and certainly not enough to be able to pin down a good pattern.
Bass: For the folks I talked to about bass fishing, they were able to catch at least a fish or two, but very few would measure. Folks were catching their fish up shallow and around docks and woody structure along the river and creek channels. I saw some fish getting caught on a little bit of everything, so if you want to go out, just tie on a few favorites and hit a few different spots.
Crappie: For the first time in a while, I’ve talked to some folks catching crappie on OH this week. Jigging around structure in about 12-15ft was where I saw the most being caught, but don’t take that to heart. Old Hickory is a big lake, and everywhere is going to be different. As these temperatures settle in, go out and hit your favorite spots, and as the leaves start to change, you should start filling the box.
*If a species is not reported on, I have not seen/talked to enough folks fishing for that species to give accurate, good-quality advice.
08 Oct 2025
Forecast Contributor – Noah Cartwright, Region II Creel Clerk
Every week for a month, I’ve said the summer on Old Hickory has been winding down, and every week I’ve been proven wrong. By this week, I’ve finally learned. Folks are still out in force enjoying the water, and fishing is still at a minimum. I’ve struggled to find a lot of folks to talk to this week, and much like weeks past, those I’ve seen aren’t seeing a whole lot of success. As we fall into Autumn, I expect this to change, but until then, I can only offer the best advice I can gather.
Bass: I’ve yet to see any number of folks outside of bass anglers who can report on any other species. Even so, as aforementioned, the bite hasn’t been incredible. I have seen more decent-sized fish being caught sporadically by anglers, but overall, folks are still struggling to have a lot of fight on the other end of the line besides the accidental drum or catfish. Folks are fishing deep and shallow and catching fish either way; neither stood out to me as more or less outstanding. Fishing around woody structure and docks is where I talked to most of my anglers, anywhere from around 5-18ft deep. Fish your whole box if you have to, and stay diligent. The fish are always hungry, just pickier than you’d think!
*If a species is not reported on, I have not seen/talked to enough folks fishing for that species to give accurate, good-quality advice.
01 Oct 2025
Forecast Contributor – Noah Cartwright, Region II Creel Clerk
OH is still lively with recreational boaters as the calendar flips to double-digit months, and I’m just now getting used to the year ending with a 5. Speaking of double-digits, it’s been hard to catch that many fish out here lately, and it’s even been hard for me to find double-digits worth of anglers to talk to some days. As a lot of tournaments have been wrapping up the season with their fish-offs, my schedule has bounced me right around them, and the days I’ve been out have been slow to see a lot of folks. And the folks I am seeing have had a pretty slow go of it to boot.
Bass: As has been par for this summer, the vast majority of anglers I’m seeing are bass fishing, to varying, but minimal degrees of success. The most and best fishing I’m seeing caught have been up shallow, in 3ft or less, around rock piles and woody structure. Top water and crank baits have started standing out more and more, but don’t forget ole reliable plastics, if that doesn’t work out. With that being said, I’ve seen the whole box catching fish anywhere and everywhere, so don’t be afraid to do a little bit of everything, or a lot of just your favorite, either is liable to get something to bite.
*If a species is not reported on, I have not seen/talked to enough folks fishing for that species to give accurate, good-quality advice.
22 Sept 2025
Forecast Contributor – Noah Cartwright, Region II Creel Clerk
I have talked to a small number of anglers fishing for other species with minimal success, but by-in-large I’ve been seeing bass anglers, fishing with varying degrees of success.
Bass: The standout this week has been swim baits, fishing on woody structure. I’ve seen several anglers having respectable success with this method, but not a significant amount. Otherwise, it’s a bit of a free-for-all. Folks have been using baits all across the board, so just get to the water with a full tackle box and some patience, and you should reel in some fish.
*If a species is not reported on, I have not seen/talked to enough folks fishing for that species to give accurate, good-quality advice.
10 Sept 2025
Forecast Contributor – Noah Cartwright, Region II Creel Clerk
Old Hickory is still alive and well with summer traffic. Fishing, however, is still pretty slow. I haven’t been seeing very many people on my trips out, and those I talk to aren’t doing crazy well. Numbers are okay, but the size is minimal.
Bass: Bass anglers are the vast majority of folks I’m seeing out on the water. As mentioned above, folks are catching numbers, but not a lot of size; 1-2 ibs fish have been plentiful, and anything above 4 lbs has been exceptional. Above and below the 109 bridge, Chatterbait has been the only lure that’s stood out. Folks are catching them across the board, as well, from shallow to deep, with deep still getting the most fish in the boat. I’ve seen some folks catching good numbers by chasing bait, i.e., watching for bait to blow up at the surface and targeting those spots. Otherwise, it’s the Wild West out there. Don’t be afraid to try the whole box and change up often. If you figure out something that’s working, you’ve beaten the game for at least that day.
*If a species is not reported on, I have not seen/talked to enough folks fishing for that species to give accurate, good-quality advice.
03 Sept 2025
Forecast Contributor – Noah Cartwright, Region II Creel Clerk
With the temps cooling down, I’m sure folks are getting their last lakes days in before the water gets too cool to swim in. This is good news for many anglers excited for the fall season. With that being said, I have only been out on Old Hickory one day all week and only talked to a handful of folks catfishing with minimal success. Look for my report next week for more up-to-date info.
27 Aug 2025
Forecast Contributor – Noah Cartwright, Region II Creel Clerk
Everybody and their brother is happy with the weather, and the fish are too.
Bass are still the primary species being fished for from dam to dam. Folks are catching decent numbers, but not a whole lot of size. Regardless, plastics have still gotten the most bites, with an increase in bites on crank baits as well. Anglers are fishing and having success a little shallower than they have been, around 2-5 ft, but are still seeing the most success a little deeper in the 6-14 ft range. Flats, humps, points, and grass, if you can find it, are all your best bet.
*I have sporadically talked to several anglers catfishing recently, with very little success. Otherwise, if a species is not listed, we have not seen/talked to enough folks fishing for that species to give accurate, good-quality advice.
20 Aug 2025
Forecast Contributor – Noah Cartwright, Region II Creel Clerk
Old Hickory was a busy, busy lake this weekend; lots of folks were trying to cool off and have some fun. The fish, however, aren’t having any fun in the heat. Not a ton of fish have been getting caught in this heat, but there are a few things you can try to give yourself an advantage. And hey, a day on the lake is better than a day at work. Unless you work on the lake, of course…
Bass: Bass are really the only fish I’m seeing consistent pressure for this time of year. The methods really haven’t changed much either. There are some folks catching fish up shallow, but the success seems sporadic. The most consistent fish are being caught with plastics a little deeper, around 12-14 feet, anywhere below 109. Flats, points, ledges, and any pockets of grass you can find will all do you well. For tournament anglers, to reduce mortality on your keepers in the extreme heat, try bringing bags of ice and some salt with you. Put about as much salt as you’re willing to eat in the box and recirculate the water every 20-30 minutes. For your ice, put a little bit in the box at a time to keep the water temperature cooler than the surface temperatures, but not so cold that the fish dies from shock.
*If a species is not reported on, I have not seen/talked to enough folks fishing for that species to give accurate, good quality advice.
31 july 2025
Forecast Contributor – Noah Cartwright, Region II Creel Clerk
Old Hickory has been very hot and very busy this summer. Everyone in Middle Tennessee, including the fish, is trying to cool off. Fishing deep and finding some cooler water will be your best bet for success. Anglers have had the most success in the early morning before generation changes.
Bass: Bass are the most fished for species on Old Hickory this time of year. Below the HWY231 bridge, folks are having the most success between 12-18ft deep, with 14ft being the sweet spot. Throwing plastics and jigs over humps, or flats and points just off the channel, is getting the most fish in the boat.
Stripers: Stripers have slowed down in this heat, but are still biting if you can find them in the right conditions. Finding cool water in the mid-70°’s F will be your best shot, and anglers are seeing the most success trolling. To reduce mortality in fish, try to get them back in the water within 30-45 seconds of putting them in the boat.
*If a species is not reported on, I have not seen/talked to enough folks fishing for that species to give accurate, good-quality advice.
14 Jan 2025
Contributor – Tanner Hale, Guide at www.briancarper.com
Old man winter is in full swing here in middle Tennessee, I think we have all experienced it from the snow fall at the end of last week. With the weather still mirroring last week and some of the temps dipping down even a little lower the fishing has still remained about the same. Crappie and bass both have not been very active as they are in the middle of adjusting daily to our winter weather. I have made it out on the water one day since last week we scrapped up 10 keeper crappie with one of them being a 2.34 pounder. Bite was slow we really had to slow things down to get bites. The fish seem dug in waiting for a weather change. We were targeting these fish in 20-30 foot of water with jigs and minnows.
To learn more or get out on the water with us check out Brian Carper’s guide service at www.briancarper.com.
07 Jan 2025
Contributor – Tanner Hale, Guide at www.briancarper.com
Like most lakes in the area the water temps have dropped down in the 40’s with the cold snap we have had. The lake is starting to clear up from some of the rains we had last week with plenty of current being pulled out on the river. The fishing as expected has been a little slower with the conditions changing but the fish are established on their winter patterns at this time.
Crappie: Crappie are being caught in 20-30 foot of water. They have showed little movement with the cold fronts pushing through. Jigs and minnows have both showed success and depending on the day one may be more successful than the other.
Largemouth: The bass as well are in their winter pattern, with the conditions changing each week the bite has been up and down. Alabama rigs, jerk baits, and swimbaits have been the most successful and will remain the baits of choice through the next couple of months. Bass are being targeted in multiple depths primarily off of points and channel swings.
To learn more or get out on the water with us check out Brian Carper’s guide service at www.briancarper.com.
18 Feb 2022
Old Hickory
Forecast Contributor Brady Duncan – Follow on Instagram: @brady_duncan9
Old Hickory has been fishing great the past two weeks with the water temps are in the mid 40’s. Mid-lake down to the dam is the best area in these colder months.
Largemouth are being caught in large numbers on a Jerk Bait and Alabama Rig. It is becoming a great time of year to catch some quality fish with the chance to catch a big one!
17 Dec 2021
Old Hickory
Forecast Contributor Brady Duncan – Follow on Instagram: @brady_duncan9
Old Hickory has been fishing well the past two weeks with the water temps getting down into the low 50’s. Mid-lake down to the dam is the best area in these colder months.
Baits would include Alabama rigs and jerk baits, but with the rain over the past few days the river will get muddy and flowing. Crank baits on any rock or current break will be very successful over the next week!
Mid Nov 2021
Old Hickory
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Bass are on the bank chasing large pods of bait. Get in the creeks. The fish this time of year relate to bait more than structure. So, find the bait and you will find the fish. Good lures include, buzz baits, spooks, spinnerbaits, chatter baits, and rattle traps. Also, now is the time when the Alabama rig starts to really shine, again.
Crappie are biting really good right now on the bank in the creeks. Find structure in 10-12 ft of water and fish jigs. Some big crappie are being caught.
22 Oct 2021
Old Hickory
Bass are on the bank chasing large pods of bait. Get in the creeks. The fish this time of year relate to bait more than structure. So, find the bait and you will find the fish. Good lures include, buzz baits, spooks, spinnerbaits, chatter baits, and rattle traps. Also, now is the time when the Alabama rig starts to really shine, again.
Crappie are biting really good right now on the bank in the creeks. Find structure in 10-12 ft of water and fish jigs. Some big crappie are being caught.
17 Sept 2021
Old Hickory
Most of the bass have left the ledges and have moved into the creeks. Try small finesse baits around docks and laydowns. Using topwater and any bait mimicking shad will produce the best results. Fish are also coming fishing grass with hollow bodied frogs in the early morning and by flipping the grass with heavier weighted creature baits after the topwater bite dies off.
03 Sept 2021
Old Hickory
Downsizing is key when you get into the latter part of August and into September on Old Hickory. Try small finesse baits around docks and laydowns. There’s still some action on ledges but you have to slow way down and finesse them into biting. Fish are showing up on shaky heads around cover on the bank and still on drops close to the river channel. Fish are also coming fishing grass with hollow bodied frogs in the early morning and by flipping the grass with heavier weighted creature baits after the topwater bite dies off.
27 Aug 2021
Old Hickory
Downsizing is key when you get into the latter part of August and into September on Old Hickory. Try small finesse baits around docks and laydowns. There’s still some action on ledges but you have to slow way down and finesse them into biting. Fish are showing up on shaky heads around cover on the bank and still on drops close to the river channel. Fish are also coming fishing grass with hollow bodied frogs in the early morning and by flipping the grass with heavier weighted creature baits after the topwater bite dies off.
20 Aug 2021
Old Hickory
Downsizing is key when you get into the latter part of August and into September on Old Hickory. Fish are showing up on shaky heads around cover on the bank and still on drops close to the river channel. Fish are also coming fishing grass with hollow-bodied frogs in the early morning and by flipping the grass with heavier weighted creature baits after the topwater bite dies off.
13 Aug 2021
Fish are still coming out of the grass. Shaky heads on deep ledges, shaky heads around shallow cover. Also, topwater action around grass.
06 Aug 2021
Old Hickory
The pattern remains consistent on Old Hickory with fish still on the ledges and can be caught a number of ways but some of the best seem to be a shaky head, heavy wobble head jig, or on a drop-shot. Another way to catch fish this time of year is by punching the bank grass with heavy tungsten weights. The heaviness of the weight will depend on the thickness of the grass. Best baits for this technique are any small creature lure like the Berkley Pit boss or Strike King Menace.
30 July 2021
Old Hickory
The pattern remains consistent on Old Hickory with fish still on the ledges and can be caught a number of ways but some of the best seem to be a shaky head, heavy wobble head jig, or on a drop-shot. Another way to catch fish this time of year is by punching the bank grass with heavy tungsten weights. The heaviness of the weight will depend on the thickness of the grass. Best baits for this technique are any small creature lure like the Berkley Pit boss or Strike King Menace.
23 July 2021
Old Hickory
Fish are still on the ledges and can be caught a number of ways but some of the best seem to be a shaky head, heavy wobble head jig, or on a drop-shot. Another way to catch fish this time of year is by punching the bank grass with heavy tungsten weights. The heaviness of the weight will depend on the thickness of the grass. Best baits for this technique are any small creature lure like the Berkley Pit boss or Strike King Menace.
09 July 2021
02 July 2021
25 June 2021
18 June 2021
11 June 2021
04 June 2021
21 May 2021
Old Hickory – Ian Huey, https://fisholdhickory.com/, https://www.facebook.com/FishTheHick reports that bass are in the transition phase with water temps in the mid to upper 60s. There is a little bit of a shad spawn starting and fish are being caught on spinnerbaits, chatterbaits and swimjigs especially on points of creeks. There are a few bass on the offshore ledges. Drakes Creek has water in the 70s. The water is clear, and anglers should check the grass. The offshore bite should start any day.
07 May 2021
Ian Huey with Old Hickory Lake Guide Service, https://fisholdhickory.com/ reports we are still seeing a lot of bass on the bed and getting a lot of those bedding type bites when we can’t see the fish when they swim off with the bait but aren’t there when you set up. We are trying to focus primarily just outside the spawning areas targeting staging fish. In these type areas you are catching fish coming and going. Last week it was difficult to get bit on moving baits for some reason and Texas rigged, Carolina rig, Shakey head, Ned rig was the deal. The crappie are not done spawning. Two days ago, I cleaned 20 crappie and everyone that was female had eggs in still it except for one. Our best steps for crappie have been any depth between six and 12 foot primarily fishing brush piles. The blue gill in shell cracker are starting to come on as well and should only get better as the water warms up. Nightcrawlers and red wigglers are the way to go for those.
30 April 2021
Old Hickory – Ian Huey, https://fisholdhickory.com/ reports the bass again are in all phases still. Numbers have been awesome this week and the quality has been somewhat hit or miss. After the cold front a lot of the fish pulled back to that first deep water stretch but the last couple days, they have been catching more and more up shallow by the day. He believes as this warm weather continues, they will get back into more of the springtime deal. He also believes this last moon put the vast majority of the fish that were not on bed on bed and is seeing a lot of fish suspended off points just as post spawn bass typically do leading him to believe more and more are post spawn. The best baits have been shakey heads, Carolina rigs, crankbaits, spinnerbaits, chatter baits, and jerk baits. Water temps are on the rise with the creeks in the low to mid 60s and the main river mid to upper 50s. The water clarity is about normal. The crappie bite has been pretty good, and they’ve been catching a lot of post-spawn fish mixed with some that had yet to spawn. He has primarily been targeting brush piles in that 6 to 10-foot range but has caught fish down to 25 or so as well as on the bank. Casting and reeling small jigs and jigs under bobbers for the ultra-shallow fish have been best and he looks for the crappie bite to remain good up until the end of May.