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Percy Priest Lake Fishing Report:Â Â Â 25 April 2024
Forecast Contributor Brian Carper – briancarper.com – Follow on Facebook
Another transitional week on Percy Priest with cooler temperatures! The fish were on fire last week but have recently been fickle with the cooler nights. The water temperature ranges from 62 to 66° at summer pool and normal water clarity. Many bass are being caught and two to four feet of water on soft plastics, spinnerbaits, crankbaits, and topwater lures throughout the entire lake. Many of the females have backed off and are recovering from the spawn. The backs of pockets and coves near the main channel have been productive around boulder rocks and isolated wood.
After this weekend and a few days next week with warmer temperatures the post spawn bite out deeper should become more consistent. Fishing in 4 to 8ft of water should be productive. As for the crappie… they continue to be inconsistent as well. A few stragglers are still on the bank while the majority have moved out, but yet to start schooling and becoming aggressive. Live bait fished in brush piles 10 to 15ft in addition to casting 1/16oz jigs has been successful. Shad pattern in addition to red and chartreuse Crappie Magnets have been productive.
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18 April 2024
Forecast Contributor Brian Carper – briancarper.com – Follow on Facebook
The last 7 days the crappie have made a strong push into deeper water. With the water temperature now in the low 60’s to mid-60’s….brush piles on the upper end of the lake in 10 to 16′ are starting to hold quality crappie! Down lake is still slow in the deeper water columns, but they are on the move! Live minnows fished off the bottom 2 to 3′ in addition to casting 1/8-ounce jigs on top of trees has been productive.
The next 7-10 days we’ll see crappie pulling out mid and down lake into deeper brush, but for now they’re still holding in 4′ to 8′ of water on gravel banks with boulder rocks. Although the spawn is wrapping up don’t think the crappie bite is slowing down. After a couple weeks of recovery May and June offers spectacular crappie fishing! The largemouth and smallmouth bass have been on fire mid and down lake. Look for boulder rock surrounded by gravel banks. Swimbaits, crankbaits and spinnerbaits have been successful. If you don’t find fish on a bank keep moving.
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11 April 2024
Forecast Contributor Brian Carper – briancarper.com – Follow on Facebook
The crappie and bass have moved up and out the last seven days. They’ll be shallow in 3-6 feet of water one day and then 8 to 14ft the next. Both Jigs and minnows continue to produce. However, minnows are starting to produce over jigs as the crappie are moving out. The water temperature is 58 to 60° and the lake is almost at summer pool. On the upper end of the lake the crappie are deeper… while mid and down lake many crappie are still being caught in 6ft of water. The bass continue to stay shallow as well. Boulder rocks mid and down lake near gravel banks have been the most successful. Swimbaits, crankbaits and spinnerbaits fished in 3-6 feet of water have been productive.
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04 April 2024
Forecast Contributor Brian Carper – briancarper.com – Follow on Facebook
The cold has struck Tennessee again! Percy Priest has been inconsistent with the cold nights and high winds. The crappie remain shallow around boulder rocks and isolated wood but can be reluctant to bite with the conditions. Jigs and Minnows have both been successful at times. The bass continued to be shallow as well as the water is 58 to 60°. No matter the conditions you still have to stay shallow this time of year. Covering water with crankbaits, spinnerbaits, swimbaits and chatter baits is your best chance to find active fish in coves and pockets.
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27 March 2024
Forecast Contributor Brian Carper – briancarper.com – Follow on Facebook
Percy Priest has taken another hit with the cold nights. The water temperature on the upper end has dropped two to three degrees while mid lake has only dropped one or two degrees. The water is clear throughout the lake although the upper end has current from the recent rains. The lake is now only 3ft below summer pool as lake has come up half a foot. The crappie continue to bite in three to eight feet of water around isolated wood and boulder rocks throughout the lake.
The upper end has been tougher since the shallower water has been more affected by the cold temperatures. Mid-lake and down lake around coves and pockets with wood and boulder rocks remain consistent. Jigs and Minnows have both been productive. The bass continued to be active in 2-6ft around boulder rocks in coves and pockets as well. While the fish are trying to spawn… rattle traps, spinnerbaits, swim baits, and chatter baits have been productive. This will continue for several weeks until they move out into post spawn.
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20 March 2024
Forecast Contributor Brian Carper – briancarper.com – Follow on Facebook
Spring is moving right along on Percy Priest Lake. With the water temperature now sustained in the mid 50’s the bass and crappie are in their spawn on the upper end and mid lake. More and more females are being caught shallower in depths from 1-5ft. Isolated wood and boulder rocks in creeks and coves have been the most consistent. Both minnows and 1/16oz jigs have been the ticket for crappie. The bass have also been very active in shallow depths! Chatter baits, rattle traps and topwater lures have been very successful. Windy banks in creeks and coves in the afternoon offer the most aggressive bass.
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14 March 2024
Forecast Contributor Brian Carper – briancarper.com – Follow on Facebook
The water temperatures on Percy Priest have now climbed back into the mid and upper 50’s! Both bass and crappie have been on the bank! Crappie are being caught in 3-8ft with live bait under a float around isolated wood and boulder rocks. Also, casting 1/16oz jigs with purple/chart Crappie Magnets has been on fire! Most of the crappie up lake are on the bank and mid and down will be in the next week. The bass are also on the bank in 1-6ft. Coves, pockets and creeks with gravel and isolated wood will be holding prespawn bass. Topwater baits, chatter baits and crankbaits baits are prime for this time of year.
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07 March 2024
Forecast Contributor Brian Carper – briancarper.com – Follow on Facebook
The last few days on Percy Priest have been good but has offered many changes. With the recent rain the lake is up over 2ft and muddy on the upper end again. The water temperature is a warm 58 to 60°! The bass have been concentrating in one to five feet of water near boulder rocks and points near the main channel. There’s a significant amount of current which is placing these fish directly behind the current. Red crankbaits and rattle traps have been our best producers, but we’ve also caught several on chatter baits and topwater lures. We will see a wave of bass continue to move shallow as the temperature stay warm. Moving baits will allow you to cover a lot of water and find active fish.
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15 Feb 2024
Forecast Contributor Brian Carper – briancarper.com – Follow on Facebook
Another week of February weather in Tennessee! High temperatures, inches of rain, followed by cold temperatures. The water temperature is ranging from 49-57 degrees. The upper end has very low water clarity and the lower end has normal clarity. Crappie and bass can be found on the upper end in 1ft-6ft around boulder rocks and isolated wood. Chartreuse jigs and solid colors will be most successful for crappie while chartreuse spinnerbaits with Colorado blades and crankbaits will be effective for bass. There will be a lot of current in the channel for the next couple weeks. It would be wise to use that to your advantage for the bass.
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08 Feb 2024
Forecast Contributor Brian Carper – briancarper.com – Follow on Facebook
The last few days Percy Priest Lake has been turning back on! The water temperature is ranging from 43-51 and is almost back down to winter pool. The clarity is better than last week…. especially on the lower end and upper end of the lake. Crappie are being caught shallow in 10ft or less on the upper end with minnows and jigs around wood, while standing timber is still producing in 20ft-40ft mid and down lake. The bass are becoming more aggressive again on points, ledges and humps in 6ft-15ft. Alabama rigs has been our best producers!
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01 Feb 2024
Forecast Contributor Brian Carper – briancarper.com – Follow on Facebook
A lot of changes on Percy Price Lake. The water level after the recent floods came up over 5ft and has since dropped over a foot. Currently the lake level is at 486.24 and the dam is open 24/7. The clarity is getting better as the mud flushes down the lake. The upper end is starting to have better clarity at one to two feet visibility. Mid-lake has the dingiest water until you pass Hobson Pike bridge. Once passed the bridge the water is clear with 3 to 4ft visibility and cooler in the low 40s. Mid-lake and on the upper end the temperature ranges from 45 to 52.
The last few days the crappie have been biting fair around standing timber. The timber outside of the main channel is the most productive where there is not as much current. Crappie Magnets in black/ chartreuse and live minnows have been successful. The bass are being caught both deep in winter patterns with Alabama rigs on points, humps and ledges, but also shallow in two to six feet of water on crawfish square bill crankbaits. The warmer water has pulled many bass up. As the water continues to drop and the cooler temperatures settle back in these fish will move back out.
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24 Jan 2024
Forecast Contributor Brian Carper – briancarper.com – Follow on Facebook
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The last 10 days on Percy Priest have definitely been one for the books! 10 days ago, we are catching tons of bass on Alabama rigs. After the cold air moved in the water temperature dropped and the lake froze over in many parts. I was able to get out yesterday (the ice melted while I was out), but the fishing was still tough. The water temperature was 37 to 39° and the upper ended of the lake has 6-to-8-foot clarity. Casting Alabama rigs to springs that pump out warm water and made lake points we were able to catch a handful of bass including a few keepers. Also, the lake is down 7.5 feet, which is as low as it will get. The fishing will continue to be tough until the temperature climbs just a little bit. With these freezing temperatures… this is a good time to fish with jigging spoons in the main channel where all the bait and many types of fish are conjugating.
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11 Jan 2024
Forecast Contributor Brian Carper – briancarper.com – Follow on Facebook
Bass fishing continues to be tough. The water level is 2.5ft below summer pool and temperature is 58 to 60°. The fish are starting to move aggressively into the shallow water, although there are still some in 6 to 8 feet. Alabama rigs, jerk baits and spinnerbaits have been productive mid and down lake. As the temperature drops next week, we’ll see a strong shallow pattern before they move deep. This should be the last transitional week. Throughout the lake there are seagulls starting to dive on bait which is a clear indicator where feeding bass and hybrids may be in action. Next week we have lots of cooler temperatures which should offer good fishing.
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04 Jan 2024
Forecast Contributor Brian Carper – briancarper.com – Follow on Facebook
The last few days Percy Priest Lake has been great for bass, crappie and hybrids! With the water between 43°- 47ﾟ the fish are moving back into their normal winter patterns. Hybrids have been conjugating in the main channel in 15° to 25′ of water. Mid lake has been the most productive area…. although I’m sure there’s schools of hybrids down lake as well roaming about. Flukes, Alabama rigs and swimbait have been the best lures for success.
In addition to the active hybrid the crappie have been producing well. The crappie have been schooling deeper in the channel near points, drop offs, standing timber, and deep brush piles. Crappie Magnets in pearl and mermaid color pattern have been our best colors. With the colder weather these active fish should continue to stay aggressive, and the bass should also turn up a notch. The bass were aggressive last week but has recently slowed down a bit. Mid lake 10′-20′ with swimbaits around main channel ledges and points has been the ticket.
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27 Dec 2023
Forecast Contributor Brian Carper – briancarper.com – Follow on Facebook
Bass fishing is picking up! The water temperature is 47-50°. The fish are starting to evacuate the shallow water, although there are still some that will stay in 1 to 3 feet. The majority of the fish are moving out deeper with the cooler temperatures. Alabama rigs, jerk baits, jigs have been productive mid and down lake in 10-20ft on points and ledges.
As the temperature drops at the end of this week, we’ll see a strong winter pattern starting to develop. This should be the last transitional week into the winter. Throughout the lake there are seagulls starting to dive on bait which are clear indicators where feeding bass and hybrids may be in action.
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14 Dec 2023
Forecast Contributor Brian Carper – briancarper.com – Follow on Facebook
The crappie have been on fire on Percy Price Lake! The fish are finally moving deeper in 15 to 35 ft of water! The water temperature now ranges from 46 to 52 from each end of the lake. Also, the water clarity is improving from 1.5-3ft. Both minnows and Crappie Magnets fished around deep wood have been very successful.
Green pumpkin with red and gold flake along with blue and green with silver flake have been productive. As the winter temperatures continue to cool down and the lake falls another 1.5ft to winter pool…more fish will concentrate in the main channel along with creek channels. Now is the time to get out and catch them slab crappie!
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07 Dec 2023
Forecast Contributor Brian Carper – briancarper.com – Follow on Facebook
With the recent cool temperatures Percy Priest Lake is between 49 and 52°. These temperatures have finally forced the crappie out deeper! Live minnows and Crappie Magnets in black and chartreuse, yellow and green flake or green pumpkin with red and silver flake has been very successful. Brush piles 20ft or deeper along the river channel have been productive along with standing timber in 40 to 60ft. Today we had 30 keepers in 6 hours. As the temperature continues to drop the crappie bite will only get better! The bass are a couple days behind. They have not moved out to their winter locations yet, but should be on humps, points and ledges in 10 to 20 ft very soon. Jigs, jerk baits and Alabama rigs will be some of the most successful lures.
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29 Nov 2023
Forecast Contributor Brian Carper – briancarper.com – Follow on Facebook
The last few days on Percy Priest Lake the conditions have been a whirlwind! With intermittent current from lowering the lake to winter pool, temperatures in the 20s with a high-pressure system and high north winds… the fish have been fickle to say the least. The water temperature is now 49 to 55° depending on what area the lake you’re on and the lake is almost four and a half feet below summer pool. The water clarity is normal although it still has a brownish tint and has not converted to its winter bluish green yet.
Although the bass have been hard to catch, we’ve been catching several on Alabama rigs mid and down lake in 4 to 8ft along with deep ledges from 10 to 20ft. These depths have been producing quality largemouth and smallmouth. Torrent Outdoor Thresher 4.2 swimbaits in white or royalty color pattern have been successful. The last two days I’ve had less than 10 bites fishing 8 or 9 hours a day. As conditions stabilize the fish will become very active! For now, they’re hunkered down, waiting for a break from the cold temperatures. Can’t wait until till next week!
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16 Nov 2023
Forecast Contributor Brian Carper – briancarper.com – Follow on Facebook
Bass fishing continues to be tough. The water level is 2.5ft below summer pool and temperature is 58 to 60°. The fish are starting to move aggressively into the shallow water, although there are still some in 6 to 8 feet. Alabama rigs, jerk baits and spinnerbaits have been productive mid and down lake. As the temperature drops next week, we’ll see a strong shallow pattern before they move deep. This should be the last transitional week. Throughout the lake there are seagulls starting to dive on bait which is a clear indicator where feeding bass and hybrids may be in action. Next week we have lots of cooler temperatures which should offer good fishing.
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09 Nov 2023
Forecast Contributor Brian Carper – briancarper.com – Follow on Facebook
The water temperature is now at 57-59 degrees and the lake 1.30ft below summer pool. The last several days I have been catching crappie keepers with 2 patterns. The first pattern is casting 1/16oz and 1/8oz jigs to boulder rock ledges. I have found a few other areas that have been holding schools of crappie with this pattern. Both mermaid and black/pink Crappie Magnets have been successful. The other pattern has been standing timber. There are a few crappie suspending in timber, but not many.
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02 Nov 2023
Forecast Contributor Brian Carper – briancarper.com – Follow on Facebook
The bass bite continues to be fickle on Percy Priest Lake. This morning the water temperature was 58° and climbed to 60. The wind switched from the southwest finally…. instead of the cold north which it had been the last two days. The water is level is around 1.6ft below summer pool now and is still falling slowly… although they have not opened the dam yet. Bass fishing has been tough the last few days with a cold temperatures.
The fish have been locked up. Yesterday I fished in 1 to 3 feet for several hours then 4 to 8 feet, only to receive a few bites in each water column. Until the temperature stabilizes the bass will be tricky to dial into. Nevertheless, today I crappie fished for 5 hours catching around 25 with 14 keepers. I started fishing in 25 to 40 ft of water with only finding minimal crappie. The majority of my keepers came off rock ledges in 10 to 14 ft of water. There were several areas crappie have pulled up out of the channel and were concentrating right on the ledge. Casting 1/16oz jigs were successful once locating the schools. These fish will stay in these areas until the temperature drops further and at that time, they’ll move out to standing timber and deeper trees.
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26 Oct 2023
Forecast Contributor Brian Carper – briancarper.com – Follow on Facebook
Fishing has been tough on Percy Priest Lake. BCGS has had several good days crappie fishing in 16 to 25 feet of water with live minnows and mermaid color Crappie Magnets. However, most days the bite is still a grind. Currently the lake is starting around 62 to 63° and is almost one and a half feet below summer pool. With the water level dropping very slowly and the temperature is rising and falling every week, the bass have been stubborn.
Most of the bass are being caught in 1 to 4 feet of water around boulder rocks in the backs of windblown coves and pockets. Rattle traps, crankbaits, buzz baits and jigs have been productive. Next week the cold air will put the fall pattern into full swing. The first few days are going to be quite chilly, but it will bring aggressive fish forward. In just a couple weeks, the fall and early winter pattern will be in full swing.
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19 Oct 2023
Forecast Contributor Brian Carper – briancarper.com – Follow on Facebook
The bigger crappie are starting to move up! Now that the lake temperature is in the low 60, we are seeing more and more quality fish on 10-14ft. Both live minnows and jigs have been producing. Our best 2 colors have been black/chartreuse and mermaid when fished on a 1/8oz head. The upper end of the lake has been more productive for us!
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28 Sept 2023
Forecast Contributor Brian Carper – briancarper.com – Follow on Facebook
The bass continue to stay in their summer locations. With the water in the mid-70s… boulder rocks in four to eight feet of water along with main lake points, humps and ledges have been successful. The slower presentations with finesse worms has been the most productive for quantity and quality. June bug finesse worms fished on a 1/8-ounce shaky heads has produced each day for us…. including several quality fish in the three-to-four-pound range! The upper end of the lake appears to be more consistent than mid lake. Focus on areas with bait, boulder rocks and wind to find success. Late next week the temperatures appear to drop down to 70s and lows in the 50s. This should kick off the fall shallow bite.
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21 Sept 2023
Forecast Contributor Brian Carper – briancarper.com – Follow on Facebook
Crappie on Percy Priest are becoming more aggressive. After last week’s high north and east winds when the bite was tough…. the crappie are now turning on a bit. Shallower brush piles are starting to produce in 8-12ft. Minnows fished 2 to 3′ off the bottom along with casting Crappie Magnet jigs in mermaid have been productive on 1/16oz jig heads. The upper end of the lake has been the most productive for us and will continue as we move into fall. The water temperature is 73ﾟ in the mornings.
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14 Sept 2023
Forecast Contributor Brian Carper – briancarper.com – Follow on Facebook
The last few days the bass and crappie have started to shake up a bit with the cooler temperatures. The water temperature is now starting at 76° in the early morning. The water level is almost 6″ below summer pool.
There have been several reports of bass being caught shallow in one to three feet of water throughout the lake with topwater lures. There are also bass been found in two to six feet of water on square bill crankbaits and spinnerbaits. Fishing windy points and coves have been the most productive when bait is present. There are also several points, humps and ledges in 6 to 10 ft of water that are still holding summer patterned fish. In the next few weeks, we’ll see more bass move shallow and become aggressive!
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07 Sept 2023
Forecast Contributor Brian Carper – briancarper.com – Follow on Facebook
The crappie on Percy Priest Lake are becoming more aggressive! After last week’s high temperatures, the bite was tough. However, the crappie are turning on with the cooler temps this week. Mid lake brush piles in 18ft-22ft have been producing slabs when fished with minnows 2′ to 3′ off the bottom.
The last two days the bass have been very aggressive in 2ft to 6ft of water! We’ve caught 12 to 15 bass on each of the last three trips! Rattle traps, whopper ploppers and finesse worms fished on shaky heads have been getting the job done. The upper end of the lake has been the most productive near boulder rock points and sand bars. As the temperature continues to drop the shallow bite will increase!
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31 Aug 2023
Forecast Contributor Brian Carper – briancarper.com – Follow on Facebook
Although the fishing has still been a grind the bass have been a little more aggressive with the cooler temperatures last week. Continued patterns with soft plastic worms fished on 3/16oz shaky head has been the most productive. Color patterns in red or green pumpkin have been successful. Bass have been concentrating in 6 to 20 feet of water on points, humps and ledges near the main channel. The water temperature has been starting in the low 80s and ending in the mid-80s by the end of the day.
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24 Aug 2023
Forecast Contributor Brian Carper – briancarper.com – Follow on Facebook
The August grind continues. Percy Priest Lake has been producing bass, but mostly smaller with a few quality fish. The early morning bite and evening bite are the best times to fish. On the upper end you can fish flats in two to four feet of water with topwater lures plastic worms to find success along with points, humps and steeper boulder banks. The crappie continue to be a grind as well. With the water near 85 degrees brush piles in 14ft-25ft have still been productive when fishing with live bait 3-6 feet off the bottom. Mid lake has been the most productive for us!
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17 Aug 2023
Forecast Contributor Brian Carper – briancarper.com – Follow on Facebook
Although it is mid-August and typically a grind catching bass, we have been continuing to catch quantity and quality on Percy Priest Lake. With the water temperature at 82° and 5″ above summer pool, the fish are still schooling on humps, points and ledges in 5 to 12 feet of water. The upper end of the lake has been the most successful for us when fishing with plastic worms. We’ve been fishing with Texas rig and Ned rig finesse worms and ribbon tail Power worms. Crankbaits are typically a great producer for us, but it’s during the end of the summer months when they are reluctant to bite the moving baits. The crappie have continued to produce as well. However, their activity has slowed down a bit. You can find crappie all over but can only scrape up 10 to 15 keepers per trip. Live minnows have been our best producer when fishing brush piles in 15 to 20 feet of water.
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10 Aug 2023
Forecast Contributor Brian Carper – briancarper.com – Follow on Facebook
The last couple weeks the bass on Percy Priest have been tougher to catch but becoming more active with the recent rains. Coves with creeks in the back are starting to turn on with the fresh water entering. Especially coves with grass in the back! Shallow crankbaits, spinnerbaits, worms and frogs have been producing. Main lake points, humps and ledges in 8ft-15ft are still producing, but inconsistently. Bass are easy to find, yet hard to trigger a bite. The next several days should help the bite with the cooler temperatures and rain showers.
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27 July 2023
Forecast Contributor Brian Carper – briancarper.com – Follow on Facebook
It’s the hottest time of the year, yet the fish are still biting! The crappie have been pleasant to catch while sitting under a pontoon cover. The crappie have been biting in brush piles in 12-20ft on live minnows. The crappie are deeper throughout the lake and very aggressive some days. The mid and lower areas of the lake are the most productive. The brush piles near the main channel are the most successful!
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20 July 2023
Forecast Contributor Brian Carper – briancarper.com – Follow on Facebook
Recent flash floodings have raised Percy Priest Lake several inches again. The moving water has positioned the bass shallow in 2ft-5ft…. feeding on shad! The upper end of the lake has the most current around points and bluffs. Bass can be caught on shallow crankbaits, rattle traps and flipping jigs to current breaks. Mid lake the bass have been biting in 8ft-12ft on plastic worms and crankbaits. Points, humps and ledges have continued to hold schools! We are now in the dog days of summer and the bite will start getting tougher.
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13 July 2023
Forecast Contributor Brian Carper – briancarper.com – Follow on Facebook
The bass continue to produce on Percy Priest Lake! With the water in the mid to upper 80’s the bass are concentrating heavily on points, humps and ledges in 6-15ft. Our two most productive lures had been deep shad pattern crankbaits that run 8-12ft or 12-15ft and Texas rig 10″ June bug plastic worms! Early morning had been productive and then from 2-6pm.
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06 July 2024
Forecast Contributor Brian Carper – briancarper.com – Follow on Facebook
The summer heat is definitely here! With the hot temperatures the lake has risen to the mid 80’s. The bass are still concentrating on points, humps and ledges throughout the lake in 8ft-20ft. Deep crankbaits, jigs, Texas rig worms and drop shots have been productive. The lake has come up a bit from the recent rains. which is good because it creates a little current in the channel. The crappie have been biting well in brush piles 13ft-20ft. Live minnows have been the most successful now that the water is in mid-80’s.
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22 June 2023
Forecast Contributor Brian Carper – briancarper.com – Follow on Facebook
With all the recent rain the last few days the bass fishing has been great! The fish are biting well in two to four feet of water around current on rattle traps and plastic worms while the deep bite om 8 to 14ft continues to be strong as well. Crankbaits and plastic plum worms have been very successful when fished in the deeper depths. The crappie continue to be very aggressive in 12 to 20 ft of water. Minnows have out fished jigs recently. However, both have been successful. Pearl with black flake has been our most successful color.
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15 June 2023
Forecast Contributor Brian Carper – briancarper.com – Follow on Facebook
With the cooler temperatures bass fishermen have more options these days. Schools of bass are still being caught on ledges in 10 – 20 feet of water…. however, the shallow bite is producing. Rattle traps, crankbaits, plastic worms and topwater lures have been productive on the upper end in 1 to 5 feet of water. Flats that are holding shad have been successful for schooling bass. In addition, humps, points and ledges in 10 to 20ft with big plum worms in addition to deep crankbaits in shad pattern and chartreuse and blue pattern have been successful. Within a mile of Fate Sanders there have been many areas holding fish. Also, mid-lake near Bryant’s Grove and Hong Kong Island has been good. This time of year, use your electronics and scan fish before you cast.
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08 June 2023
Forecast Contributor Brian Carper – briancarper.com – Follow on Facebook
The last couple weeks the bass on Percy Priest have really pushed out deeper. With the water temperature near 80° each day, the bass have been concentrating in schools throughout the lake from 8 to 20 feet of water. Deep crankbaits, 6″ spoons, plastic plum worms and swimbaits have been productive baits. Search for long rocky drop off ledges, sand bars and humps for schools.
The upper end of the lake and mid lake has been the most productive for us between Four Corners and Bryant’s Grove. As we continue through June, the fish will stay aggressive until July when heat arrives. At that time the fish will be easy to find, but hard to catch. If you find yourself out on a day where the bass are fickle…drop shot is a great lure to trigger these fish.
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25 May 2023
Forecast Contributor Brian Carper – briancarper.com – Follow on Facebook
5-25-23
Percy Priest lake is now 75ﾟ- 80° everyday! The water is still up almost a foot since the recent rains but is falling slowly. The crappie have been on fire! The majority of the crappie have moved out of the shallows and into brush piles ready to feed again. Staying in 12 to 15′ has been the magic depth for us this week. The last 2 days we’ve caught 30 to 40 keepers! Casting 1/8oz and 1/16oz jigs in pearl, blue and green, pearl and chartreuse has been the ticket.
The bass are also concentrating out deeper now! Point, humps, ledges off the main channel have been holding schools of bass ready to feed up for summer. Deep crankbaits, plastic worms, and swimbaits have been productive. The next several weeks we will see large schools of bass concentrating and very aggressive.
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18 May 2023
Forecast Contributor Brian Carper – briancarper.com – Follow on Facebook
5-18-23
The bass are finally moving out deeper on Percy Priest Lake. The water temperature starts in the mid-70s and today finished above 80°! The water clarity is almost back to normal with a little current while they still have 4″ to lower to summer pool.
Yesterday and today, we caught several bass on the upper end and mid lake in 8ft to 14ft. Rocky points and sand bars have been productive while throwing Texas rig magnum trick worms, chatter baits, crankbaits and Powerbait plum worms. The next several days we’ll see more bass moving out and starting to school up on humps, points and ledges in these depths. The entire lake will be in full effect for summer feeding.
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04 May 2023
Forecast Contributor Brian Carper – briancarper.com – Follow on Facebook
5-4-23
The last seven days the fishing has picked up! The bass have been biting well on spinnerbaits in one to six feet of water in addition to plastic Sinkos and jerk baits. The water temperature is now 62 to 66° and will be on the rise with the warm temperatures moving in. The lake is now at summer pool with normal clarity. The upper end of the lake and mid-lake have been the most productive for us. Coves and pockets with boulder rocks have been the ticket. We also have a shad spawn that is pushing a lot of the fish in the backs of these coves and pockets. This has increased the spinnerbait bite. Soft plastics and jigs fished slowly will also be productive, but if you favor covering a lot of water spinnerbaits and even crankbaits are your baits. As the water warms up the next couple weeks, we will start seeing schools of bass move out on the points and ledges.
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20 April 2023
Forecast Contributor Brian Carper – briancarper.com – Follow on Facebook
4-20-23
In the last week the crappie have made a strong push into deeper water. With the water now in the mid 60’s to upper 60’s….brush piles on the upper end of the lake in 10 to 16′ are starting to hold quality crappie! Down lake is still slow in the deeper water columns, but they are on the move! Live minnows fished off the bottom 2 to 3′ in addition to casting 1/8-ounce jigs on top of trees has been productive. The next 7-10 days we’ll see crappie pulling out mid and down lake into deeper brush, but for now they’re still holding in 4′ to 8′ of water on gravel banks with boulder rocks. Although the spawn is wrapping up don’t think the crappie bite is slowing down. After a couple weeks of recovery May and June offers spectacular crappie fishing!
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13 April 2023
Forecast Contributor Brian Carper – briancarper.com – Follow on Facebook
4-13-23
The last few days the bass are starting to turn on! Mid and down lake have been on fire in 1 to 5 feet of water. A lot of the fish are smaller, but we are seeing a lot of quality smallmouths and largemouths as well. From Four Corners to the dam, boulder rocks, gravel and isolated wood have been key targets. Many fish are shallow for the spawn and are on beds. Soft plastics, crankbaits, spinnerbaits, swimbaits have been very successful. This will be the pattern for a couple weeks until they move out to post pawn.
Crappie fishing has been good but took a step back from the previous week. A lot of the females are abandoning the shallows and we’re catching a lot more males now. Mid lake and down lake are still offering many females in 3 to 6 feet of water, but every day more and more fish are moving out. Casting 1/16 oz jigs or using minnows under a float have both been productive. Mid and down lake have been the most productive areas as they are not as far along in the spawn is up lake.
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07 April 2023
Forecast Contributor Brian Carper – briancarper.com – Follow on Facebook
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Spring is moving right along on Percy Priest Lake. With the water temperature now sustained in the low 60’s, the bass and crappie are on the tail end of their spawn on the upper end of the lake. More males are being caught shallower in depths from 1-5ft the bite is slowing down. However. The mid lake and lower end of the lake is still producing large catches of crappie in shallow water with females! Mud bottom banks with wood in additional to boulder rocks with gravel have been key areas for success. Both minnows and 1/16oz jigs have been the ticket for crappie and rattle traps and crankbaits have been very successful for bass. Don’t forget to focus on windy banks and coves for the most active bass.
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31 March 2023
Forecast Contributor Brian Carper – briancarper.com – Follow on Facebook
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The water temperatures on Percy Priest have now climbed from the mid 50’s to low 60’s! Both bass and crappie have been on the bank! Crappie are being caught in 2-4ft with live bait under a float around isolated wood and boulder rocks. Also, casting 1/16oz jigs with purple/chart Crappie Magnets has been on fire! Most of the crappie up lake are on the bank and mid and down will be in the next week. The bass are also on the bank in 1-6ft. Coves, pockets and creeks with gravel and isolated wood will be holding prespawn bass. Spinner baits, soft plastics and crankbaits baits are prime for this time of year.
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23 March 2023
Forecast Contributor Brian Carper – briancarper.com – Follow on Facebook
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The last couple days it’s been really cold, rainy and windy on Percy Priest Lake. It’s definitely changed the patterns, but the fish will come back to normal spring pattern soon. The water temperature around Fate Sanders is now 49 to 50! There’s a little color around Fate Sanders, but mid and down lake are clear. With the rains we’ve had the last two days, the lake should come up a little and put a little color in the upper end.
Thursday started 70 and 80° days which will start moving the bass and crappie shallow again for their spring spawn! Look for bass in one to five feet throughout the entire lake next week. The best bite will be shallow on the upper end while the lower and mid lake will be deeper(8-12ft) until the water warms up to the mid-50s. The crappie have been deep but will move shallow also. Look for boulder rocks with wood and gravel on the upper end for success. Minnows under floats and casting 1/16 oz jigs will be the most successful.
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16 March 2023
Forecast Contributor Brian Carper – briancarper.com – Follow on Facebook
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The bass are definitely shallow on Percy Priest Lake! The last week tons of quality bass throughout the lake have been caught in 1-4ft in red rattle traps, shallow crankbaits, chatter baits, topwater lures and more. Flats, boulder rocks and shallow stumps have been producing. This pattern will probably change with the cool temperatures and rain coming into Middle TN. It might also bring the water up. Currently it is 6.5ft below summer pool and between 54-60 degrees. Book your trip today at www.briancarper.com
09 March 2023
Forecast Contributor Brian Carper – briancarper.com – Follow on Facebook
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What a difference a few days will make in Tennessee. The weather has been warm, then cool and now warm until the cool temperatures move in this weekend. That usually results in an inconsistent bite and that’s what I’ve experienced the last couple days. Last week the creeks were on fire for crappie and this week has only been fair. Main lake wood on the upper end and mid lake in 3-8ft will be your most successful areas. Focus around laydown trees and brush piles. Both minnows under a float and casting 1/16oz Crappie Magnets will be productive. As the rain and cooler temperatures move back in deeper brush piles on 6ft-12ft will be more consistent. Also, as all the runoff water fills the lake. Move down lake and stay in the clearer water.
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03 March 2023
Forecast Contributor Brian Carper – briancarper.com – Follow on Facebook
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With the extremely warm temperatures the fish are moving shallow! Throughout the entire lake the water temperature has now climbed from 50 to 60ﾟ! Crappie and bass moved our being caught in 1 to 6′ of water! Focusing on boulder rocks and isolated wood near the bank will be your best option for success for either of these species. Crankbaits, spinnerbaits and chatter baits will be great options to cover water while locating schools. Crappie will be holding on isolated wood and 1 to 6′ of water and can be caught on jigs and minnows. As the weather continues to stay warmer than normal, we will see the spawn start earlier this year!
For more information check out www.briancarper.com
24 Feb 2023
Forecast Contributor Brian Carper – briancarper.com – Follow on Facebook
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The last couple days on Percy Priest have been exceptionally warm. While the A-rig bite continues to produce in 8ft-16ft around points and ledges, the water temperature is climbing into the mid 50’s. At that time, you will be able to find quality bass in 1ft-5ft throughout the lake. Shad raps, spinnerbaits, crankbaits and topwater lures will be productive! Be careful…the lake is down 7+ feet and there are a lot of dangerous areas. Down lake has been the most productive and is the safest.
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17 Feb 2023
Forecast Contributor Brian Carper – briancarper.com – Follow on Facebook
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Bass fishing on Percy Priest Lake has been phenomenal! Last week I had my best solo day ever catching five bass for 25lbs. The secret pattern was 10 to 20 feet of water on main lake points and ledges. The water temperature is between 46 and 48° mid and down lake. Alabama rigs and swimbaits have been the most productive for me. Torrent Thresher 4.2 in shad pattern has been dominant! The water is super low at over 7 ft below summer pool and looks to be falling for two more days. The upper end of the lake is trying to warm up with these warm days and could be a completely different pattern. If the water is over 52° …!1 to 5 ft is where you’ll want to focus.
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10 Feb 2023
Forecast Contributor Brian Carper – briancarper.com – Follow On Facebook
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Out on the lake today. Water temperature 46° with some color around Fate Sanders and clearer mid-lake with 1.5ft visibility. Lake is down 6ft and there is still water coming into the forks from last week’s rain. Crappie fishing continues to be good fishing standing timber 15 to 40ft of water in the main channel. Crappie Magnets and Slab Magnets in white/chartreuse have been the most productive fished on a 1/8oz jig.
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03 Feb 2023
Forecast Contributor Brian Carper – briancarper.com – Follow On Facebook
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Out on the lake today. Water temperature 46° with some color around Fate Sanders and clearer mid-lake with 1.5ft visibility. Lake is down 6ft and there is still water coming into the forks from last week’s rain. Crappie fishing continues to be good fishing standing timber 15 to 40ft of water in the main channel. Crappie Magnets and Slab Magnets in white/chartreuse have been the most productive fished on a 1/8oz jig.
For more information check out www.briancarper.com
27 Jan 2023
Forecast Contributor Brian Carper – briancarper.com – Follow On Facebook
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We finally got a week without a ton of rain or crazy temperatures. The lake is clearing and almost back to normal clarity and winter pool at 7ft below. The water temperature ranges 47° to 51° throughout the lake. Bass fishing has been hit or miss the last few weeks and continued this week. The lower end of the lake continues to be tough, although you can scrape up several good bites when you put your head down and fish hard for several hours. It is the clearest and coolest down there. Mid-lake has been dingy from last week’s rains, but it’s finally clearing, and the bite is picking up.
I fished the other day and had five bites and four keepers after 6 hours. It was a tough bite, but I caught some really good fish. Mid and down lake the most productive depths have been 10 to 20ft with swimbaits and Alabama rigs near the main channel. The upper end of the lake is finally clearing but has been muddy the most since the rains. The water temperature is between 48° to 49° and has 1 – 2ft visibility. The fish are finally getting back in their normal patterns and locations. Jerk baits, jigs and Alabama rigs in 6ft to 12ft of water has been the ticket either around isolated river channel stumps or points where current is present. As we go into a cool week with hopefully not too much rain… the bite will hopefully increase.
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20 Jan 2023
Forecast Contributor Brian Carper – briancarper.com – Follow On Facebook
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The last few days Percy Priest Lake has been on fire with the hybrids! With the water between 46°- 49ﾟ and finally clear from 2 weeks ago, the fish are moving back into their normal patterns. Also, the lake is almost back at winter pool. Hybrids have been conjugating in the main channel in 15° to 25′ of water. Mid lake has been the most productive area…. although I’m sure there’s schools of hybrids down lake as well roaming about. Flukes, Alabama rigs, swimbait and spoons have been the best lures for success. In addition to the active hybrid the crappie have been producing well the last couple days. Like the hybrid, the crappie have been schooling deeper in the channel near points, drop offs, standing timber, and deep brush piles. Crappie Magnets in pearl with black flake has been our best color. With the cooler weather moving into Middle Tennessee these active fish should continue to stay aggressive and the bass should also turn up a notch. The bass were aggressive last week on the upper end of the lake but has recently slowed down and mid lake 10′-20′ with swimbaits has been the ticket.
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13 Jan 2023
Forecast Contributor Brian Carper – briancarper.com – Follow On Facebook
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The last week on Percy Priest Lake has provided some fantastic fishing! The lake is finally back down to summer pool and trying to clear from all the past rains. The river is clear, but from Fate Sanders to Hobson Pike bridge has a lot of color, while down lake is clear also. The water temperature ranges from 49-51 degrees through the lake. With the water in the 50’s there are some bass being caught shallow with spinnerbaits and crankbaits around boulder rocks…..especially near points where there is a little current. Down lake and up lake have produced several quality bass on jerk baits and swimbaits in 8ft-15ft. With more warm weather in the forecast, I predict the bass will continue spreading out in both water columns.
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30 Dec 2022
Forecast Contributor Brian Carper – briancarper.com – Follow On Facebook
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The last two weeks the bass have finally been active in their winter patterns! The water has been 7ft below summer pool but is now rising a foot a day with the recent rains. The upper end of the lake is chocolate milk and warmer in the low 50’s while mid and lower ends of the lake are still holding in the mid 40’s. The most productive patterns have been jerk baits and Alabama rigs in 8ft-20ft on main lake points, humps, and ledges. Boulder rocks have been a key ingredient in these areas. The next couple weeks this pattern should strengthen as the water clarity and levels gets back to normal.
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23 Dec 2022
Forecast Contributor Brian Carper – briancarper.com – Follow On Facebook
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The last week on Percy Priest Lake the hybrids have been on fire!!! The water is now 49-51 degrees and 5ft below summer pool. Throughout the entire lake…although most of the action has been between mid and down lake the hybrids have been schooling in the main channel over 50-70ft. These schools have been roaming in 15-30ft and being caught on a-rigs, spoons, jigs, and flukes. With the cold temperatures arriving the bite will only increase!!! Book your trip today at www.briancarper.com
16 Dec 2022
Forecast Contributor Brian Carper – briancarper.com – Follow On Facebook
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Percy Priest Lake is going through some changes. In the last week the water has been almost 6ft below summer pool, brought back up 3ft with heavy rains and now almost 5tt back down. Hopefully the last 24 hours of rain will not bring it back up again. Nevertheless, the water is in the low to mid 50’s and the shallow bite mid lake has been good! Shad raps, spinnerbaits, swimbaits, and jigs have been productive in 2ft-8ft of water on points with boulder rock. With the lake falling, these areas are productive because of the current that is flowing. Starting tomorrow things will change again. As the cold air sets in the bass will abandon the shallow and head out into their winter locations on points, ledges, and humps in 10-20ft. Alabama rigs, jerk baits and jigs be productive!
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09 Dec 2022
Forecast Contributor Brian Carper – briancarper.com – Follow On Facebook
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On Percy Priest Lake the water temperature is now 50 to 52°. With the recent warm temperatures, we should see the temperatures rise a couple degrees. The lake was at 494ft…..6 ft below summer pool but will now be going back up with the heavy rains. I suspect the lake to rise 2 to 4ft. Behind the rain it looks like cold temperatures will set in for winter which will position the bass, crappie, and hybrid in their winter locations. Currently, the bass are being caught shallow and mid-range. Several quality fish are being caught in 1 to 4 feet of water on buzz baits while others are being caught in 4 to 8ft on Alabama rigs, spinnerbaits, and crankbaits. As the temperature stays warm, we’ll see the shallow bite continue, but as the cold moves in these fish will evacuate into deeper water. The crappie are positioning themselves in the main channel on standing timber and deep brush now that the lake is low. The bite has been good but will be great as the cold weather sets in in next week.
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02 Dec 2022
NEW
Bass fishing still appears to be tough. The water temperature is 50 to 53°. The fish are starting to evacuate the shallow water, although there are still some that will stay in 1 to 3 feet. The majority of the fish are moving out deeper with the cooler temperatures. Alabama rigs, jerk baits, jigs have been productive mid and down lake. As the temperature drops at the end of next week, we’ll see a strong winter pattern starting to develop. This should be the last tough transitional week into the winter. Throughout the lake there are seagulls starting to dive on bait which are clear indicators where feeding bass and hybrids may be in action. Next week we have lots of clouds and rain and should be a good top water week before the cold air moves back in.
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18 Nov 2022
Forecast Contributor Brian Carper – briancarper.com – Follow On Facebook
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As of today, the water temperature is now 52 to 54 degrees. The lake is down 3.5 feet and dropping a couple inches every few days. One of the highlights this week has been the hybrid and white bass! With the dropping temperatures and lake level the hybrid are moving into the main channel and creek channels… feeding on large schools of shad. It’s that time of year where you can look for the birds to find the bait. The fish are typically in 30′ to 60′ of water suspending in 15′ to 25′. Spoons, swimbaits, flukes, and Alabama Rigs have been successful. This bite will only become more aggressive as the temperature drops. Afternoons and evenings are the best time mid and down lake. BCGS is offering $100 off all of our hybrid trips for a limited time.
For more information check out www.briancarper.com
11 Nov 2022
Forecast Contributor Brian Carper – briancarper.com – Follow On Facebook
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Percy Priest is now up to 61°- 63° and almost 2.5ft below summer pool. The bass appear to be in lockdown mode. There’s still fish being caught, however it’s a tough bite. You can see bass shallow in coves, pockets, and creeks where the wind is blowing in, but they are reluctant to bite. Last week we had one good day fishing windy coves in the rain and wind. Using topwater lures in 1-3 feet of water…we caught a couple 3lbs and a 4lb out of less than 2ft on the upper end of the lake. That seems to be where most of the fish are being caught, however the bites are definitely few and far between. The deeper bite is fair. Today we caught a couple down lake in 10 – 16ft on Carolina rig crawfish and Alabama rigs. You can see a lot of fish, but there are very minimal reactions. I believe Saturday will be the beginning of our strong winter pattern! With the lows in the 30s and highs in the 50s it will only take a few days to get these fish into a pattern that is consistent. We will definitely see more quality fish.
For more information check out www.briancarper.com
04 Oct 2022
Forecast Contributor Brian Carper – briancarper.com – Follow On Facebook
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Yesterday I spent the whole day fishing standing timber. I fished 6 hours with one of my good friends and we focused mid and up-lake. These areas were 40 to 60ft and we fished 1/8 oz jigs with Crappie Magnets. We used a variety of colors that did not seem to make a difference. One of our best colors was probably mermaid. Most of the fish came from 15 to 30 ft of water suspending in the trees. The water temperature went back up to 61°….. whereas the other day it was 58°. Looks like the warm weather is going to stick around for the next week or so which is unfortunate…… I’m ready for cold weather. The lake is down about 1.5ft now and should be 2ft by the end of the week. I’ll be out bass fishing in a couple days. I’m excited now that the water is getting down and we’re getting some clouds/rain every few days. It’s still tough on the bass, it took 11lbs to win the tournament last week. The shallow bite continues to strengthen even though it’s a tough bite. 1 to 4ft around boulder rocks with buzz baits, spinnerbaits, square bill crankbaits, and jigs has been the ticket. If you’re looking for fun don’t forget to hit the flats with tons of bait, and you’ll catch smaller schoolers.
For more information check out www.briancarper.com
28 Oct 2022
Forecast Contributor Brian Carper – briancarper.com – Follow On Facebook
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The bass are finally starting to move into fall patterns! With the water temperature today at 59 degrees and recent temperatures in the low 60s, schools if bait have been piling up in 1 to 3 feet of water on the upper end. Midday and evenings you can see bass feeding within the schools. Some of most successful baits have been shad raps in shad pattern along with shad pattern rattle traps and topwater lures. Windy coves by midday will be your most successful. If you find bait and cast for 20 to 30 minutes without success…start searching for another school of bait until you find bass amongst them. As the temperature continues to fall, we’ll see more aggressive “quality” bass shallow. The mid and lower end will also be successful when searching for smallmouth and largemouths in boulder rocks. The lake is finally falling to winter pool slowly. We are almost half a foot below summer pool and on our way down 6-7 ft below. As the water level lowers the fishing will only increase.
For more information check out www.briancarper.com
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14 Oct 2022
Forecast Contributor Brian Carper – briancarper.com – Follow On Facebook
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The water temperature is finally in the low 60s and with the dam opening Saturday. solid fall fishing is just around the corner. As far as the last couple weeks, the bass fishing has been kind of tough. You can catch several short and quality bass shallow or deep, but the bites are few and far between. For me I’ve been fishing crankbaits in 6 to 8ft finding keepers and short bass on the upper end of the lake. Points and drop offs close to flats where there’s bait present has been successful. Also, the early morning topwater bite has been decent for the first hour. Mid lake around Long Hunter has been productive near boulder rocks in 1ft – 6ft of water. I’m a fast fisherman so topwater, crankbaits and spinnerbaits are my go-to. However, bluff transitions and boulder rock deep banks with a Hoppy’s jig can dominate this time of year as well. As the water starts falling in the next couple days, we’ll see more fish moving shallow as the crawfish have to abandon their homes as the water drops. This is when the red crankbait, spinnerbait and shad rap begin to dominate.
For more information check out www.briancarper.com
26 Aug 2022
Forecast Contributor Brian Carper – briancarper.com – Follow On Facebook
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The August grind continues. Percy Priest Lake has been producing bass, but mostly smaller with fewer quality fish. The early morning bite and evening bite are the best times to fish. On the upper end you can fish flats in two to four feet of water with crankbaits, topwater lures and spinnerbaits to find success along with points, humps, and steeper boulder banks mid and down Lake. Down lake sinkos, Whopper ploppers, and finesse jigs have been working for largemouth and smallmouth in areas that stay covered with shade the longest. The temperatures are finally cooling off a little so hopefully the fish will start moving shallower the next couple weeks.
For more information check out www.briancarper.com
05 Aug 2022
Forecast Contributor Brian Carper – briancarper.com – Follow On Facebook
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The cooler temperatures have definitely allowed fishing to be more pleasant the last week! With the recent rains the upper end of the lake has been successful. Priest has had a lot of fresh run-off water coming down the East and West Fork. With the current moving throughout the channel, bait and bass have moved up onto flats in 1-3ft. Early mornings have been the best with shad pattern and chartreuse ploppers and 1/4oz chart/black rattle traps. If there is no bait present, move to another flat. As for the crappie, down lake has been the most productive when fishing brush pile in 18-22ft. Live bait fished 2-5ft off the bottom has been the ticket!
For more information check out www.briancarper.com
29 July 2022
Forecast Contributor Brian Carper – briancarper.com – Follow On Facebook
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The last couple weeks the bass on Percy Priest have been tough to catch but becoming more active with the recent rains. Coves with creeks in the back are starting to turn on with the fresh water entering. Shallow crankbaits, spinnerbaits, worms and topwater baits have been producing. Main lake points, humps, and ledges in 8ft-15ft are still producing, but inconsistent. Bass are easy to find, yet hard to trigger a bite. The next several days should help the bite with the cooler temperatures and rains showers.
For more information check out www.briancarper.com
15 July 2022
Forecast Contributor Brian Carper – briancarper.com – Follow On Facebook
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The bass and crappie have been binding well on Percy Priest. The same summer patterns as the last several weeks. deep humps, points and ledges for bass and brush piles near 20′ for crappie. Mid lake has been the most productive for us. Plastic worms and crankbaits continue to dominate for the bass… while live bait has been much more productive than jigs for the crappie.
For more information check out www.briancarper.com
08 July 2022
Percy Priest
Forecast Contributor Brian Carper – briancarper.com – Follow On Facebook
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The bass have been a little fickle this week. Timing is a huge factor as some mornings are active and other days the afternoons are the most productive. We’re still finding bass in 8′ to 20′ of water on points, ledges and drop off. These fish are being caught on deep crankbaits, soft plastic plum worms, jigs, and drop shots. It’s definitely worth doing some scanning before you stop and fish. As we go into July and August it will be harder to find quality bites. As for the crappie….they have been fickle as well. One day they will be VERY active the next day will be a grind. Nevertheless, our crappie are coming from 16′ to 22′ of water on live minnows. Brush piles have been the most productive.
For more information check out www.briancarper.com
01 July 2022
Percy Priest
Forecast Contributor Brian Carper – briancarper.com – Follow On Facebook
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The bass have been fired up on Percy Priest Lake. With the water just a hair below summer pool and the temperatures in the low to mid 80s, the bass have been concentrating in 8 to 15 ft of water on humps, points, ledges throughout the lake. Crankbaits, drop shots, Texas rigged worms and spoons have been productive. At certain times of the day these fish go on feeding frenzies, and you can catch multiple fish quickly if you pull up at the right time! It’s definitely that time of year not to give up on a spot where you know there’s fish. just come back a few hours later and see if their demeanor is different.
For more information check out www.briancarper.com
17 June 2022
Percy Priest
Forecast Contributor Brian Carper – briancarper.com – Follow On Facebook
Note – Prayers to Brian as he lost his father this week.
The bass are on fire offshore! With the water temperature between 76-80 and the recent rain Middle TN has received the bass are schooled up on the main channel. Points, humps, and ledges in 6ft-15ft near the main channel have been the hottest areas! Deep crankbaits, worms, Alabama rigs and topwater lures have been dominating. The upper end of the lake and mid lake has been the most productive for us. Crappie have been hot as well in brush piles in 13ft-20ft! Minnows have been the most successful fished 2-3ft off the bottom. For more information check out www.briancarper.com
10 June 2022
Forecast Contributor Brian Carper – briancarper.com – Follow On Facebook
NEW
The bass are on fire offshore! With the water temperature between 76-80 and the recent rain Middle TN has received the bass are schooled up on the main channel. Points, humps, and ledges in 6ft-15ft near the main channel have been the hottest areas! Deep crankbaits, worms, Alabama rigs and topwater lures have been dominating. The upper end of the lake and mid lake has been the most productive for us. Crappie have been hot as well in brush piles in 13ft-20ft! Minnows have been the most successful fished 2-3ft off the bottom. For more information check out www.briancarper.com
03 June 2022
Forecast Contributor Brian Carper – briancarper.com – Follow On Facebook
NEW
Ledge fishing is heating up. Points, humps, ledges in 8 to 15′ of water are holding schools of bass throughout the lake. With the water temperature near 80 degrees and just a couple inches above summer pool crankbaits, rattle traps, spoon and jigs have been productive on most points off the main channel. Early mornings offer good top water fishing shallow and then mid-day the schooling frenzy begins. This is one of the best times of year for offshore fishing.
For more information check out www.briancarper.com
27 May 2022
Forecast Contributor Brian Carper – briancarper.com – Follow On Facebook
NEW
Finally, the bass are stacking up offshore! Yesterday I spent 3 hours searching 5-6 humps, points, ledges and caught over 12 bass. All fish came on deep crankbaits and Alabama rigs. The preferred depth was 8 to 12 ft of water. As we make our way into June, we will find larger schools of fish and more quality fish staging together. Upper, mid, and down lake have all been successful. Summer bass fishing is finally here.
For more information check out www.briancarper.com
20 May 2022
Percy Priest
Forecast Contributor Brian Carper – briancarper.com – Follow On Facebook
NEW
The bass and crappie have been aggressively moving out deeper. The bass are starting to concentrate on deeper points and ledges in 8 to 12ft of water. Deep diving crankbaits and plastic worms have been productive. There are still quality bass being caught in 1 to 4 feet of water on rattle traps, spinnerbaits, and topwater lures. With the 90° temperatures setting in this week more fish will move out deeper. Offshore is definitely where you want to be scouting, looking for quality bass. The crappie are starting to school heavily in 10 to 20ft mid lake. Brush piles that were empty last week are now holding 6 to 20 crappie every other tree! Live bait fish vertically above the structure along with casting 1/8oz jigs over top of the brush piles have both been very productive. Chartreuse /red and pearl/chartreuse has been productive colors.
For more information check out www.briancarper.com
13 May 2022
Percy Priest
Forecast Contributor Brian Carper – briancarper.com – Follow On Facebook
NEW
It’s tough fishing for bass on Percy Priest Lake. The fish are still in transition. I’ve scanned several areas of the lake and 10 to 20 ft of water searching for offshore schools without much success. While on the water you’ll also see tons of bass boats scanning and looking out deeper as well. It looks like another week of heat will really kicked that pattern into gear and push these fish off the bank. With that being said, the fish are shallow, but are not aggressive like that were a few weeks ago. Some of the females have pulled off to recover while the males are scattered on the bank. Fishing shallow throughout the entire lake with plastic lizards, brush hogs, or worms will be productive around boulder rocks and secondary points. Carolina rigs fish slowly in 8 – 12 ft of water is probably your best chance at a big sack of fish although bites will be few and far between. If searching for offshore fish… Strike King 5 and 6 XD crankbaits along with Carolina rigs are phenomenal searching baits. This time next week should have a different report, but right now it’s a grind for the fisherman.
For more information check out www.briancarper.com
22 April 2022
Percy Priest
Forecast Contributor Brian Carper – briancarper.com – Follow On Facebook
The last few days the crappie and bass have been tougher on Percy Priest Lake. With the high water and inconsistent temperatures, the quality bites have been minimum. However, bass are being caught in 3-8ft of water mid and down lake on soft plastics and spinnerbaits. Productive cover has been gravel banks near builder rock. The crappie are starting to pull out on brush piles in 8-16ft and being caught on live minnows and black/chart Crappie Magnets on 1/16oz jigs.
For more information check out www.briancarper.com
15 April 2022
Percy Priest
Forecast Contributor Brian Carper – briancarper.com – Follow On Facebook
Percy Priest Lake is now at summer pool! With the recent rains the water has rose several feet and will stay at that level until fall. The water clarity is muddy to stained on the upper end and clear mid and down lake. The crappie are still shallow but will quickly start moving out to brush piles in 8-15 feet of water. Casting 1/16oz and 1/8oz jigs to brush piles will be effective along with tight lining minnows 2 to 3 ft off the bottom around the structure.
The bass will move up shallow with the rising water for several weeks before they move out into post-spawn patterns. Crankbaits, spinnerbaits, topwater lures and jigs will be productive in 2 to 5 feet of water for a couple more weeks. If shallow fishing is not your strength, there are some fish that have already pulled off the bank and started their post-spawn patterns. Deeper crankbaits, plastic worms and spinnerbaits are some great lures to try in the 8 to 15ft.
For more information check out www.briancarper.com
08 April 2022
Percy Priest
Forecast Contributor Brian Carper – briancarper.com – Follow On Facebook
The bass have down shifted the last several days. With the inconsistent temperatures we found them to be reluctant to bite at times. However, rattle traps, shallow crankbaits, chatter baits and topwater lures have been productive. The upper end of the lake is starting to slow down as the pre spawn stage is moving through. The mid and lower end if the lake are producing larger fish with the aggressive pre spawn fish moving up. Both boulder rocks and isolated wood on points near the mouth of spawning coves and creeks have been the most productive areas. As the temperature continues to warm up, we will find fish super shallow before they move out to postpone. The water has come up about a foot since last week and is holding at 60ﾟ give or take a degree or two depending on where you’re at on the lake. The upper end is very clear… while mid and the lower end has normal clarity.
For more information check out www.briancarper.com
01 April 2022
Percy Priest
Forecast Contributor Brian Carper – briancarper.com – Follow On Facebook
This last week of March Percy Priest has been producing good numbers of crappie and bass. The water temperature is 55 to 60° now at 5 ft below summer pool. The water clarity is normal throughout the lake and clear on the upper end. Crappie are beginning to move shallow midlake and on the lower end. Coves and pockets in 3-8 feet of water with boulder rocks and gravel with isolated wood are productive with 1/16 oz jigs along with floats and live minnows. Lots of eggs are being found in these shallow crappie. The bass are being caught in 2-6 of water in similar areas throughout the entire lake. Cooler mornings offer slower fishing, but as the temperature warms up the activity increases. Top water action in the evenings where bait is present in shallow coves has been productive as well! We’ll continue to see both species shallow the next week or so before they move out into post spawn patterns.
For more information check out www.briancarper.com
25 March 2022
Percy Priest
Forecast Contributor Brian Carper – briancarper.com – Follow On Facebook
The bass and crappie are cranking up on Percy Priest Lake! With the water temperature now in the mid to upper 50’s the crappie are moving into 3ft-8ft. Isolated wood around gravel banks with boulder rocks have been the most successful when fished with floats and live minnows and casting 1/16oz jigs with Crappie Magnets. Pearl and chartreuse has been a hot color. As for the bass…1ft-6ft has been productive as well when fished with orange or red crankbaits, spinnerbaits and topwater lures on cloudy days. Afternoon and evenings have been the most productive when the temperature is at its peak.
For more information check out www.briancarper.com
18 March 2022
Percy Priest
Forecast Contributor Brian Carper – briancarper.com – Follow On Facebook
The last few days the bass and crappie have been on fire! Crappie are being caught on the upper end in 2ft-8ft while mid and down lake they’re still biting great in the channel in 15ft to 30ft of water. The water is in the mid 50s at normal clarity and the water is at winter pool…..6 ft below. The bass are starting to bite topwater lures on the upper end while crankbaits and jerk baits are dominating mid and lower areas of the lake.
04 March 2022
Percy Priest
Forecast Contributor Brian Carper – briancarper.com – Follow On Facebook
So many changes happening on Percy Priest Lake. After the lake rose 6ft above summer pool, it has now fallen just below summer pool and on its way back down to winter pool until April 15th. The muddy water is now mid and down lake while the upper end is clear with 1ft clarity. Crappie and bass are starting to bite well throughout the lake in shallower water now that water temperature is in the low 50’s and climbing. The next 7 days should offer great fishing in 1ft-6ft! Rattle traps, crankbaits, and spinnerbaits will be productive around shallow wood and boulders!
For more information check out www.briancarper.com
25 feb 2022
Percy Priest
Forecast Contributor Brian Carper – briancarper.com – Follow On Facebook
The entire lake has risen 5′ and is muddy from Hobson Pike bridge up. Down lake is still clear for now and in the upper 40’s. Bass have been biting on points and steeper banks in 6 to 12′ of water on Alabama rigs. Last week I had an amazing day and the ABA Open. I finished 1st place with 19.92lbs. The lake will probably flood above summer pool after all this rain. Once they open the dam it should lower quickly.
For more information check out www.briancarper.com
18 Feb 2022
Percy Priest
Forecast Contributor Brian Carper – briancarper.com – Follow On Facebook
High winds have made for tough fishing the last few days, but the warming temperatures have the bass and crappie biting well! The upper end of the lake is in the low 50’s. The crappie have been on fire in 5 to 10′ of water casting jigs and fishing with live minnows around isolated wood. Mid lake is still a little stained but clearing. Down lake is clear at 44. The bass have been active in 6′-12′ of water. Alabama-rigs, jerk baits and jigs have been successful for quality large mouths. With the warm temperatures some bass are trying to make their ways further back into coves and creeks. Next week should be interesting with all the rain and warm temperatures. Fish will probably move shallow, but the clarity of the lake might diminish.
For more information check out www.briancarper.com
11 Feb 2022
Percy Priest
Forecast Contributor Brian Carper – briancarper.com – Follow On Facebook
Percy Priest Lake had been fighting variables all winter. Although fishing has been fair to good for most of the winter. Floods, water clarity, high and low air temperature, etc. have definitely contributed to an inconsistent bite. The last 7 days Priest has cough up several quality fish, but the bites are far and few. The middle of the lake is still muddy from past rains so most fisherman are fishing the river or near the dam. The river bite with Alabama rigs has been fair, but not good. The water temperature is in the mid 40’s. Down lake swimbaits on main lake points and ledges has been better and the most productive. It appears the magic depth is 10-16ft.
For more information check out www.briancarper.com
28 Jan 2022
Percy Priest
Forecast Contributor Brian Carper – briancarper.com – Follow On Facebook
Percy Priest sure has been cold recently. The water temperature is 40 to 41° with normal clarity down like and up lake. However, the middle of the lake is stained with less than a foot clarity. The lake level is 1.5ft below summer pool and is on its way back down to winter pool. Currently, the bass are being caught in the clear water areas in 8 to 12 feet of water. Alabama rigs, jerk baits and jigs have been productive for quality largemouths. Points, humps, and ledges near the main channel have been the most productive for quality bites. The activity will only get better as the water lowers to winter pool.
For more information check out www.briancarper.com
21 Jan 2022
Percy Priest
Forecast Contributor Brian Carper –Â https://briancarper.com/Â –Â Follow On Facebook
The last couple days on Percy Priest Lake…although cold, has been amazing! The water is now in the low to mid 40s and the fish are in their winter patterns. Unfortunately, we’ve had tons of rain which is keeping the lake 3 to 5ft above winter pool and the upper and middle sections of the lake are washed out or stained. The last several days down lake near the dam has stayed at its normal clarity 1.5ft to 2 ft. Bass have been eating well on the lower end on swimbaits, jerk baits, and Alabama rigs. Largemouth and smallmouth have been coming from 6ft to 12ft off the bank on points, humps, and ledges. Make sure you are close to deep water. Focus on windier areas to find the most active fish. Don’t let the cold weather keep you off the lake. You always need to be safe, but fishing can be amazing.
For more information check out www.briancarper.com
Jan 2022
Percy Priest
Forecast Contributor Brian Carper –Â https://briancarper.com/Â –Â Follow On Facebook
Finally, Percy Priest Lake is falling to winter pool again. It is also clearing up after the downpour last week where the lake rose 4ft. The temperature is currently in the low 50s. The bass have been inconsistent the last few days but will be starting to pattern up any day now in their winter pattern. The last couple days the crappie have been biting good in standing timber in 20 to 30 feet of water. Mid and down lake has been the most productive. Shad pattern and black/purple Crappie Magnets have been the most productive for us. Next week’s report should cover some quality bass fishing!
For more information check out www.briancarper.com
17 Dec 2021
Percy Priest
Forecast Contributor Brian Carper –Â https://briancarper.com/Â –Â Follow On Facebook
The last days the lake has dropped three feet. We are currently close to winter pool and with the cold temperatures coming in this weekend winter fishing should finally stick around. The lake is between 48 and 57ﾟ. The upper end of the lake is starting to clear, but between Fate Sanders and Hobson Pike bridge the lake is still dingy. Bass are being caught shallow in 1 to 3′ down lake on chatter baits, crankbaits, and jigs. Up lake topwater lures, Alabama rigs and jigs have been producing in 4 to 8′ of water. Fish will begin moving out into 6-15′ of water soon once the temperature drops. The crappie have moved out of their shallow locations and are concentrating on wood 20′ and deeper. Throughout the lake if you can find brush piles or timber you’ll be around crappie. Jigs have been the most productive although minnows still work as well. We still have up to $75 OFF on all of our trips, so book your December trip or Christmas gift certificate today at www.briancarper.com
For more information check out www.briancarper.com
10 Dec 2021
Percy Priest
Forecast Contributor Brian Carper –Â https://briancarper.com/Â –Â Follow On Facebook
The winter fishing bite has been picking up on Percy Priest. The crappie are being caught in large numbers in 20 to 40′ in the channel and off the river channel ledge up lake from 4′ to 12′. Jigs in chartreuse and pearl have been productive when fished on a 1/16oz or 1/8oz jig. Some of the bass are holding to their winter patterns while others are moving shallow with the warmer temperatures the last several days. Up lake where the recent rainwater dumped in fish are being caught shallower on chatterbaits in chart/white and black/blue jigs around bluff walls and isolated boulders. Mid and down lake where it is clearer fish are being caught on soft plastics and Alabama rigs in 4′ – 12′.
For more information check out www.briancarper.com
03 Dec 2021
Forecast Contributor Brian Carper –Â https://briancarper.com/Â –Â Follow On Facebook
Bass fishing is picking up on Percy Priest lake! Top 5 tournament weights last weekend 13 to 15 lbs. Still behind from many previous years but getting better. The shallow bite down lake with shad wraps has been productive along with a-rigs throughout the lake. The upper end is producing with finesse worms, Alabama rigs, and swimbaits. The lake is below 4 ft from summer pool and between 46 and 51°. Although it feels good this warm weather will delay a good winter pattern from setting in. Fishing should be inconsistent until the cold stays.
For more information check out www.briancarper.com
26 Nov 2021
Percy Priest
Forecast Contributor Brian Carper –Â https://briancarper.com/Â –Â Follow On Facebook
The last several days bass fishing on Percy Priest has been better. The upper end of the lake is cooler at 49 to 51° and the lower end of the lake is 52 to 54°. The water is almost 4ft below summer pool at normal clarity. The shad rap bite down like has been successful for largemouths and smallmouths. Boulder rocks and wood has been high percentage areas. Also, the Alabama rig has been catching fish throughout the lake on points and ledges from 6 to 12 feet of water. This week’s cold temperatures should really put the winter pattern in place. We should start seeing large weights and quality bass more consistently. The crappie have been on fire the last couple days. Fishing isolated wood from 20 to 40 feet of water we’ve been catching slabs suspended. Crappie magnets have been our best producer in red chartreuse.
For more information check out www.briancarper.com
Mid Nov 2021
Percy Priest
Forecast Contributor Brian Carper –Â https://briancarper.com/Â –Â Follow On Facebook
The bass fishing on Percy Priest is getting better! Last week the tournaments came in with low weights again. 13lbs won on Sunday with less than 10lbs at third or fourth place in the USA Bassin tournament. Since then, mid, and down lake shallow in 2-6 feet of water has been producing smallmouth and largemouth on crankbaits, rattle traps, topwater lures and Alabama rigs. Crawfish color patterns have been productive as the water is lowering and the crawfish are on the move. The water temperature is now 52 to 56° and we are almost at 4 ft below summer pool. The Alabama rig is starting to become a big hitter as well. Main lake points in addition to isolated cover in the river in 6 to 12 feet is starting to produce some quality fish… but mostly smaller fish at the moment. Next week after several days of cooler temperatures the quality fish should start to move. This is the time big weights start showing up!
For more information check out www.briancarper.com
22 Oct 2021
Percy Priest
Forecast Contributor Brian Carper –Â https://briancarper.com/Â –Â Follow On Facebook
The crappie have been thumping! Staying in 14 to 18ft of water we had near 20 keepers mid lake in brush piles (we only had to measure two of them)! The cooler weather is starting to make the fish more aggressive. I’m not sure why the lake is not falling to winter pool yet, but hopefully it will be any day. Currently the lake is a half a foot below summer pool. Water temperature starts in the upper 60s and ends in the mid 70s each day. With the cold nights the bass are moving shallow and becoming more aggressive. For more information check out www.briancarper.com
17 Sept 2021
Percy Priest
Forecast Contributor Brian Carper –Â https://briancarper.com/Â –Â Follow On Facebook
The last few days the bass and crappie have been hanging on to their summer pattern. The crappie are producing well mid lake in 14 to 20ft. Minnows have been the best producer fished 2-3 feet off the bottom. The temperature has been in the mid-70s and with the 7-day forecast it does not look like it’s going to drop much any time soon. The bass are continuing to stay in their summer patterns. Although some are being caught shallow many are still being caught in 8ft to 14ft of water on points, humps, and ledges. Deep crankbaits, worms and jigs have been producers. This will continue until the temperature drops a little more and when they start lowering the lake mid October. For more information check out www.briancarper.com
03 Sept 2021
Percy Priest
Forecast Contributor Brian Carper –Â https://briancarper.com/Â –Â Follow On Facebook
Currently, I am out of town. However, I’m receiving reports that Percy Priest Lake is 2+ feet over summer pool. The most aggressive bass are shallow in the flooded wood. Spinnerbaits, topwater lures, jigs and Texas rig creature baits will be productive. The crappie are continuing to bite well. This morning one of our guides had 15 keepers with jigs in deep brush piles. Book your Labor Day $60 OFF discounted trip today at www.briancarper.com
For more information check out www.briancarper.com
27 Aug 2021
Percy Priest
Forecast Contributor Brian Carper –Â https://briancarper.com/Â –Â Follow On Facebook
The last few days the crappie fishing has been pretty good. On the upper end we’re catching lots of short fish with several keepers, but mid-lake we’ve been catching 15 to 20 plus keepers on most trips. We’ve been fishing solely with live bait 2 to 4ft off the bottom. The best trees for me have been 16 to 22ft. Yesterday I had to fish a lot of trees to get our keepers. There were a ton of crappie coming up to check out our bait then going back down. You could tell they were fickle in most trees. I think this is due to the rising water and current. The lake is 1.30ft above summer pool.
On the lower end of the lake the water temperature was 78-79 and way up in the river the water was all the way down to 70 degrees! As things stabilize the fish will become more aggressive.
For more information check out www.briancarper.com
20 Aug 2021
Percy Priest
Forecast Contributor Brian Carper –Â https://briancarper.com/Â –Â Follow On Facebook
The last few days we have had tons of rain in Middle Tennessee. Most of which is finding its way to Percy Priest Lake. Currently, the lake is up 1.5ft from the summer pool and still rising quickly. The fish are still deep on points and humps, but I spent today fishing shallow in 1-5 feet of water. Searching in the backs of creeks and run-off areas, we caught around 15 bass. Top water frogs, spooks, buzz baits around shallow grass were productive in addition to Torrent timber craws and plastic worms fished on shallow rocks. The further up lake you go the more current there is. We focused on current breaks off points and bends in the channel. We also had success on rattle traps in shallow coves casting to schools of bass chasing shad just outside the current. As we continue to get isolated storms the upper end of the lake should be productive. For more information check out www.briancarper.com
13 Aug 2021
Forecast Contributor Brian Carper –Â https://briancarper.com/Â –Â Follow On Facebook
The last week the bass bite has remained difficult. Same patterns as last previous weeks are productive, but the schools are not as aggressive, and it has been a grind to produce a quality limit. The entire lake is producing for different anglers; however, the bites are few and far between. Deep crankbaits, spoons, plastic worms, shaky heads, jigs have been productive in 10 to 20 ft on humps, ledges, roadbeds. Finding an early morning active school is key.
For more information check out www.briancarper.com
06 Aug 2021
Percy Priest
Forecast Contributor Brian Carper –Â https://briancarper.com/Â –Â Follow On Facebook
The last week the bass bite has definitely toughened up! Same patterns as last previous weeks are productive, but the schools are not as aggressive and it has been a grind to produce a quality limit. The entire lake is producing for different anglers, however the bites are few and far between. Deep crankbaits, spoons, plastic worms, shaky heads, jigs have been productive in 10 to 20 ft on humps, ledges, road beds. Finding an early morning active school is key.
SPECIAL ALERT – We are offering $50-$200 off of trips for the next 5 days?
For more information check out www.briancarper.com
30 July 2021
Percy Priest
Forecast Contributor Brian Carper – https://briancarper.com/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/nashville.guide
The last 7 days the bass fishing on Percy Priest Lake has been consistent. The water temperature today was 85 degrees in the scorching heat! Up lake is producing well with more than normal quality bites! Main lake points and humps have been the most productive with crankbaits, worms and 6″ spoons. For more information check out www.briancarper.com..
23 July 2021
Percy Priest
Forecast Contributor Brian Carper – https://briancarper.com/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/nashville.guide
The bass the last week on Percy Priest have been identical to last week. Humps and ledges in 8 to 20 ft of water throughout the lake have been productive. Deep diving crankbaits in chartreuse and shad patterns …..in addition to ribbon tail worms have been successful. Another bait that I have been using which has been catching quality bass is a five to six-inch flutter spoon! This bait has been great when the bass are reluctant to bite other baits… it helps trigger a reaction strike. The water temperature is holding near 80° depending on where you’re at on the lake. The bite is typically a grind this time of year, but we have been staying consistent on two and a half to four pounders. For more information check out www.briancarper.com
09 July 2021
02 July 2021
25 June 2021
18 June 2021
11 June 2021
04 June 2021
28 May 2021
21 May 2021
Percy Priest – Brian Carper, https://briancarper.com/, https://www.facebook.com/nashville.guide, reports the last few days the bass have become more and more aggressive! The water temperature is now in the upper 60’s to mid 70’s. With the warmer nights the bass are biting shallow and mid ranges. Up shallow topwater lures, soft plastics, and spinnerbaits have been productive. Out deeper in 4-8ft, jigs, Texas rigs, and Carolina rigs with craws or creature baits have been productive. The middle and lower sections of the lake have been the most successful.
30 April 2021
Percy Priest – Ian Huey, https://fisholdhickory.com/ also reports the water is just starting to climb back into the mid-60s with the water still dropping very slow. Smallmouth are still on bed but should be coming off in the next week or so and he says the biggest wave of largemouth went on bed with this full moon. Fishing is tough but you can still get bit on Carolina rigs, Ned rig, jigs, small crankbaits, and chatter baits. He’s catching some on a Texas rigged lizard fished super slow. On a side note, he has been catching some hybrids in the 7 to 10-pound range in 13 feet of water on 5-inch white grubs.
