Old Hickory Lake is one of the most productive and accessible kayak fishing lakes in Middle Tennessee. With a mix of shallow creeks, deep channels, rocky points, docks, and protected coves, the lake offers something for every kayak angler — from beginners to experienced fishermen targeting trophy bass, stripers, and crappie.
This guide breaks down the best kayak fishing spots, launch ramps, maps, seasonal patterns, recommended gear, and safety tips based on real on-the-water experience.
Key Takeaways
- Old Hickory Lake offers shallow grass, rocky points, ledges, creek channels, and docks — all perfect for kayak fishing.
- Best launches: Shutes Branch, Station Camp, Rockland, Sanders Ferry, Bledsoe Creek.
- Top species: largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, crappie, catfish, and stripers.
- Mornings are the safest and most productive for kayak anglers.
- Beginners should stick to creeks, coves, and protected areas away from boat traffic.
Best Kayak Fishing Spots on Old Hickory Lake
Below are the most kayak-friendly areas that consistently hold fish. These spots combine accessibility, safety, and strong seasonal patterns.
1. Shutes Branch Recreation Area (Beginner-Friendly & Productive)
Shutes Branch is arguably the best all-around kayak fishing location on Old Hickory Lake. The area is protected from main-lake wind and boat traffic, making it ideal for newer anglers or anyone looking for easy paddling.
Why it works:
- Clearer water than most of the lake
- Abundant grass lines
- Laydowns and submerged brush
- Sheltered coves ideal for paddling
Target species: Bass, crappie, catfish
Best seasons: Spring, fall
Best techniques:
- Weightless soft plastics
- Shallow crankbaits
- Light jigs along grass edges
2. Drakes Creek (Top Spring Bass Location)
Drakes Creek warms up earlier than other parts of the lake, drawing bass shallow in large numbers during March–June.
Why it works:
- Excellent spawning flats
- Creek channels full of baitfish
- Protected pockets for kayak anglers
- Great early-morning topwater action
Target species: Bass, crappie
Best seasons: Spring & early summer
Try:
- Spinnerbaits
- Texas rigs
- Popper topwater lures
3. Station Camp Creek (Calm Water & Consistent Fish)
Station Camp is one of the safest and most relaxing kayak fishing areas on Old Hickory.
Why it works:
- Very little boat traffic
- Long stretches of shallow water
- Easy paddling even on windy days
Target species: Bass, panfish, catfish
Best seasons: Year-round
Best baits:
- Ned rigs
- Small jigs
- Live worms for panfish
4. Rockland Recreation Area (Deep Water Structure & Stripers)
If you want access to deeper structure and a shot at stripers or catfish, Rockland is a prime choice.
Why it works:
- River channel swings close to shore
- Deep ledges and drop-offs
- Baitfish often stack here
- Great winter fishing
Target species: Bass, stripers, catfish
Best seasons: Summer, fall, winter
Effective lures:
- Jigging spoons
- Big swimbaits
- Drop-shot rigs
5. Sanders Ferry Park (Wind-Protected Coves)
Sanders Ferry is perfect for days when wind or boat wakes make the main lake dangerous.
Why it works:
- Numerous protected coves
- Easy shoreline access
- Great for beginners
- Consistent bank and kayak fishing
Target species: Bass, panfish, catfish
Best seasons: Spring–Fall
Tips:
- Fish docks early
- Slow down during the midday bite
Kayak Launch Points & Access Areas
Here are the best kayak-friendly access points:
✔ Shutes Branch Boat Ramp
Calm water, easy parking, great for new anglers.
✔ Station Camp Creek Access
Long, shallow creek arm with minimal wind exposure.
✔ Rockland Boat Ramp
Close to deep water; ideal for stripers and ledges.
✔ Sanders Ferry Park Boat Ramp
Great multi-cove access and beginner-friendly.
✔ Bledsoe Creek State Park
Excellent shallow fishing and scenic shoreline.
Pro Tip: Launch before sunrise to avoid wind and boat wake.
Best Species to Target on Old Hickory Lake
Largemouth Bass
Bass relate strongly to:
- Docks
- Grass lines
- Laydowns
- Creek channels
Top techniques:
- Texas-rig craws
- Spinnerbaits
- Early-morning topwater
Crappie
Crappie hold around:
- Brush piles
- Bridges
- Standing timber
- Channel edges
Best presentations:
- Small jigs
- Live minnows
Catfish
Target catfish on:
- Deep flats
- Ledges
- Channel swings
Best baits:
- Cut shad
- Chicken liver
- Live bait
Striped Bass
Stripers roam:
- Rockland
- Gallatin Steam Plant area
- Channel edges
Best lures:
- Swimbaits
- Spoons
- Live shad
Recommended Kayak Fishing Gear for Old Hickory Lake
Kayak
A stable sit-on-top fishing kayak is ideal for dealing with wake and wind.
PFD (Life Jacket)
Wear at all times — unexpected wakes can flip inexperienced paddlers.
Anchor System
A folding anchor or drag chain helps hold position on windy days.
Fish Finder
Helpful for:
- Finding bait
- Identifying ledges
- Locating drop-offs
Rods & Tackle
- Medium-heavy rod for bass
- Light spinning rod for crappie
- Circle hooks for catfish setups
Safety Tips for Kayak Fishing Old Hickory
- Wind picks up heavily after mid-morning — stay near coves.
- Avoid high-traffic areas during peak boating hours.
- Wear a PFD at all times.
- Watch for fast-moving storms.
- Be cautious near the dam — dangerous current.
FAQs
Do I need a fishing license?
Yes — a valid Tennessee fishing license is required.
Is Old Hickory good for beginners?
Yes. Shutes Branch and Station Camp are extremely kayak-friendly.
When is the best time to kayak fish Old Hickory?
Spring and fall are best for bass. Summer mornings are excellent.
Can you catch big fish from a kayak here?
Definitely — trophy bass, stripers, and catfish are common.
Final Thoughts
Old Hickory Lake is a versatile, productive kayak fishing lake with endless shoreline and structure to explore. Whether you’re a beginner looking for calm water or an experienced kayak angler chasing big bass and stripers, the lake offers year-round action.
Start in protected areas like Shutes Branch for easy success, then expand to deeper structure and ledges as you gain confidence.
Old Hickory is a lake you can fish for a lifetime — and always discover something new.