Percy Priest Lake is one of Nashville’s most popular fishing destinations — and a fantastic lake for kayak anglers looking to catch bass, crappie, catfish, and hybrids. Known for rocky banks, offshore points, long coves, and clear water in many areas, Percy Priest provides year-round action for kayak fishermen of all skill levels.
This guide covers the best kayak fishing spots, launch ramps, seasonal patterns, recommended baits, gear, and safety tips from a local perspective.
Key Takeaways
- Percy Priest offers rocky structure, points, ledges, coves, islands, and clear water, perfect for kayak fishing.
- Top kayak launches: Long Hunter, Fate Sanders, Hamilton Creek, Cook Day Use, Stewart Creek.
- Best species: largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, crappie, hybrids, catfish.
- Early morning and evening are most productive due to boat traffic.
- Wind can be rough on the main lake — coves and creeks are safer for kayaks.
Best Kayak Fishing Spots on Percy Priest Lake
Percy Priest fishes very differently than Old Hickory. It’s clearer, rockier, and more structure-driven. These are the top spots for kayak anglers.
1. Stewart Creek (Protected & Consistent Action)
Stewart Creek is one of the most kayak-friendly areas on Percy Priest. It offers protected water, easy paddling, and a variety of fish.
Why it works:
- Long, protected creek arm
- Rocky banks and submerged cover
- Less boat traffic than the main lake
Target species: Bass, crappie, hybrids
Best seasons: Spring–Fall
Try:
- Small swimbaits
- Ned rigs
- Jerkbaits on clear days
2. Long Hunter State Park Cove (Beginner-Friendly)
A calm cove with easy access and predictable fish patterns. Great for beginners or anyone avoiding wakes and wind.
Why it works:
- Sheltered cove
- Clear water
- Baitfish present year-round
Target species: Bass, panfish
Best seasons: All year
Best lures:
- Wacky rigs
- Drop-shot
- Small crankbaits
3. Hamilton Creek (East Side Hotspot)
Located on the east side of Percy Priest, Hamilton Creek offers rocky points, drop-offs, and long stretches of kayak-friendly shoreline.
Why it works:
- Deep drops near shore
- Multiple points to fish
- Consistent afternoon bite
Target species: Bass, catfish
Best seasons: Spring–Winter
Techniques:
- Jigs
- Football jigs on points
- Carolina rigs
4. Fate Sanders Area (High-Percentage Zones)
The area surrounding Fate Sanders Marina holds fish all year long and provides access to ledges, flats, and mid-lake structure.
Why it works:
- Strong shad population
- Ledges close to shore
- Main lake access without long paddles
Target species: Hybrids, bass, crappie, catfish
Best seasons: Summer & winter
Best presentations:
- Spoons
- Alabama rigs
- Swimbaits
5. Cook Day Use Area (Shallow/Standing Timber)
Cook Day Use has pockets of standing timber, laydowns, and shallow flats that hold early-season bass and crappie.
Why it works:
- Shallow water warms first
- Good spring fishing
- Easy paddling
Target species: Bass, crappie
Best seasons: Spring
Lures:
- Squarebill crankbaits
- Lightweight jigs
- Minnows for crappie
Top Kayak Launch Points on Percy Priest
✔ Long Hunter State Park
Protected, great for beginners, easy parking.
✔ Stewart Creek Boat Ramp
Long creek arm with easy access to shallow and deep water.
✔ Hamilton Creek Recreation Area
Rocky banks, deep water, and long shorelines to fish.
✔ Fate Sanders Marina Area
Access to ledges, points, and hybrid hotspots.
✔ Cook Day Use Area
Shallow, protected paddling and good spring action.
Pro Tip: Avoid main-lake crossings during mid-day. Boat wakes can be intense.
Best Species to Target on Percy Priest Lake
Largemouth & Smallmouth Bass
Bass relate strongly to:
- Rocky points
- Channel swings
- Submerged timber
- Island drop-offs
Best techniques:
- Jerkbaits
- Finesse jigs
- Ned rigs
- Crankbaits
Crappie
Crappie stack around:
- Bridge pilings
- Brush piles
- Standing timber
- Marina docks
Best baits:
- 1/16 oz jigs
- Minnows
Hybrids (Hybrid Striped Bass)
One of the most exciting fish to catch on Percy Priest.
Found near:
- Main lake humps
- Ledges
- Bait schools
Best techniques:
- Jigging spoons
- Alabama rigs
- Live shad
Catfish
Spread throughout the lake but often found near:
- Deep flats
- Ledges
- Points
Best baits:
- Cut shad
- Chicken
- Live bait
Recommended Kayak Fishing Gear for Percy Priest
Stable Sit-On-Top Kayak
Wind and wakes are common — stability matters.
PFD (Always Wear It)
Boat wakes hit hard on this lake.
Fish Finder
Helps track bait schools and offshore structure.
Anchor System
Useful when wind pushes you off points.
Rods
- MH rod for bass
- Light spinning rod for crappie
- Heavy rod for hybrids/catfish
Safety Tips for Kayak Fishing Percy Priest
- Launch before sunrise to avoid heavy wakes.
- Avoid crossing the main lake unless conditions are calm.
- Wind picks up fast — stay close to shoreline if unsure.
- Wear your PFD at all times.
- Watch for boat traffic near Fate Sanders and Hamilton Creek.
FAQs
Do I need a fishing license to fish Percy Priest?
Yes. A valid Tennessee fishing license is required.
Is Percy Priest good for kayak beginners?
Yes — especially areas like Long Hunter and Stewart Creek.
What’s the best time to fish Percy Priest from a kayak?
Spring and fall for bass; summer mornings for hybrids.
Can you catch big fish from a kayak here?
Absolutely. Percy Priest is known for big hybrids and solid bass.
Final Thoughts
Percy Priest Lake offers some of the best kayak fishing in Middle Tennessee. With rocky structure, deep ledges, long coves, and clear water, it’s a lake that rewards both beginners and experienced anglers.
Start in protected areas like Stewart Creek or Long Hunter, then expand to more advanced spots like Fate Sanders and Hamilton Creek as you gain confidence.
Whether you’re after bass, hybrids, or crappie, Percy Priest delivers year-round kayak fishing excitement.