Striped Promise: Dawn Strikes on Percy Priest Lake
Come experience the thrill of Percy Priest Lake's remarkable fishing opportunities with us.
The day begins before most of Nashville has stirred—just you, a 22-foot Avid Angler, and a low ribbon of dock-side fog peeling off Percy Priest Lake. The first cast cracks like a punctuation mark against a quiet that feels almost guilty for being so generous. Around you, tree-lined coves hold their breath; the water, glassy at first light, is a palette of pewter and pale blue that the rising sun carefully warms. When the rod bends, it’s exactly the kind of immediate, physical answer to patience that keeps anglers coming back. Hybrid and striped bass tug with purpose: hard, sudden, and insistent. It’s not just catching a fish. It’s being handed a short, bright story that you get to tell for the rest of the day.
Trail Wisdom
Get a Tennessee Fishing License
Purchase licenses online ahead of time or confirm with your captain—everyone fishing needs a valid license.
Bring Polarized Sunglasses
Polarized lenses help spot surface activity and reduce glare for safer casts and better hookups.
Pack Motion-Sickness Medication
If you’re prone to seasickness, take meds before boarding—small boats and planing speeds can trigger nausea.
Dress In Layers
Mornings are cool and afternoons warm; a lightweight windbreaker is an easy way to stay comfortable.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Upper Stones River coves near the dam for quiet morning sightings
- •East-side marinas with short walks to morning coffee and breakfast sandwiches
Wildlife
Great blue heron, Osprey
Conservation Note
Percy Priest is managed by the Corps and local agencies; anglers should practice size limits, use lead-free tackle where possible, and pack out all litter to protect shoreline habitats.
The lake was formed after the construction of J. Percy Priest Dam by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in the late 1960s, creating a regional recreational reservoir.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Migratory Striper Action, Family Outings, Mornings with Active Surface Fish
Challenges: Changeable weather, Higher boat traffic on holidays
Spring heats up the food chain and brings active feeding—expect strong early-morning bites and pleasant temperatures.
summer
Best for: Deeper Structure Fishing, Evening Trips, Extended Daylight
Challenges: Hot sun, Midday lethargy in fish
Summer requires deeper presentations and winds a careful eye for sun protection; late-afternoon windows can be productive.
fall
Best for: Peak Stripers Movement, Cooler Weather, Less Crowded Weekdays
Challenges: Shortening days, Cooler mornings
Fall offers some of the best action as baitfish concentrate and stripers feed aggressively before winter.
winter
Best for: Targeted Vertical Jigging, Solitude on the Water, Learning Technical Presentations
Challenges: Cold temps, Slower fish
Winter is quieter and tougher but can reward anglers who adjust to slower, deeper patterns.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Polarized SunglassesEssential
Improve visibility and protect eyes from glare for safer, more effective fishing.
Light Waterproof JacketEssential
Keeps you comfortable during cool mornings and unexpected spray.
High-SPF SunscreenEssential
Long hours on the water increase UV exposure—apply liberally and reapply.
Motion-Sickness Medication
Helpful for those susceptible to nausea in small boats or variable conditions.
Common Questions
Do I need a fishing license for this charter?
Yes—every angler must hold a valid Tennessee fishing license; they can be purchased online or your captain can advise after booking.
What age can children fish?
Kids under 12 fish free on this charter, but they still need to be included in the headcount and supervised by an adult.
Are rods and tackle included?
Yes—all rods, reels, bait, and tackle are provided; feel free to bring your own gear if you prefer.
How many people fit on the boat?
Standard boats seat up to six people; the operator also offers pontoon options for larger groups or colder days.
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellations >21 days receive full refund; 8–20 days receive reschedule or gift-card option; <7 days are non-refundable; weather cancellations receive a full-value gift card.
Is catch-and-release encouraged?
Keep legal-size fish and follow Tennessee regulations; your captain can recommend which fish to keep and how to handle them ethically.
What to Pack
Polarized sunglasses, sunscreen, light waterproof jacket, motion-sickness meds — for visibility, sun protection, comfort, and nausea prevention
Did You Know
J. Percy Priest Dam closed in the late 1960s, creating Percy Priest Lake by impounding the Stones River—today it supplies flood control, water supply, and recreation for the region.
Quick Travel Tips
Nashville International Airport (BNA) is the closest airport; drive time to major marinas is 20–30 minutes; expect decent cell service near marinas but spotty coverage on open water; purchase Tennessee fishing license in advance
Local Flavor
After a morning on the water, head back toward East Nashville for craft beer at TailGate Brewing or a classic Nashville hot chicken sandwich at Hattie B's—fresh fish pairs well with a local pilsner and a porch seat.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airport: Nashville International (BNA) / Driving: ~20–30 minutes from downtown Nashville / Cell service: reliable near marinas, spotty on open water / Permits: Tennessee fishing license required
Sustainability Note
Practice catch-and-release when appropriate, use non-lead tackle where possible, and pack out all trash to protect shoreline and aquatic habitats managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.