Family Fishing Opportunities
Looking for a fishing hole with a little peace and quiet? Somewhere to spend quality time with family and loved ones?
Then try one of the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency Fishing Lakes for solitude, relaxation, and the chance to catch bass, sunfish, crappie, catfish trout, and walleye.
- Download the TWRA Family Fishing Lakes Brochure to learn more.
- Download the complete Tennessee Fishing Guide here.
These lakes managed by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency are open year-round for fishing.
Designed and regulated for family fishing, these lakes prohibit alcoholic beverages, houseboats, inboard motors, and except for the recreational zone at Lake Halford no water skiing, personal watercraft, and swimming are allowed.
Most lakes have wheelchair-accessible fishing piers, easy access to bank fishing, boat rentals, launching ramps, and picnic areas.
Some lakes offer conveniences such as bait, tackle, snacks, and drinks.
These lakes are managed to provide fishing opportunities while producing the best quality fishing possible.
Eleven of the lakes are located in West Tennessee and range from 87 acres to 985 acres in size, and the other eight lakes are located in Middle Tennessee and range from 12 acres to 325 acres.
One of the 4 lakes at Williamsport (Whippoorwill) is for youth-adult fishing only,, and a shoreline area at Laurel Hill Lake is designated for youth-only fishing.
In addition, there are a couple of fishing ponds totaling approximately 15 acres located on the Bridgestone/Firestone Centennial Wilderness WMA in White County. For more information about these ponds call the Region 3 TWRA office at 833-402-4698.
General Information
If the family wants to get away from it all, then consider one of these 19 Family Fishing Lakes to pursue your thoughts, and relinquish your worries to the tug of bluegill, bass, crappie, catfish, and more.
You might find something you've lost while enjoying an activity that is basic, simple, and just plain fun and relaxing.
· A $6.00 daily permit (available at some lakes) or a $48.00 annual permit is required to fish these lakes except for Garrett and Whiteville Lakes. License and permits can be purchased online at Gooutdoorstennesse.com, the “TWRA On The Go App, TWRA license agent, and any regional office.
· Boats may be rented for $10.00 per day at most lakes on a seasonal basis. This permit may be purchased at the individual lake office.
· Fishing is permitted seven days per week from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset (except Garrett Lake is open 24 hours a day).
· Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day the following lakes are closed: Gibson Co., Glenn Springs, Herb Parsons, and Lake Graham
· The only tackle/gear that is legal is rod and reels, poles, hand-held lines, and jugs (with certain restrictions (and no jugging allowed at Lake Halford). All other gears are prohibited. See Fishing Regulation Guide for rules along with size and creel limits for each lake, and further information.
· Boats used for any activity other than fishing are prohibited, except for hunting on specific lakes during the regular hunting season as listed in the Tennessee Hunting Guide. Boats may not exceed the no-wake speed. Motors (except trolling motors) are prohibited on some lakes. Personal boats may not be left overnight.
Motorized vehicles are permitted only on designated roads.
Lake Permit Requirements for Residents
- Anglers under the age of 13, holders of a Lifetime Sportsman license, or an Annual Sportsman license do not need a lake permit.
- Anglers who are age 65 and older need only a Permanent Senior Citizen license and do not need a lake permit.
- Anglers aged 16 through 64 must have a Tennessee fishing license and an annual or daily lake permit.
- Anglers ages 13-15 need only a Jr. Hunt/Fish/Trap license.
Lake Permit Requirements for Non-Residents
- Anglers aged 16 and over must have a Tennessee non-resident fishing license and a daily lake permit.
- Anglers ages 13-15 must have a Tennessee non-resident fishing license but do not need a daily lake permit.
TWRA Family Fishing Lakes - Select the tab for the lake you wish to know more about.
Browns Creek Lake
Location:
Henderson Country, 10 miles south of I-40 in Natchez Trace State Park.
From I-40: Take exit 116. Follow State Road 114 south to Brown's Creek Lake Road.
Lake Information:
731-423-5725
Size:
167 acres
Fishing Facilities:
Boat launching ramp - Fish attractors - Fishing pier - Rental boats
Other Facilities:
Restrooms - Picnic areas
Species Found:
Largemouth bass - crappie - bluegill & redear - blue & channel catfish
Fishing Tips:
- Spinners baits are excellent for bass fishing.
- Spinners come in one and two blade styles.
- Fish single blades in deeper water and tandem blades in shallow water.
- In dingy, murky water, use Colorado blades for more vibration in the water.
- In lightly stained to clear water, use willow leaf blades for more reflection.
- If the fish are not biting, try slowing your retrieve.
Carroll Lake
Location:
Carroll County, On State Highway 22 between McKenzie and Huntingdon (4 miles east of McKenzie on Hwy 22).
From I-40: Take exit 108 (Highway 22). Approximately 20 miles north
Lake Information:
731-423-5725
Size:
100 acres
Fishing Facilities:
Boat launching ramp - Fish attractors - Fishing pier - Rental boats
Other Facilities:
Picnic area - Restrooms
Species Found:
Largemouth bass - crappie - bluegill - redear sunfish - blue & channel catfish - walleye
Fishing Tips:
- Plastic worms worked slowly are usually effective for bass when the water temperature is below 55 degrees.
- When water temperatures warm to above 55 degrees, try small crayfish colored Rat-L-Traps to fish shallow water in early mornings and late afternoons.
- Fish deeper and around cover during the midday hours.
Coy Gaither-Bedford Lake
Location:
Bedford County, 10 miles SE of Shelbyville on Hwy 269.
From I-24: Take Exit 105 (U.S. 41) toward Manchester .4 miles. Right on 16th Model Road 5.9 miles to Bedford Lake Road. 2.5 miles to lake entrance.
Lake Information:
(615) 781-6622
Size:
47 acres
Fishing Facilities:
Boat launching ramp - Fishing pier - Fish attractors
PLEASE NOTE - A daily lake permit should be purchased from a license agent in the surrounding area before going to the lake
Other Facilities:
Picnic area
Species Found:
Largemouth bass - crappie - bluegill - redear sunfish - blue & channel catfish
Fishing Tips:
- Early mornings and late afternoons are the best times for bass fishing, especially with top-water lures, and some of the best bass fishing occurs in rainy weather.
- Use surface lures that make lots of noise.
Davy Crockett Lake
Location:
Crockett County, 5 miles west of Humboldt off State Highway 152.
From I-40: Take exit 80B (U.S. Highway 45) north to Humboldt. Stay on bypass west of Humboldt. Turn right on State Highway 152W.
Lake Information:
(731) 423-5725
Size:
87 acres
Fishing Facilities:
Boat launching ramp - Fishing pier - Boat rentals
Other Facilities:
Picnic areas - Restrooms
Species Found:
Largemouth bass - bluegill - crappie - redear sunfish - blue, channel & flathead catfish
Fishing Tips:
- Most catfish are caught with the familiar hook, line and sinker method, but try jug fishing for catfish.
- Use a Number 1 hook baited with chicken livers, catalpa worms or nightcrawlers.
- Fasten the line to a sealed plastic jug and watch out!
Garrett Lake
Location:
Weakley County, 7 miles east of Dresden on Hwy 54.
Take State Highway 190 north off Highway 54. Right at split and follow directional signs to lake.
Lake Information:
(731) 423-5725
Size:
183 acres
Fishing Facilities:
Boat launching ramp - Fishing pier
Other Facilities:
Picnic area - Picnic pavilion
Species Found:
Largemouth bass - crappie - bluegill - blue & channel catfish - redear sunfish
Fishing Tips:
- If a top water bait doesn't work, try a spinner blade fished at a medium level or a plastic worm, crawfish or lizard fished on the bottom.
- Since fish move from level to level depending on lake conditions, the time of day and the time of year, catching fish is a matter of fishing the right bait at the right level.
Gibson County Lake
Location:
Gibson County, 5 miles east of Trenton off Vaughns Grove Rd.
Lake Information:
(731) 423 - 5725
Size:
560 acres
Fishing Facilities:
Boat launching ramp - Fish attractors - Fishing pier
Other Facilities:
Picnic area
Species Found:
Largemouth bass - Florida bass - crappie - bluegill - redear sunfish - blue & channel catfish
Glenn Springs Lake
Location:
Tipton County, 12 miles northeast of Millington on Glenn Springs Road.
From Memphis: Take U.S. Highway 51N to Millington. Turn left on Wilkinsville Road. At the end of Wilkinsville Road, turn left on Drummonds Road, right on Glenn Springs Road, then right on Grimes Road.
Lake Information:
(731) 423-5725
Size:
310 acres
Fishing Facilities:
Boat launching ramp - Fish attractors -Fishing pier
Other Facilities:
Picnic areas - Restrooms
Species Found:
Largemouth bass - bluegill - crappie - catfish
Fishing Tips:
- Use darker colored crank baits in early morning or in cloudy, low light conditions.
- On sunny days try chrome or light colored crank baits that reflect light and draw the fish's attention.
Lake Halford
Location:
Carroll County, 5 miles southwest of Huntingdon Hwy. 70
Lake Information:
(731) 423-5725
At Lake Halford, a daily or annual permit specified for this lake only is required for anyone using the lake or facilities for any type of recreation.
Size:
985 acres
Other Facilities:
Picnic areas - Restrooms – Swimming beach – Grill open on summer weekends Species Found: Largemouth bass - bluegill - crappie - catfish
Herb Parsons Lake
Location:
Fayette County, 15 miles north of Collierville on Collierville-Arlington Road.
From Collierville, follow Hwy. 205 (Collierville -Arlington Rd.) to Monterey Lake Road, turn right, go to Fisherville Lake Road, then turn left to the entrance.
From I-40, take Exit 25 (Hwy. 205) south to Hwy. 193. Turn left on Hwy. 193, then turn right on Fisherville Lake Road to the entrance.
Lake Information:
731-423-5725
Size:
177 acres
Fishing Facilities:
Boat launching ramp - Fish attractors - Fishing pier
Other Facilities:
Picnic area - Restrooms
Species Found:
Largemouth bass - bluegill - crappie - redear sunfish - blue, channel & bullhead catfish - yellow bass
Fishing Tips:
- Catfishing is best after the dogwoods bloom in spring until cold weather.
- Try fresh chicken livers or large catalpa worms.
- Crappie fishing is best during the spawning season with small minnows and jigs in shallow water.
Lake Graham
Location:
Madison County, 9 miles east of Jackson on Cotton Grove Road.
I-40 from Nashville: Take Exit 93 to U.S. Highway 412. Follow Hwy. 412 to Cotton Grove Road.
I-40 from Memphis: Take Exit 85. Turn right to Parkway, left on Bendix, left on Cotton Grove Road, then follow signs.
Lake Information:
(731) 423-5725
Size:
500 acres
Fishing Facilities:
Boat launching ramps - Fish attractors - Fishing pier - Bait & tackle - Boat rental
Other Facilities:
Fishing licenses - Picnic area - Restrooms - Concessions
Species Found:
Largemouth bass - crappie - bluegill - redear sunfish - blue & channel catfish
Fishing Tips:
In calm water, use top-water lures that make very little noise or disturbance in the water. In windy or choppy water use lures that do make noise.
Laurel Hill Lake
Location:
Lawrence County, 15 miles west of Lawrenceburg on Hwy 64.
Take Peter Cave Road off U.S. 64 to lake entrance. From the Natchez Trace Parkway, take the Laurel Hill Lake exit (Brush Creek Road) to lake entrance.
Lake Information:
(931) 762-7200
Size:
325 acres
Fishing Facilities:
Fishing licenses - Fish attractors - Fishing pier - Bait & tackle - Boat launching ramp - Boat rentals
Other Facilities:
Picnic areas - Restrooms - Grills - Vending machines - Primitive camping area - A "youth-only" fishing area is located near the office/concession building. (Youths 16 and under may fish in this area)
Species Found:
Largemouth bass - crappie - bluegill - redear sunfish - blue & channel catfish
Fishing Tips:
- Bluegill fishing with worms, crickets and meal worms is most productive in the spring in shallow spawning areas.
- Look for bluegill on or near the bottom in deeper water in the hot temperatures of mid-summer.
Maples Creek Lake
Location:
Carroll County, 4 miles north of I-40 in Natchez Trace State Park.
From I-40: Take exit 116 (State Highway 114) to Maples Lake Road.
Lake Information:
(731) 423-5725
Size:
90 acres
Fishing Facilities:
Boat launching ramp - Rental boats - Fishing pier
Other Facilities:
Picnic area - Restrooms
Species Found:
Largemouth bass - crappie - bluegill - redear sunfish - blue & channel catfish
Fishing Tips:
- Fresh chicken livers, catalpa worms and large night crawlers are almost always good baits for bottom feeding catfish.
- May through November are good fishing times.
- Catfish feed heavily during the May pre-spawn time and in November as they prepare for the winter months.
Marrowbone Lake
Location:
Davidson County, 6 miles north of Joelton off of Hwy 41-A.
From Nashville: Take U.S. Highway 41A (Clarksville Highway). Left on Eatons Creek Road. Right on Grays Point Road.
Lake Information:
(615) 781-6622
Size:
60 acres
Fishing Facilities:
Boat launching ramp - Fishing pier - Bait & tackle
Other Facilities:
Fishing licenses - Restrooms - Picnic area - Concessions
Species Found:
Largemouth bass - crappie - bluegill - redear sunfish - blue & channel catfish
Fishing Tips:
- Bluegill can be taken on worms and crickets.
- Look for bluegill beds in shallow water.
- Catfish can be taken on worms and liver in May through November.
- Crappie are usually found close to the bank during late April and early May spawning time.
- Try bass fishing early and late during warm weather near any type of cover.
VFW Lake
Location:
Lawrence County, 12 miles west of Lawrenceburg off U.S. Highway 64.
Take State Highway 241 off U.S. 64 to VFW Lake Road just past the State Highway 240 junction.
The lake may also be reached from the Natchez Trace Parkway. Take the Napier Road exit. (Hwy. 241)
Lake Information:
(931) 762-7200
Size:
22 acres
Fishing Facilities:
Boat launching ramp
Other Facilities:
Restrooms - Picnic area
Species Found:
Largemouth bass - crappie - bluegill - redear sunfish - blue & channel catfish
Fishing Tips:
- Minnows and crayfish are a major natural food source for bass.
- Artificial lures with these colors and actions are usually most productive.
Whiteville Lake
Location:
Hardeman County, 2 miles south of Whiteville on Hwy 64.
Lake Information:
(731) 423-5725
Size:
158 acres
Fishing Facilities:
Boat launching ramp - Fishing pier
Other Facilities:
Picnic area and pavilions
Species Found:
Largemouth bass - bluegill - crappie - redear sunfish - blue & channel catfish.
Fishing Tips:
- Try bluegill fishing with worms and crickets.
- Look for bream beds in shallow water.
- They will appear as indentations about two feet in diameter in the bottom 12 to 18 inches under water.
Williamsport Lakes (4 Lakes)
Location:
Maury County Hwy. 50, approximately 10 miles northwest of Columbia at the junction of Hwy. 50 and 247, or two miles east of Natchez Trace Parkway.
Lakes Information:
(931) 583-2477
Size:
Blue Cat – 80 acres
Goldeneye – 13 acres
Shellcracker – 46 acres
Whippoorwill – 25 acres Whippoorwill (“Youth Fishing Only”-youths 16 and under and an accompanying adult may fish.)
Fishing Facilities:
Boat launching ramp - Fishing piers - Bait & tackle - Boat rental
Other Facilities:
Fishing licenses - Picnic area - Restrooms - Concessions
Species Found:
Largemouth bass - Florida bass - bluegill - redear sunfish - blue & channel catfish - Hybrid Striped bass
Fishing Tips:
- These lakes are managed for large bass, so appropriate weight tackle is advised.
- Bass are most active early and late during warm weather and will usually be found near cover.
- Bluegill can be taken on crickets and worms.
- Catfish can be taken on worms and liver.
There are numerous private ponds and small lakes throughout the state that charge either a fee to fish, a fee per pound of fish or a fee only if you catch fish. These lakes, known as catch-out facilities or pay lakes, are usually kept stocked on a regular basis and offer a good opportunity as a place to take children because fish are more easily caught.
Since many of these areas may be opened seasonally and some information is subject to change, please call ahead before traveling to the place in question.
These lakes are being provided as a convenience to the public that may choose to fish these private waters. The information is offered with the understanding that no discrimination is intended as there may be other fee fishing areas that do not appear here. No endorsements are implied. Inclusion of sites or locations does not imply Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency's approval of their product or service to the exclusion of others that may be similar, nor does it guarantee or warrant the standard of the products or services offered.
Fee Fishing Pond Operator/Owner Information
If you operate a Fee Fishing Area and would like to be included in future issues of this directory, or there are corrections to be made, please contact:
Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency
Fisheries Management Division
5107 Edmondson Pike
Ellington Agricultural Center
Nashville, TN 37211
615-781-6575
or Email Us