Maples Creek Lake in Tennessee

General Description

Maples Creek Lake can be located approximately 4 miles north of I-40 in Natchez Trace State Park. The directions from I-40  is: Take exit 116 (State Highway 114) to Maples Lake Road.  

The lake is 90 acres and has a boat launching ramp, rental boats, a fishing pier, public restrooms, and a picnic area for the family.  If you have inquires call  (731) 423-5725.

Largemouth Bass: No creel limit for fish 18 inches and less in length, only one fish over 18 inches in length may be harvested per day.
Bluegill: no creel or length limit.
Redear:
20 per day, no length limit.
Crappie (all species): No creel or length limit.
Blue/Channel Catfish: 5 per day in combination, no length limit.

TWRA Family Fishing Lakes

Hours

The lakes are open to fishing all week. Lakes will open one‑half hour before official sunrise and close one‑half hour after official sunset, except Garrett Lake which 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.

Permits

A daily lake permit of $6.00 (available at most lakes), in addition to the regular fishing license, is required to use these lakes. At Lake Halford, a daily or annual permit is required for anyone using the lake or facilities for any type of recreation. A lake permit is not required at Garrett and Whiteville lakes. All residents 16 through 64 years of age, and nonresidents 16 years of age or older must have a permit. Sportsman license and lifetime license holders do not need a lake permit. Resident anglers 65 years of age and older do not need a permit, but do need a fishing license. A $48.00 Annual Lake Permit may also be purchased at many of the lakes with concessionaires, and is good at all TWRA fishing lakes. For Coy Gaither-Bedford Lake, a daily lake permit should be purchased from a license agent in the surrounding area before going to the lake. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited at all agency lakes. 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. Speed boating, personal water craft, water skiing, and swimming are prohibited. Houseboats, sailboats and inboard cruisers are prohibited. On Coy Gaither-Bedford, Marrowbone, VFW and Williamsport lakes, only trolling motors can be used. At Lake Halford recreational boating, personal watercraft, water-skiiing and swimming are allowed. Boats may be rented for $10.00 per day at some lakes on a seasonal basis. There is no charge for paddles.

Tackle

Only rods and reels, poles, hand-held lines, and jugs may be used. Snagging is prohibited. Trotlines and limblines are prohibited.

From April 1 through Sept. 30, jug fishing is prohibited on Saturdays, Sundays, Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day. On days open to jug fishing, each boat is limited to 10 jugs or blocks per day.

Fish Species Found

Largemouth bass - crappie - bluegill - redear sunfish - blue & channel catfish

Fishing Tips:

  • Fresh chicken livers, catalpa worms, and large nightcrawlers are almost always good baits for bottom-feeding catfish. 
  • May through November is good fishing times. 
  • Catfish feed heavily during the May pre-spawn time and in November as they prepare for the winter months.

Contact Information

Region 1 Office: 731-423-5725
Toll-Free:  800-372-3928
E-mail the office

Interactive Map of Maples Creek Lake
Fishing Regulations
Buy a license link