Boating At Old Hickory Lake In Tennessee

Free Public Boating & Watersport Activities

Located in northern Tennessee, Old Hickory Lake is a beloved reservoir formed by the Old Hickory Lock and Dam, providing both locals and visitors with a scenic and recreational paradise. Situated just northeast of Nashville, the lake offers a convenient escape for residents and tourists looking to immerse themselves in nature.

Near Old Hickory Lake, there are several attractions to explore. The Long Hunter State Park, with its hiking trails and beautiful lake views, is a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts. Additionally, the historic Andrew Jackson's Hermitage, the former home of the seventh U.S. President, offers a fascinating glimpse into American history.

Boating is a favorite pastime on Old Hickory Lake, with its expansive waters offering plenty of room for all types of watercraft. From leisurely pontoons to high-speed powerboats, visitors can indulge in a variety of boating experiences.

Several marinas, such as Blue Turtle Bay Marina and Creekwood Marina, cater to boaters' needs, providing services like boat rentals, fueling stations, and supplies.

Water sports enthusiasts will find plenty of excitement on Old Hickory Lake, with opportunities for water skiing, wakeboarding, and tubing to add thrill to their lake adventures.

With multiple boat launch ramps around the lake, boaters can easily access the water and embark on their on-the-water exploration.

Fishing on Old Hickory Lake is a popular pastime, with an abundance of fish species, including bass, catfish, and crappie, making it a haven for anglers seeking a memorable fishing experience.

The nearby city of Nashville adds a vibrant urban contrast to the natural beauty of the lake, offering cultural attractions, live music venues, and a diverse culinary scene for visitors to enjoy after a day on the water.

The boating season on Old Hickory Lake typically extends from spring through fall, ensuring ample time for boaters to make the most of their lake adventures.

For those who wish to extend their stay, camping facilities are available near Old Hickory Lake, providing an opportunity to embrace the serenity of the lake's surroundings and enjoy a night under the stars.

Boating, camping and fishing.

Situated on the outskirts of Nashville, Old Hickory Lake is a 23,000-acre reservoir in the north-central part of the state. Over a dozen boat launch ramps and marinas serve the boating public. Camping, lodging, dining and shopping are all close by making this a great destination for a day at the lake or a boating vacation. Over 440 miles of shoreline provides ample opportunity for anglers to drop a line. Much of the lake is surrounded by residential homes. However, there are parks and other areas allowing places for fishing from the bank. Fishing boats, kayaks and canoes allow anglers to cover more water and improve the odds of locating schools of fish. The lake has a wide array of fish species swimming in its waters. Bass, crappie, catfish, walleye, striped bass, sunfish and other species reside here, and for the most part are here in bragging size and quantity. As a general rule, fish shallow in spring and fall. During summer and winter the fish may be more inclined to hang around deeper creek channels, submerged humps, points and ledges.

Area Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Camping

Cedar Creek Campground - 615 754-4947

Cages Bend Campground - 615 824-4989

Boxwell Reservation Campground - 615 383-9724

Old Hickory Lake Map

Fishing

Fish species found in Old Hickory Lake include largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, black crappie, white crappie, walleye, bluegill, redear sunfish, rock bass, warmouth, white bass, yellow bass, striped bass, hybrid striped bass, paddlefish and sauger.

Largemouth bass Smallmouth bass Spotted bass Channel catfish Flathead catfish Black crappie White crappie Walleye Bluegill Redear Sunfish Rock Bass Warmouth Sunfish White Bass Yellow Bass Striped bass Hybrid Striped Bass Paddlefish Sauger