Discover the best fishing spots, lakes, and rivers in the Murfreesboro area. Percy Priest Lake, Stones River, and numerous bank fishing locations offer excellent opportunities for anglers of all skill levels.
Murfreesboro offers exceptional fishing opportunities with Percy Priest Lake as the premier destination, featuring over 42,000 acres of water ideal for both boat and bank fishing. The Stones River provides excellent alternative fishing experiences, while various public parks and designated fishing areas provide accessible bank fishing throughout the region.
Percy Priest Lake is the most popular fishing destination near Murfreesboro. With over 42,000 acres of water, the lake offers diverse fishing opportunities year-round. Managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Percy Priest provides excellent accessibility with multiple boat ramps, fishing piers, and shoreline access points.
The lake's productive waters are home to largemouth and smallmouth bass, making it a premier destination for bass fishing in the region. Spring and fall months see the most active bass fishing, though summer and winter periods offer consistent opportunities. Crappie fishing is particularly productive during spring spawning season, with anglers often experiencing exceptional catch rates.
Bank fishing is readily available along numerous shoreline access points. Several public recreation areas provide facilities including parking, restrooms, and picnic areas. Boat fishing offers access to deeper waters and more distant productive structure.
The Stones River provides a distinct fishing experience compared to Percy Priest Lake. The flowing river waters hold smallmouth bass, catfish, and panfish species. The scenic waterway offers a mix of current areas, rocky structure, and deeper pools that hold fish.
Bank access to the Stones River is available at multiple public locations throughout Murfreesboro, including parks and river access areas. The river's relatively manageable size makes it ideal for wade fishing and kayak fishing. Wading anglers can effectively fish many sections, particularly during lower water conditions.
Spring and fall provide excellent opportunities on the Stones River. Smallmouth bass fishing can be productive year-round, while catfish are particularly active during warmer months. The scenic nature of the river makes it an appealing option for anglers seeking a more intimate fishing experience.
Bank fishing provides accessible options for anglers without boats. Murfreesboro features several excellent bank fishing locations at Percy Priest Lake, including designated fishing access areas maintained by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Multiple public recreation areas around Percy Priest Lake offer bank fishing access. These areas typically provide parking, restrooms, and picnic facilities. Popular fishing piers and shoreline access points give anglers excellent opportunities to catch bass, crappie, catfish, and bluegill.
Public parks throughout Murfreesboro provide access to the Stones River. Bank fishing and wade fishing opportunities are available at multiple locations, offering anglers the chance to fish varied habitat including deeper pools and rocky structure.
Various Murfreesboro parks feature fishing-accessible water. Many community parks allow fishing and provide pleasant settings for family fishing outings. These locations often have amenities like playgrounds and picnic areas, making them ideal for multi-activity visits.
Percy Priest Lake features multiple boat ramps and marina facilities for anglers with watercraft. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers maintains several public boat launching areas providing access to different sections of the lake.
Public boat ramps are available at various recreation areas around Percy Priest. These facilities typically feature multiple lanes, vehicle parking, and basic amenities. Most ramps charge modest user fees to support maintenance and operations.
Marina facilities in the area provide additional services including boat rentals, fuel, supplies, and fishing tackle. Marina staff can offer valuable local knowledge about current fishing conditions and productive areas on the lake.
All anglers age 13 and older must possess a valid Tennessee fishing license to fish in Tennessee waters. This requirement applies to all fishing locations, including Percy Priest Lake and the Stones River.
Tennessee fishing licenses are available through the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA). Licenses can be purchased:
Murfreesboro's waters are home to diverse fish species, each offering unique fishing opportunities. Here are the primary species anglers encounter:
Largemouth bass are the most popular gamefish in Percy Priest Lake. These aggressive predators are abundant throughout the lake and provide excellent year-round fishing opportunities.
Best Season: Spring and fall | Best Techniques: Crankbaits, soft plastics, spinnerbaits
Smallmouth bass thrive in both Percy Priest Lake and the Stones River. These fish prefer rocky structure and cooler water, making them productive targets throughout the year.
Best Season: Year-round | Best Techniques: Jigs, tubes, small crankbaits
Both white and black crappie inhabit Percy Priest Lake. Spring spawning season brings exceptional crappie fishing with high catch rates of quality fish.
Best Season: Spring spawning | Best Techniques: Small jigs, minnows, jigging vertically
Channel catfish are available in both Percy Priest Lake and the Stones River. These powerful fish provide exciting fishing opportunities and are excellent eating for those keeping a catch.
Best Season: Late spring through fall | Best Techniques: Cut bait, live bait, stink baits
Bluegill and other panfish are abundant throughout the area. These species offer accessible, family-friendly fishing opportunities and fight spiritedly when hooked.
Best Season: Year-round | Best Techniques: Small jigs, crickets, worms, pop-n-drops
The best fishing spots near Murfreesboro include Percy Priest Lake, the Stones River, and various bank fishing locations throughout the area. Percy Priest Lake is the most popular destination with over 42,000 acres for fishing access, offering excellent opportunities for both boat and bank fishing.
Percy Priest Lake is home to largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, crappie, catfish, bluegill, and carp. Bass fishing is particularly productive year-round, while crappie provide excellent seasonal opportunities.
Yes, all anglers age 13 and older must have a valid Tennessee fishing license. Licenses are available through the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) and can be purchased online, by phone, or at authorized retailers.
Yes, bank fishing is available throughout the Murfreesboro area. Popular bank fishing locations include various access points along Percy Priest Lake, the Stones River, and designated fishing areas at public parks and recreation areas.
Yes, several family-friendly fishing locations exist near Murfreesboro. Percy Priest Lake has designated family fishing areas, and local parks offer safe bank fishing spots. Kids can successfully catch bluegill and other panfish at these locations.
The best fishing season varies by species. Spring and fall are excellent for bass fishing, while crappie fishing peaks in spring. Summer offers consistent bluegill and catfish opportunities. Winter can be productive for bass fishing in deeper areas of the lake.