Like many other places across the country, as spring comes to Middle Tennessee, so do the rains. But every couple of years they come exceptionally hard and frequent here in Middle TN. This, of course causes the lakes to flood. One lake in particular, J. Percy Priest, which runs through Metro Nashville, becomes a prime fishing spot.

At the low side of the dam, you can usually walk across what eventually becomes the Stones River. Not at this time of year. With the lake being as high as it is, the flood gates are opened and the low side becomes almost flooded itself. At this time the fishing is extraordinary. The fish are agitated, the water is high, rain comes and goes, all the right conditions come together. People line up from the dam to the I-40 overpass (a few hundred yards) on both side and just continually pull out fish like they are going out of style. Catfish, Stripers, Largemouth, Perch, Sunfish, Bluegill, you name it. I have even seen Alligator Gar.

So if you want to have a prime fishing experience, watch the weather around Middle TN. If you see flood warnings, head to the low side of J. Percy Priest Dam. You won't regret it.

Jim Nixon