Places to Avoid

[TriStar]

Hi everyone! I am new to signing up on this site but have been browsing and reading for quite some time now. I must say I am impressed with everyone's knowledge and support of each other!

I would like to know if there are any places that would be good to stay away from, as in maybe not the safest. I am a young woman who grew up hunting and fishing as a kid, but haven't in a while. I am looking to get back into fishing, and since I am unfamiliar with the waters in Nashville, I'd appreciate any advice. I have my conceal carry permit and am not afraid to use it if necessary, but as a female, I feel like one can never be too careful with their surroundings. I'd be predominately bank fishing or renting a jon boat, depending on where I go. So, are there any places you all would advise staying away from or only visiting between certain hours? Also, don't tell me your favorite fishing hole is bad news, just to keep me away! :)

[jad2t]

If you want to go to a quiet, safe place and rent a john boat I'd suggest Williamsport. Those lakes are full of big bass as well as crappie and assorted panfish and you can rent a johnboat for like 8 bucks. No big motors are allowed so all you'll see are us kayak anglers and people using a trolling motors. I've never heard of any crime incidents around there. I fish and hunt that area a lot.

As for boat ramps, yes be very careful and a concealed carry permit is a good thing to have. Sadly, some of the lowest scum in TN is attracted to the local boat ramps on our lakes.

[TNBronzeback]

Like Jimmy mentioned, the ramps can get VERY sketchy, especially with the warmer weather around the corner. some of ramps attract some rather unsettling people in both day and night hours.
where are you based out of and where do you want to fish? what do you want to fish for?
There are several places that rent boats on Percy Priest. Im not sure of any prices or availability, but in addition to the lakes Jimmy mentioned, there are several options for you.

[TriStar]

I'm close to Antioch, and would predominately be fishing for bass and crappie. I have looked up the TWRA lakes such as Williamsport, so I am glad to know that is a good one. I don't mind driving an hour, hour and a half, but would rather stay closer just to maximize the hours in a day!

[Travis C.]

I agree with the boat ramps after dark as well. All on the Cumberland unless you are loading/unloading a boat are shady. Some of those keep a keen eye even doing that during the daytime.

[Travis C.]

I'm close to Antioch, and would predominately be fishing for bass and crappie. I have looked up the TWRA lakes such as Williamsport, so I am glad to know that is a good one. I don't mind driving an hour, hour and a half, but would rather stay closer just to maximize the hours in a day!

Look up Cooks boat ramp on Percy. There is a little ponding area next to the parking lot and it usually has crappie in it. Or you can walk the bank along Seven Points area. The Percy tailwater can be productive as well but be safe solo.

[SalmonDaze]

I have daughters in their mid/late '20's. They love to hunt, fish, swim, hike, etc; and they live far away; but, like you, they still get outdoors when they can. I talk with them often and worry about their safety all the time (don't know a parent who doesn't).

I'd consider it an opportunity to "pay it forward" if you want any kind of assistance locally. I try to get out on JPP/Old Hickory or the Cumberland when I can; sometimes with my 6th grade son; sometimes with the admiral or friends.

Hard to not sound like an internet creep; but if there's anything I can do; I'm happy to help.

[Headhunter]

I would avoid Cooks except on a weekend day, don't ask. The recreation area may be ok since you have to pay to get in, but access is limited. Four corners and Fate Sanders are about the only 2 ramps left on the lake that are safe 24/7 for the most part. Elm Hill was good but the ramp you have to use now is just what criminals are looking for. Many of the ramps are fairly safe on holidays and weekends, but weekdays or nighttime there is really only 2.

[metaniumxg]

Nashville shores marina is close, I fish there often. There is alot of traffic from the bots launching, people renting, and the restaurant is there so there's always people. Marrowbone lake has boat rentals with trolling motors.

[jaycee]

Stewart's Creek ramp is ok. It gets lots of traffic.
Anderson road re area ramp is a pay ramp. Should be ok.

[jaybird]

I use 7 Points frequently but am always packing. I have felt unsettled there more than once.

[notorious]

Get a second hand k-yac or canoe and float the Harpeth or Stones...open carry and have no worries.

[Travis C.]

Another option would be creeks. They are less crowded to not crowded and some are located on or near greenways. It may take some trial and error but I have several "blue lines" I do fish where there is not a sole around. Feeling safe then only applies if I come across a snake or not. :D

[Headhunter]

not many years ago at seven points, metro busted a group of people. Couple of them would sit just outside seven points and the rest of them idled around the ramp or hid right by it. When the group out front saw the coast was clear the other one would break in vehicles. When a vehicle was seen heading toward the boat ramp they would alert the ones that were breaking in vehicles so they could hide before being seen.

[Pinwheeled]

I'm close to Antioch, and would predominately be fishing for bass and crappie. I have looked up the TWRA lakes such as Williamsport, so I am glad to know that is a good one. I don't mind driving an hour, hour and a half, but would rather stay closer just to maximize the hours in a day!


Couchville Lake inside Long Hunter State Park is close by for you and pretty safe also. I take my wife out there fishing once in a while and we've done pretty well bass fishing with Senkos and shaky heads.

Good luck


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[TriStar]

I can't thank everyone enough for the advice. I am itching to get out there and catch ANYTHING at this point, ha. I had been wondering about how the Harpeth holds up for fishing with all of the canoe rentals going up and down once it warms up. I guess that would be more on the Pegram side, though. Are some of the more southern parts good?

[Shoe man]

I can't thank everyone enough for the advice. I am itching to get out there and catch ANYTHING at this point, ha. I had been wondering about how the Harpeth holds up for fishing with all of the canoe rentals going up and down once it warms up. I guess that would be more on the Pegram side, though. Are some of the more southern parts good?
I live less than 2 miles from the Harpeth and have fished a lot of it. You can wade or float it and there are big stretches that are not affected by hundreds of canoes. You can catch fish almost anywhere on that river. Lots of smallmouth, redeye, largemouth, catfish, bluegill....... I wade the Little Harpeth also. It runs through Edwin Warner Park where there is lots of access. Fish run smaller but are still lots of fun. It's good that you carry no matter where you go. Better to have it and not need it.........

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[FishAddict]

The Rockland recreation/park area in Hendersonville is pretty nice and holds some bass at times. Walk out to the point. You can park by the little dock/pier and a short walk to it. Good place to picnic too with tables and pavilions.