The easiest access, especially with kids, is the Little Harpeth as it it runs along the picnic area in Warner Park off Vaughn Rd. Plenty of places all along there to walk right in. Can be annoying when too many people are there letting their dogs take a noisy dip in the river, but weekdays are very calm. And there are more fish there than you might think.
For the main Harpeth, search Google for canoe access points. There are a number of them and the ones I've tried have shallow spots. I wouldn't try wading the main river right now, though. It's high and fast. Will be more so after today's deluge.
I always use artificial baits, so can't help with the live bait question.
Good luck!
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