Black Bass - The three black bass species (largemouth, smallmouth and spotted) provide the most popular fishery in Old Hickory Lake accounting for 45 percent of angling effort. Five fish in any species combination may be harvested per person per day. There is a 14 inch minimum size limit for largemouth and smallmouth bass. Fish for bass in close proximity to submerged cover and fish attractor sites. 

Largemouth Bass

True Bass - The true bass fishery is the second most popular in Old Hickory Reservoir accounting for 20 percent of angling effort. 

• Striped Bass (Rockfish) - 15 inch minimum size limit and creel limit of two striped bass harvested per person per day. A trophy striped bass fishery exists providing an excellent opportunity to catch fish exceeding 30 pounds. Fish with large live baits (gizzard shad and skipjack herring) or artificial lures in the cooler riverine habitat upstream of Highway 231 during the spring, summer and fall. Large striped bass concentrate in the Cordell Hull tailwater during the spring months. Fish the Gallatin Steam Plant discharge area during the winter months. This area provides warmer water, which attracts baitfish and striped bass. 
  

• White Bass
  
  

Sauger  - Sauger are another popular sport fishery in Old Hickory Lake accounting for 10 percent of the angling effort. The minimum length limit is 15 inches and daily creel limit is ten per person per day. Fish on the bottom with lead head jigs tipped with threadfin shad or large minnows. Also try fishing the mouths of creeks and the main river channel in the upper half of the reservoir near the Cordell Hull Dam tailrace. Best sauger fishing occurs from January through April. 

Crappie  - A fair crappie fishery exists primarily in the warmer embayments and creeks. This fishery accounts for 10 percent of the angling effort. The minimum length limit is 10 inches and daily creel limit is 30 per person. Fish in close proximity to structure such as fish attractor sites, and cover provided by wood such as fallen trees or stumps. White crappie is the predominant crappie species in Old Hickory Lake

Cages Bend

Cedar Creek

APPROXIMATE Season

March 30 - October 30

March 30 – October 30

Fee Range

$19 - $23

$19 - $23

Number of Sites

43

59

Water Hookups

All Sites

All Sites

Electric

All Sites

All Sites

Dump Station

Yes

Yes

Swim Beach

No

Yes

Reservable Picnic Shelter

No

Yes

Playground

No

Yes

Boat Launch

Yes

Yes

Restrooms and Hot Showers

Yes

Yes

Laundry Facilities

Yes

Yes

Phone Number *

(615) 824-4989

(615) 754-4947

Directions from Nashville

North of Nashville, TN, on I-65 exit onto Vietnam Veterans Blvd E, follow until it rejoins Gallatin Road (Hwy 31E), once on Gallatin Road, turn right onto Cages Bend Rd S, turn left onto Benders Ferry Rd. Follow signs into campground.

East of Nashville, TN on I-40 East, exit onto Old Hickory Blvd N, turn right on Lebanon Rd, then left onto Andrew Jackson Parkway, continue straight on Saundersville Rd for 10 miles, and follow signs into campground.

Rockland: Located in Hendersonville, TN, Rockland offers four reservable shelters, one with kitchen facilities, gazebo, fishing platform, playground, boat launch ramp, sand volleyball, several picnic sites, and restroom facilities. Rockland is the perfect choice for larger gatherings. Contact the Resource Manager's Office at (615) 822-4846 for reservations.

Lock 3: Located in Hendersonville, TN, Lock 3 offers a sand beach, picnic sites, a boat launch ramp, and restroom facilities.

Shutes Branch: Located in Mt. Juliet, TN, Shutes Branch offers picnic sites, boat launch ramp, fishing platform, and restroom facilities.

Avondale: Located in Gallatin, TN, Avondale offers a reservable group picnic shelter, picnic sites, boat launch ramp, and restroom facilities. Reservations for the picnic shelter may be made by calling 1-877-444-6777 or online at www.recreation.gov.

Cedar Creek: Located in Mt Juliet, TN, Cedar Creek offers a reservable group picnic shelter, picnic sites, sand beach, sand volleyball, boat launch ramp, playground, and restroom facilities. Reservations for the picnic shelter may be made by calling 1-877-444-6777.  A $4 per vehicle user fee is required.

Lone Branch: Located in Mt. Juliet, TN, Lone Branch offers a reservable group picnic shelter, picnic sites, boat launch ramp, and restroom facilities.

Nat Caldwell: Located in Hendersonville, TN, Nat Caldwell offers a reservable group picnic shelter, nearby boat launch ramp, and restroom facilities.

Old Hickory Beach: Located in Old Hickory, TN, Old Hickory Beach offers a reservable group picnic shelter, sand beach, boat launch ramp, playground, and restroom facilities. Reservations for the picnic shelter may be made by calling 1-877-444-6777 or online at www.recreation.gov. A $4 per vehicle user fee is required.