Percy Preist help

[GregInAtl]

Hey guys, I have been considering pulling my boat out to Percy Preist and trying to catch a few and didnt know what to do or where to even start. I live in Atlanta, and fish mainly Lanier, so I know spoted bass well, but have no clue about smallies (I've never even caught one). My girlfriend lives in Nashville and I went and found the ramp by the BMX track (which I also will spend some time on) and wanted to know a few things;

1. Is there no docks on that lake?! I haven't seen any.

2. Is Feb fishing there worth even trying? I fish 12 months a year here, every weekend almost.

3. Any basic pointers. (I am not asking for specific locations, but share what maybe all locals know). I am a better than average fisherman I'd hope, and I can generally work it out if I am headed in the right direction.

4. Finally, should I just stop at Tim's Ford on the way instead?! It looks more like Lanier, high dock count, deep and shallow water etc.

Any help is appreciated. I just want a chance to catch a few and see what Tn offers in bass fishing!

[RoadrashPaul]

I would help you if I could Greg. I live 45 minutes from there and have never fished it

[AdamV]

There really are not any residential docks on Priest, but there are few Marinas.

If you are coming up to visit your girlfriend and ride your bike, that is one thing. But if you are coming all the way from GA strictly to fish Priest, I would advise against it. It is highly pressured and very difficult to figure out in a day or two. I have spent a lot of time on that lake and do not catch fish every trip.

That being said Febuary is my favorite time to fish it. The big ones will be moving around, and with the mild weather, I anticipate an early pre-spawn bite.

You will find warmer water up the river, but if the water down lake is 50+ it can produce bigger fish. Find some wood along the edge of the main channels, either in the river or the main lake and throw baits at it.

Sometimes you can find current reports on smalljaw.com

Good luck.

[Fiddlefarter]

Gonna send you an IM

[WATER DOG 2]

Shad Rap- #5 or 7 (crawfish) regular or short billed - jerkbait LC 100 0R 112 (green/white or table rock) ,if a cold front hits throw the smaller one(LC)w the longer bill on a spnning reel w 6-8 lb line - 1/2 redXR50 rattle trap - 1/2-3/4 spinnerbt also . Now if you want to fish deep, a rig with turd on the end of it and also a FB jig in green or PBnJ ( FISH THESE ON A SUMMER TYPE PATTERN -HUMPS, DROPS ECT....) ''The funny thing is you can put in at FOUR CORNERS MARINA and never leave site of the NO WAKE BOUYS and do not go under the bridge and catch all the smallmouth and largemouth you want and fish all these patterns.'' Those patterns holds up about 80% of the year . Just do not get out of the bouys and make sure you go with somebody that knows the lake or you will leave your lower unit out there. There is alot of fish in that lake ,just gonna have to fish it it like KY Lake alittle. There was a 9.81 caught this past Saturday out there - go to Anderson Marine and look for Mikes Saturday Mrng Trnmnt and click on it. Dont hesitate to throw a buzzbait if its warm for a few days while your here, you might be surprised. The river will be to clear not unless we get alot of rain for a few days . Good luck and be safe !

[smalljawguy]

I live about 25 minutes away and I drive past it all the time to go to better lakes. If it were me I'd skip it and head to Tims Ford. Heck, if you have the time push on about 45 minutes east on I40 and fish Center Hill.

[Headhunter130]

Priest is not the easiest, but still a great lake. Many good fish have been caught in February. Jig, rat-l-trap (or any bait of that type), shad raps, etc. I like to fish mud flats in March (do not fish much in February). One thing for sure, get a good map and if you are running stay in the river channel, you do that and you will be fine. A lot of people like to run up in the river, just be careful if you do.

[dannyphil]

be sure your insurance is current

[chflowers]

i grew up on the lake and know it like the back of my hand. This time of year I like throwing a float and fly. If not then a crankbait and jig works well.If you come up during the week let me know I will show you the lake and some good spots.

[huntc]

I fish that lake 2-3 times a week. Be very careful!! I good gps with a good chip will help you not to ruin your boat. In Feb. try cranking the migration routes from deep to shallow. If the water is still way cold, look for warmer water in the backs of creeks and jerk ;) them out.

[huntc]

Do you fish West Point? I may need some help there in May.

[GregInAtl]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by huntc &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">Do you fish West Point? I may need some help there in May.</td></tr></table>
I have a few places there, one obvious, yet amazing place I hit 3x a day in tourneys that usually holds big girls. I will have a tourney there in May, so I will be practicing before and will give you some places.

[pickupman66]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by smalljawguy &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">I live about 25 minutes away and I drive past it all the time to go to better lakes. If it were me I'd skip it and head to Tims Ford. Heck, if you have the time push on about 45 minutes east on I40 and fish Center Hill. </td></tr></table>

Cough.. cough....

also a tough lake but lots of docks. Many are dry this time of year. lake is at winter pool so its down.

I used to love a drop shot just off the main channel on Priest. did well with it when I found fish.

I havent been out since 2011 so TIMS is still a big mystery to me.

BBnut and I need to get out there SOON!

[smalljawguy]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by pickupman66 &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">

Cough.. cough....

also a tough lake but lots of docks. Many are dry this time of year. lake is at winter pool so its down.

I used to love a drop shot just off the main channel on Priest. did well with it when I found fish.

I havent been out since 2011 so TIMS is still a big mystery to me.


BBnut and I need to get out there SOON!</td></tr></table>


Tims to me is a lot like Dale Hollow. Can be really tough but when she's giving up the goods she can be a lot of fun.

[pint2301]

Go to Tims.

[gizzardshad]

Id drive 2 hours before fishing priest and I live 20 mins away. Don't waste your time.