The Old Hickory Lake Catfish Tournament draws anglers to one of Tennessee's most productive catfish waters

The Old Hickory Lake Catfish Tournament is an annual fishing event held on Old Hickory Lake near Nashville, Tennessee. The tournament brings together catfish anglers of all skill levels to compete for prizes while fishing one of the state's most reliable catfish fisheries. The lake, formed by a dam on the Cumberland River, holds channel catfish, flatheads, and blues that grow large enough to make the competition worth the early mornings and long days on the water.

Old Hickory Lake spans roughly 22,500 acres and sits just north of Nashville, making it accessible to both local anglers and those traveling from across the region. The tournament typically runs for a single day or a weekend, depending on the year and the organization running it. Entry fees, prize structures, and exact dates change annually, so confirming details with the tournament organizer before you commit is essential.

Key Takeaways

  • Old Hickory Lake Catfish Tournament is held annually on Old Hickory Lake near Nashville and draws catfish anglers from across Tennessee and neighboring states.
  • The lake holds channel catfish, flathead catfish, and blue catfish, with the best fishing typically occurring in deeper holes and along structure during the tournament season.
  • Entry fees, tournament dates, and prize payouts vary by year and organizer, so you should contact the host organization directly to confirm current details.
  • Successful tournament fishing on Old Hickory requires knowing the lake's main channels, understanding seasonal catfish behavior, and having the right tackle for larger fish.
  • Weigh-in procedures and catch limits follow Tennessee fishing regulations, which allow multiple catfish per angler but may have size or species restrictions depending on the tournament rules.

When the Tournament Typically Takes Place

The Old Hickory Lake Catfish Tournament has historically been held in spring or early summer, though the exact timing shifts from year to year. Spring tournaments (April through June) take advantage of catfish moving into shallower water to spawn, making them more active and easier to locate. Summer tournaments capitalize on catfish feeding heavily in the heat, though anglers must adjust their tactics to fish deeper and during cooler parts of the day.

The tournament may run as a single-day event or span a weekend, with weigh-ins typically held at a public boat ramp or marina on the lake. Before planning your trip, contact the tournament organizer directly—details appear on fishing forums, local tackle shops, and the Tennessee Parks and Recreation website. Confirming the exact dates also lets you book lodging and arrange time off work without guessing.

What Catfish Species You'll Find in Old Hickory Lake

Channel catfish are the most abundant species in Old Hickory and the most common tournament catch. They typically range from 2 to 8 pounds in the lake, though larger specimens do get caught. Channel catfish are bottom feeders that respond well to cut bait, chicken liver, and prepared stink baits—all legal tournament baits.

Flathead catfish have become increasingly common in Old Hickory over the past two decades. These aggressive predators prefer live bait and grow much larger than channels, with fish over 40 pounds possible. Flatheads are primarily nocturnal, so night fishing or early morning sessions often produce the biggest catches. Many tournaments allow flatheads, though some may have separate prize categories for different species.

Blue catfish also inhabit Old Hickory and can reach impressive sizes. Blues are less common than channels but more abundant than they were historically. They respond to live bait, cut shad, and prepared baits, and they feed throughout the day, making them reliable tournament targets.

How to Fish Old Hickory Lake for Tournament Success

Old Hickory Lake has distinct structure that holds catfish year-round. The main channel of the original Cumberland River runs through the center of the lake and holds catfish in deeper holes, especially where the channel widens or narrows. Secondary channels and creek beds that feed into the main lake also concentrate fish. Before the tournament, spend time on the water learning where these features are—a GPS unit or mapping app showing depth contours is invaluable.

Catfish in Old Hickory respond to multiple baiting strategies. Cut shad, bluegill, and skipjack herring are effective and widely available at local tackle shops. Chicken liver and prepared stink baits work well for channel catfish. Live bluegill and shiners are the best choice for flatheads, especially at night. Bring multiple bait types so you can adjust if one stops producing.

Rod and reel setup matters for tournament fishing. A medium-heavy rod with a baitcasting reel and 20- to 30-pound braided line handles larger catfish and allows you to feel bottom structure and bites clearly. Circle hooks in sizes 2/0 to 8/0 work well for catfish and often hook fish in the corner of the mouth, making them easier to land and release if required by tournament rules.

Tournament Rules and Weigh-In Procedures

Tournament rules for Old Hickory Lake Catfish events follow Tennessee state fishing regulations as a baseline, though individual tournaments may add their own restrictions. Tennessee allows multiple catfish per angler, but the tournament may limit the number of fish you can weigh in or set minimum size requirements. Some tournaments count only the heaviest five fish; others may count all fish caught. Read the tournament rules carefully before fishing.

Weigh-ins typically occur at a designated boat ramp or marina, often with a set window of time (for example, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.). Fish are weighed in a live well or cooler, and the total weight determines placement. Some tournaments require fish to be alive at weigh-in; others allow dead fish. Clarify this detail with the organizer, as it affects how you handle and store your catch during the day.

Entry fees for Old Hickory catfish tournaments typically range from $25 to $75 per angler, though this varies. Prize money is usually distributed among the top finishers, with the largest share going to first place. Some tournaments also offer side pots or big-fish prizes that you can enter separately for an additional fee.

Where to Launch and What to Bring

Old Hickory Lake has multiple public boat ramps operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. The most commonly used ramps for catfish tournaments are at Priest's Cove, Gallatin Bend, and Stones River access areas. Arrive early on tournament day—popular ramps fill up quickly, and you do not want to miss the start time because you could not launch your boat.

Bring a cooler with ice to keep your catch fresh throughout the day. A headlamp or flashlight is essential if you plan to fish early morning or evening. Sunscreen, water, and snacks keep you comfortable during a long day on the water. A net makes landing large catfish safer and faster. If you are unfamiliar with the lake, a GPS unit or smartphone app showing depth contours and structure will help you locate productive fishing areas quickly.

Preparing Your Tackle and Bait Before Tournament Day

Check your rods, reels, and line before the tournament. Catfish fishing puts real stress on equipment, especially when you hook a large flathead or blue. Retie your knots, inspect your line for frays or weak spots, and replace anything questionable. A broken line during the tournament costs you a fish and wastes time you could spend fishing.

Source your bait the day before or early on tournament morning. Local tackle shops near Old Hickory carry cut shad, bluegill, and prepared baits. Bring more bait than you think you will need—catfish fishing consumes bait quickly, and running out mid-tournament forces you to improvise or stop fishing. If you plan to use live bait for flatheads, pick it up fresh the morning of the event so it stays lively throughout the day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Tennessee fishing license to fish the Old Hickory Lake Catfish Tournament?

Yes, all anglers must have a valid Tennessee fishing license, even in a tournament. You can purchase a license online through the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency website or at any authorized vendor. A one-day license is available if you do not fish regularly.

What is the best time of day to fish for catfish during the tournament?

Channel catfish feed throughout the day, so you can catch them anytime. Flathead catfish are most active at night and early morning, so if the tournament allows night fishing, plan to fish from sunset through dawn. Blue catfish feed during the day and night, making them reliable targets whenever you are on the water.

Can I fish with multiple rods during the tournament?

Tournament rules vary. Some allow two rods per angler; others limit you to one. Check the specific tournament rules before you fish. Using more rods than allowed can result in disqualification, so clarify this detail with the organizer.

How do I find out the exact date and entry fee for this year's tournament?

Contact local tackle shops near Old Hickory Lake, check the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency website, or search fishing forums and Facebook groups dedicated to Tennessee catfishing. Tournament organizers usually announce dates and details two to three months in advance.

What should I do if I catch a fish near the end of the tournament but do not have time to get it to weigh-in?

Keep your fish on ice in a cooler and head to weigh-in immediately. Most tournaments have a set weigh-in window, and arriving late may disqualify your catch. Plan your fishing location so you have time to return to the ramp before the weigh-in closes.