Percy Priest Lake hosts regular bass tournaments throughout the year
Percy Priest Lake, a 14,400-acre reservoir near Murfreesboro, holds bass tournaments most months from spring through fall. The lake sits about 30 miles southeast of Nashville and draws anglers from across Tennessee and neighboring states. Tournaments run under different formats — some are one-day events, others span two days — and entry fees typically range from $50 to $150 per boat, though this varies by event.
The lake itself is known for largemouth and smallmouth bass, with consistent catches year-round. Water clarity and depth vary by season and recent rainfall, which affects how fish position themselves and what techniques work best. Local fishing guides and tackle shops in Murfreesboro can tell you what's been working in the weeks before a tournament you're considering.
Key Takeaways
- Percy Priest Lake tournaments run spring through fall, with entry fees usually between $50 and $150 per boat depending on the event format and prize pool.
- Most tournaments require you to launch from one of the lake's public ramps and weigh fish at a designated location on a specific schedule — arriving late typically means disqualification.
- You will need a valid Tennessee fishing license and must follow all state regulations on bag limits, size limits, and tackle rules, even in tournament competition.
- Local tackle shops and the Percy Priest Lake marina can tell you which tournaments are coming up and connect you with other anglers if you need a fishing partner.
- Weather and water conditions change the bite significantly, so checking reports from the week before helps you prepare tackle and strategy.
Finding upcoming tournaments at Percy Priest
Tournament schedules post on several platforms. The Percy Priest Lake marina office, located at the main public access area, maintains a calendar and can tell you entry deadlines and weigh-in times. Local bass clubs — including the Murfreesboro Bass Club and the Middle Tennessee Bassmasters — host events throughout the season and post dates on their websites and Facebook pages.
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) does not run the tournaments themselves but oversees fishing regulations that apply during competition. Some tournaments are sanctioned by national organizations like the Bass Fishing League (BFL) or FLW, which have their own websites listing events by state. Smaller local tournaments may only be advertised through the hosting club or the marina.
Entry deadlines typically close one to two weeks before the tournament date. Some events allow you to register the morning of the tournament, but spots fill quickly and you risk missing the registration window if you arrive late.
What you need to bring and know before launch
A valid Tennessee fishing license is required — you cannot fish in a tournament without one, even if you're partnered with someone who has a license. You can purchase a license online through the TWRA website or at any tackle shop or sporting goods store. A one-day license costs less than an annual license if you only fish occasionally.
Bring your boat registration and proof of liability insurance if you're running your own boat. Most tournaments require a signed waiver and may ask for emergency contact information. Arrive at the launch ramp at least 30 minutes before the official launch time to avoid congestion and give yourself time to check your equipment.
Fuel up before you arrive at the lake — the marina has fuel, but lines can be long on tournament mornings. Pack water, snacks, and sunscreen for a full day on the water. Check the weather forecast the night before and the morning of the tournament; Percy Priest can get rough in wind, and tournaments may be postponed or cancelled if conditions become unsafe.
Tournament rules and what happens at weigh-in
All fish must be caught during the official tournament window — typically from sunrise to a set time in the afternoon, often 3 or 4 p.m. Fish caught before or after that window do not count. You must follow Tennessee's statewide bag and size limits: largemouth bass have a 12-inch minimum size and a five-fish daily bag limit in most areas, though limits can vary by specific water body, so confirm with TWRA before the event.
Dead fish are usually penalized or disqualified depending on the tournament's rules, so keep your catch alive in a livewell or aerated cooler. Many tournaments require you to bring fish to a designated weigh-in location by a specific time — missing the deadline means automatic disqualification. Weigh-in is public, and your catch is typically released back into the lake after weighing.
Prize money is distributed based on weight and placement. Smaller local tournaments may award cash to the top three boats; larger events with more entries and higher entry fees offer bigger payouts. Some tournaments also have a "big fish" prize for the single largest bass caught that day.
Preparing your boat and tackle for Percy Priest conditions
Percy Priest has shallow areas with submerged timber, deeper channels, and rocky points — a mix that holds bass in different spots depending on season and water temperature. Spring tournaments often see fish moving shallow to spawn, while summer fish retreat to deeper water and shade. Fall brings fish back to mid-depth structure as water cools.
Stock your tackle box with a range of lures: crankbaits for covering water quickly, soft plastics for finesse fishing around cover, and topwater for early morning and low-light conditions. Bring more than you think you'll need — losing a lure to a snag or a fish is common, and running out of your best pattern mid-tournament costs you.
Check your boat's battery, bilge pump, and navigation electronics the day before. A GPS with a map of Percy Priest helps you relocate productive spots quickly. Bring a spare prop and basic tools in case you hit something underwater — the lake has plenty of submerged hazards.
Costs, entry fees, and what to expect for prize payouts
Entry fees cover the cost of running the tournament — paying the weigh master, renting the facility, insurance, and prize money. A $75 entry fee for a local club event might split roughly $40 toward prizes and $35 toward operational costs. Larger sanctioned tournaments with $150 entry fees typically offer bigger prize pools and attract more competitors.
Most tournaments may provide that a percentage of entry fees go back to winners — often 50 to 70 percent. If 30 boats enter at $100 each, that's $3,000 total; you might see $1,500 to $2,100 returned as prizes. First place in a small local tournament might win $300 to $500; in a larger event, $1,000 or more. Payouts depend entirely on how many boats fish and what the tournament organizers promise.
Some tournaments charge additional fees for big fish pools or optional side pots. These are separate from the main entry fee and are purely optional — you do not have to participate to fish the main tournament.
Fishing with a partner or going solo
Most tournaments require a two-person team per boat, though some allow solo anglers or have a separate division for single competitors. If you do not have a regular fishing partner, ask at local tackle shops or post in fishing groups on social media — many anglers look for tournament partners. The Percy Priest Lake marina can sometimes connect you with other competitors looking for a boat.
Fishing with a partner you know well makes the day more enjoyable and safer. You can take turns at the helm and net, share tackle and strategy, and help each other stay focused during a long day. If you're new to tournament fishing, partnering with someone experienced teaches you the pace and rhythm of competition.
Tournament etiquette matters: do not fish the same spot as another boat, respect no-wake zones, and keep radio chatter brief and courteous. Most anglers are friendly and helpful, especially to newcomers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a fishing license to fish in a Percy Priest tournament?
Yes. Tennessee law requires a valid fishing license for anyone fishing, including tournament competitors. You can buy a one-day license online through TWRA or at any tackle shop. The license is inexpensive and takes minutes to purchase.
What if I catch a fish that's too small or over the bag limit?
You must release it immediately. Keeping undersized or excess fish violates state law and tournament rules and can result in disqualification and fines. Weigh-in officials check fish measurements, so there is no way around it.
Can I fish a tournament if I've never competed before?
Absolutely. Local tournaments welcome newcomers. Start with a smaller club event to learn the format and pace before entering a larger sanctioned tournament. Fishing with an experienced partner makes your first tournament much less stressful.
What happens if the weather is bad on tournament day?
Tournaments may be postponed or cancelled if conditions become unsafe — high wind, lightning, or severe weather. The tournament director makes the call, usually the morning of the event. You will be notified through the contact information you provided at registration.
How do I find out which tournaments are coming up?
Check the Percy Priest Lake marina website and Facebook page, contact local bass clubs directly, or visit the websites of sanctioned organizations like BFL or FLW. The marina staff can also tell you about upcoming events when you call or visit.