What You'll Find at Two Rivers Park Pond
Two Rivers Park Pond is a small, shallow impoundment in Nashville's Two Rivers Park, located where the Cumberland and Stones Rivers meet on the east side of the city. The pond holds channel catfish, flathead catfish, bluegill, and largemouth bass, making it accessible for anglers of all skill levels. The water is murky and slow-moving, typical of urban park ponds, and the shoreline is developed with maintained grass banks and some wooded sections.
This is not a destination for trophy fishing. The pond produces keeper-sized fish consistently—catfish in the 2- to 5-pound range and bluegill that run small to medium. What makes it worth a trip is proximity: if you live in or near Nashville and want to fish without driving an hour, this pond delivers without requiring a boat or special gear.
Key Takeaways
- Two Rivers Park Pond is open to the public year-round and requires no permit to fish from the bank.
- Channel catfish bite best from May through September using chicken liver, cut shad, or prepared stink baits.
- Bluegill are present year-round and respond to small jigs, crickets, and worms under a bobber in shallow water.
- The pond sits in a public park with parking, restrooms, and picnic areas, making it convenient for a short outing.
- Bank access is limited to designated areas; check with park staff about current fishing zones before you go.
Seasons and What Bites When
Spring (March through May) is when catfish begin to feed actively as water temperatures climb above 60 degrees. Channel catfish move into shallower areas to feed, and this is a reliable time to catch them from the bank using cut bait or chicken liver. Bluegill also spawn in spring, making them aggressive and easier to catch on small jigs or live crickets.
Summer (June through August) is peak catfish season. The pond's shallow, warm water keeps catfish feeding throughout the day, though early morning and evening produce more consistent bites. Flathead catfish, which are nocturnal, become more active after dark. Bluegill fishing slows in the heat of midday but picks up again in early morning and late afternoon.
Fall (September through November) remains productive for catfish as they feed heavily before winter. Water temperatures drop gradually, and catfish stay active longer into the evening. Largemouth bass fishing can improve in fall as water cools, though the pond is not known as a bass destination.
Winter (December through February) is slow. Catfish feed sporadically in cold water, and bluegill become lethargic. Some anglers still fish, but success drops noticeably. If you fish in winter, focus on midday hours when water temperature is highest and use live bait rather than prepared baits.
How to Fish the Pond and What Gear Works
Bank fishing is the only option at Two Rivers Park Pond. Bring a medium-action spinning rod with 10- to 15-pound monofilament for catfish and a light spinning rod for bluegill. A simple rod holder or PVC pipe driven into the bank lets you fish multiple lines if park regulations allow—check the posted rules or ask park staff.
For catfish, use cut shad, chicken liver, or commercial stink baits like Dip Bait or Sonny's. Cast near deeper holes or along the far bank where current from the river inlet creates channels. A basic three-way rig with a sinker and short leader works well in this shallow water. Fish on or near the bottom and be patient; catfish in urban ponds often feed in short windows.
For bluegill, use a bobber rig with a small jig (1/32 to 1/16 ounce) or a live cricket suspended 2 to 4 feet deep. Cast along the grassy banks and near any submerged wood. Bluegill bite throughout the day in spring and fall but concentrate in shaded areas during summer heat.
Largemouth bass are present but not abundant. If you want to target them, throw small crankbaits or soft plastics along the shoreline structure, especially near the wooded sections. Early morning and late evening are best.
Access, Parking, and Park Rules
Two Rivers Park is open to the public and free to enter. Parking is available in the main lot near the park entrance on McGavock Pike on Nashville's east side. The park has restrooms, picnic areas, and walking trails, making it suitable for a family outing where some people fish while others explore the grounds.
Fishing is permitted from designated bank areas. The pond itself is not fenced, but park staff maintain specific access points. Before you fish, check the posted regulations at the park entrance or contact Nashville Parks and Recreation to confirm current fishing zones and any seasonal restrictions. Some areas may be closed to protect nesting birds or for maintenance.
No permit is required to fish from the bank. Tennessee fishing regulations apply: you must follow state creel limits and size restrictions. As of the last update, channel catfish have no minimum size and a 10-fish daily limit, while largemouth bass have a 12-inch minimum and 5-fish limit. Bluegill have no size limit and a 50-fish daily limit. Check the current Tennessee fishing guide before you go, as regulations can change.
What to Bring and What to Expect
Bring sunscreen, a hat, and water. The pond offers little shade on the open bank, and summer sun reflects off the water. A small cooler with ice keeps bait fresh and gives you a place to store fish. Mosquitoes can be heavy in summer, especially near dusk, so insect repellent is practical.
Expect crowds on weekends, especially in spring and early summer. The park draws families, joggers, and dog walkers. Fishing is quieter on weekday mornings. The pond's shallow, murky water means you will not see fish, so fishing is a waiting game—bring a book or plan to fish multiple lines if allowed.
The pond can become overgrown with algae in late summer, which can reduce oxygen and slow feeding. If you visit in August or September and see heavy algae, fish early morning or late evening when oxygen levels are highest.
Nearby Fishing Options
If Two Rivers Park Pond does not produce or you want to explore other water, the Cumberland River runs through Nashville and holds catfish, bass, and sauger. Bank access is limited but available at some parks and boat ramps. The Stones River, which feeds Two Rivers Park, has smallmouth bass and catfish in sections upstream and downstream of the park.
Priest Lake, about 15 miles southeast of Nashville, is a larger impoundment with better bass fishing and more consistent catfish populations. It requires a short drive but offers more space and deeper water than the pond.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fish at night at Two Rivers Park Pond?
Night fishing is typically not permitted in city parks due to safety and lighting restrictions. Check with Nashville Parks and Recreation or the posted rules at the park entrance. If night fishing is allowed, flathead catfish are most active after dark, but you will need a headlamp and should fish with a partner.
What is the best time of day to fish here?
Early morning (sunrise to 9 a.m.) and late afternoon (4 p.m. to dusk) are most productive. Catfish feed more actively in low light, and bluegill bite better when the sun is not directly overhead. Midday fishing is possible but slower, especially in summer.
Do I need a Tennessee fishing license?
Yes. Tennessee requires a fishing license for anyone 13 and older. You can purchase a one-day license, three-day license, or annual license through the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency website or at local sporting goods stores. Licenses are inexpensive and support fish management in the state.
Are there any fish size or catch limits I should know about?
Channel catfish have no minimum size and a 10-fish daily limit. Largemouth bass must be at least 12 inches and have a 5-fish limit. Bluegill have no size limit and a 50-fish daily limit. These limits can change, so check the current Tennessee fishing guide before you fish.
Is the pond safe for kids to fish?
Yes, the pond is in a public park with maintained grounds and park staff present. The shallow water and gentle banks make it accessible for children. Supervise young anglers around the water, and teach them to handle catfish carefully—the spines on their pectoral fins can cause painful punctures.