What To Fish
The most targeted fish species in the Harpeth River is the smallmouth bass (M. dolomieu). These fish can be found in rocky or gravelly areas of the river with moving water. Smallmouth are ambush predators and love to sit behind rocks or other cover when hunting. A good way to target them is to work structure such as rocks, logs, or deep runs. Smallmouth eat a variety of food, but crawdad-imitations, spinners, and various finesse tactics work well.

Other popular species that are also pursued in the Harpeth River are largemouth bass (M. salmoides), rock bass (A.rupestris), bluegill (L. macrochirus), and channel catfish (I. punctatus).
Lures
Deciding which lures to bring with you to the river can be frustrating at times and can lead to packing every lure you own! Here is a link to 10 lures that work well for any river or stream fishing.

Before You Get Started
- Always make sure you have a fishing license! They can be found here.
- Check the weather before you head out! In the summer, storms can develop quickly and cause hazardous conditions.
- Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, and bug spray!
- The USGS keeps current conditions of river levels for all major waterways in the United States, including the Harpeth River!
- Help keep the Harpeth River healthy. Check out some of the invasive species that can be found in the Harpeth River and keep an eye out for them.
Access Points

Be River Responsible

Wall of Fame

Scott Muller
3lbs Smallmouth Bass, 6/3/2023, caught about 1/4 mile from the put in at the Narrows

Tyson Ferrell
2 lbs, 7/6/2023, caught on the Harpeth near the golf center in Bellevue

Blake Sage
10″ Smallmouth Bass

Marina Metes
27″ Longnose Gar

Murphy Copeland
75lbs Catfish

Carol Provost
2lbs Smallmouth Bass

Brandon
Largemouth Bass

Blake Sage
Smallmouth Bass
Send us your fish pictures from the Harpeth River and make it on our wall of fame!