The three black bass species (largemouth, smallmouth and spotted) provide the most popular fishery in Old Hickory Lake accounting for 45 percent of angling effort. Five fish in any species combination may be harvested per person per day. There is a 14 inch minimum size limit for largemouth and smallmouth bass. Fish for bass in close proximity to submerged cover and fish attractor sites.

The striped and white bass fishery is the second most popular in Old Hickory Reservoir accounting for 20 percent of angling effort. A trophy striped bass fishery exists providing an excellent opportunity to catch fish exceeding 30 pounds. Fish with large live baits (gizzard shad and skipjack herring) or artificial lures in the cooler riverine habitat upstream of Highway 231 during the spring, summer and fall. Large striped bass concentrate in the Cordell Hull tailwater during the spring months. Fish the Gallatin Steam Plant discharge area during the winter months. This area provides warmer water, which attracts baitfish and striped bass.

Sauger are another popular sport fishery in Old Hickory Lake accounting for 10 percent of the angling effort. The minimum length limit is 15 inches and daily creel limit is ten per person per day. Fish on the bottom with lead head jigs tipped with threadfin shad or large minnows. Also try fishing the mouths of creeks and the main river channel in the upper half of the reservoir near the Cordell Hull Dam tailrace. Best sauger fishing occurs from January through April.

A fair crappie fishery exists primarily in the warmer embayments and creeks. This fishery accounts for 10 percent of the angling effort. The minimum length limit is 10 inches and daily creel limit is 30 per person. Fish in close proximity to structure such as fish attractor sites, and cover provided by wood such as fallen trees or stumps. White crappie is the predominant crappie species in Old Hickory Lake.