Barren River

[Shad]

Any one on here fish Barren River much? I live on the north side of Nashville and I am looking to buy a small lake home (house, cabin, trailer, etc) at a lake around an hours drive from my home. I remembered Barren Lake. Is that a good lake to fish for bass and crappie? I have never fished it. Is there a good area on the lake to purchase a lake home? My wife will want some neighbors so is there an area where the fisherman and families live? Thanks.

[smashdn]

It gets drawn down about 25 feet in winter and at times will stay many feet above summer pool if there is significant spring and summer rains. It is the closest lake to me but due to the fact it is a flood control lake and fluctuates so much and can get so muddy I find myself going to old hickory more.

I don't think very many if any of the private docks on the lake will have water under them year round so you have to pull your boat out. I know the cove that my wife's aunt has a dock in goes completely dry in winter. In summer it is 20 or so foot deep. Also, the COE may have a cap on the number of docks allowed on the lake. I have read it is hard to get approved for a new one. Also, there aren't houses really "on the lake" the way that they are on OH. There is a pretty sizable buffer around the lake that the COE owns that you aren't supposed to clear of trees or improve. Most houses are a good 70 yards or more back up off the lake.

As far as the actual fishing goes I think it is fair for crappie and pretty good for bass. I can usually pull 1 or 2 keepers off of stuff I have put in the lake over the years. The last two years I have caught lots of 8-9 inch fish. Things should be swinging up in the coming years. I don't think I have ever caught a true pig crappie out of barren though.

It gets hit alot by local (bass) club tourneys and bigger tourneys due to its location. Now is one of the best times to get out on the lake though and mark spots that will produce in spring, summer, and early fall. Most anything that will hold a fish then is high and dry now.

[jeremy colvin]

I live on beaver creek. Crappie fishing has been really good the last couple years. Lots of #'s. Not known as a big fish lake but produces good numbers of fish all year.

[crappie snatcher]

lots of great crappie fishing and bass as well, it has lots of tournaments on it for bass with lots of success. I am an average fisherman but catch lots of crappie and bass, just sayin