This lake's catfish fishery is primarily made up of channel catfish. Rizzuto estimates around two-thirds of the catfish are channel cats with the remainder being blue catfish. In the latest creel survey, the average size for both species averaged less than 2 pounds.

There is only around a one-quarter mile of shoreline access, but there is a handicapped-accessible fishing pier. The remainder of the property around the lake is private property. The lake has other amenities, including a boat launch, boat rentals, a concession and on-site bait and tackle. More lake information is available by calling (731) 855-2990.

MIDDLE -- REGION II
Middle Tennessee is much like the west. It has plenty of catfish choices, both large and small. Region II has some great large reservoirs, plus it is home to the other eight Family Fishing Lakes.

One of premier large waters is Percy Priest Lake near Nashville. Channel catfish are most prominent in the lake, but there are also populations of blues and flatheads. Catfish are the third most popular species with anglers at Percy Priest.

Channel cats averaged around 1.75 pounds in the latest creel survey, while flatheads and blues averaged 13.5 pounds and 6.2 pounds, respectively. Anglers do very well near rocky areas in June when the cats are spawning, and nearshore with live bait the remainder of the year. The lake does stratify in summer, so anglers should be aware of the thermocline to achieve success.

Old Hickory Lake is another great location to target all of the "big three" catfish species. TWRA biologist Todd St. John said Old Hickory has a good catfishery and catfish are probably the second most-targeted species by anglers. Anglers spend an average of $250,000 per year in pursuit of catfish at the lake.

Channel catfish are the most abundant, and creel surveys indicate the average size caught is around 2.45 pounds. Average weights of flatheads and blues are basically equal, at around 7.5 pounds and 7.6 pounds, respectively. Catfish angling is good all year long and the lake does not suffer from stratification.

According to biologist John Riddle, Woods Lake is by far the best catfish lake in his area. Unfortunately, it has a fish consumption advisory, which leads to limited fishing pressure. However, if one wants to catch some huge catfish and is not concerned with filling the frying pan with them, Woods Lake is definitely the place to go.

There are not many blues or flatheads, but the ones that are there grow quite large. It's not unreasonable to expect catches of 30- to 50-pound fish. Channel cats get big, too, and are commonly caught in the 10- to 15-pound range.

Riddle said another great catfish destination is Normandy Reservoir. This mid-sized lake has a fairly abundant catfish population. Although channel cats dominant the fishery, blues and flatheads are present in good numbers and can reach very respectable sizes. Fish in the 50- to 60-pound range are possible. Most channels caught are "good eating size," but larger fish are present, too.

About 90 percent of the catfish at Tims Ford Reservoir are channel cats. Blue catfish have the potential to be really huge, according to Riddle, but they are not very abundant. Flatheads are not abundant either, but they are present in the fishery and caught often in the 10- to 20-pound range.

One of the better Family Fishing Lakes in the region is Laurel Hill Lake in Lawrence County. This 325-acre lake has both blue and channel catfish and yields good catches of both. The lake has great fishing access and a "youth-only" fishing area.

Amenities at the lake include a boat launch, a handicapped-accessible fishing pier, boat and trolling motor rental, and bait and tackle on site. Lake information is available at (931) 762-7200.