Fishing Cordell Hull Lake
AKA: Cordell Hull Reservoir, Hull Lake
Popular Fish Species Cordell Hull Lake, TN
Largemouth Bass Fishing
Cordell Hull Lake is considered one of the better bass fishing lakes in the region. Anglers are catching bass in good numbers with largemouth bass in the 3 to 5-pound range showing up with some regularity. A history of careful fisheries management by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency has helped to maintain a thriving bass fishery. Anglers can also catch smallmouth bass and spotted bass, which reside here in decent numbers. Recent results by bass fishing tournament participants, attest to the fact that fishing for largemouth bass has been quite rewarding, with an occasional bass over 6 pounds being weighed in. In Cordell Hull Lake, bass often move shallow and become fairly aggressive when they are in a feeding mood. If they seem disinterested in your presentations, try slowing down and use smaller, lighter baits. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap. Around grass, use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In deeper water, drop shot rigs, big worms, jigs and spoons are good options. In winter, spend your time fishing deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time.
Crappie Fishing
Historically, Cordell Hull Lake has been a good lake for both black and white crappie fishing. Light line and small hooks are key when fishing live bait. Crappie jigs are also productive her in a wide variety of colors. The lake has healthy populations of both white crappie and black crappie. These two species typically tend to school separately. However, once located around cover, you may find that you catch both species, due to the fact they often share the same cover. Crappie fishing can be found in varying size schools, hanging around brush, vegetation, wood or other cover. Using a fish finder any time of year can help locate these crappie schools, which tend to stack vertically around cover. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here. In spring and fall focus on the 8 to 12 foot range. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out deep, as well as find ledges near channels, especially areas with brush or timber in deeper water. The best time to catch crappie tends to be at dawn and dusk.
White Bass Fishing
Successful spawn years have improved the white bass fishing in Cordell Hull Lake. White bass are aggressive, hard-fighting and just plain fun to catch. When fishing for white bass, the average fish is typically in the one- to two-pound range. These schooling fish tend to roam around the lake looking for ideal water conditions and baitfish. Look for them to generally be in 15 to 35 feet of water, whether they are hovering around the bottom or swimming in open water. Fish finders are the best way to locate big schools of white bass. Fish near the bottom at night with live bait. In spring, once the water temperature rises into the mid sixties, they move shallow into the backs of coves and creek channels to spawn. When white bass chase schools of bait near the surface, spinners, spoons and small crank baits work well. At this time anglers can fish from shore and often do quite well. Use lures that imitate baitfish, including small crankbaits, small jerkbaits, jigs and spoons.
Fish species to fish for...
Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, black crappie, white crappie, walleye, bluegill, redear sunfish, rock bass, warmouth, white bass, yellow bass, striped bass, hybrid striped bass, paddlefish and sauger at Cordell Hull Lake in Tennessee.
Cordell Hull Lake Fishing Video
Easy access off I-40, and over 380 miles of shoreline make Cordell Hull Lake a favorite location for boating and fishing. With more than twenty boat ramps and plenty of camping options around the lake, it's easy to enjoy the great outdoors here. There are 12,000 surface acres to explore as you pursue a vide variety of fish species. Cool water from Lake Cumberland and Dale Hollow Lake make this an ideal lake for walleye, sauger, stripers, hybrid striped bass and white bass. Yet these waters are warm enough for warm-water species including bass, catfish, crappie, sunfish and paddlefish. Along with abundant forage, these species thrive, and together provide very positive fishing experiences. Fishing from shore is popular, as is canoe and kayak fishing. In addition to fishing, boating, sailing, water sports, picnicking, hiking and camping are at your beckon call. Marinas, lodging, dining and shopping are available at and nearby to enhance your stay at Cordell Hull Reservoir.
Cordell Hull Lake, located in central Tennessee, offers anglers a fantastic fishing experience along with opportunities for boating and camping. This 12,000-acre reservoir, situated on the Cumberland River, provides a diverse range of fish species and a scenic environment for outdoor enthusiasts.
Cordell Hull Lake is known for its excellent fishing, particularly for bass. Largemouth bass and smallmouth bass are the primary targets for anglers, and the lake's structure, including submerged timber and rocky areas, provides ideal habitats for these species. Anglers can enjoy casting with a variety of lures, such as plastic worms, crankbaits, and topwater baits, to entice these bass. The lake's healthy bass population ensures ample opportunities for anglers to land some impressive catches.
In addition to bass, Cordell Hull Lake supports populations of other popular fish species. Crappie fishing is excellent, with both black and white crappie providing opportunities for anglers to fill their stringers. Catfish enthusiasts can target channel catfish and blue catfish, which can be found in the lake's deeper sections and around submerged structures. Other species such as sauger, walleye, and sunfish are also present, offering additional angling options for visitors.
Cordell Hull Lake's combination of excellent fishing, boating opportunities, and camping facilities make it a sought-after destination for outdoor enthusiasts in Tennessee. Whether you're casting for bass, crappie, or catfish, cruising the calm waters on a boat, or camping by the lakeside, Cordell Hull Lake offers a serene and enjoyable environment for all who visit.
Primary fish species residing in Cordell Hull Lake
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
Cordell Hull Lake Amenities
Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boating is a favorite activity on Cordell Hull Lake, thanks to its calm waters and scenic surroundings. Anglers and boating enthusiasts can launch their boats from the lake's public access points and explore its vast expanse. Boaters can enjoy leisurely cruises, water sports activities, or simply soak in the picturesque views provided by the surrounding rolling hills and lush forests.
Fishing Boat Rentals
Defeated Creek Marina
Rentals: Kayaks and pontoons
615 774-3131
Marinas
Defeated Creek Marina
160 Marina Ln
Carthage, TN 37030
615 774-3131
Wildwood Resort & Marina
7316 Granville Hwy
Granville, TN 38564
931 653-4360
Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings
Defeated Creek Marina Boat Ramp
Located in the northwest corner of the lake, nearby Defeated Creek Campground, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.
Wildwood Resort & Marina Boat Ramp
This is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking. It is located off Granville Highway, in the southeast corner of the lake.
Fishing Guides On Cordell Hull Lake
If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.
Fishing License
Click here for a Tennessee Fishing License.
Camping facilities near Cordell Hull Lake provide opportunities for visitors to fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area. Campgrounds offer amenities such as campsites, picnic areas, and restroom facilities. Camping near Cordell Hull Lake allows anglers and outdoor enthusiasts to extend their stay and make the most of their fishing adventures, enjoying the tranquility of the lake and its scenic surroundings.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
Defeated Creek Campground - 615 774-3141
Made In the Shade RV Park Campground - 931 653-4486
Indian Creek Campground - 615 897-2233
Salt Lick Creek Campground - 931 678-4718
US Army Corps of Engineers Campground - 931 678-4718
Cordell Hull Lake, TN Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Cordell Hull Lake
US Army Corps of Engineers
801 Broadway A415
Nashville, TN 37203
615-735-1034
Fishing lakes in each state.
080924
Cordell Hull Lake in Tennessee.
TENNESSEE
Striper, hybrid striped bass and white bass fishing in north-central TN.
