Overview
J. Percy Priest Lake is a 14,200-acre reservoir on the Stones River in Davidson, Rutherford, and Wilson counties just east of Nashville, Tennessee. It was created by J. Percy Priest Dam, operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District for flood control, hydropower, and recreation. Named for longtime Tennessee Congressman J. Percy Priest, the lake is Nashville's primary inland recreation reservoir and one of the most visited Corps lakes in the region.
About 42 miles long with roughly 213 miles of shoreline at normal summer pool (490 feet), Percy Priest mixes steep bluffs, creek arms, islands, and open basins close to the city. Heavily used parks, swim beaches, and marinas ring the lower lake, while upper reaches toward Walter Hill retain more wooded, quieter water. The Stones River channel, secondary creeks, and flooded timber create abundant structure for anglers and a varied landscape for boaters.
The lake is popular for largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, and striped bass, with fisheries managed by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. Corps recreation areas, campgrounds, and public boat ramps provide extensive access for Nashville-area residents and visitors, and the lake regularly hosts local tournaments and family recreation. Swim beaches and day-use parks make Percy Priest as much a swimming and picnicking destination as a fishing lake.
Water levels on Percy Priest Lake are managed by the Corps of Engineers around a normal summer pool of 490 feet above mean sea level (NGVD29), with a flood pool extending higher for storm storage on the Stones River watershed. Elevations can rise quickly after heavy rain as the dam stores floodwater to protect Nashville. Monitoring current lake levels is helpful for boating safety, fishing, beach use, and shoreline activities throughout the year.
Current Conditions
Percy Priest Lake is currently at full pool and has been falling over the past week.
- 7-day trendFallingLatest movement can differ from the seven-day trend.
- 7-day changeDown 1.54 ft
- 30-day changeDown 0.57 ft
- Drought conditionsNo Drought
About This Lake
Learn how this lake is managed, what affects its water level, and where Lake Insights gets its data.
Percy Priest Lake is a 14,200-acre reservoir on the Stones River managed by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.