Old Hickory Lake

Old Hickory Lake is a reservoir in north central Tennessee, created by damming the Cumberland River and spanning areas of Sumner and Davidson counties. The water surface stretches across many miles and includes numerous coves and inlets flanked by wooded shorelines.

The dam was built between 1952 and 1954 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to control flooding and provide power generation. Its completion transformed a long stretch of river into a large water reservoir that has since served recreation and energy production.

The reservoir takes its name from President Andrew Jackson's nickname, honoring his time as a Tennessee general and landowner. Anglers from across the region regularly visit to fish for bass and walleye, and on weekends the shoreline fills with families launching boats and setting up campsites for weekend outings.

Several marinas and boat launch sites provide access to the water at different points around the reservoir. Campgrounds along the shoreline offer overnight options, with many areas busier on weekends.

An angler caught a 25-pound (11.3 kg) walleye here in 1960, recognized at the time as a world record. This catch brought attention to the reservoir among sport fishermen far beyond Tennessee.

Location: Tennessee

GPS coordinates: 36.31670,-86.48330

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:30