Flipping & Pitching Fishing on Old Hickory Lake
Old Hickory Lake · Tennessee · Southeast
This extensive reservoir, stretching 97 miles, presents a mix of deep main river channel, bluff walls, and expansive shallow flats punctuated by abundant timber and boat docks. Old Hickory is predominantly a stained-water fishery, particularly in the main channel, with clearer conditions found in some of the tributary arms, supporting a strong forage base of shad.
Flipping uses a shortened line for pendulum-style presentations within 15 feet. Pitching covers 15–40 feet with an underhand cast. Both deliver baits silently into docks, laydowns, and grass edges. Big bass in heavy cover are the target — this is where giants live.
Flipping & Pitching Setup for Old Hickory Lake
| Rod | 7'3"–7'6" heavy or extra-heavy casting rod, fast action |
| Reel | 7.1:1–8.1:1 baitcaster |
| Line | 50–65 lb braid or 20–25 lb fluorocarbon |
| Weight | 3/8–1 oz pegged tungsten, matched to cover density |
| Hook | 4/0–5/0 straight shank flipping hook |
Seasonal Tactics on Old Hickory Lake
Lake: Bass migrate into creek arm mouths and shallow, protected pockets, targeting submerged wood, rock, and docks as water temperatures climb for the spawn. Jerkbaits and bladed jigs are effective early, transitioning to Texas rigs and jigs as fish move onto beds.
Flipping & Pitching: Pitch to buck brush and flooded timber during pre-spawn. Jig or crawfish-colored creature bait.
Lake: Largemouth relate to main lake ledges, channel swings, and offshore structure, with schooling activity common during early morning and late evening near main river humps and points. Deep crankbaits, football jigs, and big worms are staple presentations.
Flipping & Pitching: Punch through grass mats with 1–1.5 oz weights. Fish the shade under mats where big bass hide from heat.
Lake: The seasonal shad migration draws bass into creek channels and onto shallow flats, where they actively chase baitfish. Spinnerbaits, squarebill crankbaits, and topwater lures become highly effective as bass feed aggressively.
Flipping & Pitching: Target dock ends and remaining grass. Fish move shallower as water cools.
Lake: Bass generally move to deeper main lake structure, often congregating on channel bends, bluff walls, and main lake points with access to vertical cover. Slow-moving baits like suspending jerkbaits, jigging spoons, and finesse presentations are crucial.
Flipping & Pitching: Slow flip to deep docks and boat lifts. Swim the bait down slowly on the fall.
Best Conditions
Thick grass mats, laydowns, dock pilings, boat houses, flooded bushes; murky water; spawn and post-spawn; summer shade
Watch the line, not the water. Set the hook the instant the line twitches or moves sideways — bass in cover bite and spit fast.
More Techniques for Old Hickory Lake
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