Cedar Hill Park Lake is a small, shallow reservoir best for bank fishing and panfish
Cedar Hill Park Lake is a 35-acre impoundment in Robertson County, about 30 miles north of Nashville near the town of Cedar Hill. The lake sits inside a public park with boat ramp access, picnic areas, and parking — making it one of the more accessible fishing spots in Middle Tennessee for anglers without a private boat.
The water is shallow throughout, averaging 8 to 12 feet deep, which means it warms quickly in spring and summer and can become murky after heavy rain. That shallow character shapes what you'll catch and when: panfish dominate the catch, largemouth bass are present but not abundant, and catfish move in during warmer months. The lake is stocked periodically with channel catfish by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, though the stocking schedule varies year to year.
Bank fishing is the practical option for most visitors. The park maintains a fishing pier and cleared bank access on the north and east sides. A small boat ramp exists, but the lake is too shallow and weedy for anything larger than a jon boat or kayak, and even those require care during low-water periods in late summer and fall.
Key Takeaways
- Cedar Hill Park Lake is 35 acres of shallow water best suited to panfish, catfish, and small largemouth bass, with bank fishing as the primary access method.
- The park provides a fishing pier, boat ramp, parking, and restrooms, making it a straightforward destination for a half-day outing from Nashville.
- Spring and early summer are the most productive seasons for panfish; catfish fishing peaks from late May through September.
- Tennessee fishing license is required for anyone 13 and older, and the lake follows statewide regulations with no special restrictions.
- Water clarity drops after heavy rain, and the lake can be low in late summer, so timing your visit around weather helps.
What Fish Live in Cedar Hill Park Lake
Bluegill and redear sunfish (shellcrackers) are the most reliable catch at Cedar Hill Park Lake. Both species are abundant in the shallow water and respond well to small jigs, live crickets, and wax worms. Bluegill bite year-round but are most active from April through June and again in September and October. Redear sunfish prefer slightly deeper water and warmer temperatures, so they're most catchable from May onward.
Channel catfish are stocked by TWRA and provide a different kind of fishing. They feed on the bottom and respond to chicken liver, cut shad, and commercial catfish dip baits. Catfish fishing is best after dark or in early morning, and the season runs effectively from late May through September when water temperatures stay above 65 degrees.
Largemouth bass are present but not the lake's strong suit. The shallow, weedy character favors panfish over bass, and the population is modest. If you target bass, focus on early morning or late evening around the weed beds on the north end, using small soft plastics or topwater lures in low-light conditions.
Seasons and When to Fish Cedar Hill Park Lake
Spring (March through May) is the most consistent season. Panfish move into shallow water to spawn, and bluegill bite aggressively on small jigs and live bait. Water temperatures climb from the 50s into the 70s, triggering feeding activity across all species. The park is also less crowded than summer weekends.
Summer (June through August) brings warm water and active catfish. Daytime panfish bite slows as fish move deeper, but evening and night catfish sessions can be productive. The park gets busier on weekends with picnickers and swimmers, so weekday mornings are quieter. Water clarity often drops after thunderstorms, which are common in June and July.
Fall (September through November) offers a second panfish peak as water cools back into the 60s and 70s. Redear sunfish bite particularly well in September and early October. By November, activity slows as water temperatures drop into the 50s, though bluegill will still bite on mild days.
Winter (December through February) is slow. Water temperatures drop into the 40s, and fish are less active. Bank fishing is still possible on calm days, but expect fewer bites and smaller catches. The park remains open, but fewer anglers visit during this season.
How to Reach Cedar Hill Park Lake and What to Bring
Cedar Hill Park Lake is located off Highway 41 in Robertson County, approximately 30 miles north of Nashville. From Nashville, take I-65 north to Exit 95, then follow Highway 41 north toward Goodlettsville and Hendersonville. The park entrance is clearly marked; GPS coordinates are approximately 36.48°N, 86.62°W. Parking is free, and the park has a paved lot with spaces for 20 to 30 vehicles.
The park provides a fishing pier, a small boat ramp, picnic tables, and restroom facilities. There is no bait shop on-site, so bring your own tackle and bait. The nearest tackle shops are in Goodlettsville or Hendersonville, about 10 to 15 minutes away. Bring sunscreen, water, and a hat — the shallow lake offers little shade on the bank.
A Tennessee fishing license is required for anyone 13 and older. Licenses are sold online through the TWRA website, at Walmart and other retailers, and at some tackle shops. A one-day license costs less than a week-long license if you're making a single trip. No special permits or lake-specific restrictions apply beyond statewide regulations.
Tackle and Bait That Work at Cedar Hill Park Lake
For panfish, light spinning tackle is ideal. A 5.5- to 6-foot rod with 4- to 6-pound monofilament line and a small reel handles bluegill and redear sunfish without fatigue. Small jigs (1/16 to 1/8 ounce) in white, yellow, or chartreuse work well, as do live crickets, wax worms, and small minnows under a bobber. Redear sunfish respond especially well to live crickets and small soft plastics fished near the bottom in 6 to 10 feet of water.
Catfish require heavier tackle. A medium spinning rod or baitcaster with 10- to 15-pound line and a basic reel is sufficient. Use a simple three-way rig or a slip sinker rig with chicken liver, cut shad, or commercial catfish baits. Cast to deeper water (8 to 12 feet) and wait for the bite. A rod holder keeps your hands free while you wait.
For bass, a 6- to 6.5-foot medium-light spinning rod with 6- to 8-pound line works. Small soft plastics (3 to 4 inches), topwater lures, and small crankbaits are more effective than large swimbaits in this shallow water. Fish early and late in the day when light is low.
Park Rules and What to Know Before You Go
Cedar Hill Park is a public facility managed by Robertson County Parks and Recreation. Fishing is allowed during daylight hours and at night (catfish fishing is permitted after dark). The park closes at sunset for day-use visitors, though some night fishing may be tolerated — check with the park office if you plan an evening session.
No gas-powered boats are allowed on the lake; only electric motors and paddle craft are permitted. This keeps the water quiet and protects the shallow ecosystem. The boat ramp is small and best suited to jon boats, kayaks, and canoes. Launching a larger boat is not practical.
Alcohol is prohibited in the park. Littering is not tolerated, and the park staff enforce this rule. Take all trash with you. Swimming is allowed in designated areas during summer, so expect swimmers on warm weekends.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fish at night at Cedar Hill Park Lake?
Night fishing is generally tolerated for catfish, but the park technically closes at sunset for day-use visitors. Contact Robertson County Parks and Recreation before planning a night session to confirm current rules. Early morning (before sunrise) is a safer bet and often more productive for catfish anyway.
What is the best time of day to fish here?
Early morning (sunrise to 9 a.m.) is most productive for panfish and bass. Catfish bite best after dark or in early morning. Midday is slow, especially in summer. Evening (two hours before sunset) can be good for panfish and bass if you avoid the hottest part of the day.
Is there a fish cleaning station at the park?
There is no fish cleaning station at Cedar Hill Park Lake. If you plan to keep catfish or panfish, bring a cooler with ice and plan to clean them at home. Some nearby tackle shops may offer cleaning services — call ahead to ask.
Do I need a boat to fish Cedar Hill Park Lake?
No. Bank fishing from the pier and cleared shoreline is the primary way most anglers fish this lake. A kayak or small jon boat can reach slightly deeper water, but the shallow depth and weeds make a boat optional rather than necessary.
What should I do if the water is muddy after rain?
Wait two to three days for the water to clear. Catfish actually bite better in slightly murky water, so a day or two after rain can be good for catfish fishing. Panfish bite better in clearer water, so if you're targeting bluegill or redear sunfish, wait for clarity to return.