Where to stay

[blockel]

As for a place to stay, I don’t have much insight but in regards to the lake. Generally speaking, both ends fish differently, some would probably say very differently. The lower end (by the dam) is clear and deep with tons of rock covered banks. Whereas the upper end (river section), depending on how far you go, is more stained, narrow, and very river-esque.

[simplecircuit]

Like blockel,
I don’t have any suggestions on places to stay. However, yes, the two ends of the lake fish differently. Fishing the weekend series last year, we had a super slow day. My partner had been on good fish way up in the
Stones River. However, after a long run up there from Fate Sanders, the bite never materialized – the water had dropped about 10 degrees over the past 2 days and the current was ripping. The winning fish came from the lower end deep on finesse jigs and jerkbaits. My opinion is that if the conditions are stable, the upper end of the lake seems to fish better [check the reports here]. However, if there is temperamental weather [heavy rains, cold snap, etc…], I believe the lower end is less affected by it due to the overall depth. If you have time to practice both ends, you should check both to see which end has what you’re looking for. Also, people typically consider everything from Hobson Pike Bridge to the dam to be the “lower lake”.
j.

[eanderson]

If your going to put in at fate sanders I would suggest staying in Murfreesboro (a further drive but only 20 minutes to the ramp) or stay near I-24 and Sam Ridley pkwy in Smyrna (10 minutes from the ramp). I would NOT stay in the town of Smyrna. The area is not all that great and could have issues unless you want to sleep out in the parking lot with your boat!

If you need any further info for where to stay just LMK and I will get some names of hotels in what I would consider “safe” zone.

EA