NOT a bass lake... but read on.
Firstly, this is a beautiful lake that is well maintained and managed by friendly staff.
Now, please note, this is NOT a secret Tennessee monster bass fishery. This is not a lake that is little known and rarely fished that is holding numerous 6+ lb bass that destroy anything thrown at them cast after cast. As a matter of fact, it's tough to catch numerous bass of any size, at all.
I'm a life long Tennessee resident and fisherman and somehow I've never been to Marrowbone until recently. As you pull up to the gate you will be greeted by a massive, iconic, middle Tennessee limestone cliff with a rocky lake cove off to your right as you wrap around to the "lake house" tackle shop. If you're anything like me you'll say aloud to your self, "are you kidding me!", as it sets in that you have missed out in such a beautiful lake for decades. Pulling into the large gravel lot you'll notice a nice fishing pier, the tackle house/welcome office, motor-less Jon boats lining the bank and of course, a beautiful lake nestled in wooded hills. Gas engines are not allowed here but you may bring your own boat with the understanding that you will only be able to use your electric trolling motor. (Another review was incorrect in saying that you could not bring your own boat).
Upon arriving you must pay $6 to use the boat rank If you plan to launch your own boat. Which is what I did so I do not know the rental fees.
The attendant was a very nice man that seemed happy to have a visitor on a mid Wednesday afternoon. I asked him about the fishing quality with a emphasis on largemouth or spotted bass. He assured me that it was great and even proudly told me about the 9.5lb bass that was caught in April. I was hesitant to believe him as we have all heard our fair share of fishing stories but sure enough, he had a picture to prove it. I immediately thought I stumbled across a gold mine and was pumped to get on the water. He pointed me to a staring point just around the bend and I was on my way to fish the 65 acre lake (approx.)
I started fishing right at 3:00pm. By 4:00 I've thrown multiple baits from square bill crankbaits to shakey head worms with a spinnerbait and swim jig in between...nothing. Not a bite. The day was hot and the sun was high so I figured it would be rough. I decided to find shade and fallen timber. I slowed down with a wacky rigged sinko worm and fish a fallen tree with a ton of bait fish around it....nothing.
4:30 I back off to deeper water and fish a perimeter around the timber with various baits....nothing. 5:00 I found a long point in what I would call the middle of the lake and backed off until I could no longer touch bottom with my 6' oar and arm in the water up to my shoulder. Slow rolled a blue gill colored swim jig and craw trailer...nothing. White spinnerbait... nothing. Sexy shad strike king crankbait... nothing. By this point I was starting to question the quality of fishing here. 6:30 I head back to towards the ramp and fish one more stretch of aquatic grass and timber, slowing wayyyyy down with my zoom trick worm presentation (watermelon and then silver flake). Slow and methodically I pick about every branch..ever grass stick up...every submerged stump... NOTHING! It was quitting time.
After loading the boat on the trailer by the fantastically maintained floating dock, I stopped in for a can of Sun Drop and to say goodbye to the attendant. As he grabbed my cold drink I thumbed quickly through a pile of 4x6 photos on the counter. Catfish after catfish after catfish were pictures. Huge catfish! Small catfish.. stringers of 10 plus catfish... No bass Pictures... except one. The 9.5 lb bass that was caught in April. So I had to ask what the deal was. He confesses that even though the 9lb bad was caught here, the bass fishing is extremely tough. He believes due to being over fished. He also mention that the lake was recently stocked with 3000 catfish. Right the I realized this may not be the small bass fishery that I've always hoped to find in Tennessee.
Maybe it was a slow day for me, maybe the lake is over fished or maybe there are too many dang catfish in the lake. Either way, this place was beautiful and well maintained. Probably a great place to take kids that can have a blast catching bluegill or even catfish. However, I'll venture to say this place does not go on my list of fantastic bass fisheries....
With that said.... I'll be back to try Marrowbone again. read more