Downing Lake Fishing near Lakeland, Tennessee

• Overview

  Downing Lake is one of the Shelby County listings for Tennessee. Land around it is dry hill. The water measures roughly 7 acres, so nothing here is far from anything else. Most waters listed here for Shelby County are larger. 2.5 miles away sits Lakeland, the nearest town. After that come Ellendale at 3.2 miles and Bartlett at 6.5 miles. The nearest boundary is well away, so one set of rules covers the water.

• Where to Fish on Downing Lake

  Depth is unknown to us, and the shoreline is the better guide. Look for where the old bank line still shows under the surface. The old creek line under the surface is the feature worth finding. Fish documented in Shelby County include bluegill, green sunfish, common carp and warmouth. Take it as the county picture rather than a promise for this water. On Downing Lake the quiet end is the one worth the extra effort.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Long-run averages give July about 81°F and January about 38°F. Cooler months are the productive ones on most of this water. March through May is the strongest run, with autumn a second stretch. The hot months push the fishing to dawn and dusk. It holds true on Downing Lake more years than not.

• Tackle & Baits

  The paperwork position is blank for this one. There is a car park half a mile from the bank. There is a mapped landing stage half a mile away. Catfish want bait on the bottom: cut bait or worms, a simple running rig, and patience after dark. A phone call first saves an afternoon. Some water is controlled locally without a sign saying so. Lakeland Lake sits 2.5 miles off and takes the overflow. Check the position on Downing Lake before loading the car.