Lake O'Donnell Fishing in Franklin County, Tennessee

• Overview

  Lake O'Donnell lies in Franklin County, Tennessee. It stands 1,929 feet above sea level. Surface area runs to about 21 acres — small enough to read in one session. By elevation it is in the upper part of our Tennessee listings. The closest town, Sewanee, is 1.3 miles away. Beyond it, Monteagle at 4.2 miles and Cowan at 6.8 miles. Local rules may differ a few miles either side of here.

• Where to Fish on Lake O'Donnell

  Our records carry no depth, so judge it from the bank. Rip-rap along the wall holds fish that the open bank never does. Built water gives depth close in, which suits a bank angler. County-wide records name bluegill, blackside snubnose darter and rainbow darter. These are county-wide records, so not all of them will be in this water. Read Lake O'Donnell before you fish it and the day goes better.

• Seasonal Patterns

  In an average year July sits at 74°F and January at 36°F. The hard part of the year is the heat, not the cold. October and November give a second good stretch as it cools. April and May are the settled weeks, with October close behind. That shapes the year on Lake O'Donnell. Autumn cools the shallows first, so work deeper as it goes on.

• Tackle & Baits

  The paperwork position is blank for this one. The car has to stay half a mile away, which shapes how much tackle you bring. Bluegill and other panfish take small jigs or worms under a float near any cover. Look for a notice board at the entrance. Where tickets apply, they are sold in the nearest town rather than on the bank. Jackson Lake sits 1 mile off and takes the overflow. For Lake O'Donnell, the notice at the access point is the final word.