Search Search. Now, we will take a look at the lakes that were determined to have the best fishing in Kentucky. To find a list of fishing and boating access sites on the Kentucky River, visit the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife website at fw.ky.gov. At 784 acres, Cedar Creek Lake is another smaller fishing destination in the Bluegrass State. Depending on the water level, there is a sandy beach below the lock and dam. The Dix River is famous for being one of the most scenic rivers in Kentucky, and is a lesser known trophy trout stream designated by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. Canoeists and kayakers have several floats to view the last of the Kentucky River Palisades on this pool. Its best for those who want to fish in a scenic river, and who are prepared to put in a little work to get upstream. Fishing on private property is a privilege. One of these buffalo trails ran from McConnell Springs in Fayette County and forded the Kentucky River at a shallow bar near the now extinct community of Leestown. London, Ky 40744. The rock and sandbar on the inside (left) of Elkhorn bend is a good place to fish for smallmouth bass. Available in 180- and 200-grain sizes. Host Tim Farmer walks us through the process and tells us which dams will be open and when. While this may put Fishtrap out of range for anglers in certain areas of the Bluegrass State, it is actually one of the most accessible locations for visitors coming in from Virginia, West Virginia, and North Carolina. Winchester's new Big Bore ammo, available in 10 mm, .44 Mag., .357 Mag., and .45 Colt, is specifically designed for big bears in bear country. Some maps show the Kentucky River Campgrounds Ramp just upstream, but you must stay in that campground to use it. Alongside the areas mentioned here, most of the Kentucky river system is home to plentiful fishing, and there are many opportunities for exploration. You can turn around and float downstream at any time, but as you get closer to the Dix Dam, youll find brown and rainbow trout. This sharp bend presented a challenge to riverboat pilots pushing barges at high water. I try to nudge him a bit to tell me where and how, with little luck. Access is from High Bridge Boat Ramp on the Kentucky River. Licenses and permits may also be purchased online from the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife homepage at fw.ky.gov or by calling 1-877-598-2401. For the cost of a fishing license, you can experience memories that will last a lifetime on Kentuckys waters. The take-out is a short way upstream on Elkhorn Creek at the Stillwaters Campground Ramp on the right. The Dix River is a lesser-known gem off of the Kentucky River and its well-worth the trip, even if you dont plan to fish. Some of the more popular species on Herrington include largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, catfish, crappie, bluegill, spotted bass, hybrid striped bass, and white bass. Ill try a different time/method, etc., and let you know. One is on the right at the mouth of Bear Branch, while the other is just downstream on the left. To imitate this, simply tie on a worm pattern, nymph, or crayfish imitation, and dead drift it to the end of riffles. When youre discussing the best fishing lakes in Kentucky, you have to include Dale Hollow. It's about a 3-hour ride from Knoxville and Nashville, a little over 2 hours from Lexington, and roughly 5 hours from Atlanta. Largemouth, Smallmouth, and White Bass are plentiful here. Bordered on one side by the Land Between the Lakes Recreation Area, Kentucky Lake offers excellent fishing for all species of bass, stripers, and aggressive panfish. Do you agree with our list of Best Fishing Lakes in Kentucky? Kentucky Catfish & Records. Did Nike Really Make a Shoe That Looks Like a Fish? Barren River Lake, Cedar Creek Lake, Dale Hollow Lake, Dewey Lake, Fishtrap Lake, Grayson Lake, Green River Lake, Guist Creek Lake, Herrington Lake, Kentucky Lake, Lake Barkley, Lake Cumberland, Lake Malone, Laurel River Lake, Martins Fork Lake, Nolin River . Toggle navigation. Trout fishing is $10 a day. Reach out and let us know what you think! Name Map Ref Type Ramp Surface . For the enterprising angler who is willing to spend some time looking at maps and driving back roads, the search for places to launch a fishing kayak or bass boat will reap many rewards. The best fishing is in the spring around creek mouths, and during the summer around timber and creek mouths. Licenses can be purchased here. Canoes and kayaks are fine, but a paddleboard is a great way to sneak up on wary fish and quietly present your fly. I threw a variety of carolina-rigged plastics, lost a couple, and eventually settled on a white curly-tailed grub on a half ounce lead head. Find more fishing reports in Kentucky. In terms of state records, Lake Cumberland (combined with its tailwaters) has produced some impressive catches over the years. If this what youre after, Kentucky Lake may be the best stillwater fishing in the state. Cumberland River/Wolf Creek Dam: This is a great place to test your angling skills and fly fish for big Brown and Rainbow Trout. Originally written by RootsRated for Kentucky Tourism. There is a $3 fee to use this ramp. Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources. In the video above, Leopold's Shawn Skipper highlights the features of the exciting new optics with Game & Fish Editorial Director Adam Heggenstaller at SHOT Show 2023 in Las Vegas. The state and the local fly fishing club stocks Otter Creek with trout three times in the spring and again in October. Donalson Park: Fayette County's only public access to the Kentucky River. Bass are also a staple on the lake. That said, it is Kentuckys second largest state-controlled lake. By Art Lander, Jr., Kentucky Afield Outdoors, Sweet Streams: 5 Hot Rivers for Midwest Smallies, 7 Things to Ponder Before Buying a Fishing Kayak, DIY: Earthworms Can't Hide When 'Grunters' Are Hunting, Kentucky Dept. Some of the best fishing is when the current slows and the river becomes a series of lake-like pools. On a nice Sunday afternoon in February, I headed down to Lock Seven to try to catch some sauger. For a state with more navigable water than any other contiguous state in the Union, there are plenty of lakes that could have made the Top 8. The new 7mm Precision Rifle Cartridge from Hornady is available in three loads (160 gr. The Elkhorn is not very deep, so you can usually wade in the creek for most of the year. Not only is this 160,000+ acre fishery the largest artificial lake east of the Mississippi River it is also one of the best fishing lakes in Kentucky. At SHOT Show 2023 in Las Vegas. The Dix River in central Kentucky is a lesser-known tailwater, but has some of the most stunning views of all the rivers listed here. Fishermen find excellent opportunities at the crappie fishing holes during the spring while everyone will enjoy the spectacular sunsets as evening approaches. The soft-plastic jerkbait produces bass if worked in shoreline root wads. Anglers the world over gather regularly for fishing derbies to see who can land the biggest catch. As the paddler makes their way into Lower Elkhorn Bend, Elkhorn Creek meets the river on the right. Kentucky Fishing Guides and Charters Hook Line & Sinker Guide Service - Professional Kentucky fishing guide offering guided fishing trips on Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake. Ruger's popular American bolt-action rifle has been a hit with hunters for years. The Kentucky Horse Park Rolex Lake at 5.6 acres, the Kentucky Horse Park Man O' War Moat at 1.1 acres and the Kentucky Horse Park Alltech Pond at 0.6 acres. Winter, however, can be a challenging time of year as water levels are prone to fluctuation. Tie up the boats and wade upstream for excellent smallmouth bass fishing. Was thinking of trying either Barren River Lake and/or Nolin Lake first as I have some time off.. For the most part all we fish is Bass (love me some smally fishing), but my wife likes Crappie and Bluegill fishing from time to time. The South Fork of Licking River provides scenic fall paddling combined with good fishing for smallmouth bass and rock bass. A medium-running crawfish crankbait worked on this bar draws strikes from largemouth, spotted and occasionally smallmouth bass. Access is a lot better than it used to be, said Crosby. The Official Site of Kentucky Department of Tourism, Ashley Webster/U.S. For crappie, both early Spring and the summer months produce a good yield. Frankfort offers ample accommodations for paddlers. Several streams throughout the forest are routinely stocked with rainbow, brook and brown trout. From Versailles, take Clifton Road (KY 1964) to a left on Buck Run Road. The campground at Columbus-Belmont State Park is one of the best places to watch the sun setting over the Mississippi River. Start planning your vacation today! Just after the bridge, the Kentucky River makes a hard S shaped curve, beginning with a sharp bend to the left known as Big Eddy Bend. As a smaller lake known for its natural beauty, anglers will likely enjoy the relatively small size and absence of watersports enthusiasts. All Rights Reserved. The boat ramp lies before the marina (there is a membership fee to use this ramp). Lodging & Camping ></b>Delight in the mountainside beauty of Natural Bridge State Resort Park. Central KY Ag Expo Center : Carry-down only: None: No : None: Casey: Dennison Ferry Carrydown : Carry-down only: None: No : None: Hart: Glenview Road Carrydown : Carry-down only: None: No : None: Green: Green River Valley Ford : Carry-down . modifications. It was later bought and converted to a campground that remains today. Details available here. Also south of Louisville, Floyds Fork offers a similar fishery to Otter Creek in that trout are catch and release only during the winter, and warm water species dominate during the warmer months. 10. 655 Anderson Drive. The state is filled with excellent places to chase trout and other species, both near big cities and in more remote areas. The state record sauger came from the Cumberland River.. Species Regulation Description Notes KRS KAR; BLACK CRAPPIE: Must be 9 . College Fishing Talk: University of Wisconsin-Madisons Colin Steck, Spotlight: Robinsons Fishing and Hunting, Angler Incurs Nasty Injury While Pike Fishing With Son (Graphic Content Warning), Sam Coopers Journey to a National Title Sees a Victory at Sunshine State, Ohio Muskie Guide Service: A First-Hand Review, Looking at Some of the Best Catfish Baits, North Carolina Angler Catches Three Massive Crappie in One Day. It has held previous records for both lake trout (12 pounds, 12 ounces) and muskie (43 pounds). Just downstream on the left is a rock shelf known as Pettys Ripple Bar that holds largemouth bass. The state is filled with excellent places to chase trout and other species, both near big cities and in more remote areas. The river turns gently to the right and the sound of traffic emanates from the KY 676 (East/West Connector) Bridge. You have contacted us immediately after booking with all the details of the other deal Benson Creek is a productive fishing creek for largemouth and spotted bass. Enjoy a day of history, scenery and paddling through the heart of Kentuckys capital city. A member of the National Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame and Legends of the Outdoors, Steve McCadams is a professional guide and outdoor writer from Paris, Tenn. Steve McCadams. River and Stream Fishing. They also make good places to drift dead minnows or night crawlers for catfish. Kentucky Fish and Wildlife is an agency of the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet. Working a medium-running crawfish-colored crankbait across this bar should draw strikes. This is no problem for the fly anglersimply scale down your flies to small streamers, large nymphs like a dragonfly imitation, and subtle surface flies like a sneaky pete or other sliders. The area maintains strict catch and release regulation from October through March, so theres no need to worry about bait fisherman keeping all the stockies for dinner. Personal defense in the hunting woods could involve taking down a charging bear. Every year, experienced and professional anglers converge upon Kentucky Lake for a variety of tournaments including FLW College Fishing events, the Legacy Marine Open Trail, the Kentucky Bassmasters Classic, and more. He was there early in the morning, I was there from 5-7 PM. The shoreline spans about 60 miles and you can even bank fishing in here in the Kentucky lake. . Enjoy the Historic Nature Center. In the above video, NWTF's Jason Burckhalter talks about the group's accomplishments and future plans with Game & Fish Editorial Director Adam Heggenstaller at SHOT Show 2023 in Las Vegas. Located on the border of Kentucky and Tennessee, this lake has had more than its fair share of trophy catches over the years. The Kentucky then takes a nearly 90 degree turn to the right into Payton Bend, another treacherous spot for riverboat pilots. Primitive campground closed indefinitely. There is nothing to show. For those familiar with the lake, however, they know how many excellent species can be found in these waters. Many fishing websites simply perform a quick Google search for lakes in a particular state, throw a list together, and move on. 2023 Outdoor Sportsman Group. Call 859-527-3454 or email: jack.winburn@ky.gov with inquiries. This toothy fish will eat virtually anything it can catch and get in its mouth. Current Kentucky states records caught here include: Lake Cumberland (Including Tailwaters and Cumberland River), Rainbow Trout: 14 pounds, 6 ounces (1972). Paddlers may float over this famous buffalo crossing in the first stretch of Pool 3 of the Kentucky River. FRANKFORT, Ky. It flows through the heart of Kentucky for some 255 miles from the confluence of the North and South forks at Beattyville to the Ohio River at Carrollton. Book a Lodge room4. If YOU know about successful methods/locations/etc. Winchester's Nathan Robinson talks features with Game & Fish Editorial Director Adam Heggenstaller at SHOT Show 2023 in Las Vegas. different, you still keep your existing reservation including the cancellation policy. All Rights Reserved. Give a Gift Benson Creek Boat Ramp lies just upstream on the left with a mild carry and ample parking, making for a great take-out spot. In a recent shot he posted, showing a nice keeper hybrid striped bass, the background is clearly the Mother Ann Lee Hydroelectric Station, situated on Lock Seven, near High Bridge. Paris, TN 38242. A Kentucky Fishing License is required. The question, however, is simple: how do determine the top 8? The lower section of this creek and the bar opposite its mouth offer good fishing for largemouth and Kentucky bass. Over the holidays (especially the 4th of July), fishing can be compromised. You will see the path on the river side of the road, about 50 feet in front of the No Trespassing sign. The fishery is rated good. About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features NFL Sunday Ticket Press Copyright . Get great travel ideas and more useful tips for building your dream trip itinerary. That said, we are trying to determine the best lakes for fishing in Kentucky, so we are going to rule out streams, creeks, and rivers. While not known for producing trophies, Taylorsville yields numerous 15-to 18-inchers. Key features include muzzle velocities of 2,215-2,400 fps. Buckhorn is also notable for great muskie fishing. The idea is to imitate a minnow, and bright colors are good. The dam upstream releases fresh, cold water, and the river feels rugged and pristine. By late spring, the pools should be abundant with bass. Benson Creek lies on the left at the railroad bridge over the river. The yellow bass record (1 pound, 6.4 ounces) was caught on the lakes tailwaters in 2009. Reserve a private cottage or lodge room to view fall foliage. To date, this continues to stand as the world record smallmouth bass. Start planning your vacation today! The Palisades are still evident in the upper section of Pool 3 and this makes for spectacular scenery in October. This lure is an excellent summer largemouth bass lure. Access to Locks & Dams: Licensed anglers are allowed to fish from the bank downstream of any lock on the KY River on property owned by the KY River Authority provided they arent on any concrete structures, lock, or guide wall. As we mentioned before, please remember that creeks, streams, and river are not included in our rankings. Commercial outfitters or guides and groups of 70 people or more must obtain a Special Use permit. The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR) is committed to conserving and enhancing fishing and boating opportunities throughout the state. It's great to see how a little bit of discomfort (during renovations) can yield a success. The dramatic fluctuations in the rivers level can have some beneficial impacts as well. Aside from fishing, Otter Creek has developed camping, as well as mountain biking and hiking trails, so this is a great place for a family trip (or if you want to do more than just fish while youre here!). October 28, 2014 By Lee McClellan, Kentucky Afield Outdoors The Kentucky State Capitol Building lies on the left early in this float. Dont try to go down there when the water is high. Fishing How-to's Learn to Fish Recycle Your Fishing Line and Tackle Three Things to Consider for Spring Fishing Finding a Place to Fish Explore Kentucky's Waters with a Canoe or Kayak Best Kayaks for Flatwater Fishing Finding the Best Kayak for Flatwater Fishing Choosing the right kayak for fishing and safety Wading is an Excellent and Inexpensive Way to Fish Streams Tips to Encourage Your . For your Kentucky fishing trip call 270-388-0525. The truly tricky part about the Dix is dealing with the water gauges. What are the fish you can catch here? Rent a boat5. All Game & Fish subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. of Fish and Wildlife Resources, Winchester Big Bore: Backcountry Bear Protection, Classic Marlin: 336 and 1894 Lever-Action Hunting Rifles, NWTF's Passion for Wild Turkey Conservation Still Burns After 50 Years, First Look: Leupold's BX-4 Range HD Rangefinding Binos, Browning's Max Point, Silver Series Rifle Ammunition, New Hunting Ammo from Remington: 360 Buckhammer, New from Browning: X-Bolt Pro LR McMillan, Hornady's Hot New 7mm PRC Cartridge: SHOT 2023, Hawke Optics' Frontier LRF Laser Range Finding Binoculars, New from LaRue Tactical: Siete Chassis Rifle. As the lake is situated in central Kentucky (spanning Grayson, Edmonson, and Hart counties), it also offers a great location for anglers in practically any part of the state. The logperch, caught in 2013, was a modest 0.08 pounds. Browning Ammunition has two big-game hunting loads new for 2023 that are effective on a wide range of species: the Max Point and Silver Series. As you float downstream, the river takes a hard left into Reindeer Lodge Bend. An hour east of Louisville and just north of Lexington, Elkhorn Creek offers what locals say is the best smallmouth fishing in the state. The Kentucky River is a scenic waterway with numerous quiet backwaters and tree-shaded tributary streams. The nose of land jutting out into the river from the south bank created what loggers called a whirl and required skill to negotiate. As soon as you pass High Bridge, the mouth of the Dix River will appear on your right. Perhaps the most popular species, however, is largemouth bass. Depending on the water level, there is a sandy beach below the lock and dam. The Kentucky River offers a variety of fishing opportunities, said Jeff Crosby, central district fisheries biologist for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. Located just less than an hour south of Louisville, Otter Creek Outdoor Recreation Area is a wild retreat year round. At 7,880 acres, Cave Run Lake is a reasonably large fishing destination with good fishing. Before fishing any of Kentuckys top fishing spots, you should make sure to purchase a valid fishing license. For some basic tips on fishing streams, try this page: General Tips for Stream Fishing. You can paddle or use a motorboat, but youll be able to get the farthest up the river by paddling, as long as you dont mind a little exercise. Army Corps of Engineers, Wolf Creek Dam/Cumberland River - Fishing. Please see our Affiliate Disclosure for more information. Outside of record fish, however, the fishery also offers plenty of excellent size and quantity for numerous species. This is a great place to throw streamers at the bank and around log jams, or to use nymphs fished deep under indicator rigs. The Official Site of Kentucky Department of Tourism, Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. Lake Cumberland, Dale Hollow, Laurel River, and Carr Creek lakes possess excellent walleye fisheries. The put-in for the second 4-mile half-day float begins at Lees Ramp and concludes at the Benson Creek Boat Ramp, taking the paddler through the heart of the state capital. Kentucky Lake Rough River Dale Hollow KY-TN Lake Barkley Contact Peter peter@fishin.com KENTUCKY STRIPERFUN GUIDE SERVICE ON CUMBERLAND RIVER IN KY! The rating and type of trout fishery is provided by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. Kentucky Appalachians. 11th Annual MCHS High School Fishing Tournament: 4/1/2023 7:00:00 AM: 4/1/2023 2:00:00 PM: 40: Closed: View Detail: Lake Malone State Park: EBFL #2: 4/2/2023 5:00:00 AM: 4/2/2023 2:30:00 PM: 20: Another entry from eastern Kentucky, Yatesville joins a list of spots that offer great largemouth bass fishing. During the summer, Otter Creek is filled with warm water species like smallmouth, Kentucky spotted bass, and various sunfish species, which can all be taken on popping bugs cast around logs and at the end of riffles. If you float under the twin bridges for U.S. 127, youve floated too far. The Dix River is famous for being one of the most scenic rivers in Kentucky, and is a lesser known trophy trout stream designated by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. The fish species found in the river include: bluegill, channel catfish, blue catfish, flathead catfish, crappie, hybrid striped bass, white bass, walleye, sauger, largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass, and muskellunge. Green River Lake Largemouth Bass Fishing Quality Assessment Note: 8,181 acre lake Special Fishing Regulations for Green River Lake After years of reading and thinking about it, I had finally hooked this new-for-me species. We fought for several seconds, but it threw the hook. Search the Kentucky Fishing Directory Trip Inspiration Explore Fishing in Kentucky From Wilmore, take Highway 29 south, about 4.5 miles toward High Bridgewhen you pass the High Bridge Fire Department (a red building on the right), slow down , and go right on Lock 7 Road. No Activity Yet. Muskie fishing on Cave Run Lake is particularly strong. Outside of these record fish, anglers can also expect to find some of Kentuckys best fishing for multiple other game fish. Cast around fallen logs, rocks, or even the tops of old farm silos and take in the peaceful scenery. Those who plan to float this section should plan on a long day of paddling, so put in early in the morning. The Cumberland River and Lake Cumberland are an incredible spot to enjoy kayaking and water activities. View FINs Lakes. Steamboat Hollow was the site of an early 1800s boatyard, producing paddle boats such as the all locust wood Locust Lexington and the side-wheeler Plowboy that plied the Kentucky and other rivers. After going down the long, steep grade, youll come upon a hairpin curve and what appears to be an old stone gate entrancego straight through the stone gate (dont go around the curve). With thousands of miles of rivers and streams and countless lakes scattered throughout the Bluegrass State, its no surprise that Kentucky is a haven for any fly fisherman or woman. The infamy of Franks murder resonated with the early settlers and they began to call this crossing Franks Ford. The name stuck and the city that grew up around Franks Ford is now the capital of the state of Kentucky. While it may fly under the radar at times, the 1,200-acre lake generally produces respectable quantity and size slabs. All Types Any Boat Small Boat Carry Down Only Bank Access Fishing Pier. These fish dont see a lot of fishing pressure, so throwing large streamers or obnoxious poppers will draw trophy-sized smallies to the surface. Start planning your vacation today! Anglers who fish these waters can expect to land some quality largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, white crappie, black crappie, channel catfish and bluegill. The final entry on our list of best Kentucky fishing spots should come as not surprise to folks who know the area. Traveling up the Dix, you will eventually pull your boat through shallow rapids, and paddle until you reach the dam. Explore an array of Kentucky, US vacation rentals, including cabins, houses & more bookable online. The Cumberland River, KY. With a healthy variety of species available, Herrington Lake offers the type of variety that appeals to a diverse pool of anglers. Look for the water level to be between 9 feet and 11 feet from the USCG gauge before venturing out. (KDFWR) Various restrictions apply to trout fishing in the state. But, in some pools, theres only one place to launch, and anglers have to motor some distance to get to a tailwater.. After crossing the river, the buffalo climbed the river hills to the northwest, making their way toward the Ohio River. He is a staff writer for Kentucky Afield Magazine. About the Dix, you have to include Dale Hollow KY-TN Lake Barkley Contact Peter @... There when the current slows and the local fly fishing club stocks Otter Creek with three! Creek dam: this is a wild retreat year round an incredible spot to enjoy kayaking water! 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