FISHING IN KENTUCKY
Kentucky offers great opportunities and access for anglers. Cast a lure for smallmouth bass among the limestone bluffs and shoreline forests of Lake Cumberland. Catch bragging sized crappie from the state’s nationally ranked Kentucky and Barkley lakes. Test your fishing tackle on a hefty blue catfish in the Ohio River. Or downsize your gear and flick a tiny fly for trout in a pristine mountain stream.
FIND FISHING SPOTS NEAR YOU
TOP FISHING SPOTS IN KENTUCKY
LAKE CUMBERLAND STATE RESORT PARK
Lake Cumberland State Resort Park offers fishing for stocked striped bass, lake sturgeon, rainbow trout, brown trout and brook trout.
BARREN RIVER LAKE STATE RESORT PARK
On top of great bass, walleye and crappie fishing, the outdoor pool, playgrounds, and marina make Barren River a hit with families.
CAVE RUN LAKE
Known as the "Muskie Fishing Capitol of the South." Towns in the area are Frenchburg and Morehead.
GET A KENTUCKY FISHING LICENSE
COMMON CATCHES IN KENTUCKY
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 6.5 foot medium or medium-heavy action graphite spinning rod |
| Reel | Spinning reel |
| Line | 8-pound test monofilament fishing line |
| Lure | Spinnerbaits, Crankbaits, Frog & Toad Fishing Baits, Soft Plastic Baits, Topwater Fishing Baits |
SMALLMOUTH BASS
FIND WHERE TO CATCH
There is no doubt that the smallmouth bass rivals the largemouth in popularity.
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 6-7.5 foot rod built for light line |
| Reel | Spinning reel |
| Line | 8-pound test monofilament fishing line |
| Lure | Jerkbaits, Crankbaits, Jigs, Spinnerbait, Hook and a Worm (the best) |
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | Ultralight spinning or spincast combos |
| Reel | Spinning reel |
| Line | 4-10 pound test monofilament fishing line |
| Lure | Fishing Hooks, Jigs (various colors and weights), Spoons, Mini-Crankbaits (use bobbers or floats as well) |
BLUE CATFISH
FIND WHERE TO CATCH
This is the largest catfish of the family Ictaluridae, reported to grow to 120 lb. (54 kg).
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 6-7-foot, medium-heavy spinning rod |
| Reel | Spinning reel |
| Line | 14-pound or stronger abrasion-resistant monofilament line |
| Lure | Terminal tackle (circle or bait hooks, treble hooks, egg sinkers), live worms or minnows, cut-bait |
BROOK TROUT
FIND WHERE TO CATCH
The brook trout is one of the most popular game fishes in northeastern North America.
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 4-5 foot light weight flexible spinning or spin-cast rod |
| Reel | Spin-casting or spinning reel |
| Line | 6 pound test monofilament fishing line |
| Lure | Gold or Silver Spoons (not longer than 2 inches), Night Crawlers, Minnow-like-spinner, Jig |
COMMON CARP
FIND WHERE TO CATCH
The common carp is able to tolerate many conditions and bottom types, making it an ideal species for pond culture.
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 9-12 foot medium action spinning rod |
| Reel | 40's, 50's, or 60's spinning reel |
| Line | 20-30 pound test superbraid line in water with light rocks, 50-65 pound monofilament or superbraid line in rocky waters |
| Lure | #4 Sized Hook, Sweet Corn, Small Plastic Grub or Worm |
STREAMS & RIVERS
River & stream fishing means knowing where the water is moving, and how fish behave in it.
LAKES & PONDS
Learn about the structures in lakes and ponds. Learn where to find fish, tips and more.
