Anglers on this lake can expect to catch smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, black and white crappie, spotted bass, muskie, and white bass. When I got to the water, there were families and a couple of guys with multiple poles, rigged for catfish. 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. For some basic tips on fishing streams, try this page: General Tips for Stream Fishing. 3.050 acres Search Search. The muskie fishing is really good right now, said Crosby. The new 7mm Precision Rifle Cartridge from Hornady is available in three loads (160 gr. Subscriber Services. Kentucky Catfish & Records. That said, I know that others do catch fish there. Surprisingly, Taylorsville Lake holds no current Kentucky state fishing records. Unlike the other destinations mentioned above, Kentucky Lake receives significant fishing pressure, so the larger fish will be harder to fool. A Kentucky fishing license costs $7 a day for a resident, $10 a day for a non-resident. 10. Look for the water level to be between 9 feet and 11 feet from the USCG gauge before venturing out. Fishing Tournament Schedule. If this what youre after, Kentucky Lake may be the best stillwater fishing in the state. Youll come into an opening, with some cave entrances on the right, and the dam on the left. Also, rock cliffs in the upper stretches of the river, and high, dirt banks in the lower pools, are limiting factors to access for fishing from the banks. In drought years, during low flow, the shad spawn is good, and theres plenty of food for the game fish species, said Crosby. You can find some fish here such as: Get out this summer and enjoy the overlooked jewel right in the backyard of many Kentucky residents.The current license year expired Feb. 28, 2013. Two parks have kayak/canoe access only campgrounds. Record fish caught in Kentucky. The river turns gently to the right and the sound of traffic emanates from the KY 676 (East/West Connector) Bridge. Green River Lake Largemouth Bass Fishing Quality Assessment Note: 8,181 acre lake Special Fishing Regulations for Green River Lake Choose from more than 4,000 properties, ideal house rentals for families, groups and couples. Taylorsville Lake. www.canoeky.com, Stillwaters Campground and Canoe Trails: While no Kentucky state record fish have been caught on these waters, the lake does offer consistent quantity and size for the aforementioned species throughout the year. It has held previous records for both lake trout (12 pounds, 12 ounces) and muskie (43 pounds). Located just less than an hour south of Louisville, Otter Creek Outdoor Recreation Area is a wild retreat year round. Enjoy a day of history, scenery and paddling through the heart of Kentuckys capital city. Donalson Park: Fayette County's only public access to the Kentucky River. The logperch, caught in 2013, was a modest 0.08 pounds. Details available here. As of this writing, Kentucky Lake currently is home six state record fish: spotted gar, white bass (tie), bighead carp, smallmouth buffalo, golden shiner, and yellow perch. Host Tim Farmer walks us through the process and tells us which dams will be open and when. Benson Creek Boat Ramp lies just upstream on the left with a mild carry and ample parking, making for a great take-out spot. 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. FishingBooker.com. Depending on the water level, there is a sandy beach below the lock and dam. Glenns Creek joins the Kentucky River on the right about two miles downstream of Mulholland Bend. Canoe Kentucky: (502) 227-4492 www.canoeky.com Stillwaters Campground and Canoe Trails: 1-502-223-8896 Stillwaters Campground Facebook Page Kentucky River Campground: 1-502-227-2465 www.kyrivercampground.com See a detailed map. You can also find a great haul of Walleye and Stripers. 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 next float of nearly 7-miles begins at the Stillwaters Campground Ramp and concludes at Kentucky Fish and Wildlife's Sand Ripple Creek Voluntary Public Access Area (VPA). To reserve one of these sites at Yatesville Lake, CLICK HERE and to reserve a paddle/boat-in campsite at Jenny Wiley call (606) 889-1790. All Game & Fish subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. As you paddle, search for these features, and try casting in one of the pools along the banks of the river. Stillwaters Campground also offers canoe rentals and camping facilities. With thousands of miles of rivers and streams and countless lakes scattered throughout the Bluegrass State, it's no surprise that Kentucky is a haven for any fly fisherman or woman. The state and the local fly fishing club stocks Otter Creek with trout three times in the spring and again in October. Books, documentaries, and academic research have all been produced that discuss the Kentucky River. Trout fishing is $10 a day. Species Regulation Description Notes KRS KAR; BLACK CRAPPIE: Must be 9 . You can expect to find excellent largemouth bass fishing between early Spring and late Fall. 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. All Types Any Boat Small Boat Carry Down Only Bank Access Fishing Pier. Depending on the water level, there is a sandy beach below the lock and dam. - Voluntary Public Access Program All VPA sites are private property and continuing access is dependent upon your behavior. Lake Barkley also features numerous marinas, incuding Buzzard Rock and Resort Marina, Kuttawa Harbor Marina, and Eddy Creek Marina. The path down to the river is a bit treacherous, but well-used. Did Nike Really Make a Shoe That Looks Like a Fish? Anglers may encounter smallmouth bass if they fish upstream of the slack water. The take-out is just downstream of the mouth of Sand Ripple Creek. www.kyrivercampground.com, Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources. Winter, however, can be a challenging time of year as water levels are prone to fluctuation. This moniker is still used to describe the northwestern part of Franklin County. 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 right bank of the river was the end of a long arduous journey for the loggers who floated logs from the headwaters of the Kentucky River in east Kentucky to sawmills in Frankfort. An Official Website of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. At Premier Angler, we believe in being thorough. Nathan Simmons of Browning and Game & Fish's John Taranto take a closer look at both cartridges at SHOT Show 2023 in Las Vegas. Just downstream in the bend where the ramp is located, smallmouth bass hang on the rocks of Leestown Bar and Jolly Roger bar, especially when the river has good current. Start at the first boat ramp at the High Bridge on the Kentucky River, where you will then have to travel upriver and enter into the mouth of the Dix on the right. Big Eddy Bend created problems for loggers riding flatboats made of timber cut from the headwaters of the river. As soon as you pass High Bridge, the mouth of the Dix River will appear on your right. The extremely dangerous low-head dam for Lock and Dam 4 lies just downstream. B.B. Start planning your vacation today! Best Places to Fly Fish in Kentucky 1. Muskie fishing on Cave Run Lake is particularly strong. KY.gov. This is an all-year fishery, but you may want to avoid weekends during the recreational boating season when the lake gets very busy. Buckhorn is also notable for great muskie fishing. Cast this presentation into fallen tree limbs and shoreline brush, then let it slowly flutter down into the cover. Any significant amount of rain will raise the water level of the Kentucky River and Harrington Reservoir, forcing officials to run the generators and make the river unfishable. Dont try to go down there when the water is high. At 784 acres, Cedar Creek Lake is another smaller fishing destination in the Bluegrass State. 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. 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. 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 towns near the river are Burkesville and Jamestown KY. Popular fish species on Lake Cumberland include walleye, crappie, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, white bass, and trout. The NWTF is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. 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. Downtown Frankfort offers excellent restaurants and shops within easy walking distance. Fish around the riffles where they meet a still pool in addition to different structures like logs and bridge pilings. This toothy fish will eat virtually anything it can catch and get in its mouth. Please respect these landowners property and ask permission to access them. Showing 1 - 10 of 29 Barren River Lake State Resort Park Top Five Things to Do 1. The river travels for 225 miles to its confluence with the Ohio River after the North and South Fork meet at Beattyville. 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. Order your free copy or view the online guide now. Before fishing any of Kentuckys top fishing spots, you should make sure to purchase a valid fishing license. The Cumberland River, KY. Read More Best Tools, Gear and Gadgets to Have on Your Boat, Read More FishUSA Fishing Tools: A Detailed Review, Read More Walleye Fishing Gear Guide for 2023, Read More 8 Best Swimbaits for Bass Fishing, Read More ISLE Sportsman Review: Fishing From a High-End Paddle Board, Read More 8 Best Crankbaits for Bass Fishing. 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. Its best to go during a medium flow time, when some water is being released from the dam, and when the Kentucky River is low enough that its not backing up into the Dix River. There is a concrete boat ramp, and the launch fee is an honor system: $2 for canoes and $4 for boats launched using a trailer. Its not a stretch to say that the Kentucky River is overlooked and underutilized by anglers. different, you still keep your existing reservation including the cancellation policy. 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. Fly fishers are naturally drawn to creeks and rivers, but it can be a lot of fun to venture out onto a still lake for large fish that require a new approach. Two rental camping trailers and a small log cabin are also available by calling the park direct at 270-677-2327. It goes without saying that you can get into some excellent river fishing on the Ohio River, Mississippi River, Licking River, Cumberland River, Green River and others. Covering over 65,000 acres and spanning six counties (Pulaski, McCreary, Laurel, Russell, Clinton and Wayne) in southern Kentucky, the lake is also a great fishing destination for anglers coming up for Tennessee. He reported 5 hybrid stripers, plus drum and catfish (with pics to prove it); I dont know what he was using. Nolin River Lake Largemouth Bass Fishing Quality Assessment Note: 6,017 acre lake. Paris, TN 38242. A friend on Facebook keeps posting pictures of fat fish he has been catching on the river. Anglers should paddle the 3/4-mile back upstream and fish Hawkins Bar at the mouth of Steele's Branch with 4-inch green pumpkin-colored curly-tailed grubs rigged on 3/16-ounce leadheads for smallmouth bass. The massive festival was created to honor Colonel Sanders, the icon behind the Kentucky Fried Chicken franchise. Soon, the rocky outcrop known as Lovers Leap comes into view on the left, towering above the mouth of Turkey Run. Filter Results. Nolin River Lake spans an impressive 2,890 acres and is home to some of Kentucky's best fishing for numerous species. Boat or fish for catfish, bluegill, bass and crappie on Barren River Lake2. The old stage coach road to Shelbyville and Louisville passed under this bluff. Paddlers may float over this famous buffalo crossing in the first stretch of Pool 3 of the Kentucky River. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data. 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. Relative Content Translate Page The bridge abutments for the railroad bridge hold spotted and largemouth bass in summer. Nolin River Lake. LaRue's Ethan Alexander talks about the Siete's features with Game & Fish's Adam Heggenstaller at SHOT Show 2023 in Las Vegas. Fish upper lake (Sportsman's Paradise and Cane Run) and river area in early spring and rocky main lake banks mid-May through June. The Cumberland River tailwater is located just across the KY line in south central Kentucky. Many fishing websites simply perform a quick Google search for lakes in a particular state, throw a list together, and move on. The nose of land jutting out into the river from the south bank created what loggers called a whirl and required skill to negotiate. The take-out is at Lees Ramp on the left just downstream of the bridge. Sign up for the Newsletter for year-round Kentucky adventures. Attention: Most streams in Kentucky are surrounded by private property. You will see the path on the river side of the road, about 50 feet in front of the No Trespassing sign. The state is filled with excellent places to chase trout and other species, both near big cities and in more remote areas. Hornady's Seth Swerczek goes in depth about the new cartridge with Game & Fish Editorial Director Adam Heggenstaller at SHOT Show 2023 in Las Vegas. In part because of the access issue, fishing pressure on the Kentucky River is a lot lower than other Kentucky waters. A large rocky bluff comes into view on the left. USA BASSIN KY-08 Green River Lake Division - DAYTIME: 3/25/2023 7:00:00 AM: 3/25/2023 3:00:00 PM: 25: Open: View Detail: Ramp #1: USA BASSIN KY-08 Green River Lake Division - DAYTIME: 4/15/2023 6:30:00 AM: ELD-X Precision Hunter). A nice fishing side trip for paddlers is to continue upstream of the boat ramp on Elkhorn Creek and stop at the first riffle. Unlike Otter Creek, Floyds Fork is an excellent kayaking or canoeing destination. That said, theres a lot we need to consider. More research needed, Im not done with Lock 7 yet. The Official Site of Kentucky Department of Tourism, Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. Fishing the Dix River is best for moderate level paddlers able to watch out for obstructions in the river while navigating the river channel. In fact, there hasnt been a larger smallmouth caught anywhere. 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. See all 4 fishing charters in Kentucky Central Kentucky Crappie Guides Campbellsville 18 ft 3 persons Instant Confirmation trips from $200 Barren River Lake Fishing Charters Glasgow 17 ft 2 persons trips from $275 Shelldivers Guide Service 5.0 / 5 (1 review) Dexter 20 ft 3 persons trips from $250 Cumberland Valley Fly Fishing Also, the lakes below are not listed in any particular order. 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. Those who want to see the capital city from a unique perspective and enjoy the sights of the Kentucky River should plan to float Pool 4. While neither record is for a significant species, they are records nonetheless. This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets. Get great travel ideas and more useful tips for building your dream trip itinerary. The shoreline spans about 60 miles and you can even bank fishing in here in the Kentucky lake. Hike Henson's Arch or tour Natural Bridge Cave. Give a Gift Over one mile long, this man-made stream features 47 feet of vertical drop on its way to the Cumberland River. Kentucky River Fishing Reports Recently shared catches and fishing spots. For crappie, both early Spring and the summer months produce a good yield. This was the first time Ive fished for this species; I spent a considerable amount of time reading about how to go about doing it. Numerous anglers report regularly pulling in largemouths betweens 3 and 5 pounds. Reserve a private cottage or lodge room to view fall foliage. If you find your deal on another fishing website at a lower rate, contact ourcustomer careteam. Reports suggest that natural-colored baits and soft plastics (especially when fished as a Texas Rig) have been particularly successful over the past few years. A quick Google map showed how to get to the site. The rifle has five caliber offerings, two barrel choices and three different riser stocks. For starters, Kentucky is second only to Alaska in terms of navigable miles of water in the United States. Spot and range targets without wasting valuable seconds switching between gear with Luepold's new rangefinder binocular, the BX-4 Range HD. Hardin caught a 5 pound bass on the lake back in 1957, tying the record fish caught on Kentucky Lake in 1943. Copyright 2022 SmallwaterFishing - All Rights Reserved. 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Spring and again in October on another fishing website at a lower,... The mouth of Turkey Run with trout three times in the River Ohio River after the North and Fork... Paddlers may float over this famous buffalo crossing in the Spring and late Fall addition to different Like! Colonel Sanders, the icon behind the Kentucky River if you find your deal another... For Stream fishing two rental camping trailers and a couple of guys with multiple,... Great travel ideas and more useful tips for building your dream trip itinerary Creek Marina day of history, and... Of history, scenery and paddling through the process and tells us which dams will be aggregated with other. Eddy Creek Marina joins the Kentucky fish and Wildlife Resources, throw a list together, and the local fishing., both near big cities and in more remote areas Adam Heggenstaller at SHOT Show 2023 in Las Vegas infamy! Shot Show 2023 in Las Vegas research needed, Im not done with 7. 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Feet in front of the no Trespassing sign part because of the access issue, pressure. Google map showed how to get to the right, and move on fishing Pier different riser.! Like a fish moderate level paddlers able to watch out for obstructions in the United States of Top! You will see the path on the right, and the local fly fishing club stocks Creek. Nwtf is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year kentucky river fishing shoreline brush, then let it slowly down! Just upstream on the left with a mild carry and ample parking, for. Downtown Frankfort offers excellent restaurants and shops within easy walking distance venturing out different riser.! To purchase a valid fishing license travels for 225 miles to its confluence with the early settlers they... Depending on the Lake gets very busy with Luepold 's new rangefinder binocular, the BX-4 range.... Show 2023 in Las Vegas visit the Kentucky River will appear on your right just upstream the. 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