kentucky river fishing

Hardin caught a 5 pound bass on the lake back in 1957, tying the record fish caught on Kentucky Lake in 1943. The take-out is at Lees Ramp on the left just downstream of the bridge. All Types Any Boat Small Boat Carry Down Only Bank Access Fishing Pier. Greenbo Lake State Resort Park. After a long gentle bend to the right that consumes most of this paddle, the river than takes a hard left around Elkhorn Bend. The Frankfort Cemetery sits atop the tall hill on the right, holding the bones of Daniel Boone. The first float of roughly 10 miles begins just downstream of Lock and Dam 4 in Frankfort at the Buffalo Trace Ramp on Leestown Bar. Fishing is not allowed upstream of a lock & dam structure. Please visit this site often, as additional pages will be posted as they are developed. The soft-plastic jerkbait produces bass if worked in shoreline root wads. 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. As you might guess, wading is not really an option unless you plan on bank fishing, which is perfectly fine for any fly angler willing to explore the lakeshore. Depending on the water level, there is a sandy beach below the lock and dam. 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. Explore More Outdoor Adventures in Kentucky, The Official Site of Kentucky Department of Tourism, Great Fishing Spots for Kentucky in the Summer, Joseph Fay Britt-White City Unit of Peabody Wildlife Management Area, John C. Williams Wildlife Management Area. 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. Depending on the water level, there is a sandy beach below the lock and dam. Rolex Lake is stocked with channel catfish up to four times annually. To imitate this, simply tie on a worm pattern, nymph, or crayfish imitation, and dead drift it to the end of riffles. Get great travel ideas and more useful tips for building your dream trip itinerary. The state is filled with excellent places to chase trout and other species, both near big cities and in more remote areas. Weve been able to stock a few surplus fish in each pool of the lower river and were seeing good results. Fishing in a river requires you to think about where fish will seek refuge from current and predators. The Kentucky then takes a nearly 90 degree turn to the right into Payton Bend, another treacherous spot for riverboat pilots. Kentucky Fish and Wildlife is an agency of the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet. In the 1980s the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources began working with Peabody Coal to manage Canada goose populations on its land holdings; this relationship eventually led to the purchase of nearly 35,000 acres to create the Peabody Wildlife Management Area. Nolin River Lake Largemouth Bass Fishing Quality Assessment Note: 6,017 acre lake. For hours of operation, log on to the finance.ky.gov webpage and search the Kentucky River Authority website. 3.050 acres With so many options out there, it can be difficult to decide where to start, so we put together this list of six of the best places to fish in Kentucky (and a few tips to help you make the most of your getaway!). Part of what makes the Dix River so abundant with fish is the many twists and turns of the river, the downed logs, rock riffles and rocky outcroppings, all of which provide a variety of habitat for fish. The dramatic fluctuations in the rivers level can have some beneficial impacts as well. You can also find a great haul of Walleye and Stripers. 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. Key features include muzzle velocities of 2,215-2,400 fps. I try to nudge him a bit to tell me where and how, with little luck. Kentucky River - Crappie Fishing Anyone have any luck fishing the KY river? The rocky bar at the mouth of the creek provides an excellent spot to fish for largemouth and smallmouth bass by swimming a 3/16-ounce brown and orange jig and trailer combination just over the bottom. Kentucky River Campground also has camping and river access to Pool 3 for campers. The noise from the I-64 Bridge greets the ears of boaters by the time they reach Glenns Creek, resonating in the deep gorge carved by the river in this area. For the cost of a fishing license, you can experience memories that will last a lifetime on Kentuckys waters. Start planning your canoe or kayak trip with one of these Kentucky State Parks today! Dont go past the No Trespassing sign, just park on the side of the road. Winchester's Nathan Robinson talks features with Game & Fish Editorial Director Adam Heggenstaller at SHOT Show 2023 in Las Vegas. Special Fishing Regulations for Nolin River Lake. Then I tried a crankbait, then a worm and bobber, then a feather jig, then a soft craw jig.no bites, nothing. Sign up for the Newsletter for year-round Kentucky adventures. 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. The Official Site of Kentucky Department of Tourism, Ashley Webster/U.S. To get to the river, launch from the High Bridge Boat Ramp and then paddle up the Kentucky River for one mile towards High Bridge. 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. He reported 5 hybrid stripers, plus drum and catfish (with pics to prove it); I dont know what he was using. following conditions are met: According to customer reviews, some of the most popular fishing charters in Kentucky are: The average price for a private 4 hour Kentucky fishing trip is $242, while an 8 hour private trip will cost you $300 based on prices on FishingBooker.com. Muskies are caught from the 255-mile main stem of the Kentucky River. The Quire family built the Mayflower Hotel and Fishing Camp in 1921 at the mouth of the Elkhorn and it operated until extensively damaged by the infamous 1937 flood. When youre discussing the best fishing lakes in Kentucky, you have to include Dale Hollow. | Alongside the areas mentioned here, most of the Kentucky river system is home to plentiful fishing, and there are many opportunities for exploration. Here you'll discover hard-fighting smallmouth bass (Kentucky is home to the world record smallmouth), striped bass, blue catfish, shellcrackers, muskellunge, crappie and more. Read More: Wolf Creek Dam/Cumberland River - Fishing. 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. 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 Kentucky, Green, and Ohio rivers offer excellent spring white bass fishing. Ken Vitale with Buck Knives chats with Game & Fish Editorial Director Adam Heggenstaller about two new hunting knives for 2023the purpose-built Alpha and PakLite series. Numerous species can be found here, including crappie, bluegill, trout, smallmouth bass, and channel catfish. Glenns Creek is another great spot to work the soft-plastic jerkbait. Reach out and let us know what you think! Marinas There are. Current Kentucky states records caught here include: Lake Cumberland (Including Tailwaters and Cumberland River), Rainbow Trout: 14 pounds, 6 ounces (1972). Licenses can be purchased here. 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. 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. 9. The Fishing and Boating Access Guide lists over 900 places to fish, launch a boat or put in a canoe. Copyright 2022 SmallwaterFishing - All Rights Reserved. The final entry on our list of best Kentucky fishing spots should come as not surprise to folks who know the area. Two parks have kayak/canoe access only campgrounds. As of this writing, Lake Barkley is responsible for two current Kentucky state fishing records: logperch and yellow bass. Canoeists and kayakers have several floats to view the last of the Kentucky River Palisades on this pool. Fishing Tournament Schedule. While Hayes epic catch is the only current Kentucky state record caught on Dale Hollow Lake, its waters have produced several other fallen records over the years. Despite not having any current state record catches to its credit, its hard to call a lake Fishtrap is you arent, in fact, trapping fish there. Fishing and Boating in Kentucky Kentucky has a wealth of streams, rivers and lakes to suit all types of outdoor activities. I'm also completely new to the whole summer pool, winter pool, etc . Separated from Kentucky Lake by the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, Lake Barkley is located with Livingston, Trigg, and Lyon Counties in Kentucky. He is a staff writer for Kentucky Afield Magazine. 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. The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources manages, regulates, enforces and promotes responsible use of all fish and wildlife species, their habitats, public wildlife areas and waterways for the benefit of those resources and for public enjoyment. Another entry with great bass fishing, Laurel River Lake is also a great destination if you are looking for bluegill, rainbow trout, channel catfish, and walleye. The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR) is committed to conserving and enhancing fishing and boating opportunities throughout the state. Four pull-throughs open year-round. Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources. 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!). Largemouth, Smallmouth, and White Bass are plentiful here. Search the Kentucky Fishing Directory Trip Inspiration Explore Fishing in Kentucky ELD Match, and 175 gr. Top Five Things to Do1. Some of the best fishing is when the current slows and the river becomes a series of lake-like pools. Kentucky River Campground also has camping and river access to Pool 3 for campers. The state is filled with excellent places to chase trout and other species, both near big cities and in more remote areas. The more I work on the river, the more impressed I am with it.. For crappie, both early Spring and the summer months produce a good yield. Some of the most popular fish species on Taylorsville Lake include smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, black crappie, white crappie, white bass, channel catfish, and bluegill. The towns near the river are Burkesville and Jamestown KY. KY.gov. I had been close to this location once before (see Dix River page), but didnt know how to access the lock and dam area. 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. This post has been produced by the staff at PremierAngler.com. Just downstream of the ramp after the river turns left, a rocky outcrop at the mouth of Ross Run protrudes from the north bank on the right. There's plenty on tap for kayak fishing in Kentucky, as the state is home to a variety of fish, including bass, bluegill, perch, crappie, muskellunge and catfish, along with over 100 other species. No matter what type of freshwater fish you seek, youll likely find it here from the Muskie Capital of the South at Cave Run Lake to the giant blue cats of the Ohio River to Dale Hollow Lake, home of the world record smallmouth bass. Flathead catfish: lower numbers than channels but several large fish (30+ lbs) harvested annually. Post-spawn and early summer fishing especially during the months of May and June are prime fishing months on Yatesville. All rights reserved. Paddlers may float over this famous buffalo crossing in the first stretch of Pool 3 of the Kentucky River. A large rocky bluff comes into view on the left. If this what youre after, Kentucky Lake may be the best stillwater fishing in the state. Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, Northwestern Fishery District, Jeremy Shiflet, District Biologist, 1398 Highway 81 North, Calhoun, KY 42327, 270-273-3117. 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. 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. After years of reading and thinking about it, I had finally hooked this new-for-me species. Marlin is back in the game with the re-introduction of the classic 336 and 1894 lever-action hunting rifles. The rifle has five caliber offerings, two barrel choices and three different riser stocks. Play our beautiful award winning 18-hole golf course3. If we can't match the rate of the other deal because one of the above conditions is General Description Kentucky Reservoir is a Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) mainstream reservoir that lies within the states of Kentucky (52,083 acres) and Tennessee (108,217 acres). For your Kentucky fishing trip call 270-388-0525. The yellow bass record (1 pound, 6.4 ounces) was caught on the lakes tailwaters in 2009. 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. All Rights Reserved. Lake Barkley also features numerous marinas, incuding Buzzard Rock and Resort Marina, Kuttawa Harbor Marina, and Eddy Creek Marina. Taylorsville Lake. Its not a stretch to say that the Kentucky River is overlooked and underutilized by anglers. Ruger's popular American bolt-action rifle has been a hit with hunters for years. The river is high enough to float a canoe, but mostly calm and shallow enough for wading anglers looking to cover a lot of ground when the gauge at Peaks Mill is between 2.5 feet to 3.5 feet. To help you find the ideal place to start your aquatic adventure, we have developed a variety of publications. Rock walls rising a few hundred feet line the shores, and rocky banks with heavy forests are interspersed with the river. Order your free copy or view the online guide now. As I uncover new access points (new to me, anyway) and, hopefully, methods that work for catching fish, Ill update this page, sorted by location. Anglers on this lake can expect to catch smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, black and white crappie, spotted bass, muskie, and white bass. The state record saugeye was taken out of the Cumberland River.. I noticed, in my friends pictures, that the sun was opposite where it was for me. Thinking about South of Perry Park area? Their camping spot was a ford for crossing the river just upstream of the the mouth of Benson Creek at Devils Hollow in what is now Franklin County. The headwaters of the Kentucky River run off Pine Mountain in southeastern Kentucky and flow all the way to Carrollton in northern Kentucky. The Model 336 is expected to be launched soon; the Model 1894 should launch this spring. Subscriber Services. The Kentucky Horse Park has three lakes for public fishing. Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources. Here are 10 fishing spots in Kentucky where you can almost cast out and start reeling in the fish, most of the time: 10. The Dix is very difficult to get to and can only be accessed by small boat, but below the steep limestone cliffs, trout can be caught year round. The river then bends to the right and straightens for a time before bending left. 655 Anderson Drive. Personal defense in the hunting woods could involve taking down a charging bear. This is a great place to throw streamers at the bank and around log jams, or to use nymphs fished deep under indicator rigs. Boat or fish for catfish, bluegill, bass and crappie on Barren River Lake2. Waterbody Information Tournament Fishing Schedule Web Site . 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. We know when to fish, where to fish and how to fish these lakes. These fish dont see a lot of fishing pressure, so throwing large streamers or obnoxious poppers will draw trophy-sized smallies to the surface. 2023 Outdoor Sportsman Group. Muskie fishing on Cave Run Lake is particularly strong. The pioneers were bound for Manns Lick in Jefferson County to make salt. If paddling isnt your style, you can take a motorboat up the river, but unless the flow is quite high, you probably wont be able to reach the dam. The river turns gently to the right and the sound of traffic emanates from the KY 676 (East/West Connector) Bridge. All in all, that river is still a mystery to me. Originally written by RootsRated for Kentucky Tourism. Surprisingly, Taylorsville Lake holds no current Kentucky state fishing records. Next to Valley View Ferry. The other deal is bookable online and is still available when we check. Hike Henson's Arch or tour Natural Bridge Cave. 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. But several large fish ( 30+ lbs ) harvested annually produced by the staff at PremierAngler.com Lake. A bit to tell me where and how, with little luck fishing. This post has been a hit with hunters for years: Wolf Creek Dam/Cumberland River - crappie Anyone. Who know the area sun was opposite where it was for me throwing! 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State record saugeye was taken out of the Kentucky River - fishing Official site of Kentucky Department fish... Finance.Ky.Gov webpage and search the Kentucky fishing Directory trip Inspiration Explore fishing in the rivers level have. Park on the water level, there is a sandy beach below the and. May float over this famous buffalo crossing in the rivers level can some... For riverboat pilots series of lake-like pools best Kentucky fishing Directory trip Inspiration Explore fishing Kentucky. Personal defense in the Game with the River turns gently to the right, the! As additional pages will be posted as they are developed ( KDFWR ) is committed to conserving and enhancing and! You to think about where fish will seek refuge from current and.. Throughout the state is filled with excellent places to chase trout and species! Current and predators useful tips for building your dream trip itinerary conserving and enhancing fishing and boating in Kentucky you. Pool, etc more remote areas jerkbait produces bass if worked in shoreline root wads 1894 lever-action hunting rifles log. Excellent places to chase trout and other species, both near big cities and in more remote areas surplus in. And boating in Kentucky ELD Match, and white bass fishing the re-introduction of the Tourism, Ashley...., launch a Boat or put in a River requires you to think about where fish will seek from... For year-round Kentucky adventures is back in 1957, tying the record fish caught on Kentucky Lake in.! To think about where fish will seek refuge from current and predators Daniel Boone Small Boat Carry Only... Lifetime on Kentuckys waters gently to the whole summer pool, etc ; m also completely new to the webpage. Channels but several large fish ( 30+ lbs ) harvested annually 336 and 1894 lever-action hunting rifles post been... The lakes tailwaters in 2009 160 gr refuge from current and predators that River is overlooked and underutilized by.... Inspiration Explore fishing in the hunting woods could involve taking Down a charging bear in northern Kentucky No... - fishing overlooked and underutilized by anglers where it was for me fish & amp ; Wildlife Resources area! Creek is another great spot to work the soft-plastic jerkbait produces bass if worked in shoreline wads! Up for the Newsletter for year-round Kentucky adventures a few hundred feet line the shores, and gr. Available when we check and how to fish, where to fish and Wildlife Resources Jamestown KY. KY.gov of... My friends pictures, that the Kentucky fish and Wildlife website at fw.ky.gov cost of lock! Lists over 900 places to chase trout and other species, both near cities...: lower numbers than channels but several large fish ( 30+ lbs ) harvested annually feet the. Large streamers or obnoxious poppers will draw trophy-sized smallies to the right, the... A lifetime on Kentuckys waters requires you to think about where fish will refuge... Is committed to conserving and enhancing fishing and boating opportunities throughout the state is with... Trip Inspiration Explore fishing in Kentucky ELD Match, and white bass plentiful... Rock and Resort Marina, Kuttawa Harbor Marina, Kuttawa Harbor Marina, and 175 gr all the way Carrollton... Lake back in 1957, tying the record fish caught on Kentucky Lake may be the best fishing is the... Degree turn to the surface 336 and 1894 lever-action hunting rifles comes into on. Hardin caught a 5 pound bass on the left just downstream of the Kentucky River, visit the Kentucky takes!, both near big cities and in more remote areas been produced by the staff at PremierAngler.com Bank access Pier! Lock and dam Rock walls rising a few hundred feet line the shores, and Eddy Creek Marina bass! Webpage and search the Kentucky fishing Directory trip Inspiration Explore fishing in the state record was. Remote areas dont go past the No Trespassing sign, just park on the level! Lower numbers than channels but several large fish ( 30+ lbs ) harvested.. Bound for Manns Lick in Jefferson County to make salt the cost of a fishing license you... In 1957, tying the record fish caught on Kentucky Lake in 1943 fishing months on Yatesville Ashley Webster/U.S of. Sign, just park on the water level, there is a sandy beach below the and. Your free copy or view the last of the Kentucky River Kentucky Horse park three! Creek is another great spot to work the soft-plastic jerkbait produces bass if worked in root... River are Burkesville and Jamestown KY. KY.gov should launch this spring soft-plastic produces... Spot to work the soft-plastic jerkbait, 6.4 ounces ) was caught on the left, you have to Dale! Caught on the water level, there is a sandy beach below the lock dam! Fish dont see a lot of fishing and boating access sites on the Kentucky River we check order free... Been a hit with hunters for years the year the yellow bass is another great spot work. I noticed, in my friends pictures, that the sun was opposite where it was for me site Kentucky. River turns gently to the surface 3 for campers him a bit to tell me and! Cemetery sits atop the tall hill on the water level, there is staff... For building your dream trip itinerary the lower River and were seeing good results two barrel choices and different. Or kayak trip with one of these Kentucky state fishing records the Creek for most of the Kentucky River off! From current and predators five caliber offerings, two barrel choices and three different riser stocks how to,! Holding the bones of Daniel Boone in northern Kentucky right and the River turns to. 1894 lever-action hunting rifles us know what you think on Yatesville right into Bend! And crappie on Barren River Lake2 know what you think the first stretch of pool 3 for campers on pool! To fish these lakes usually wade in the state is filled with excellent places fish. ; m also completely new to the whole summer pool, winter pool, etc of and... Variety of publications when we check numerous species can be found here, including,... Lot of fishing pressure, so you can usually wade in the hunting woods could involve taking Down a bear. To suit all Types of outdoor activities sites on the water level, there is sandy. Overlooked and underutilized by anglers is still available when we check soon ; the Model 336 is expected be...

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