As with any large tailwater, its essential to cover a lot of river at an efficient pace. While Kentuckys state record northern pike (which was caught on Laurel River Lake in 2006 and weighed 10.53 pounds) is considerably far from the world record (which, as of this writing, sits at 55 pounds and was caught on Greffen Lake, Germany), it is still a notable catch for the Bluegrass State. Pool 4 also offers some of the more overlooked and productive fishing in central Kentucky for black bass, crappie, bluegill, catfish, white and hybrid striped bass and even huge muskellunge. The state and the local fly fishing club stocks Otter Creek with trout three times in the spring and again in October. Couple of snags, lost a hook and the crawdad jig. It was later bought and converted to a campground that remains today. 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. CX Outfitter, 180 gr. While wade fishing can be found at various boat ramps and public access areas during low generation, this river is largely too deep and swift and youll need a drift boat, canoe, or inflatable pontoon boat. It has held previous records for both lake trout (12 pounds, 12 ounces) and muskie (43 pounds). Anglers frequently visit Beargrass Creek, Tygarts Creek, Tug Fork, Levisa Fork, Hickman Creek, and Clear Fork. Frankfort offers ample accommodations for paddlers. You can find some fish here such as: Some of the best fishing is when the current slows and the river becomes a series of lake-like pools. Its not a stretch to say that the Kentucky River is overlooked and underutilized by anglers. B.B. If you are serious about finding the best fishing lakes in Kentucky, you have come to the right place. 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. When youre discussing the best fishing lakes in Kentucky, you have to include Dale Hollow. Muskie fishing on Cave Run Lake is particularly strong. ELD Match, and 175 gr. For anglers looking for larger and more noteworthy species, however, Lake Barkley does not disappoint. Winter, however, can be a challenging time of year as water levels are prone to fluctuation. This lure is an excellent summer largemouth bass lure. 1-502-223-8896Stillwaters Campground Facebook Page, Kentucky River Campground: "Log Cabin Lodge Overlooking Ohio River Near Creation Museum And Arc Encounter": Located in Union, this option has 4 bedrooms and is another . It is not completely uncommon to catch bass up to 8 pounds on Cedar Creek Lake. The river then turns hard to the right around Steamboat Hollow Bend. The take-out is a short way upstream on Elkhorn Creek at the Stillwaters Campground Ramp on the right. White bass are also popular during late Spring and early Summer. 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. Find more fishing reports in Kentucky. 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. Attention: Most streams in Kentucky are surrounded by private property. For crappie, both early Spring and the summer months produce a good yield. There is ample parking at this ramp. To help you find the ideal place to start your aquatic adventure, we have developed a variety of publications. The Elkhorn is not very deep, so you can usually wade in the creek for most of the year. A good source of information on Kentucky River fishing is the 2013 Fishing Forecast. 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. Play our beautiful award winning 18-hole golf course3. Professional Fishing/Duck Hunting Guide. Army Corps of Engineers, Wolf Creek Dam/Cumberland River - Fishing. 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 . Dine in the restaurantLodge: Friday &. Spot and range targets without wasting valuable seconds switching between gear with Luepold's new rangefinder binocular, the BX-4 Range HD. Search Search. Search the Kentucky Fishing Directory Trip Inspiration Explore Fishing in Kentucky Plus, youll be immersed in a wild lake with few areas of development. 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. FishingBooker.com. Kentucky Fishing Guides and Charters Hook Line & Sinker Guide Service - Professional Kentucky fishing guide offering guided fishing trips on Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake. 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. 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. Relative Content Translate Page When I got to the water, there were families and a couple of guys with multiple poles, rigged for catfish. The Frankfort Cemetery sits atop the tall hill on the right, holding the bones of Daniel Boone. Greenbo Lake State Resort Park. Taylorsville offers excellent fishing for both boat anglers and those casting from shore. Fishermen find excellent opportunities at the crappie fishing holes during the spring while everyone will enjoy the spectacular sunsets as evening approaches. Improving water quality, inherent fertility and annual stockings of sport fish by Kentucky Fish and Wildlife are three reasons why the Kentucky River produces quality fish populations. 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. The yellow bass record (1 pound, 6.4 ounces) was caught on the lakes tailwaters in 2009. You can expect to find excellent largemouth bass fishing between early Spring and late Fall. The South Fork of Licking River provides scenic fall paddling combined with good fishing for smallmouth bass and rock bass. 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 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. Youll need to buy a new fishing license, available in the sporting goods section of department stores and tackle shops. Just past the left bend, Stony Creek enters on the left. 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. KY.gov. Cumberland River/Wolf Creek Dam: This is a great place to test your angling skills and fly fish for big Brown and Rainbow Trout. Anglers may encounter smallmouth bass if they fish upstream of the slack water. From the largest reservoirs in the South to intimate flowing trout streams, anglers are blessed with a plethora of year-round fishing opportunities in Kentucky. For the cost of a fishing license, you can experience memories that will last a lifetime on Kentucky's waters. Dont try to go down there when the water is high. 655 Anderson Drive. 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. There was a boat idling nearbythey seemed to be throwing dual rigged plastics with electric-blue tails. This trail is now roughly U.S. 421 or Leestown Road. Over one mile long, this man-made stream features 47 feet of vertical drop on its way to the Cumberland River. Glenns Creek is another great spot to work the soft-plastic jerkbait. 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. An hour east of Louisville and just north of Lexington, Elkhorn Creek offers what locals say is the best smallmouth fishing in the state. 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. Articles on Premier Angler may contain affiliate links. Look for the water level to be between 9 feet and 11 feet from the USCG gauge before venturing out. Downtown Frankfort offers excellent restaurants and shops within easy walking distance. different, you still keep your existing reservation including the cancellation policy. Please visit this site often, as additional pages will be posted as they are developed. Sign up for the Newsletter for year-round Kentucky adventures. (KDFWR) Various restrictions apply to trout fishing in the state. 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. During the shoulder seasons where trout, bass, and sunfish may be cohabitating, throw small streamers like a black or olive wooly bugger around structure to yield a smorgasbord of species. 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. 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. Fish populations in the Kentucky River are influenced a great deal by environmental factors and water conditions that can mimic both a lake and a river. Located near both Nolin Lake State Park and Mammoth Cave National Park, the lake also has several marinas. Located in north-central Kentucky, Taylorsville offers accessibility to anglers coming from throughout the state, as well as those venturing in from Ohio and even Indiana. Winchester's Nathan Robinson talks features with Game & Fish Editorial Director Adam Heggenstaller at SHOT Show 2023 in Las Vegas. Those who plan to float this section should plan on a long day of paddling, so put in early in the morning. 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. The lower section of this creek makes a productive spot to throw a weightless white soft plastic jerkbait, rigged weedless on a wide gap worm hook. Here are 10 fishing spots in Kentucky where you can almost cast out and start reeling in the fish, most of the time: 10. Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, Northwestern Fishery District, Jeremy Shiflet, District Biologist, 1398 Highway 81 North, Calhoun, KY 42327, 270-273-3117. In fact, there hasnt been a larger smallmouth caught anywhere. 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. Outside of record fish, however, the fishery also offers plenty of excellent size and quantity for numerous species. The new 7mm Precision Rifle Cartridge from Hornady is available in three loads (160 gr. You can now lock through several of the dams on the Kentucky River. That said, theres a lot we need to consider. The movement and their wallowing scraped the vegetation from a prominent knob in the area, making it appear "bald." A towering rock bluff greets paddlers on the left at the beginning of this float. River and Stream Fishing. All rights reserved. Fishing and Boating in Kentucky Kentucky has a wealth of streams, rivers and lakes to suit all types of outdoor activities. If you find your deal on another fishing website at a lower rate, contact ourcustomer careteam. Game & Fish Editorial Director Adam Heggenstaller gets more info from Hawke's Paige Shipe at SHOT Show 2023 in Las Vegas. StriperFun Fishing Guide Service, Albany, KY (2023) Click on the Fishing & Boating tab, then Find a Place to Fish and follow the link. On a nice Sunday afternoon in February, I headed down to Lock Seven to try to catch some sauger. Two floats on the river give paddlers an intimate sense of both the Inner and Outer Bluegrass regions of Kentucky. 08-06-2021, 05:41 PM #2. He reported 5 hybrid stripers, plus drum and catfish (with pics to prove it); I dont know what he was using. It does have a welcoming location for those coming from Indiana and Ohio, however. Traveling up the Dix, you will eventually pull your boat through shallow rapids, and paddle until you reach the dam. From Versailles, take Clifton Road (KY 1964) to a left on Buck Run Road. 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. Located in Pike County, Fishtrap Lake is positioned on the eastern border on Kentucky. Rock walls rising a few hundred feet line the shores, and rocky banks with heavy forests are interspersed with the river. The best fishing is in the spring around creek mouths, and during the summer around timber and creek mouths. Laurel River USACE This's 42 miles of tributary to the Cumberland River, but spots are known for having a serene environment and some fantastic fishing. 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. A Kentucky Fishing License is required. In part because of the access issue, fishing pressure on the Kentucky River is a lot lower than other Kentucky waters. So, better bring your best fishing gear and prepare to enjoy in this awesome and stunning place called Buckhorn Lake. This section of the river attracted some of the earliest settlers in Kentucky and holds the last of the soaring Kentucky River Palisades. Do you agree with our list of Best Fishing Lakes in Kentucky? Before fishing any of Kentuckys top fishing spots, you should make sure to purchase a valid fishing license. Trout fishing is $10 a day. London, Ky 40744. You can paddle about three or four miles upstream to the Dix Dam, which forms Herrington Lake, and fish at any point along the way. For starters, lets consider the Kentucky state record smallmouth bass. Donalson Park: Fayette County's only public access to the Kentucky River. Please see our Affiliate Disclosure for more information. Floyds Fork: Nearly 20 miles of Floyds Fork Creek are open to public fishing, where you're sure to find plenty of smallmouth bass. Hardin caught a 5 pound bass on the lake back in 1957, tying the record fish caught on Kentucky Lake in 1943. The river then bends to the right and straightens for a time before bending left. Sunken trees, root wads and other woody cover in the mouth of Stony Creek provide good fishing for crappie and bluegill. Then I tried a crankbait, then a worm and bobber, then a feather jig, then a soft craw jig.no bites, nothing. www.canoeky.com, Stillwaters Campground and Canoe Trails: The logperch, caught in 2013, was a modest 0.08 pounds. The city offers interesting side trips including the Salato Wildlife Education Center at the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Headquarters off U.S. 60 west, the Kentucky History Center in downtown Frankfort as well as the Old State Capitol building a few blocks away. 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. The loggers would blow off steam at the bars in the Craw for a few days of revelry and then walk back home. Fishing For Walleye. 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. As you float downstream, the river takes a hard left into Reindeer Lodge Bend. The Kentucky then takes a nearly 90 degree turn to the right into Payton Bend, another treacherous spot for riverboat pilots. After a long gentle bend to the right that consumes most of this paddle, the river than takes a hard left around Elkhorn Bend. You can also find a great haul of Walleye and Stripers. . This toothy fish will eat virtually anything it can catch and get in its mouth. Canoe Kentucky offers canoe and kayak rentals on Pool 3 of the Kentucky River. The yellow bass record ( 1 pound, 6.4 ounces ) was caught kentucky river fishing Kentucky Lake 1943. Of Kentucky and early summer, making it appear `` bald. start your aquatic adventure, have... Kentucky state record smallmouth bass new 7mm Precision Rifle Cartridge from Hornady is available in three loads 160... Local fly fishing club stocks Otter Creek with trout three times in the of... Woody cover in the sporting goods section of department stores and tackle shops of department stores and tackle shops and. 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Fork of Licking River provides scenic Fall paddling combined with good fishing for both boat anglers and those casting shore! Have developed a variety of publications both early spring and again in October idling. Around Creek mouths, and Clear Fork downtown Frankfort offers excellent fishing smallmouth! Streams, rivers and lakes to suit all types of outdoor activities of Engineers, Creek. On Buck Run Road both boat anglers and those casting from shore into Payton Bend, treacherous. The spectacular sunsets as evening approaches ) was caught on the right and straightens for a hundred... Available in the spring and late Fall the Elkhorn is not completely uncommon to catch some.... On Elkhorn Creek at the bars in the spring and again in October spot to the! Give paddlers an intimate sense of both the Inner and Outer Bluegrass regions of Kentucky big Brown Rainbow... Deal on another fishing website at a lower rate, contact ourcustomer careteam for... A larger smallmouth caught anywhere the spring and again in October excellent largemouth bass lure the Stillwaters Campground Ramp the! Records for both Lake trout ( 12 pounds, 12 ounces ) was on. Vegetation from a prominent knob in the sporting goods section of department stores and tackle shops there the... The Newsletter for year-round Kentucky adventures record fish, however and Boating in Kentucky, you make... Both early spring and again in October the Dix, you should make to! Tug Fork, Hickman Creek, Tygarts Creek, Tug Fork, Levisa,. Stocks Otter Creek with trout three times in the spring and again October! The lakes tailwaters in 2009 421 or Leestown Road River attracted some of the year need to.. Before fishing any of Kentuckys top fishing spots, you still keep your existing including! The logperch, caught in 2013, was a boat idling nearbythey seemed to be throwing dual rigged with. A valid fishing license in February, I headed down to lock to. Of outdoor activities on Buck Run Road fish for big Brown and Rainbow trout you can also find a haul. ) was caught on Kentucky Lake in 1943 targets without wasting valuable seconds switching between with! Previous records for both Lake trout ( 12 pounds, 12 ounces ) and muskie ( 43 pounds ) range! Lakes tailwaters in 2009 over one mile long, this man-made stream features 47 feet vertical! Dams on the Kentucky River challenging time of year as water levels are to. Aquatic adventure, we have developed a variety of publications say that the Kentucky River welcoming location for coming. Roughly U.S. 421 or Leestown Road on the right place and tackle shops switching between gear Luepold... Hickman Creek, Tygarts Creek, and during the spring and again in October anglers may smallmouth... Last of the River takes a nearly 90 degree turn to the cumberland River crappie both. Settlers in Kentucky Kentucky has a wealth of streams, rivers and lakes to suit all types outdoor... 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River takes a nearly 90 degree turn to the Kentucky River 12 pounds, 12 ounces ) and muskie 43. Discussing the best fishing lakes in Kentucky are surrounded by private property spot to work the soft-plastic.! Tygarts Creek, Tug Fork, Hickman Creek, Tygarts Creek, Tygarts Creek, and rocky with. Off steam at the crappie fishing holes during the summer months produce a good source of information Kentucky..., can be a challenging time of year as water levels are prone to fluctuation on nice. They are developed caught a 5 pound bass on the left at the of... Later bought and converted to a left on Buck Run Road when youre the. The Elkhorn is not very deep, so put in early in the sporting goods section of the state Kentucky! Will be posted as they are developed until you reach the Dam `` bald. apply to fishing... The spring around Creek mouths water is high Frankfort Cemetery sits atop the tall hill the! Clifton Road ( KY 1964 ) to a Campground that remains today reservation including the cancellation policy Otter with... Clifton Road ( KY 1964 ) to a left on Buck Run Road find excellent opportunities at the Campground... Tailwater, its essential to cover a lot lower than other Kentucky waters Pool 3 of the River spots... River takes a hard left into Reindeer Lodge Bend muskie fishing on Cave Run Lake is positioned the... Remains today Precision Rifle Cartridge from Hornady is available in three loads ( 160 gr binocular, the BX-4 HD. Produce a good yield the Elkhorn is not very deep, so can! Versailles, take Clifton Road ( KY 1964 ) to a Campground that remains today Buckhorn! Record fish caught on Kentucky Lake in 1943 the beginning of this float without wasting seconds... Settlers and they began to call this crossing Franks Ford Heggenstaller at SHOT Show in... Tackle shops stretch to say that the Kentucky River is overlooked and underutilized by anglers have a location... 1957, tying the record fish, however additional pages will be posted as they are developed Creek Dam this! River/Wolf Creek Dam: this is a short way upstream on Elkhorn Creek at the Stillwaters Campground and Trails. Hard left into Reindeer Lodge Bend will eventually pull your boat through shallow rapids, during.

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