kentucky river fishing
Benson Creek is a productive fishing creek for largemouth and spotted bass. I asked others if they were having any luckno bites, nothing. The loggers would blow off steam at the bars in the Craw for a few days of revelry and then walk back home. Now, we will take a look at the lakes that were determined to have the best fishing in Kentucky. Marlin is back in the game with the re-introduction of the classic 336 and 1894 lever-action hunting rifles. No Activity Yet. The state record walleye was caught out of Lake cumberland.. 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. As of this writing, Lake Barkley is responsible for two current Kentucky state fishing records: logperch and yellow bass. Copyright 2022 SmallwaterFishing - All Rights Reserved. Kentucky also plays home to some tremendous creek fishing. Ive read fishing stories, and looked at other folks blogs and websites that detail methods and locations for fishing the Kentucky River. View Profile View Forum Posts Private Message View Articles Trophy King Join Date Jan 2019 Location Kentucky Posts 223 Post Thanks / Like Likes (Given) 0 The rating and type of trout fishery is provided by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. 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. 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. 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. Fish around the riffles where they meet a still pool in addition to different structures like logs and bridge pilings. This year, the rifle will be chambered in 7mm PRC, the hot new load that was a hit at SHOT Show 2023 in Las Vegas. 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. He reported 5 hybrid stripers, plus drum and catfish (with pics to prove it); I dont know what he was using. The new Frontier, available in 8x42 and 10x42, has all the range-finding capabilities a hunter needs. In the video above, Matt Willson of Ruger highlights the features with Game & Fish's John Taranto. The Model 336 is expected to be launched soon; the Model 1894 should launch this spring. Canoes and kayaks are fine, but a paddleboard is a great way to sneak up on wary fish and quietly present your fly. Canoe Kentucky:(502)227-4492 From Versailles, take Clifton Road (KY 1964) to a left on Buck Run Road. It snakes a few miles down from the Dix Dam to the Kentucky River, and along the way are awe-inspiring bluffs, rocky outcroppings, and heavy forests. Located on the border of Kentucky and Tennessee, this lake has had more than its fair share of trophy catches over the years. 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. There is nothing to show. 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). An Official Website of the Commonwealth of Kentucky . As such, many anglers focus primarily on early morning or late evening and night fishing. A medium-running crawfish crankbait worked on this bar draws strikes from largemouth, spotted and occasionally smallmouth bass. A friend on Facebook keeps posting pictures of fat fish he has been catching on the river. Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources. Please visit this site often, as additional pages will be posted as they are developed. A Kentucky fishing license costs $7 a day for a resident, $10 a day for a non-resident. An hour east of Louisville and just north of Lexington, Elkhorn Creek offers what locals say is the best smallmouth fishing in the state. Anglers who fish these waters can expect to land some quality largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, white crappie, black crappie, channel catfish and bluegill. This lake is in Lyon County, Kentucky and deer, eagles, cormorants, osprey, beavers and numerous varieties of bird can be observed. Another entry from eastern Kentucky, Yatesville joins a list of spots that offer great largemouth bass fishing. Yes, it sounds like a lot, but your effort will be rewarded with low-pressure fish that eagerly take nymphs, streamers, and a dry fly during the occasional hatch. 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. Available in 180- and 200-grain sizes. Fishing Tournament Schedule. Winter, however, can be a challenging time of year as water levels are prone to fluctuation. Articles on Premier Angler may contain affiliate links. You can also find a great haul of Walleye and Stripers. Get great travel ideas and more useful tips for building your dream trip itinerary. Located near both Nolin Lake State Park and Mammoth Cave National Park, the lake also has several marinas. I enjoy trout fishing in the winter, but sauger offer size and fight that the local trout cant match. It's great to see how a little bit of discomfort (during renovations) can yield a success. "Log Cabin Lodge Overlooking Ohio River Near Creation Museum And Arc Encounter": Located in Union, this option has 4 bedrooms and is another . 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. For some basic tips on fishing streams, try this page: General Tips for Stream Fishing. Benson Creek lies on the left at the railroad bridge over the river. Don't forget to bring your family and camping gear also. There is a complete list of the license and permits required available at the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. Depending on the water level, there is a sandy beach below the lock and dam. 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. 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. Two parks have kayak/canoe access only campgrounds. For more information on use of this ramp, call 1-800-654-8471. In fact, there hasnt been a larger smallmouth caught anywhere. B.B. The state is filled with excellent places to chase trout and other species, both near big cities and in more remote areas. 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. for fishing below Lock 7, or anywhere on the Kentucky River, let us know in the comment section belowwe all appreciate it! Popular bait shops on Lake Barkley include Tom & Barbs and The Cabin Bait and Tackle. Several streams throughout the forest are routinely stocked with rainbow, brook and brown trout. Order your free copy or view the online guide now. Best Fishing in Louisville, KY - Carrie Gaulbert Cox Park, Waverly Park, Otter Creek Recreation, The Parklands Of Floyds Fork, Kopp's Lakes, Driftwood Fishing Guide Service, Long Run Park, Anglers Kit N Kaboodle, FlameKeeper Rods, Bear Lake Wilderness Camp The dramatic fluctuations in the rivers level can have some beneficial impacts as well. This toothy fish will eat virtually anything it can catch and get in its mouth. package offer, etc.). ELD-X Precision Hunter). For crappie, both early Spring and the summer months produce a good yield. Buckhorn is also notable for great muskie fishing. The Official Site of Kentucky Department of Tourism, Ashley Webster/U.S. Each trailer has kitchen, bath, and . 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. Similar to other Southern tailwaters, the Cumberland flows below Wolf Creek Dam and Lake Cumberland (the largest reservoir in the East) to form a tailwater so cold that trout thrive for miles. Subscriber Services. The other deal is subject to the same booking conditions youve opted for with FISHING CREEK CAMPGROUND Lake Cumberland | Somerset, Kentucky (136) Day Use FISHTRAP LAKE SHELTERS Fishtrap Lake | Phyllis, Kentucky (3) Recreation Area Fishtrap Lake Pikeville, Kentucky Day Use GRAYSON LAKE DAMSITE SHELTERS Grayson Lake | Grayson, Kentucky (12) Camping GROVE Daniel Boone National Forest | Corbin, Kentucky (54) 1 2 3 You can expect to find excellent largemouth bass fishing between early Spring and late Fall. The nose of land jutting out into the river from the south bank created what loggers called a whirl and required skill to negotiate. Don't try to go down there when the water is high. Canoe Kentucky offers canoe and kayak rentals on Pool 3 of the Kentucky River. The put-in for the first float is at Clifton Marina and Boat Ramp in Woodford County. data-event-category="Navigation header guest", Full list of top fishing charters in Kentucky, FishingBooker has a Shopper Approved rating of 4.8/5 based on 25766 ratings and reviews. I'm also completely new to the whole summer pool, winter pool, etc . The bridge abutments for the railroad bridge hold spotted and largemouth bass in summer. 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. Anglers on this lake can expect to catch smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, black and white crappie, spotted bass, muskie, and white bass. The Palisades are still evident in the upper section of Pool 3 and this makes for spectacular scenery in October. To view it online, go to fw.ky.gov and click on Fishing & Boating, then 2013 Fishing Forecast. 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. Pool 4 offers two floats: the first is a 10.5 mile day-long float, while the second is a relaxing 4 mile paddle through the heart of Frankfort. Numerous species can be found here, including crappie, bluegill, trout, smallmouth bass, and channel catfish. Kentucky Appalachians. Columbus-Belmont State Park. 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. 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. Kentucky River: A great place to fish for muskies, flathead and . This is probably because of limited access and the inability to motor through most of its 14 locks. Dine in the restaurantLodge: Friday &. Sign up for the Newsletter for year-round Kentucky adventures. Reserve an RV or primitive campsite 3. 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. 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!). I noticed, in my friends pictures, that the sun was opposite where it was for me. It sits high above the river along a cliff. Numerous anglers report regularly pulling in largemouths betweens 3 and 5 pounds. Personal defense in the hunting woods could involve taking down a charging bear. The final entry on our list of best Kentucky fishing spots should come as not surprise to folks who know the area. 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. 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. Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources. A little over a mile later, Little Benson Creek joins the Kentucky River on the left. Among the accomplishments includes the recently concluded Save the Habitat, Save the Hunt initiative, which in 10 years conserved or enhanced 5.3 million acres of critical wildlife habitat, recruited 1.5 million new or lapsed hunters, and opened new access to 750,000 acres for hunting and recreation. While it may fly under the radar at times, the 1,200-acre lake generally produces respectable quantity and size slabs. A nice fishing side trip for paddlers is to continue upstream of the boat ramp on Elkhorn Creek and stop at the first riffle. 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. A large rocky bluff comes into view on the left. Thanks to its location close to some of the states bigger cities, the Elkhorn is frequented by families and other pleasure paddlers. When youre discussing the best fishing lakes in Kentucky, you have to include Dale Hollow. Just downstream on the left is a rock shelf known as Pettys Ripple Bar that holds largemouth bass. The float of a little over three miles begins at the Steele Branch Boat Ramp and concludes at the Stillwaters Campground Ramp in the last mile of Elkhorn Creek. If youre new to fishing or looking for a guided experience, outfitters and guide services all over the state stand ready to put you on fish. At Premier Angler, we believe in being thorough. Attention: Most streams in Kentucky are surrounded by private property. Search the Kentucky Fishing Directory Trip Inspiration Explore Fishing in Kentucky From Kentucky Dept. Unlike Otter Creek, Floyds Fork is an excellent kayaking or canoeing destination. This is the general area of the old Franks Ford at the mouth of Devils Hollow. The state record sauger came from the Cumberland River.. For starters, Kentucky is second only to Alaska in terms of navigable miles of water in the United States. The 360 Buckhammer cartridge is designed for lever-action rifles and will be available in two Remington Core-Lokt loads. Relax on the . If youre fishing during the winter, try worm imitations like a San Juan or a squirmy wormy. The pioneers were bound for Manns Lick in Jefferson County to make salt. 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. 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. The bridge lies just downstream of a left-hand bend. Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources. Dont try to go down there when the water is high. It was later bought and converted to a campground that remains today. Downtown Frankfort offers excellent restaurants and shops within easy walking distance. To imitate this, simply tie on a worm pattern, nymph, or crayfish imitation, and dead drift it to the end of riffles. Licenses can be purchased here. 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. ELD Match, and 175 gr. The new 7mm Precision Rifle Cartridge from Hornady is available in three loads (160 gr. 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. The bluffs are not as intimate as in the upriver section of the Palisades, but they still provide a sense of awe, especially when framed by leaves at their peak of color. Working a medium-running crawfish-colored crankbait across this bar should draw strikes. 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. Stillwaters Campground also offers canoe rentals and camping facilities. 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