Catch Big Fish in The Bluegrass State

  1. Lake Cumberland: Lake Cumberland is a large man-made lake located in south-central Kentucky and is widely regarded as one of the best fishing spots in the state. It’s known for its large populations of black bass, including largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass, as well as other species like crappie, catfish, and bluegill. The lake also has a reputation for producing trophy-sized fish, and many anglers come to Lake Cumberland specifically to pursue their next big catch. With over 1,255 miles of shoreline and over 50,000 acres of surface area, there’s plenty of room for fishing, boating, and other recreational activities. Tackle to bring: For black bass, bring a medium-heavy rod and reel with 10-15 lb test line and plastic worms or topwater lures. For crappie, use a light-action rod and reel with 2-4 lb test line and small jigs or minnows.
  2. Kentucky Lake: Kentucky Lake is another popular fishing spot in the state, located in western Kentucky near the border with Tennessee. This lake is known for its large populations of catfish, crappie, and other species, and is considered one of the best places in the state to catch these fish. The lake is also popular with anglers pursuing trophy-sized black bass and has a reputation for producing some of the largest fish in the state. With over 160,000 acres of surface area, there’s plenty of room for fishing and other water activities, and the lake is surrounded by beautiful rolling hills and forests, making it a scenic destination as well. Tackle to bring: For catfish, use a heavy-duty rod and reel with 20-30 lb test line and large hooks (5/0-7/0) baited with cut bait or live bait. For crappie, use a light-action rod and reel with 2-4 lb test line and small jigs or minnows.
  3. Nolin River Lake: Nolin River Lake is a relatively new lake in Kentucky, having been created in the early 1990s. Despite its youth, this lake has quickly become a popular fishing destination, and is known for its excellent fishing for black bass, including largemouth and smallmouth bass. The lake is also home to other species like crappie, catfish, and bluegill, and is a popular spot for fishing tournaments and other events. With over 11,000 acres of surface area, Nolin River Lake provides plenty of room for fishing and other water activities, and the lake’s location in the rolling hills of south-central Kentucky makes it a beautiful place to visit. Tackle to bring: For black bass, bring a medium-heavy rod and reel with 10-15 lb test line and plastic worms or topwater lures. For crappie, use a light-action rod and reel with 2-4 lb test line and small jigs or minnows.

The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR) is responsible for enforcing fishing regulations in the state of Kentucky. You can find information on the state’s fishing laws and regulations on the KDFWR website.

Thie website provides comprehensive information on fishing regulations, including size and creel limits, fishing seasons, and special regulations for specific bodies of water. You can also find information on fishing licenses, permits, and other requirements, as well as information on fishing-related programs and events. Additionally, you can contact the KDFWR directly for more information or to ask any questions you may have about fishing regulations in Kentucky.

Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources