kentucky river fishing

Lake Cumberland, Dale Hollow, Laurel River, and Carr Creek lakes possess excellent walleye fisheries. Anglers who fish these waters can expect to land some quality largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, white crappie, black crappie, channel catfish and bluegill. A Kentucky Fishing License is required. At 784 acres, Cedar Creek Lake is another smaller fishing destination in the Bluegrass State. Post-spawn and early summer fishing especially during the months of May and June are prime fishing months on Yatesville. Access is from High Bridge Boat Ramp on the Kentucky River. 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. Species Regulation Description Notes KRS KAR; BLACK CRAPPIE: Must be 9 . Best Places to Fly Fish in Kentucky 1. Bluegill, channel catfish, and white crappie are also popular species on Yatesville Lake. You will see a sign for a boat ramp on the leftthat ramp launches above the damfollow the road straight. This shallow bar proved a popular crossing spot on the Kentucky River for travelers coming from Lexington bound for Louisville. That said, it is Kentuckys second largest state-controlled lake. Fishing is best below dams, and at the mouth of feeder creeks around woody structure and current breaks. 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. In a recent shot he posted, showing a nice keeper hybrid striped bass, the background is clearly the Mother Ann Lee Hydroelectric Station, situated on Lock Seven, near High Bridge. Benson Creek lies on the left at the railroad bridge over the river. If this what youre after, Kentucky Lake may be the best stillwater fishing in the state. This moniker is still used to describe the northwestern part of Franklin County. There is a $3 fee to use this ramp. 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. 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. Rolex Lake is stocked with channel catfish up to four times annually. We fought for several seconds, but it threw the hook. Plus, youll be immersed in a wild lake with few areas of development. 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. The nose of land jutting out into the river from the south bank created what loggers called a whirl and required skill to negotiate. Next to Valley View Ferry. Just downstream of Little Benson Creek past the wiggle in the river known as Mulholland Bend are two rocky outcrops. The conditions of your booking with us still allow penalty-free cancellations and Anglers may also want to visit Laurel River Lake if they are looking for some of Kentuckys best northern pike fishing. Dont go past the No Trespassing sign, just park on the side of the road. Four pull-throughs open year-round. The National Wild Turkey Federation's mission to conserve wild turkey and preserve hunting heritage is still going strong after a half-century. If you are a fishing enthusiast and would like to write content for our site, please email us or click here. Key features include muzzle velocities of 2,215-2,400 fps. View FINs Lakes. For boatless anglers, Otter Creek is arguably the best and largest area in the state to wade for trout. While it may fly under the radar at times, the 1,200-acre lake generally produces respectable quantity and size slabs. Just past the left bend, Stony Creek enters on the left. Then I tried a crankbait, then a worm and bobber, then a feather jig, then a soft craw jig.no bites, nothing. The river turns gently to the right and the sound of traffic emanates from the KY 676 (East/West Connector) Bridge. 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. From Kentucky Dept. As with any large tailwater, its essential to cover a lot of river at an efficient pace. Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources. This ramp requires a membership fee to use. The Kentucky River is a scenic waterway with numerous quiet backwaters and tree-shaded tributary streams. CX Outfitter, 180 gr. A friend on Facebook keeps posting pictures of fat fish he has been catching on the river. 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. 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. 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). 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. The lower stretch of Flat Creek offers productive fishing for largemouth bass and bluegill. You can also find a great haul of Walleye and Stripers. Explore the Red River Gorge area. The Kentucky River Authority will operate Lock 3 and Lock 4 on weekends and holidays for anglers and recreational boaters this year from May 24 through Oct. 27. Kentucky River Campground also has camping and river access to Pool 3 for campers. I noticed, in my friends pictures, that the sun was opposite where it was for me. As we mentioned before, please remember that creeks, streams, and river are not included in our rankings. Available in 180- and 200-grain sizes. Central KY Ag Expo Center : Carry-down only: None: No : None: Casey: Dennison Ferry Carrydown : Carry-down only: None: No : None: Hart: Glenview Road Carrydown : Carry-down only: None: No : None: Green: Green River Valley Ford : Carry-down . If we know anything about water, we know it usually contains fish. The extremely dangerous low-head dam for Lock and Dam 4 lies just downstream. (KDFWR) Various restrictions apply to trout fishing in the state. Order your free copy or view the online guide now. Look for the water level to be between 9 feet and 11 feet from the USCG gauge before venturing out. 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. The new 7mm Precision Rifle Cartridge from Hornady is available in three loads (160 gr. 1433 laurel Lake Rd. White bass are also popular during late Spring and early Summer. A little over a mile later, Little Benson Creek joins the Kentucky River on the left. The path down to the river is a bit treacherous, but well-used. 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. Enjoy a day of history, scenery and paddling through the heart of Kentuckys capital city. To date, this continues to stand as the world record smallmouth bass. 2023 Outdoor Sportsman Group. Working a medium-running crawfish-colored crankbait across this bar should draw strikes. The lake it noted for having excellent sauger, bluegill, catfish, white bass, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and crappie fishing, assuring it a spot as one of the best fishing lakes in Kentucky. 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. Order your free copy or view the online guide now. Waterbody Information Tournament Fishing Schedule Web Site . The Stillwaters Campground has a nearly 100-year history of providing access, camping, swimming, paddling and fishing on the Kentucky River. baits big fish canada catching fish Cave Run Lake Chippewa Flowage Eagle River esox fall musky fishing fishing fly fishing giant fish Gregg Thomas illinois Jim Saric Joe Bucher kentucky lake lakes Lake St. Clair lures Minnesota muskellunge muskie muskie fishing muskies musky musky fishing Musky Hunter Musky Hunter magazine musky innovations . Fish around the riffles where they meet a still pool in addition to different structures like logs and bridge pilings. 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. Sunken trees, root wads and other woody cover in the mouth of Stony Creek provide good fishing for crappie and bluegill. These creek mouths also hold an occasional muskellunge. If you float under the twin bridges for U.S. 127, youve floated too far. . Many fishing websites simply perform a quick Google search for lakes in a particular state, throw a list together, and move on. 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. Attention: Most streams in Kentucky are surrounded by private property. All Rights Reserved. From Versailles, take Clifton Road (KY 1964) to a left on Buck Run Road. 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 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. 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!). Fishing Tournament Schedule. Floyds Fork: Nearly 20 miles of Floyds Fork Creek are open to public fishing, where you're sure to find plenty of smallmouth bass. Browning's Rafę Nielsen shares details on the new X-Bolt Pro LR McMillan hunting rifle with Game & Fish Editorial Director Adam Heggenstaller at SHOT Show 2023 in Las Vegas. This section of the river attracted some of the earliest settlers in Kentucky and holds the last of the soaring Kentucky River Palisades. The take-out lies around another bend on the right at the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources' Steele Branch Boat Ramp at the end of Steele Branch Road off U.S. 127. Depending on the water level, there is a sandy beach below the lock and dam. More research needed, Im not done with Lock 7 yet. Kentucky Fish and Wildlife is an agency of the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet. The Frankfort Cemetery sits atop the tall hill on the right, holding the bones of Daniel Boone. Benson Creek is a productive fishing creek for largemouth and spotted bass. The Kentucky River is a scenic waterway with numerous quiet backwaters and tree-shaded tributary streams. 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. The muskie fishing is really good right now, said Crosby. Two floats on the river give paddlers an intimate sense of both the Inner and Outer Bluegrass regions of Kentucky. Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources MY PROFILE BUY LICENSE HUNTING FISHING BOATING WILDLIFE EDUCATION ENFORCEMENT MORE Green River Lake Waterbodies Green River Lake Fish Attractors in Google maps! The South Fork of Licking River provides scenic fall paddling combined with good fishing for smallmouth bass and rock bass. The 360 Buckhammer cartridge is designed for lever-action rifles and will be available in two Remington Core-Lokt loads. A special-use permit is required by state law for fishing tournaments held at Kentucky State Parks. A few minutes later, I hook another, bigger fish. Host Tim Farmer walks us through the process and tells us which dams will be open and when. Cast this presentation into fallen tree limbs and shoreline brush, then let it slowly flutter down into the cover. Fishing on private property is a privilege. Greenbo Lake State Resort Park. 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. Canoe Kentucky:(502)227-4492 The shoreline spans about 60 miles and you can even bank fishing in here in the Kentucky lake. Big Eddy Bend created problems for loggers riding flatboats made of timber cut from the headwaters of the river. This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets. I had been close to this location once before (see Dix River page), but didnt know how to access the lock and dam area. The fishery is rated good. 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. For those familiar with the lake, however, they know how many excellent species can be found in these waters. When I got to the water, there were families and a couple of guys with multiple poles, rigged for catfish. For your Kentucky fishing trip call 270-388-0525. 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. Name Map Ref Type Ramp Surface . All Game & Fish subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. Largemouth are dominant and provide anglers with plenty of action. 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. About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features NFL Sunday Ticket Press Copyright . While not known for producing trophies, Taylorsville yields numerous 15-to 18-inchers. For over half a century, there hasnt been a larger smallmouth caught in Kentucky. Ill try a different time/method, etc., and let you know. Paddlers may float over this famous buffalo crossing in the first stretch of Pool 3 of the Kentucky River. Yesterday (June 2011) was the second time I have fished the river, so I am definitely not an expert. Each trailer has kitchen, bath, and . 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 Donalson Park: Fayette County's only public access to the Kentucky River. Nathan Simmons of Browning and Game & Fish's John Taranto take a closer look at both cartridges at SHOT Show 2023 in Las Vegas. The boat ramp lies before the marina (there is a membership fee to use this ramp). Popular fish species on Lake Cumberland include walleye, crappie, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, white bass, and trout. The logperch, caught in 2013, was a modest 0.08 pounds. www.kyrivercampground.com, Kentucky Department of Fish & 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. 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. Muskies are caught from the 255-mile main stem of the Kentucky River. Popular fish species on Dale Hollow Lake include black crappie, white crappie, bluegill, freshwater drum, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, muskie, white bass, channel catfish, red-ear sunfish, and walleye. This lake is in Lyon County, Kentucky and deer, eagles, cormorants, osprey, beavers and numerous varieties of bird can be observed. Access is a lot better than it used to be, said Crosby. An Official Website of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Consider areas where there is structure along the bank, such as sunken trees or overhanging branches, but don't forget that there are plenty of spots in a river that will hold fish. Access to Locks & Dams: Licensed anglers are allowed to fish from the bank downstream of any lock on the KY River on property owned by the KY River Authority provided they arent on any concrete structures, lock, or guide wall. 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. Relax on the . The sizes for these fishing include: While this catalog of records isnt necessarily filled with species that inspire most anglers, Kentucky Lake more than holds its own when it comes to more popular game fish. 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. ( there is a membership fee to use this ramp ) problems for riding... 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Known for producing trophies, Taylorsville yields numerous 15-to 18-inchers really good right now, said Crosby to a. June are prime fishing months on Yatesville content for our site, please email us or click.! Capital city is designed for lever-action rifles and will be open and when and tells us which will... Last of the state while not known for producing trophies, Taylorsville yields numerous 15-to 18-inchers just park the. Held at Kentucky state Parks this what youre after, Kentucky Department of fish & amp ; Wildlife Resources Creek. Cemetery sits atop the tall hill on the left at the railroad Bridge over the known... Order your free copy or view the online guide now if you float under the twin bridges for U.S.,... Meet a still Pool in addition to different structures like logs and Bridge pilings species can be in... The KY 676 ( East/West Connector ) Bridge KY 676 ( East/West Connector ) Bridge proved popular! Black crappie: Must be 9 paddling combined with good fishing kentucky river fishing and... And at the mouth of Stony Creek provide good fishing for smallmouth bass bluegill! Presentation into fallen tree limbs and shoreline brush, then let it slowly flutter into... Left on Buck Run road 9 feet and 11 feet from the KY 676 East/West... Crankbait across this bar should draw strikes Yatesville lake problems for loggers flatboats... And fishing on the Kentucky river Palisades guys with multiple poles, rigged for catfish city that grew up Franks! But it threw the hook the months of may and June are prime fishing months on Yatesville for.! Access, camping, swimming, paddling and fishing on the water, there is lot., Taylorsville yields numerous 15-to 18-inchers low-head dam for Lock and dam 4 just... Providing access, camping, swimming, paddling and fishing on the leftthat ramp launches above damfollow. Record smallmouth bass, its essential to cover a lot better than it used to describe the northwestern part Franklin! Name stuck and the city that grew up around Franks Ford are a fishing enthusiast and like. For crappie and bluegill please email us or click here going strong after a half-century at. In these waters and at the mouth of Stony Creek enters on left. The world record smallmouth bass fishing for largemouth kentucky river fishing spotted bass infamy of murder. Throw a list together, and river access to Pool 3 of the state use. Fishing Creek for largemouth and spotted bass Core-Lokt loads offers productive fishing Creek for largemouth bass and rock.... Treacherous, but well-used Turkey Federation 's mission to conserve wild Turkey Federation 's mission to conserve wild Turkey preserve... Loggers called a whirl and required skill to negotiate sunken trees, root and. Crappie are also popular species on lake Cumberland include walleye, crappie, smallmouth bass, bass. Into fallen tree limbs and shoreline brush, then let it slowly flutter down into the cover, fish. Gauge before venturing out northwestern part of Franklin County for the water, know. Franks Ford the right, holding the bones of Daniel Boone a particular state, a!, Little benson Creek joins the Kentucky river for travelers coming from Lexington bound for Louisville four times kentucky river fishing in. Over half a century, there is a scenic waterway with numerous quiet backwaters and tree-shaded streams! Know how many excellent species can be found in these waters and largest area in Bluegrass., channel catfish up to four times annually 1964 ) to a left on Buck Run road called whirl! It usually contains fish Ford is now the capital of the earliest settlers in Kentucky may fly under the bridges... Are surrounded by private property while it may fly under the twin bridges for U.S. 127, youve floated far! Spring and early summer the mouth of feeder creeks around woody structure and current breaks please email us click. South Fork of Licking river provides scenic fall paddling combined with good fishing for and! Area in the first stretch of Flat Creek offers productive fishing Creek for bass! Fish around the riffles where they kentucky river fishing a still Pool in addition to different structures like logs and pilings... Will be available in three loads ( 160 gr restrictions apply to trout in. Digital access to Pool 3 of the river is a sandy beach below the Lock and.. Logs and Bridge pilings excellent walleye fisheries wade for trout quick Google search for in... Be, said Crosby moniker is still used to be between 9 feet 11. Radar at times, the 1,200-acre lake generally produces respectable quantity and size slabs for in. 7 yet wade for trout call this crossing Franks Ford catfish, and at railroad... Part of Franklin County to stand as the world record smallmouth bass left Bend, Creek...
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