Guide To The Best Places To Fish in Kentucky
There are many great places to fish in The Bluegrass State. Lush green countrysides envelop rivers, streams and ponds across the state. Here, we focus on lakes, and KY has lots of good fishing lakes to choose from.
Kentucky's Top-Five, Amazing Fishing Spots
- Kentucky Lake in southwest KY
- Lake Barkley in southwest KY
- Taylorsville Lake in north-central KY
- Nolin River Lake in west-central KY
- Lake Cumberland in central KY
Diversity, along with a long-standing reputation for good fishing, is what makes these lakes some of the best places to fish in the state. Multiple species all growing fat and healthy in fertile fisheries. Learn more...
Most Popular Fish Species In Kentucky
Both species of crappie, four species of catfish, four species of bass, walleye, striped and hybrid bass, and a host of other fun fish to catch. Take your pick of everything from small sunfish to giant stripers. Learn more...
Top Places To Fish For Crappie In Kentucky
- Kentucky Lake in southwest KY
- Lake Barkley in southwest KY
- Taylorsville Lake in north-central KY
The state record for crappie is over 4 3/4 pounds, and there are lots of two to three pounders swimming in lakes across the state. You can hardly go wrong starting with these three lakes, but there are many other lakes with great crappie fishing as well. Learn more...
Best Lakes To Fish For Catfish In Kentucky
- Kentucky Lake in southwest KY
- Lake Barkley in southwest KY
- Green River Lake in central KY
River systems flowing into sizeable lakes create ideal conditions for growing big catfish. These are three of the best places to fish for catfish in the state, with multiple others close behind. Learn more...
Best Bass Fishing Lakes In Kentucky
- Lake Cumberland in central KY
- Kentucky Lake in southwest KY
- Lake Barkley in southwest KY
Big bass and lots of them is what drives anglers to these three lakes in search of bass. State records for both largemouth and smallmouth are in the double digits. Bass populations are healthy providing anglers both quantity and quality. Learn more...
Best Lakes For Striped Bass Fishing In Kentucky
- Lake Cumberland in central KY
- Herrington Lake in central KY
- Barren River Lake in south-central KY
Striped bass exceeding fifty pounds and hybrids exceeding twenty pounds draw anglers to Kentucky, looking for the best place to catch stripers. These lakes, and several others, are well worth the effort when you plan your next striper fishing outing. Learn more...
Best Walleye Fishing Lakes In Kentucky
- Dale Hollow Lake in south-central KY
- Green River Lake in central KY
- Lake Cumberland in central KY
Walleye are native to the state, and have had their numbers improved by introducing Lake Erie walleye into some of the state fisheries. The state record exceeds twenty pounds, and three to six pounders are common. Learn more...
Enjoy these top spots to go fishing in Kentucky
Find the best places to fish, by state.
KENTUCKY

