Guide To The Best Fishing Spots For Catfish In Kentucky

All about fishing for flathead, blue, white and channel catfish in KY.

Barren River Lake, Cedar Creek Lake, Dale Hollow Lake, Dewey Lake, Fishtrap Lake, Grayson Lake, Green River Lake, Guist Creek Lake, Herrington Lake, Kentucky Lake, Lake Barkley, Lake Cumberland, Lake Malone, Laurel River Lake, Martins Fork Lake, Nolin River Lake, Paintsville Lake, Rough River Lake, Taylorsville Lake, Wood Creek Lake and Yatesville Lake all have a healthy population of catfish. Rivers, streams, private ponds and most smaller lakes also contain catfish.

Click the images and links above for species details.

What's the best bait for catfish in Kentucky?

Choose from the top 5 all-time catfish baits and try them on local waters. Appealing to the keen sense of smell and taste could turn a so-so day into a memorable event.

Kentucky State Record Catfish

The state record channel catfish was caught from the Ohio River.

The state record flathead catfish came from the Green River.

The state record blue catfish came out of the Ohio River.

The state record white catfish came out of Guist Creek Lake.

Catfish Fishing Video

There are many species of catfish and even more ways to catch them. Adults range in size from less than a pound to hundreds of pounds. Catfish are found in all types of water including ponds, streams, lakes and rivers throughout Kentucky. There are even species which spend a limited amount of time on dry land. Big giant catfish put up a very noble fight once hooked.

Additional catfishing information resources.

Catfish Conservation Group

U.S. Catfish Anglers Tournaments

Planet Catfish

Most catfish are considered bottom feeders to one extent or another. They will generally eat anything that can get in their mouth. Their strongest sense is smell which they use to locate potential food sources. Capitalizing on this sense is the primary weapon in your search for these creatures. Aggressive catfish have been caught on most types of fast moving bass lures so don't under estimate their ability to catch live bait.

Information for states with catfish.