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Fishing Barren River Lake

AKA: Barren River Reservoir

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By AA-Fishing Staff Writers

Barren River Lake, KY

Popular Fish Species Barren River Lake, KY


Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass Fishing

Smallmouth bass are a favorite of many locals at Barren River Reservoir, as they are plentiful and easy to catch, once located. Fishing for smallmouth bass is good anytime they are shallow - in spring, during high water, mornings in summer and during warmer fall afternoons. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap, and around grass use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In winter, spend your time on deeper structure with small worms, jigs and spoons. Other bass to be caught here include largemouth bass and spotted bass.


Muskie

Muskie Fishing

Fishing for Muskellunge in Barren River Reservoir could provide a trophy fish on any given cast. Giant musky roam these waters and are aggressive eaters. Muskie fishing can bring some exciting moments to your fishing day, as big muskies are spectacular, and strong fighters. Use a strong rod in medium- to medium-heavy action, with heavy line - 20# or heavier. Because of their sharp teeth, steel leaders are highly recommended. Musky have a big mouth so use big baits, same baits you would use for bass but in larger sizes. Topwater, spinnerbaits, crankbaits and jerkbaits all work well for hungry muskie. The best time of year to chase these big fish is Spring, and then again in Fall as the water temperature starts cooling.


Fishing For Crappie

Crappie Fishing

Both black crappie and white crappie reside in Barren River Reservoir, and crappie are a very popular species this year. Crappie fishing has improved significantly due to recent changes in minimum size and limit. Crappie always like cover and structure, so locate brush and vegetation. Using a fish finder can help locate schools of crappie, which tend to stack vertically around cover. In spring and fall focus on the 8 to 12 foot range. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out deep, as well as find ledges near channels in deeper water. White crappie, in smaller numbers, also make this lake their home.


Barren River Lake Fishing Video

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, channel catfish, blue catfish, black crappie, white crappie, walleye, bluegill, redear sunfish, white bass, yellow bass and hybrid striped bass at Barren River Lake in Kentucky.

An often used fishery for bass tournaments, Barren River Lake has both largemouth and smallies to attract these events. With 10,000 surface acres and 140 miles of shoreline there is plenty of water to fish. Barren River Lake offers fishing for largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, bluegill, and white bass. Check out fishing reports for popular species at this lake.

Primary fish species residing in Barren River Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Largemouth bass Smallmouth bass Spotted bass Channel catfish Blue catfish Black crappie White crappie Walleye Bluegill Redear Sunfish White Bass Yellow Bass Hybrid Striped Bass

Barren River Lake Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Click here for boat ramps available at this lake.

Marinas

Click here for marinas available at this lake.

Fishing License

Click here for a Kentucky Fishing License.

Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby

Bailey's Point Campground - 270 622-6959

Tailwater Campground - 270 622-7732

The Narrows Campground - 270 646-3094

Spring Hill RV Park - 270 646-3373

Barren River Lake KY Map - Fishing & Camping Areas

Contact Information

Barren River Lake
Barren River State Park Marina
1148 State Park Rd
Lucas, KY 42156
270 646-2357

 

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