Fishing At Rough River Lake

AKA: Rough River Reservoir

What to fish for...

Fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, channel catfish, black crappie, white crappie, bluegill and hybrid striped bass at Rough River Lake in Kentucky.

Catfish, bass, hybrid stripers and crappie fishing can be excellent at Rough River Lake, a 5,000-acre lake in the west-central part of the state, at Falls Of Rough. Many, many coves and fingers create over 250 miles of shoreline for boating and fishing. The setting is stunning and the fishing is awesome at times. Anglers can target multiple fish species in a single day, and find success with most. Marinas, boat launch ramps, rental boats, camping, bait, stores and restaurant are all close at hand to enhance your trip here. Cruise the whole lake by pontoon boat, pleasure craft or fishing boat, or pick a cove and enjoy the day paddling a canoe or kayak. Either way, you'll find beauty, serenity and some good fishing.

Primary fish species residing in Rough River Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Rough 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

Fishing Boat Rentals

Nick's Boat Dock
Rentals: Pontoon boats
270 257-8955

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Axtel Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast section of the lake, off Kentucky Highway 79, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Eveleigh Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, off Kentucky Highway 259, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.

Cave Creek Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest section of the lake, off Cave Creek Lane, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Laurel Branch Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, off Laurel Branch Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Nick's Boat Dock & Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast section of the lake, off Kentucky Highway 79, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

North Fork Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast section of the lake, off Kentucky Highway 259, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Peter Cave Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, off Peter Cave Ramp Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

Rough River Lodge Road Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off Rough River Lodge Road, this is a multi-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.