Guide To Fishing At Lake Barkley
AKA: Barkley Lake, Barkley Reservoir
What to fish for...
Fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, blue catfish, black crappie, white crappie, walleye, bluegill, redear sunfish, warmouth, white bass, yellow bass, striped bass, hybrid striped bass, paddlefish and sauger at Lake Barkley in Tennessee.

With only a third of the lake in the state of Tennessee, Lake Barkley provides excellent fishing for residents and visitors in the northwest sector of TN. This 58,000-acre lake in Kentucky and Tennessee is split by the northern border of TN, just north of Dover. Barkley Lake has a long-standing reputation as an excellent fishery, especially for bass. Along with its sister lake, Kentucky Lake, it is annually included on everyone's top-ten, best bass lakes in the southeast US. In addition, this is an excellent crappie lake, considered by many as one of the best in the country. Catfish, white bass, stripers, sunfish, paddlefish, walleye and sauger also roam these waters in bragging size schools.
There are marinas and boat rentals on the lake, plenty of angler-friendly lodging choices, and lots of campgrounds and RV parks. Restaurants, bait and tackle, and convenience stores are all close by.
Primary fish species residing in Lake Barkley
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
Lake Barkley 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
Marinas
Bumpus Marina
197 Marina Rd
Bumpus Mills, TN 37028
931 232-5238
Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings
Hickman Shores Road Boat Ramp
Located in the southwest corner of the lake, west side, just north of Donelson Parkway, this is a single-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking.
Neville Bay Lake Access
Located in the southeast section of the lake, off Neville Bay Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking.
Click here for a Tennessee Fishing License.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
Bumpus Mills Campground - 931 232-8831
Gatlin Point Self Service Campground - 270 924-2000
LBL Whispering Pines Campground & Cabins - 931 232-4570
Lake Barkley, TN Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Lake Video
Contact Information
Lake Barkley
Bumpus Mills Campground
764 Forest Trail
Bumpus Mills, TN 37028
931 232-8831
Fishing lakes in each state.
Lake Barkley in Tennessee.
TENNESSEE


Bass, catfish and striper fishing in northern TN.