Fishing Kentucky Lake
Excellent Fishing In Tennessee
Popular Fish Species Kentucky Lake, TN
Largemouth Bass Fishing
Kentucky Lake is a world renown bass fishing lake. Weekend and tournament anglers find the fishing to be slow at times, yet pretty good at other times. Fishing for bass can be quite rewarding, with an occasional bass over 4 pounds being caught. Anglers can also catch smallmouth bass and spotted bass, which reside here in decent numbers. Bass often move shallow and become aggressive when they are in a feeding mood. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap. Around grass, use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In deeper water, drop shot rigs, big worms, jigs and spoons are good options. In winter, spend your time fishing deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time.
White Crappie Fishing
Plenty of healthy white crappie reside in Kentucky Lake, as they are making a nice comeback this year. The fish population is healthy and crappie fishing is excellent. The best time to catch crappie tends to be at dawn and dusk. Crappie always like cover and structure, so locate shallow brush and vegetation in Spring and Fall focusing on the 8 to 12 foot range. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out to as deep as 30 to 35 feet, as well as ledges near channels at these depths. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here. Black crappie also make this lake their home.
Channel Catfish Fishing
To fish for catfish on Kentucky Lake, most any rod and reel will work, as long as the line is strong enough. Flathead catfish and blue catfish also reside in the lake and fishing for them is often good as well. For serious catfish enthusiasts, using the right equipment improves success. A medium action, to medium-heavy action rod is ideal, in the 6' to 7' range. Use a slip sinker or Carolina rig with popular catfish baits on at least 10-pound line. Use sharp hooks with bait holders on the shank, or circle hooks for live bait. Kentucky Lake has a very healthy population of channel catfish, and they are eager to bite. The typical fish are about 2 pounds, with larger ones caught frequently. The state record channel catfish is over 40 pounds. Night fishing for catfish often delivers better results than daytime fishing. Fishing for channel catfish is often most productive around any kind of structure in the area. In Spring channel catfish migrate toward incoming water, so stay up river away from the main lake. In early summer look for rocky banks, the bigger the rocks the better. In summer and winter deeper structure is where to look. The river end of the lake is often the area where the bigger catfish are caught. Road beds, creek channels and rocky points are all good places to begin.
Fish species to fish for...
Guide to 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, chain pickerel, paddlefish and sauger at Kentucky Lake in Tennessee.
Kentucky Lake Fishing Video
The largest manmade lake in the eastern US, Kentucky Lake is a 160,000-acre reservoir in Kentucky and Tennessee. Located at the northwest Kentucky border, 60 miles west of Nashville, it is easily accessed from all directions, including I-40 near the southern end of the lake. Healthy populations of most fresh-water species reside in these fertile waters. Famous for excellent bass fishing, Kentucky Lake/Lake Barkley annually appear in the Bassmaster Top 100 bass lakes in the USA.
Kentucky Lake, located in western Tennessee, is a renowned fishing destination that offers anglers exceptional opportunities to reel in a variety of fish species. This massive 160,000-acre reservoir, created by the Tennessee River, provides excellent fishing, boating, and camping experiences.
Kentucky Lake is widely known for its outstanding bass fishing. Largemouth bass are abundant in the lake and attract anglers from all over. The lake's structure, including submerged vegetation, ledges, and rocky points, provides ideal habitats for these sought-after game fish. Anglers can employ various techniques such as flipping, topwater fishing, and crankbaiting to entice the bass. The lake's healthy bass population, combined with the potential for trophy-sized catches, makes it a popular destination for both recreational and tournament anglers.
In addition to bass, Kentucky Lake supports other popular fish species. Crappie fishing is excellent, with both black and white crappie offering anglers ample opportunities to fill their stringers. Anglers can find success near submerged structures, such as brush piles and docks, where crappie tend to gather. The lake is also home to catfish, including channel catfish, blue catfish, and flathead catfish. Anglers can target catfish using various methods such as bottom fishing with cut bait or live bait.
Along with legendary bass catches, Kentucky Lake has exceptional crappie, catfish and striped bass fishing. The long list of species residing in the lake also includes catfish, white bass, sunfish, sauger, chain pickerel and others. More than half a dozen marinas, on the TN portion of the lake alone, are there to serve boaters and anglers with fuel, boat rentals, fishing gear, food, and boating supplies. Camping, picnicking and lodging options surround the lake in almost every direction. Boat ramps galore make for simple launching of most any pleasure and fishing boats. Canoe and kayak fishing is also popular here. Come enjoy some of the best fishing in TN, here at Kentucky Lake. Kentucky Lake's combination of excellent fishing, boating opportunities, and camping facilities make it a highly sought-after destination for outdoor enthusiasts in Tennessee. Whether you're targeting bass, crappie, or catfish, enjoying a leisurely boat ride, or camping by the lakeside, Kentucky Lake offers a serene and enjoyable environment for all who visit.
Primary fish species residing in Kentucky Lake
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
Kentucky 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
Boating on Kentucky Lake is a favorite activity for visitors, thanks to its expansive waters and multiple marinas. Anglers and boating enthusiasts can launch their boats from public ramps and enjoy cruising the vast lake, exploring its numerous bays, channels, and secluded coves. Boaters can engage in water sports activities, leisurely sightseeing, or simply relax while taking in the scenic beauty of the lake's shoreline and surrounding hills.
Fishing Boat Rentals
Buchanan Resort Marina
Rentals: Pontoons and kayaks
731 642-7708
Paris Landing Pontoon Rental
Rentals: Pontoon boats
731 333-7259
Marinas
Buchanan Resort Marina
785 Buchanan Resort Rd
Springville, TN 38256
731 642-7708
Cane Creek Marina & RV Campground
530 Cane Creek Boat Dock Ln
Stewart, TN 37175
931 721-3483
Eagle Bay Marina
6565 Turkey Creek Rd
Waverly, TN 37185
931 296-4144
Sunset Bay Resort And Marina
60 Mansard Island Dr
Springville, TN 38256
731 642-5590
The Breakers Marina
526 Shamrock Rd
Buchanan, TN 38222
731 232-8399
Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings
Boswell Landing Backcountry
Located mid lake, east side, off Boswell Landing Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and limited, gravel parking.
Buchanan Resort Marina Boat Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off Buchanan Resort Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Danville Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located on the east side of the lake, north side of the entrance to Cane Creek, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Gray's Landing Boat Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, just north of the Donelson Parkway Bridge, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking.
Paris Landing Boat Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, just north of the Donelson Parkway Bridge, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.
Piney Campground Boat Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, off Piney Campground Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Port Road Boat Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off Port Road, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.
Fishing Guides On Kentucky Lake
Captain Kirk's Guide Service - bass
If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.
Fishing License
Click here for a Tennessee Fishing License.
Camping facilities around Kentucky Lake provide visitors with the opportunity to extend their stay and fully immerse themselves in the natural surroundings. The lake boasts numerous campgrounds, many of which offer amenities such as campsites, picnic areas, and restroom facilities. Camping near Kentucky Lake allows anglers and outdoor enthusiasts to make the most of their fishing adventures and enjoy the peaceful ambiance of the lake and its picturesque setting.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
Eagle's Nest Campground - 731 363-2692
Hidden Creek Camp Ground - 731 641-0034
Paris Landing, Kentucky Lake KOA Campground - 731 642-6895
Country Junction RV Resort Campground - 731 415-5398
Whispering Pines Campground & Cabins - 931 232-4570
Country Junction Resort Campground - 731 415-5398
Birdsong Resort Marina & RV Campground - 731 584-1996
Mansard Island Resort & Marina Campground - 731 642-5590
Kentucky Lake, TN Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Kentucky Lake
Paris Landing State Park
16055 US-79
Buchanan, TN 38222
731 641-4465
Fishing lakes in each state.
091624
Kentucky Lake in Tennessee.
TENNESSEE
Excellent bass fishing, plus numerous other species in northern TN.
