Are you a passionate angler looking for the perfect fishing spot in Kentucky? You’ve come to the right place! Fishing is one of America’s favorite outdoor activities, and luckily there are plenty of great lakes and rivers in which you can cast your line. In this post, we’ll provide an overview of some of the best bass fishing spots in our lovely Kentucky state – so grab your rod and reel and join us on a virtual tour seeking out that Amazon-sized bass!
Whether you’re looking for deep waters teeming with fish or shallow sandbars with sneaking little ones, there’s something here for everyone. With just a bit of knowledge, preparation, gear, patience – oh yes that all important patience part – you’ll be sure to have success next time on the water. So let’s not waste any more time because we know what awaits us: an adventure full of lunkers (and stories) that could go down as legendary tales!
Best Bass Fishing Locations in Kentucky
Kentucky is home to some of the best bass fishing spots in the United States. The state has diverse lakes, rivers, and reservoirs that offer excellent opportunities for anglers to catch trophy-sized bass.
1. Lake Barkley
Lake Barkley is a 58,000-acre reservoir located in western Kentucky. It was formed by the impoundment of the Cumberland River by the Barkley Dam in 1966. The lake is named after Alben W. Barkley, a former U.S. Vice President and Kentucky native. Lake Barkley is part of the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, which provides numerous recreational activities for visitors, including camping, hiking, and wildlife viewing.
The lake has an average depth of 12 feet and a maximum depth of around 68 feet. Anglers can find several underwater structures, such as drop-offs, points, and channels that make ideal habitats for bass. The best time to fish for bass in Lake Barkley is during the spring spawning season, but summer and fall can also yield good results.
Fish species commonly found in Lake Barkley:
- Largemouth Bass - Smallmouth Bass - Spotted Bass - White Bass - Crappie - Bluegill - Catfish
2. Kentucky Lake
Kentucky Lake is the largest man-made lake in the eastern United States, covering 160,309 acres. It was created in 1944 by the Tennessee Valley Authority with the construction of the Kentucky Dam. The lake is a popular angler destination, offering excellent bass fishing opportunities year-round.
The lake boasts a vast network of submerged creek channels, ledges, and flats that provide perfect cover for bass. In addition, aquatic vegetation such as hydrilla and milfoil offer an ideal habitat for fish. Anglers can expect to find the best bass fishing near the shoreline during spring, while deeper waters become more productive in summer and fall.
Fish species commonly found in Kentucky Lake:
- Largemouth Bass - Smallmouth Bass - Spotted Bass - White Bass - Yellow Bass - Crappie - Bluegill - Catfish
3. Lake Cumberland
Located in south-central Kentucky, Lake Cumberland is a massive reservoir with over 65,000 acres of water and 1,255 miles of shoreline. The lake was created in 1950 with the completion of the Wolf Creek Dam on the Cumberland River. It is well-known for its clear waters, beautiful scenery, and excellent fishing opportunities.
Lake Cumberland has an average depth of 90 feet and a maximum depth of 200 feet. The lake is home to numerous underwater structures and steep banks that provide excellent cover for bass. Anglers should focus on main lake points, submerged timber, and rocky shorelines to increase their chances of catching largemouth and smallmouth bass. The prime bass fishing season at Lake Cumberland is from April to June.
Fish species commonly found in Lake Cumberland:
- Largemouth Bass - Smallmouth Bass - Spotted Bass - Striped Bass - White Bass - Crappie - Walleye - Catfish
4. Barren River Lake
Barren River Lake is a 10,000-acre reservoir located in south-central Kentucky. It was created in 1965 by the impoundment of the Barren River. The lake offers a variety of recreational activities, including boating, swimming, and camping. It is also an excellent destination for bass fishing, with numerous yearly tournaments held on the lake.
The lake has diverse habitat types, including rocky banks, standing timber, and submerged brush piles. Anglers can expect to find the best bass fishing opportunities near these structures. Spring and early summer are the prime times for bass fishing on Barren River Lake, but anglers can still find success in the fall months.
Fish species commonly found in Barren River Lake:
- Largemouth Bass - Smallmouth Bass - Spotted Bass - White Bass - Hybrid Striped Bass - Crappie - Bluegill - Catfish
5. Green River Lake
Green River Lake is an 8,200-acre reservoir situated in central Kentucky. It was established in 1969 with the construction of the Green River Dam. The lake is surrounded by lush forests and rolling hills, providing a picturesque setting for anglers looking to reel in some trophy-sized bass.
The lake features a variety of underwater structures that provide excellent cover for bass, including submerged trees, rocky points, and creek channels. The best times to fish for bass in Green River Lake are during the spring and fall months when the fish are more active and feeding near the shoreline. However, anglers can also find success during the summer months by targeting deeper waters and submerged structures.
Fish species commonly found in Green River Lake:
- Largemouth Bass - Smallmouth Bass - Spotted Bass - White Bass - Crappie - Bluegill - Catfish
6. Nolin River Lake
Nolin River Lake is a 5,795-acre reservoir located in south-central Kentucky. The lake was created in 1963 by damming the Nolin River and is managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. It offers a variety of recreational activities, including fishing, boating, and camping.
The lake has numerous underwater structures, such as submerged timber, rocky points, and creek channels that provide excellent cover for bass. The best time to fish for bass in Nolin River Lake is during the spring and fall months when the fish are more active.
Fish species commonly found in Nolin River Lake:
- Largemouth Bass - Spotted Bass - White Bass - Crappie - Bluegill - Catfish
7. Taylorsville Lake
Taylorsville Lake is a 3,050-acre reservoir situated in north-central Kentucky. The lake was formed in 1983 by the impoundment of the Salt River and is managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. It is a popular destination for anglers due to its healthy bass population.
The lake features a diverse range of habitats for bass, including standing timber, submerged brush piles, and rocky shorelines. The prime time for bass fishing on Taylorsville Lake is during the spring spawning season, but anglers can also find success during the summer and fall months.
Fish species commonly found in Taylorsville Lake:
- Largemouth Bass - Smallmouth Bass - Spotted Bass - Hybrid Striped Bass - Crappie - Bluegill - Catfish
8. Cedar Creek Lake
Cedar Creek Lake is a 784-acre reservoir located in central Kentucky. It was created in 2002 as a result of the construction of the Cedar Creek Dam. The lake is known for its clear water and excellent fishing opportunities, particularly for largemouth bass.
The lake has a variety of underwater structures that provide ideal habitat for bass, including submerged trees, rocky points, and creek channels. The best times to fish for bass in Cedar Creek Lake are during spring and fall, when the fish are more active and feeding near the shoreline.
Fish species commonly found in Cedar Creek Lake:
- Largemouth Bass - Spotted Bass - Bluegill - Redear Sunfish - Channel Catfish
9. Rough River Lake
Rough River Lake is a 5,100-acre reservoir located in western Kentucky. The lake was created in 1959 by damming the Rough River and is managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. It offers a wide range of recreational activities, including fishing, boating, and camping.
The lake features numerous underwater structures, such as standing timber, submerged brush piles, and rocky points that provide excellent cover for bass. The prime time for bass fishing on Rough River Lake is during the spring spawning season, but anglers can also find success during the summer and fall months.
Fish species commonly found in Rough River Lake:
- Largemouth Bass - Smallmouth Bass - Spotted Bass - White Bass - Crappie - Bluegill - Catfish
10. Fishtrap Lake
Fishtrap Lake is a 1,131-acre reservoir located in eastern Kentucky. The lake was formed in 1969 by damming the Levisa Fork of the Big Sandy River and is managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. It is a popular destination for anglers due to its healthy bass population and scenic beauty.
The lake has a variety of underwater structures that provide excellent cover for bass, including submerged trees, rocky points, and creek channels. The best times to fish for bass in Fishtrap Lake are during the spring and fall months when the fish are more active and feeding near the shoreline.
Fish species commonly found in Fishtrap Lake:
- Largemouth Bass - Smallmouth Bass - Spotted Bass - Crappie - Bluegill - Catfish
Kentucky is a great place for bass fishing. Its abundant resources give you access to some of the most productive waters! Whether you’re a beginner or an expert angler, you can find the perfect spot for some exciting catches. The Green River, Taylorsville Lake, and Lake Barkley are all excellent places to start your search.
Kentucky also features two of the nation’s top bass tournaments; the EverStart Series and the Bassmaster Classic. Taking part in either of these events can provide you with unforgettable experiences and reward you with eye-catching trophies. Thanks for reading, now it’s time to get out there and catch some really big bass! If you’d like more information on outdoor activities, including even more awesome fishing spots in Kentucky or elsewhere around the country, be sure to read our other articles!