fw.ky.gov

Dr. Jonathan Gassett, Commissioner

Contents:

Fishing Regulations                           

General Information                             

Trout Waters                                           

Boating                                                  

Definitions                           

  Message from the Commissioner 

      Thousands of Kentuckians who live in urban areas don’t have waters close by to fish. The Fishing in Neighborhoods (FINS) program of the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources aims to correct this problem by stocking urban lakes with sunfish, catfish and trout five times per year.

      These stockings provide folks who live in the Louisville, northern Kentucky and the Frankfort/Lexington areas a place to cast a line with a reasonable expectation of catching a fish. People living in those areas make up a large segment of Kentucky’s population and we want them to have a quality fishing experience without having to driving for hours and burn a tank of gas.

      Kentucky Fish and Wildlife stocks Miles Park Lake #4, Waverly park and Tom Wallace Lake in Jefferson County, the Sportsman’s Lakes at Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Headquarters campus in Frankfort, Middleton-Mills Park Lake in Kenton County and Stein Community Park (formerly the Alexandria Community Park Lake) in Campbell County with hundreds of catfish and sunfish each April, May and June. These same lakes receive trout each April and October.

      The program also incorporates other community lakes across Kentucky. Nine additional lakes in Jefferson County received stockings of either trout and catfish or just catfish. Lakes near Lexington, in Owensboro and in northern Kentucky also got similar stockings.

      This important program will hopefully reverse the decline of fishing license sales that drives all of our fishing related programs. Get out this year and enjoy these lakes.

— Dr. Jonathan Gassett

 New This Year

The items highlighted here are a quick overview of the changes to this year’s regulations. Changes from last season are printed in bright blue in complete detail throughout this guide to assist you in noticing those changes.

FISHING

• Bow anglers who take paddle fish and catfish must commit these species to their daily bag limit of 2 paddlefish and 5 catfish. There shall be no release of these species.

•  Bow anglers may use a long bow, recurve bow or compound bow. Arrow must have a barbed or retractable style point with a line attached for retrieval.

•  Sport anglers cannot sell paddlefish or their roe taken by bowfishing, snagging or other non-traditional fishing methods.

•  Sport anglers cannot use blackside dace, palezone shiners or relict darters for bait.

• Lake Strugeon may not be harvested statewide.

•  Possession limits are now standardized as two times the daily creel limit for all fish species with a daily creel limit. A person shall not possess more than 1 daily limit of processed or unprocessed fish while fishing, on the shoreline or on the water. Processed fish do not count toward the possession limit. For daily creel limit and fishing license purposes, one fishing day equals one calendar day.

• Carter Caves State Park Lake (Carter County): The 15-inch minimum size limit and 3 fish daily creel limit on largemouth bass are now removed. Largemouth bass have a 6 fish daily creel limit with no minimum size limit.

• Lake Cumberland: The boundaries of Lake Cumberland are defined as Cumberland Falls on the Cumberland River, Devils Jump on the Big South Fork, the Narrows of Rockcastle River and Laurel River Lake Dam on Laurel River. No harvest of lake sturgeon permitted.

• Lower Sportsman’s Lake: (Franklin County): The age limit restriction is now removed. Minimum size and creel limits will match Upper Sportsman’s Lake:

   Channel Catfish: 4 fish daily creel limit, 8 fish possession limit

   Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass:

   15-inch minimum size limit, 3 fish daily creel limit, 6 fish possession limit

• Wood Creek Lake (Laurel County):

   The 9-inch minimum size limit on crappie is now removed and reverts back to statewide regulations.

STATEWIDE REGULATIONS

Some waterbodies have different size and creel limits, please refer to the “Special Fishing Regulations” section for more details.

* Singly or combined; a total of these species

** No more than 5 fish in the daily creel limit may be more than 15 inches long.

Fish not included in this list are considered rough fish. There are no size or creel limits for rough fish, unless special regulations apply.

For daily creel and fishing license purposes, one fishing day equals one calendar day.

STATEWIDE SIZE AND CREEL LIMITS

(301 KAR 1:060, 1:201; KRS 150.010)

            Fishing season is open year-round in Kentucky, except on waterfowl refuges and as otherwise noted in this guide. Statewide size and creel limits apply to all Kentucky waters, public and private, except some waters have different limits (see, “Special Fishing Regulations”.)

MEASURING FISH            (301 KAR 1:201) 

            Measure all fish from the tip of the lower jaw (closed) to the tip of the tail with fish laid flat on rule with tail lobes squeezed together. Undersized fish must be returned immediately to the waters from which they were taken in the best possible physical condition.

OTHER SPECIES

BULLFROGS     (301 KAR 1:082)    

            The taking season for bullfrogs opens at noon on the third Friday in May (May 15, 2009) and runs through Oct. 31.  If a gun or bow and arrow are used, a hunting license is required. If frogs are taken by pole and line, a fishing license is required. If frogs are taken by gig or by hand, then either hunting or fishing license is valid. The daily noon-to-noon creel limit for bullfrogs is 15. The possession limit is 30. 

TURTLES     (301 KAR 1:058)

            Anglers may take snapping turtles (except alligator snapping turtles) and softshell turtles year round by the same methods legal for taking rough fish species. Commercial fishing gear may not be used to take turtles. A hunting license is required when taking turtles by gun or by bow and arrow. Otherwise a fishing license is required.

            Turtle traps may be one of two kinds: either a barrel or drum with a tilting trigger board or a floating log raft with an enclosed twine or wire mesh bag. Turtle traps must be inspected daily. All turtles must be removed daily except one decoy turtle may remain. Any other species (except soft shelled and snapping turtles) caught in a turtle trap must be released unharmed.

GRASS CARP HARVEST PROHIBITED   (301 KAR 1:201)

            Harvesting grass carp is prohibited in any lake owned or managed by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. Anglers who catch a grass carp from one of these lakes must immediately return the fish to the water where it was caught. Grass carp are used to control aquatic vegetation. Signs are posted at applicable lakes.

LIVE BAIT FOR PERSONAL USE   (301 KAR 1:130, 1:122)

No live fish, live bait fish or live bait organisms that are not native or established in Kentucky waters shall be bought, sold, possessed, imported, or in any way used or released into waters of this Commonwealth. Blueback herring are not native to Kentucky and may not be imported or possessed in this state.

Holders of sport fishing licenses may take live bait from public waters and may possess up to 500 minnows, 500 crayfish, 25 spring lizards or dusky salamanders, 5 frogs (other than bullfrogs), 100 tadpoles, 100 native lampreys, 500 other aquatic invertebrate organisms other than mussels, 500 shad (except on lakes where shad possession/use is prohibited), 500 herring and any number of unshelled Asiatic clams. A commercial license is required to take live bait from public waters open to commercial fishing for the purpose of selling. 

Regardless of size or how obtained, it is illegal to use any sport fish for bait. (Sport fish species listed on page 5). Minnows are defined as all fish, except sport fish species, less than 6 inches long. Also, see page 24 for a description of fish species protected in Kentucky under the Endangered Species Act – these fish species shall not be taken for any use. Bluegills are not sport fish and may be taken for bait as described above.

Live bait may be taken with the following gear:

• Dip Nets: Maximum size of 3 feet in diameter is legal in the Ohio, Tennessee and Mississippi rivers, Cumberland River below Barkley Dam, Kentucky River below Lock No. 14, and all lakes having 1,000 or more surface acres.

• Minnow Traps: Maximum legal size statewide: 3 feet long, 18 inches in diameter, 1-inch openings for catching.

• Seines: Maximum legal size statewide: 10 feet long, 4 feet deep, 1/4-inch mesh. Maximum legal size in the Ohio and Mississippi rivers and Kentucky and Barkley lakes: 30 feet long, 6 feet deep and 1/4-inch bar mesh.

• Sport Cast Nets: Maximum sport cast net size is 20 feet in diameter with maximum 1-inch bar mesh statewide except in the following waters. Sport cast nets prohibited in: 1) lakes having fewer than 500 surface acres, 2) any of the streams and tailwaters listed in the “Trout Waters” section of this guide, 3) tributaries of the Cumberland River between Wolf Creek Dam and the Tennessee state line except Crocus and Marrowbone creeks where sport cast mesh size must be made of 1-inch bar mesh only, 4) from the mouth of Crocus Creek upstream for 50 yards.

All sport fish incidentally taken while capturing live bait with seines, dip nets or cast nets must be released immediately and unharmed into the water.

SPECIAL FISHING REGULATIONS

(301 KAR 1:080, 1:180, 1:201, 4:100, 4:200E; KRS 150.010, 150.025)

SPECIAL REGULATION WATERS LISTED ALPHABETICALLY

The public waters listed below have different size and/or creel limits than statewide regulations allow. Statewide size and creel limits apply unless otherwise mentioned below. Special boating regulations are listed in the Boating section of this guide.

Some privately owned waters may have special size and creel limits as posted by signs. Always ASK FIRST before entering privately owned land.

BARK CAMP CREEK - Whitley County

All trout caught from October 1 through March 31 must be immediately released and only artificial baits shall be used during this period.

BARKLEY, KENTUCKY LAKES (and their connecting canal)

• Crappie: 10-inch minimum size limit, 20 fish daily creel limit.

• Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass: 15-inch minimum size limit.

• Sauger: 14-inch minimum size limit.

BARKLEY TAILWATER – See Cumberland River

BARREN RIVER LAKE

The boundaries of Barren River Lake are from the dam upstream to the Highway 100 bridge, Long Creek to the Highway 100 bridge, Beaver Creek to the Highway 1297 bridge, Skaggs Creek to the Matthews Mill Road bridge and Peter Creek to the Peter Creek Road bridge.

• Crappie: 9-inch minimum size limit.

• Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass: 15-inch minimum size limit except 1 fish in the daily limit or 2 in the possession limit may be less than 15 inches long.

BEAVER CREEK - Wayne County

All trout caught from October 1 through March 31 in the section of Beaver Creek from the Hwy. 90 bridge upstream to the Hwy. 200 bridge must be immediately released. Only artificial baits shall be used during this period.

BEAVER LAKE - Anderson County

Possession or use of shad for bait is prohibited.

• Largemouth Bass: 15-inch minimum size limit.

• Channel Catfish: 12-inch minimum size limit.

BERT COMBS LAKE Clay County

Possession or use of shad for bait is prohibited.

BESHEAR LAKE - Caldwell County

• Channel Catfish: 12-inch minimum size limit.

BIG BONE CREEK - Boone County

All trout caught from October 1 through March 31 must be immediately released and only artificial baits shall be used during this period.

BOLTZ LAKE - Grant County

Possession or use of shad for bait is prohibited.

• Channel Catfish: 12-inch minimum size limit.

BRIGGS LAKE Logan County

Possession or use of shad for bait is prohibited.

BUCKHORN LAKE

• Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass: 15-inch minimum size limit.

• Muskellunge: 40-inch minimum size limit, one fish daily limit.

• Crappie: 9-inch minimum size limit.

BULLOCK PEN LAKE  - Grant and Boone counties

• Channel Catfish: 12-inch minimum size limit.

CANE CREEK - Laurel County

All trout caught from October 1 through March 31 must be immediately released and only artificial baits shall be used during this period.

CARNICO LAKE - Nicholas County

• Largemouth Bass: 15-inch minimum size limit.

CARPENTER LAKE - Daviess County

Possession or use of shad for bait is prohibited.

CARR CREEK LAKE

• Crappie: 9-inch minimum size limit.

• Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass: 15-inch minimum size limit.

CARTER CAVES STATE PARK LAKE (also called Smokey Valley Lake)

Fishing during daylight hours only.

Possession or use of shad for bait is prohibited.

• Largemouth Bass: No minimum size limit, 6 fish daily creel limit.

CASEY CREEK  - Trigg County

All trout caught from October 1 through March 31 must be released immediately and only artificial baits shall be used during this period.

CAVE RUN LAKE

Gigging and snagging prohibited in the main lake and all tributaries up to the first riffle. The location of the first riffle may change depending on water levels.

• Largemouth Bass: 13 to 16-inch protective slot limit. All largemouth bass   between 13 and 16 inches in length must be released immediately.

• Smallmouth Bass: 18-inch minimum size limit.

CEDAR CREEK LAKE - Lincoln County

Possession or use of shad for bait is prohibited.

• Largemouth Bass: 20-inch minimum size limit, 1 fish daily limit.

• Channel Catfish: 12-inch minimum size limit.

CHIMNEY TOP CREEK - Wolfe County

A 16-inch minimum size limit and 1 fish daily creel limit for brown trout and only artificial baits may be used.

CLEAR CREEK - Bell County

All trout caught from October 1 through March 31 shall be immediately released and only artificial baits may be used.

CORINTH LAKE - Grant County

Possession or use of shad for bait is prohibited.

• Channel Catfish: 12-inch minimum size limit.

CUMBERLAND GAP NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK   (301 KAR 1:035)

Special fishing regulations are in effect on Cumberland Gap National Historical Park. For complete fishing information on this area contact: Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, PO Box 1848, Middlesboro, KY 40965, phone (606) 248-2817.

CUMBERLAND RIVER, including Hatchery Creek, below Lake Cumberland from Wolf Creek Dam to the Tennessee state line

All licensed anglers must possess a trout permit on this portion of Cumberland River. This also includes Hatchery Creek and all tributaries up to the first riffle.

Trout stocking dates will no longer be announced.

Anglers shall not cull trout by replacing a trout in their possession with another trout. Once an angler holds a trout in their possession on this section of the Cumberland River, it counts toward the daily trout creel limit. Anglers may not attract or chum trout with bait, corn or other attractants designed to draw numbers of trout to a specific area. This includes all tributaries up to the first riffle and in Hatchery Creek.

• Brown Trout: 20-inch minimum size limit, 1 fish daily limit, also applies to all tributary streams.

• Rainbow Trout: 15 to 20-inch protective slot limit. All trout caught between 15 and 20 inches must be immediately released. Five fish daily limit, only one rainbow trout may be longer than 20 inches. Also applies to all tributary streams.

CUMBERLAND RIVER from Lake Barkley Dam downstream to confluence with Ohio River

Snagging only permitted downstream of U.S. 62 bridge with a daily creel limit of 8 fish. Harvesting of sportfish by snagging is prohibited. Snagging anglers cannot release or cull any snagged paddlefish. Snagged paddlefish or their roe cannot be sold.

• Sauger: 14-inch minimum size limit.

DALE HOLLOW LAKE          

• Crappie: 10-inch minimum size limit, 15 fish daily limit.

• Black Bass creel: includes largemouth, smallmouth and Kentucky (spotted) bass – 5 fish daily limit on black bass singly or combined, only two of which may be smallmouth bass.

• Largemouth Bass: 15-inch minimum size limit.

• Smallmouth Bass: 16 to 21-inch protective slot limit. One fish over 21 inches and one fish under 16 inches may be kept daily.

• Sauger: 14-inch minimum size limit, 10 fish daily limit.

• Rainbow and Lake Trout: April 1-Oct. 31: no size limit, 7 fish daily limit (only 2 may be lake trout). Nov.1-March 31: 22-inch size limit, 2 fish daily limit, singly or combined.

• Walleye: 16-inch minimum size limit, 5 fish daily limit.

DEWEY LAKE

• Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass: 15-inch minimum size limit.

DIX RIVER from Herrington Lake Dam downstream for two miles

Fishing with artificial lures or flies only.

DOE RUN LAKE - Kenton County

Possession or use of shad for bait is prohibited.

• Largemouth Bass: 15-inch minimum size limit, 3 fish daily creel limit

• Channel Catfish: Four fish daily creel limit, no minimum size limit

DOG FORK  - Wolfe County

Only artificial baits with a single hook shall be used. Brook Trout must be immediately released.

EAST FORK INDIAN CREEK - Menifee County

All trout caught from October 1 through March 31 shall be immediately released and only artificial bait shall be used during this period.

ELKHORN CREEK in Franklin County from confluence of North and South forks downstream to Kentucky River

• Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass: 12 to 16-inch protective slot limit. Largemouth and smallmouth bass caught between 12 and 16 inches long must be immediately released. Daily limit of 6 may include no more than 2 fish longer than 16 inches.

ELK SPRING CREEK - Wayne County

All trout caught from October 1 through March 31 must be immediately released and only artificial baits shall be used during this period.

ELMER DAVIS LAKE - Owen County

Possession or use of shad for bait is prohibited.

• Largemouth Bass: 12 to 15-inch protective slot limit. All largemouth bass between 12 and 15 inches in length must be released immediately.

• Channel Catfish: 12-inch minimum size limit.

FAGAN BRANCH LAKE (also called Lebanon City Lake, Marion County)

• Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass: 12 to 15-inch protective slot limit. All largemouth and smallmouth bass between 12 and 15 inches long must be released immediately.

FISHTRAP LAKE

• Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass: 15-inch minimum size limit.

GENERAL BUTLER STATE PARK LAKE - Carroll County

Possession or use of shad for bait is prohibited.

• Largemouth Bass: 15-inch minimum size limit, 3 fish daily creel limit

• Channel Catfish: 4 fish daily creel limit, no minimum size limit.

GOLDEN POND (Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area)

• Channel Catfish: 15-inch minimum size limit, 5 fish daily creel limit.

GRAYSON LAKE

• Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass: 15-inch minimum size limit.

GREENBO LAKE - Greenup County

Possession or use of shad for bait is prohibited.

• Bluegill and other Sunfish: 15 fish daily creel limit.

GREEN RIVER LAKE

• Crappie: 9-inch minimum size limit.

GUIST CREEK LAKE - Shelby County

• Channel Catfish: 12-inch minimum size limit.

KENTUCKY, BARKLEY LAKES (and their connecting canal)

• Crappie: 10-inch minimum size limit, 20 fish daily creel limit.

• Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass: 15-inch minimum size limit.

• Sauger: 14-inch minimum size limit.

KENTUCKY LAKE TAILWATER – see Tennessee River

KINCAID LAKE - Pendleton County

• Channel Catfish: 12-inch minimum size limit.

LAND BETWEEN THE LAKES NATIONAL RECREATION AREA     (301 KAR 1:031)

Special fishing regulations are in effect for ponds and small lakes within Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area. For complete fishing information on this area, anglers should contact: Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, Golden Pond, KY 42231, phone (270) 924-2000.

LAKE BLYTHE - Christian County

• Largemouth Bass: 12 to 15-inch protective slot limit. All largemouth bass caught between 12 and 15 inches must be immediately released.

LAKE CHUMLEY - Lincoln County

Fishing during daylight hours only.

LAKE CUMBERLAND

            The boundaries of Lake Cumberland are defined as Cumberland Falls on the Cumberland River, Devils Jump on the Big South Fork, the Narrows of Rockcastle River and Laurel River Lake Dam on Laurel River.

• Crappie: 10-inch minimum size limit.

• Largemouth Bass: 15-inch minimum size limit.

• Smallmouth Bass: 18-inch minimum size limit. 

• Striped Bass: 24-inch minimum size limit, 2 fish daily and possession limit.

LAKE JERICHO - Henry County

Possession or use of shad for bait is prohibited.

• Largemouth Bass: 15-inch minimum size limit.

LAKE MALONE

• Largemouth Bass: 12 to 15-inch protective slot limit. All largemouth bass caught between 12 and 15 inches must be immediately released.

Channel Catfish: 12-inch minimum size limit.  

LAKE MINGO - Jessamine County

• Largemouth Bass: 15-inch minimum size limit, 3 fish daily creel limit.

• Channel Catfish: 4 fish daily creel limit, no minimum size limit.

LAKE POLLYWOG - Grant County

• Largemouth Bass: 15-inch minimum size limit, 3 fish daily creel limit.

• Channel Catfish: 4 fish daily creel limit, no minimum size limit.

LAKE SHELBY - Shelby County

• Largemouth Bass: 15-inch minimum size limit, 3 fish daily creel limit.

• Channel Catfish: 4 fish daily creel limit, no minimum size limit.

LAUREL RIVER LAKE

• Largemouth Bass: 15-inch minimum size limit.

• Smallmouth Bass: 18-inch minimum size limit, 2 fish daily creel limit.

• Crappie: 9-inch minimum size limit, 15 fish daily limit.

LEARY LAKE - Grant County

Fishing during daylight hours only.

• Channel Catfish: 4 fish daily, 8 fish possession limit.

• Largemouth Bass: 15-inch minimum size limit, 3 fish daily, 6 fish possession limit.

LEBANON CITY LAKE – see Fagan Branch Lake

LEFT FORK, BEAVER CREEK - Floyd County

All trout caught from October 1 through March 31 must be immediately released and only artificial baits shall be used during this period.

LICK CREEK - Simpson County

All trout caught from October 1 through March 31 must be immediately released and only artificial baits shall be used during this period.

LINCOLN HOMESTEAD STATE PARK LAKE - Washington County

Fishing during daylight hours only. Possession or use of shad for bait is prohibited.

• Channel Catfish: 4 fish daily, 8 fish possession limit.

• Largemouth Bass: 15-inch minimum size limit; 3 fish daily limit.

MARION COUNTY LAKE

Possession or use of shad for bait is prohibited.

• Largemouth Bass: 15-inch minimum size limit.

MCNEELY LAKE - Jefferson County

Possession or use of shad for bait is prohibited.

MIDDLE FORK, RED RIVER - Powell County

Within the Natural Bridge State Park, all trout caught from October 1 through March 31 must be immediately released and only artificial baits shall be used during this period.

MILL CREEK LAKE - Powell and Wolfe counties

Possession or use of shad for bait is prohibited.

• Largemouth Bass: 15-inch minimum size limit; 3 fish daily creel limit.

NEW HAVEN OPTIMIST LAKE - Nelson County

• Largemouth Bass: 15-inch minimum size limit, 3 fish daily creel limit.

• Channel Catfish: 4 fish daily creel limit, no minimum size limit.

NOLIN RIVER LAKE

Lake upper boundary extended to the Wheelers Mill Road bridge in the Nolin River arm and to the Hwy. 728 bridge in the Bacon Creek arm (formerly defined as first riffle upstream in Bacon Creek and Nolin River).

• Crappie: 9-inch minimum size limit.

• Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass: 15-inch size limit, except 1 fish in the daily limit or 2 in the possession limit may be less than 15 inches long.

OHIO RIVER – see also, “Bordering Waters” page 15

• Walleye, Sauger and their Hybrids: no minimum size limit, 10 fish daily limit, singly or combined.

• White Bass, Yellow Bass, Striped Bass and their Hybrids: 30 fish daily limit, only 4 fish in daily limit may be 15 inches or longer.

OTTER CREEK - Meade County

All trout caught in Fort Knox Military Reservation and in Otter Creek Park from October 1 through March 31 must be immediately released and only artificial baits shall be used during this period. Fort Knox Military Reservation requires the purchase of a $10 permit to fish and is closed to fishing on Tuesdays. Anglers must check-in with the Fort Knox Hunt Control Office at (502) 624-2712 before each day’s fishing. There is a one-mile section of Otter Creek as posted by signs in Fort Knox Military Reservation where trout fishing is open to statewide regulations.

PAINT CREEK - Johnson County

·        Rainbow trout: A 16-inch minimum size limit and 1 fish daily creel limit on trout from the KY 40 bridge downstream to the first U.S. 460 bridge crossing and only artificial baits shall be used.

PAINTSVILLE LAKE

• Largemouth Bass: 12 to 15-inch protective slot limit. All largemouth bass caught between 12 and 15 inches must be released immediately.

• Smallmouth Bass: 18-inch minimum size limit.

PARCHED CORN CREEK - Wolfe County

Only artificial baits with single hook shall be used. Brook Trout must be immediately released.

PEABODY WMA LAKES

Fishing open March 16 through October 14, during daylight hours only. In addition to a fishing license, a $15.00 user permit is required of persons age 16 and over while on Peabody WMA. Permits can be purchased where fishing licenses are sold.

PENNYRILE LAKE - Christian County

• Largemouth Bass: 12 to 15-inch protective slot limit. All largemouth bass between 12 and 15 inches must be immediately released.

PIKEVILLE CITY LAKE - Pike County

• Largemouth Bass: All largemouth bass caught must be immediately released.

POOR FORK and its tributaries Letcher County

Downstream to the first crossing of Highway 932, only artificial baits with single hook shall be used. Brook Trout must be immediately released.

REBA LAKE - Madison County

Possession or use of shad for bait is prohibited.

• Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass: 15-inch minimum size limit, 3 fish daily limit.

ROCK CREEK - McCreary County

From Bell Farm Bridge upstream to Tennessee state line, all trout caught from October 1 through March 31 must be immediately released and only artificial baits shall be used during this period.

ROUGH RIVER LAKE

• Crappie: 9-inch minimum size limit.

• Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass: 15-inch minimum size limit except 1 fish in the daily limit or 2 in the possession limit may be less than 15 inches long.

SHANTY HOLLOW LAKE - Warren County

Possession or use of shad for bait is prohibited.

• Largemouth Bass: 15-inch minimum size limit.

• Channel Catfish: 12-inch minimum size limit.

SHILLALAH CREEK - Bell County

Outside the Cumberland Gap National Park as posted, only artificial baits with single hook shall be used. Brook Trout must be immediately released.

UPPER AND LOWER SPORTSMAN’S LAKES - Franklin County

       Fishing during daylight hours only. Possession or use of shad for bait is prohibited.

• Channel Catfish: 4 fish daily limit, 8 fish possession limit.

• Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass: 15-inch minimum size limit, 3 fish daily limit, 6 fish possession limit.

SPURLINGTON LAKE - Taylor County

Possession or use of shad for bait is prohibited.

SWIFT CAMP CREEK - Clifty Wilderness, Wolfe County

All trout caught from October 1 through May 31 shall be released immediately and only artificial baits shall be used during this period.

SYMPSON LAKE - Nelson County

• Largemouth Bass: 15-inch minimum size limit.

TAYLORSVILLE LAKE

Lake upper boundary extended to Dry Dock Road on Salt River (formerly defined as first riffle upstream in Salt River). The area east of Van Buren Boat Ramp as marked by buoys and signs is closed to all hunting, fishing, boating and trespassing (except for quota deer hunts) November 1 through the last day of February, except the area between Van Buren Boat Ramp and the Hwy. 248 bridge is open to fishing November 1 through November 14.

• Crappie: 9-inch minimum size limit, 15 fish daily limit, possession limit 30.

• Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass: 15-inch minimum size limit.

TAYLORSVILLE LAKE WMA PONDS

• Largemouth Bass: 15-inch minimum size limit; 3 fish daily creel limit.

• Channel Catfish: 4 fish daily creel limit.

TENNESSEE RIVER from Kentucky Lake Dam downstream to confluence with Ohio River

The area from Kentucky Dam to the new U.S. 62 bridge will be open to snagging 24 hours per day from January 1 through May 31. From June 1 through December 31, the area is open to snagging from sunset to sunrise. The area of the Tennessee River from the new U.S. 62 bridge to the I-24 bridge is closed to snagging year round. The area from the I-24 bridge to the confluence with the Ohio River is open to snagging year round. There is now a daily creel limit of 8 fish in aggregate and shall not exceed the daily creel limit for any sport fish in which the creel limit is under 8 fish per day. Snagging must cease if any sport fish daily creel limit is attained. All fish snagged, except shad or herring, must be kept and counted toward the daily creel limit. Snagging anglers cannot release or cull any snagged paddlefish. Snagged paddlefish or their roe cannot be sold.

• Sauger: 14-inch minimum size limit.

WOOD CREEK LAKE - Laurel County

• Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass: 15-inch minimum size limit

• Crappie: Statewide regulations now apply with a 30-fish daily creel limit with a  60 fish possession limit and no minimum size limit.

YATESVILLE LAKE

• Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass: 15-inch minimum size limit.

LICENSES AND PERMITS

* Not available

** Peabody and LBL User Permits, Elk Lottery Application, Elk Quota Hunt Permit, Out-of-Zone Elk Permit and Federal Duck Stamp not included.

Annual licenses and permits are valid from the date of purchase through the last day in February. New licenses are required annually March 1. A 1- or 5-day hunting license is valid only for the period shown on the license.

All resident and nonresident kids under the age of 12 will no longer have to purchase licenses or permits (except the Elk Lottery Application, Elk Quota Hunt Permit and Out-of-Zone Elk Permit).

BUYING LICENSES AND PERMITS

Kentucky fishing (and hunting) licenses and permits can be purchased from more than 1,000 locations throughout the Commonwealth. Most department stores, county court clerk offices and outdoor sporting goods stores sell licenses. A complete list of license retailers can be found on the internet at fw.ky.gov.

Unless license exempt, anglers must purchase and carry the correct type of fishing license and/or permit while fishing. Anglers who purchase a “paper” license must fill in their signature, address, city, state, zip code, eye color, hair color, sex, height and weight in the blanks provided on the license prior to fishing. 

Hunting and fishing license sales may be handled by phone or the internet and may be purchased 24-hours a day.  Except for a Senior/Disabled License, Youth Hunting License, Youth Deer Permits and Youth Trapping licenses, all other licenses can be purchased over the phone. All Kentucky hunting and fishing licenses and permits, except Youth Hunting Licenses, Youth Deer Permits, Youth Trapping licenses and Resident Joint Husband/Wife fishing licenses, can be purchased through the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife website at fw.ky.gov.

Purchasing Licenses and Permits By Internet:

Visit fw.ky.gov

Persons purchasing online:

1. Must use Visa, Mastercard or Discover;

2. Must provide their name, address, date of birth and Social Security number;

3. Must print their own paper license/permit at the end of their purchase; and

4. Will not receive a paper license/permit in the mail.

Purchasing Licenses and Permits By Phone:

Call toll-free 1-877-598-2401

Persons purchasing by phone:

1. Must use Visa, Mastercard, Discover or e-check;

2. Will be charged a small fee;

3. Must provide their name, address, date of birth and Social Security number;

4. Will be issued a paper license/permit by mail;

5. Will be issued an authorization number which serves as a license/permit until paper license/permit is issued; and

6. Must have the authorization number in addition to a picture ID while hunting, if they have not yet received their paper license/permit in the mail.

LICENSE REQUIREMENTS AND EXEMPTIONS

LICENSES EXPIRE MARCH 1 ANNUALLY

Annual license/permit authorization numbers are valid from the date of purchase through the last day in February. New licenses are required annually March 1. A temporary fishing license is valid for the period shown on the license. (301) KAR 3:022

WHO NEEDS A LICENSE?        (KRS 150.010, 150.170)

All persons must fill out and carry the proper license and permit to fish any Kentucky waters except the following (for permit requirements see “Trout Permit” on this page):

• The resident owner of farmlands, his spouse and dependent children may fish on their land without a license. Tenants, their spouses and dependent children may fish without a license on farmlands where they live and work.

• Resident servicemen on furlough of more than three days may fish statewide without a license, but must carry proper identification and papers showing furlough status.

• Residents and nonresidents ages 15 and younger.

• Persons fishing on the first Saturday and Sunday in June (June 6-7, 2009) during Free Fishing Days are not required to have a license or permit.

• Persons fishing within the boundaries of Mammoth Cave National Park.

A resident is anyone who has established permanent and legal residence in Kentucky and resided here at least 30 days immediately prior to applying for a license. Full-time students enrolled in an educational institution for at least a six-month term and service personnel on permanent assignment in Kentucky are also classified as residents. All others are considered non-residents for licensing purposes.

TROUT PERMIT                          (301 KAR 1:201)

Unless license exempt, anglers who intend to keep trout must have a trout permit ($10). A trout permit is included with the resident senior/disabled combination license and resident sportsman’s license. All licensed anglers fishing the portion of the Cumberland River from Wolf Creek Dam to the Tennessee state line, its tributaries up to the first riffle and all of Hatchery Creek are required to possess a trout permit.  (See the Trout section in this guide for details and for a complete list of waters where trout are present.)

RESIDENT SPORTSMAN’S LICENSE (SAVE $50!)

Residents who both hunt and fish for several species may want to consider the Resident Sportsman’s License. This license includes a combination hunting and fishing license, spring turkey permit (two turkeys), fall turkey permit (four turkeys), statewide deer permit (two deer), state waterfowl permit and trout permit. Purchased separately, these items would cost $50 more than buying the Sportsman’s package deal. WMA user permits, an elk draw permit and bonus deer permits must be purchased separately. Sportsman’s License holders must fill out a hunter harvest survey for migratory birds.

Resident Senior (65 and OLDER) license

Kentucky residents 65 years of age and older who present proof of age and residency are eligible to purchase the discounted Senior/Disabled Combination Hunting and Fishing License ($5). Those eligible for this special license are not required to purchase any other state permits or bonus permits to keep trout, hunt deer, turkey or waterfowl or other migratory birds. WMA user permits and elk quota hunt application permits must be purchased separately. Seniors should carry ID with proof of age/residency while hunting or fishing. The minimum value of the hunting/fishing privileges of this special discounted license is $145.

Resident Disability License

Who qualifies?

The following are eligible to purchase the discounted ($5) Senior/Disabled Combination Hunting and Fishing License (which includes the same license and permits as the Resident Senior License described at left:

•Kentucky residents certified totally and permanently disabled by the Federal Social Security Administration, a state Workers Compensation Board, the Kentucky Teacher Retirement System or the United States Railroad Retirement Board.

• Kentucky resident employees of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, declared totally and permanently disabled by a recognized authority.

• Kentucky resident veterans at least 50% disabled as the result of a service-connected disability.

Persons with the disabilities listed above must first obtain a disability authorization card to be able to purchase this special $5 license from a license vendor or online at fw.ky.gov.

To obtain a disability license authorization card:

If your disability is through the:

•Federal Social Security Administration: Contact your local Social Security office and request a form showing your name, address, Social Security number and date of birth, which states that you are disabled and drawing benefits. Send form to KDFWR.

• Veteran’s Administration: Contact your local VA office and request a letter that verifies you are at least 50% disabled as a result of a service-connected disability. Send letter to KDFWR.

•State Worker’s Compensation Board: Request an application from the KDFWR, fill it out and send to the State Worker’s Compensation Board.

•United States Railroad Retirement Board: Contact the Board and request a letter stating you are 100% totally and permanently disabled. Send letter to KDFWR.

•Kentucky Teacher Retirement System: Contact the Teacher Retirement System and request written documentation stating you are on disability retirement. Send documentation to KDFWR.

•United States Office of Personnel Management: Contact the federal Office of Personnel Management and obtain certification of employment and documentation of being 100% disabled. Send documentation to KDFWR.

Once the proper documentation is processed, applicants will receive by mail an authorization card that allows the individual to purchase the $5 discounted Senior/Disabled Combination Hunting & Fishing License from ANY license vendor or online at fw.ky.gov. 

The authorization card is not a license.  

The authorization card must be presented to the license seller, or the authorization number entered online, at the time of purchase. License vendors cannot sell a disability license using an expired authorization card.

Senior/Disabled Combination Licenses are valid through the end of February like any other license. If you lose your card, you may contact the KDFWR at the above address for a replacement.

Contacting Us

Except for those who qualify for a disability license through Worker’s Compensation, mail or fax your disability certification to:

KDFWR Disability License

#1 Sportsman’s Lane

Frankfort,KY   40601

FAX: (502) 564-9368

You may also bring documentation in person to the KDFWR office in Frankfort at #1 Sportman’s Lane during business hours 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EST Monday-Friday.

PAY LAKES                                 (KRS 150.660)

A person fishing in a pay lake licensed by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources needs either a Kentucky fishing license or a free permit issued by the operator. If the lake is not licensed by the operator, anglers need a valid Kentucky fishing license.

FREE FISHING DAYS        (301 KAR 1:210)

Every year Kentucky offers free fishing days the first weekend of June (June 6-7, 2009).  On free fishing days, no license (including Kentucky trout permit) is required of residents or non-residents to fish any Kentucky waters. All other fishing regulations remain in effect. Free fishing days are offered to promote National Fishing Week.

BORDERING WATERS

All Kentucky anglers who fish reciprocal waters must have a valid Kentucky fishing license.

OHIO RIVER FISHING            (KRS 150.170)

An angler with a Kentucky fishing license may fish the entire main stem of the Ohio River from a boat, or a bordering state’s bank without buying the other state’s license (bordering states include Illinois, Indiana and Ohio).

This does not apply if fishing a bordering state’s embayments or tributaries, which begin at a straight line between opposite points where the tributary or embayment meets the main stem of the river.

Anglers fishing from a bordering state’s bank must follow the size and creel limits of the state where the angler is located. For example, a Kentucky licensed angler can stand on the Indiana bank and fish the main stem of the Ohio River without an Indiana fishing license, but must abide by Indiana’s size and creel limits.

Reminder: No snagging for any fish species on the Indiana side or in any Indiana waters of the Ohio River.

MISSISSIPPI RIVER                           (KRS 150.170)

Anglers licensed in Kentucky may fish Missouri portions of the Mississippi River without buying a Missouri fishing license. Each state recognizes the sport fishing licenses and permits of the other state on the Mississippi River. The river is defined as the main channel and immediate side or secondary channels and chutes. It does not include oxbow or floodplain lakes or any tributary streams. A tributary is delineated by the straight line between opposite points where the tributary connects with the main body of the Mississippi River. Furthermore, the river does not include backwaters that extend onto the floodplain or tributaries when the river exceeds 33 feet at the gauging station at Cairo, Illinois.

Sport fishing license or permit holders may fish from, or attach any device or equipment to land along the river under the jurisdiction of the other state. Landowner permission is required to fish from the bank.

Sport fishing license holders shall abide by the regulations in the state in whose waters they are fishing and when fishing in waters they are not licensed to fish, shall comply with the most restrictive regulation. 

DALE HOLLOW LAKE

Anglers may use either a Tennessee or a Kentucky sport fishing license while fishing in the Wolf River arm of Dale Hollow Lake. This includes the Illwill Creek embayment beginning at a line crossing the Wolf River at its mouth where it joins the Obey River and the main part of the lake.

Anglers must obey the regulations of the state in which they are licensed. Kentucky residents must have a Kentucky license.

KENTUCKY LAKE

On Kentucky Lake, anglers with either a valid Kentucky or Tennessee sport fishing license may fish from Eggner’s Ferry Bridge (U.S. 68 and Hwy. 80) in Kentucky south to the Governor Ned McWhorter Bridge (U.S. 79 and Hwy. 76) in Tennessee. This includes all embayments and tributaries, except the Blood River embayment in Kentucky. Anglers must abide by the fishing regulations of the state in which they are fishing.

BIG SOUTH FORK OF THE CUMBERLAND RIVER

Anglers may use either a Tennessee or a Kentucky sport fishing license while fishing that portion of the Big South Fork from the Leatherwood Ford bridge (Highway 297) in Tennessee to the Highway 92 bridge at Yamacraw, Kentucky.

Anglers must obey the regulations of the state in which they are licensed. Kentucky residents must have a Kentucky license.

OTHER BORDERING WATERS

On all other bordering waters, boundaries are set by state lines. Obey the laws of the state in which you are fishing.

FISHING METHODS

SPORT FISHING TROTLINES, JUGGING and SET LINES (LIMB LINES)         (301 KAR 1:410; KRS 150.010)

A sport fishing trotline is a line with no more than 50 single or multi-barbed baited hooks that must be at least 18 inches apart. A sport fishing trotline must be set at least three feet below the water’s surface. Jugging is fishing with a single baited line attached to any floating object. A jug line may have no more than one single or multi-barbed hook. A set line is a line with one single or multi barbed hook. It may be attached to a tree limb, tree trunk, bank pole or other stationary object on the bank of a stream or impoundment.  

One person may use no more than two sport fishing trotlines or 50 jug lines (per boat) or 25 set lines at any one time. Each sport fishing trotline, jug line or set line must be: 1) permanently labeled with the name and address of the user; 2) baited, checked and all fish removed at least once every 24 hours; 3) removed from water, bank or tree when fishing ceases.  

Prohibited Areas: Sport fishing trotlines, jug lines or set lines may not be used within 200 yards below any dam. Sport fishing trotlines, jug lines or set lines are not allowed in Department owned/managed lakes having less than 500 surface acres, except those located on Ballard, Swan Lake and Peal WMAs. No sport fishing trotlines are allowed within 700 yards below Kentucky Dam, the area between Barkley Dam and Highway 62 bridge, or below the following Ohio River dams from the face of the dam to the end of the outer lock wall: Smithland, Newburgh, Cannelton, Markland, Meldahl and Greenup; McAlpine downstream to the K&I railroad bridge; J.T. Meyers (Uniontown) to the end of the outer lock wall and that portion of the split channel around the southern part of Wabash Island from the fixed weir dam to the first dike.    

GIGGING AND SNAGGING FISH (301 KAR 1:410, 1:082; KRS 150.010)

Gigging means spearing or impaling fish on any pronged or barbed instrument attached to the end of any rigid object. Snagging means taking fish or other aquatic animals by a rapid drawing motion (rather than enticement by bait) using a hand-held pole and attached line with a single or one multiple fish hook.

A person may gig or snag fish from the bank. Snagging is not legal from a boat. Gigging is legal from a boat only on lakes 500 surface acres or larger and only during daylight hours.

Gigging and snagging are not legal from a platform or within 200 yards of a dam, except below Kentucky Dam. Otherwise, gigging/snagging is permitted day or night in all portions of lakes and streams open to these methods (refer to prohibited areas below).

There is a statewide limit of 2 paddlefish for either gigging or snagging, except in the Lake Barkley tailwater (Cumberland River) and in the Kentucky Lake tailwater (Tennessee River) up to 8 paddlefish may be taken daily. Snagging anglers must cease snagging once they attain the two fish daily creel limit on paddlefish on all waters open to snagging. Snagging anglers cannot release or cull any snagged paddlefish. It is illegal to sell paddlefish or their roe taken by sportfish snagging methods.

The season for gigging and/or snagging rough fish is from February 1 through May 10 (except below Kentucky Dam). It is illegal to possess a gig on a stream or lake or in a boat from November 1 through January 31. Except, persons may gig rough fish through the ice any time the surface is frozen thick enough to stand upon. The gigger must gig while supported by the ice. Regardless of condition, all sport fish taken by gigging and snagging must be immediately returned to the water except in the Tennessee River below Kentucky Dam.

There are special snagging regulations for the Kentucky Lake tailwater (Tennessee River) and the Lake Barkley tailwater (Cumberland River). Please refer to the Special Fishing Regulations section of this guide before snagging on these waters.

The area from Kentucky Dam to the new U.S. 62 bridge will be open to snagging 24 hours per day from January 1 through May 31. From June 1 through December 31, the area is open to snagging from sunset to sunrise. The area of the Tennessee River from the new U.S. 62 bridge to the I-24 bridge is closed to snagging year round. From the I-24 bridge to the confluence with the Ohio River is open to snagging year round. There is a daily creel limit of 8 fish and shall not exceed the daily creel limit for any sport fish in which the daily creel limit is under 8 fish per day. Snagging must cease after any sport fish daily creel limit is attained. However, snagging is not allowed on the newly installed fishing piers and jetties. All fish snagged below Kentucky Dam must be kept except shad or herring.

In the Tennessee River below Kentucky Dam, a snagging rod, including the handle, may not be longer than 7-1/2 feet and must be equipped with line, guides and reel. Only one hook may be attached to the line, either single or treble. Except, in Green River, Rolling Fork River and their tributaries, up to five single or treble hooks may be used for snagging. In the Cumberland River below Barkley Dam, snagging is only permitted down stream of the U.S. 62 bridge with a daily creel limit of 8 paddlefish.

Prohibited Areas: Gigging and snagging fish are prohibited in the following waters:

• Cave Run Lake including all tributaries up to the first riffle (The location of the first riffle may change depending on water level)

• Cumberland River, below Wolf Creek Dam downstream to the Tennessee line including Hatchery Creek and all tributaries for 1/2 mile upstream of their confluence with the Cumberland River

•  Cumberland River, below Barkley Dam downstream to the U.S. 62 bridge

TICKLING AND NOODLING                 (301 KAR 1:410; KRS 150.010)

The tickling and noodling (hand grabbing) season for rough fish is June 1 through August 31, during daylight hours only. Tickling and noodling means taking fish directly by hand, or with the aid of a handled hook. These methods are permitted in all waters. The daily creel limit is 15 rough fish, no more than 5 of which can be catfish.

BOW FISHING                                     (301 KAR 1:410)

Rough fish may be taken year-round by bow and arrow with line attached. Sport fish may not be taken with a bow and arrow. Bow anglers may use a longbow, crossbow, recurve bow or compound bow. Arrow must have a barbed or retractable style point that has a line attached for retrieval. Catfish have a daily creel limit of 5 (in aggregate) and paddlefish have a daily creel limit of 2. Bow fisherman may fish within 200 yards of a dam, except by boat in boat restricted areas. Bow fishing is prohibited on the Cumberland River below Wolf Creek Dam downstream to the Tennessee line, including Hatchery Creek and all tributaries for 1/2 mile upstream of their confluence with the Cumberland River.

Persons using a bow and arrow for fishing must have the appropriate fishing license and may take rough fish from bank or boat. There is no limit on other rough fish. Bow anglers cannot sell paddlefish or their roe taken by bow and arrow. Paddlefish and catfish taken by bow and arrow must be taken into immediate possession and cannot be culled.

SPEAR FISHING                       (301 KAR 1:410)

Underwater spearing of rough fish with hand-held or mechanically propelled spear is permitted year-round, but only in lakes having 1,000 surface acres or more. All participants in this sport must be submerged while spear fishing. Only rough fish may be taken and the appropriate fishing license is required. The daily limit is 15 fish of which only 5 may be catfish.

GENERAL INFORMATION

FISHING TOURNAMENTS

As a voluntary program, fishing event organizers are strongly urged to use the Tournament web site at fw.ky.gov/tournamentschedule.aspx to register and report on their events. Tournament planners can avoid space conflicts with other previously registered events by adjusting the date, time, specific launch areas or weigh-in site for their activities.

Other recreational anglers and boaters can check the web site to see when and where fishing events are scheduled. This will assist them in planning their activities and also help avoid potential space conflicts. Additional permits may be required by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers or the U.S. Forest Service.

If the launch site for your tournament involves using a marina ramp, please contact the marina operator before scheduling your tournament.

There are an estimated 800 - 1,000 fishing tournaments held annually in Kentucky waters. These can be a valuable source of information to our fishery biologists. Following each scheduled event, tournament organizers are asked to report their catch data directly on the tournament web site or on forms which can be sent via postal mail. Voluntary cooperation from tournament organizers will be used in making fishery management decisions. At the end of the tournament season a summary of tournament results will be sent to all providers. If not provided with one, contact your local fisheries district office. They will provide a packet.

CATCH AND RELEASE

The KDFWR supports catch and release of fish not needed for the table. Releasing fish in a healthy state is an excellent conservation tool to maintain quality fishing opportunities.

When releasing a fish, keep the fish in the water as much as possible. Do not allow the fish to flop in the boat or on the ground; the use of a net will assist you in controlling the fish. Gently handle the fish with wet hands and do not squeeze the fish or touch the gill or eye areas. Trout are better immobilized if held upside down. Black bass are easier to handle if held by the lower jaw. Remove hooks quickly using needle-nosed pliers. Deeply hooked fish should be released by clipping the line close to the mouth – don’t attempt to remove the hook. Sliding the fish back and forth through the water a few times will help it to become reoriented, and sometimes aids in its recovery.

Striped Bass: Adult striped bass are highly susceptible to delayed mortality following their release, even though these fish may initially appear in good condition. This is particularly a problem when water temperatures exceed 70 degrees. It is best not to release legal sized striped bass during this time.

A study reports that live-bait anglers can increase striped bass survival (12 fold) by using non-offset circle hooks (sizes 9/0 and 10/0).  These hooks are available from major hook manufacturers, but are generally used by saltwater anglers.

Smaller sized circle hooks from size 1 to size 3/0 work well for other species the angler plans to release such as Cumberland River rainbow trout in the 15 to 20-inch slot limit. Live bait anglers who pursue black bass would increase survival by using similar sized circle hooks. Anglers must resist setting the hook and simply reel and tighten the line. The fish will hook itself in the top or corner of the mouth with gentle pressure. Hook setting pulls the circle hook from the fish’s mouth.

LITTERING                        (KRS 433.757)

Littering is not only unsightly, but is harmful to humans and wildlife. Fishing line should be discarded in the trash or at a recycling center, not in or around bodies of water. Discarded fishing line may be hazardous to wildlife and the lower unit of boats. Animals may be ensnared in the line and lose appendages or die. Fishing line caught in a prop shaft may cause seal leaks and lower unit failure. Anglers, unfortunately, are often the biggest litter bugs. These actions cast a bad light on all anglers. Littering in or around any public waterway is against the law. Please be responsible.

FISH CONSUMPTION ADVISORIES

The Kentucky Departments for Environmental Protection, Health Services and Fish and Wildlife Resources jointly issue a fish consumption advisory to the public when fish are found contaminated. Trace contaminants such as polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) and chlordane are found in some fish in Kentucky. An advisory cautions people about potential health problems that may result from eating fish caught from a particular area. An advisory does not ban eating fish; it is a guide to reduce your risk. This guide provides information on how often fish may be safely eaten. Most fish are healthy to eat and are an excellent source of low-fat protein.

STATEWIDE

All waters are under advisory for mercury. Women of childbearing age and children 6 years of age or younger should eat no more than one meal per week of freshwater fish. Adult men and other women are not included in the consumption notice.

This is not an emergency as organic mercury can occur naturally in the environment and does not affect swimmers, skiers or boaters. Fish can accumulate low levels of mercury by eating plankton and other small aquatic creatures.

DRAKES CREEK - Simpson/Warren County

All fish from dam on W. Fork at Franklin, Ky. downstream to confluence with Barren River. (PCB)

FISH LAKE - Ballard County (from headwaters to outflow of Shawnee Creek)

     Black bass and suckers/carp (mercury)

GREEN RIVER LAKE

Black bass, catfish, drum (mercury), suckers/carp (PCB)

GUIST CREEK LAKE – Shelby County (from lake headwaters to dam)

Black bass (mercury)

KNOX CREEK - Pike County

From the Virginia/Kentucky state line to the Tug Fork River, a consumption advisory for the general population and a special population of women of childbearing age and children has been issued for this section of Knox Creek. See table on page 21. (PCB and mercury)

LAKE CUMBERLAND – From the confluence of Laurel and Cumberland Rivers to Wolf Creek Dam

Black bass (mercury)

Crappie and rock bass (mercury)

LEVISA FORK RIVER including Fishtrap Lake - Pike County

From the Virginia/Kentucky state line to Fishtrap Lake dam, a consumption advisory for the general population and a special population of women of childbearing age and children has been issued for this section of the Levisa Fork River including all of Fishtrap Lake in Pike County. See table on page 21. (PCB and mercury)

LITTLE BAYOU CREEK

All fish from section of creek located in McCracken County. (PCB)

METROPOLIS LAKE - McCracken County

No more than one meal per month of fish should be eaten. (PCB and mercury)

MUD RIVER - Logan, Butler and Muhlenberg counties

From Hancock Lake Dam to Wolf Lick Creek (Logan County): Fish that feed on the bottom such as catfish, carp, suckers and freshwater drum should not be eaten. Game fish species such as black bass, sunfish and crappie may be eaten, but not more than one meal per month. Women of childbearing age and children should not eat any bottom-feeding fish from this segment of Mud River, but may eat six meals per year of game fish from this segment of Mud River. (PCB)

        From Wolf Lick Creek to the Green River (Butler and Muhlenberg counties)

Fish that feed on the bottom such as catfish, carp, suckers and freshwater drum may be eaten, but not more than one meal per month. Game fish species such as black bass, sunfish and crappie may be eaten, but not more than one meal per week. Women of childbearing age and children should not eat more than six meals per year of bottom-feeding fish in this segment of Mud River, but may eat one meal per month of game fish from this segment of Mud River. (PCB)

OHIO RIVER, LEVISA FORK AND KNOX CREEK

            A new method for reporting fish consumption advisories has been adopted. Consumption rates for specific fish have been developed based on a meal of 1/2 pound of fish (before cooking) eaten by a 150-pound individual. Following these guidelines and spacing your meals of those fish species will limit your health risks by reducing your total exposure. See table below.

TOWN BRANCH - Logan County

Fish should not be consumed from any portion of Town Branch. This includes all species and sizes. (PCB)

* Black bass species include largemouth, smallmouth and Kentucky   (spotted) bass

PARASITES AND GRUBS IN FISH

            Kentucky anglers will occasionally clean a fish and find a white or yellowish color worm in the fish’s flesh that is about the size of a grain of rice. Or, when stream fishing, an angler will encounter a smallmouth bass or sunfish with small black specks on its belly or across its body.

            This is a parasitic fluke that requires different host animals to complete its life cycle: a fish eating bird, a snail and a fish. The grub matures and produces eggs inside a host fish-eating bird such as a Great Blue Heron. The eggs enter the water from the bird’s droppings or from its mouth. The eggs hatch and tiny larvae of the parasite burrow into a snail. After a time in the snail, the parasite changes form and swims to its next host, a fish. Inside the fish, the parasite changes to a grub form and waits for the fish to be eaten. Then, the cycle repeats.

            The angler’s first instinct is to discard any fish with either the grubs in the flesh or black specks on the body. Grub-infested fish are safe to eat. Grubs do not infect people. Remove any grubs found and prepare the fish as you normally would.

AQUATIC NUISANCE SPECIES

Sport anglers unintentionally and intentionally stock fish in Kentucky’s public waters. These species mainly include gizzard shad and alewives that are present in several water bodies. Gizzard shad have been illegally released in several small public lakes where they previously were not present. They interfere with the lake’s ability to support a quality bluegill population. Alewives are a non-native fish illegally stocked into several Kentucky lakes. The total impact of these fish is not known, but they are known to eat young fish, including sport fishes.

Additionally, there are many non-native aquatic species that invaded the country, particularly in Great Lake states. These include both plants and animals such as Eurasian watermilfoil, round goby, ruffe, spring water flea, and zebra mussels.

ASIAN CARP

Much like the zebra mussel and other non-native species introduced into Kentucky, two new species of Asian carp, the big head and silver, have invaded river systems in Kentucky, particularly the lower Ohio, Tennessee and Cumberland rivers. Both of these species are plankton eaters and may exceed 50 pounds in size. Their impact on native species is not presently known, but they represent a competitive threat to other plankton eating fish such as our native paddlefish and most of our sport fish at early life stages.

These species are probably spawning in these river systems and their young can be easily mistaken as shad or skipjack herring. All bait collectors using cast or dip nets, especially from Kentucky and Barkley tailwaters, should never dispose of any live bait into other water bodies due to the potential threat of spreading these aquatic nuisance species.

ZEBRA MUSSELS

Kentucky has zebra mussels present in our waters and are at nuisance levels in the Ohio River. They attach themselves to any solid submerged surface in a cluster, reproduce rapidly, and pose a serious threat to native freshwater mussel populations. These mussels have elongated pointed shells less than two inches long with a zebra like pattern of stripes. Zebra mussels can live 8 to 10 days out of water and can be transported to another water body while attached to a boat.

LARGEMOUTH BASS VIRUS (LMBV)

The largemouth bass virus may cause death in largemouth bass. Largemouth bass virus is naturally occurring and so far is isolated in eastern states, including Kentucky.

The virus infects largemouth bass by transmission through water, contact with infected fish or by eating infected prey. Stress seems to trigger the deadly effects of the virus. High summer water temperature is the leading cause of largemouth bass virus fish kills. Although the virus may cause fish kills, infected fish may never show signs of the disease and live a normal life span. No fish kills in Kentucky have been attributed to the virus, but the potential still exists.

Largemouth bass virus affects mainly fish over 12 inches long. Dying fish struggle at the surface and have trouble remaining upright. Sores may be visible on infected fish, but these are caused by secondary infections of bacteria or fungi.

VHS VIRUS

            Viral hemorrhagic septicemia (VHS) has been identified in common fish species in the Great Lakes states. Die-offs have been documented in crappie, bluegill, smallmouth bass, freshwater drum, and muskellunge. Officials also detected the virus in white bass, walleye and some sucker species. Movement of fish from infected waters is a possible pathway for the virus to infect Kentucky waters.

            DO NOT TRANSFER fish or water from any water body to avoid movement of this pathogen. Symptoms of the virus include bulging eyes, bloated abdomens, inactive or over-active behavior and hemorrhaging in the eyes, skin, gills and at the base of the fins. The VHS virus is not harmful to humans. Any fish kills or sick fish should be reported to the fisheries division of the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources at 1-800-858-1549.

TROUT WATERS

TROUT REGULATIONS

* See “Catch and Release Brook Trout Streams”

EXCEPTIONS

On the Dix River (Herrington Lake tailwaters), fishing is permitted with artificial baits only. Live or organic bait may not be possessed while fishing this two-mile section of Dix River. The only public access to Dix River below Herrington Dam is via the Kentucky River.

The Cumberland River below Lake Cumberland from the Wolf Creek Dam downstream to the Tennessee state line is a trophy brown trout area. A 20-inch minimum size limit and a one fish daily creel limit applies to brown trout. A 15 to 20-inch protective slot limit on rainbow trout is in effect for the same section of the Cumberland River. All rainbow trout caught between 15 and 20 inches must be immediately released. There is a five fish daily creel limit on rainbow trout and only one rainbow trout may be longer than 20 inches. All anglers on this section of the Cumberland River, including all tributary streams up to the first riffle and all of Hatchery Creek, must now possess a valid Kentucky trout permit (regardless of species sought).

On Paint Creek in Johnson County (Paintsville Lake tailwater), there is a 16-inch minimum size limit and 1 fish daily creel limit on trout from the KY 40 bridge downstream to the first U.S. 460 bridge crossing. Only artificial baits may be used.

On Chimney Top Creek, including Right Fork Chimney Top Creek (Wolfe County), there is a 16-inch minimum size limit and one fish daily creel limit for brown trout and only artificial baits may be used.

TROUT STOCKING

STREAMS

The streams listed below are stocked with rainbow trout by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service during the months indicated. Brown trout are stocked once each year for a put-grow-take fishery. All trout are produced at Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery.

CATCH AND RELEASE STREAMS

Some streams indicated in the table below have a catch and release season (no harvest) from October 1 through March 31, except in Swift Camp Creek where the catch and release season is October 1 through May 31. Only artificial baits may be used during the catch and release season. Statewide regulations apply April through September.

STATEWIDE TROUT STREAMS