Two Lakes In Union, Henderson Counties To Receive First-ever Stockings Of Rainbow Trout

Frankfort, KY. - Anglers in the Henderson and Morganfield areas can enjoy a new fishing opportunity this week: rainbow trout.

The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources will stock trout for the first time at two lakes in Henderson and Union counties. Each lake will receive 500 fish this week and another 500 next month.

The new areas include Morton’s Lake on the Higginson-Henry Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Union County and Sandy Lee Watkins Park in Hebbardsville, located in Henderson County. Morton’s Lake is 1 1/2 acres in size while the Sandy Lee Watkins Lake is 5 acres. Both lakes offer plenty of parking and good access to the water from the bank. These lakes are excellent places for families to fish.

Because of ongoing construction, Sandy Lee Watkins Park will only be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends. The park will open daily once construction is finished, tentatively scheduled for completion in March. Morton’s Lake is open daily both day and night.

Anglers who are required to have a fishing license must have a trout permit to keep these fish. The daily limit is eight trout. Kids under the age of 16 do not need a fishing license or a permit.

To reach Sandy Lee Watkins Park from Henderson or Owensboro, anglers should take the Audubon Parkway to Exit 10. Take KY 416 north, then turn left on KY 351. Continue for nearly a mile to reach the park entrance on the left.

Morton’s Lake is located off KY 56 approximately 1 1/2 miles south of the U.S. 60 intersection at Morganfield. From KY 56, turn right onto Wildlife Road at the WMA. Bear left at the fork to access the lake.