KENTUCKY DEPARTMENT of
FISH & WILDLIFE RESOURCES

The following columns provide information on some of the better sites to fish for each species. For a more complete list of water bodies where each species can be found click here and then select the species that you are interested in under “Search for water bodies for species”.

New 2019 Spring Columns:

Choosing the right kayak for fishing and safety​

By Lee McClellan

FRANKFORT, Ky.

The summer-like winds now blowing across Kentucky inspire thoughts of paddling a clear, cool stream. Many see kayaks strapped to the tops of vehicles or poking out the end of a pickup bed at this time of year, stirring a fever to finally buy their own kayak.​

Late spring begins prime time for catfish​

By Kevin Kelly

FRANKFORT, Ky.

A stable weather pattern for Memorial Day weekend will give Kentuckians an early taste of summer as high temperatures will push 90 degrees on consecutive days.​​

Two tailwater floats for summer smallmouth bass fishing​

By Lee McClellan

FRANKFORT, Ky.

Anyone who loves floating streams for smallmouth bass out of a kayak, canoe or personal pontoon boat did not enjoy last year much at all. Many areas of Kentucky set annual rainfall records in 2018.​​

Is your huge catch a state record or a trophy fish?

By Lee McClellan

FRANKFORT, Ky.

You bait a rod with a small bluegill and let the offering dangle off the back of the boat as you enjoy a lazy day of drifting on your favorite reservoir, basking in the sun.​

Bluegill offer great late spring fishing​

By Lee McClellan

FRANKFORT, Ky.

“A lot of your bigger male bluegill are moving up into the shallows,” said David Baker, Central Fisheries District biologist for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. “It is an excellent time to take kids out and get them excited and hooked on fishing.”

Stream smallmouth love May​

By Lee McClellan

FRANKFORT, Ky.

I have an old friend who was reluctant to go wading in streams for smallmouth bass for many years.

Lake Cuberland striped bass heating up

By Lee McClellan

FRANKFORT, Ky.

April through late May is also the time of year for anglers who want thrilling sport, as stripers rip through spawning schools of threadfin shad and alewives at night.

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Spring is prime time for trophy largemouth bass

By Kevin Kelly

FRANKFORT, Ky.

The first warm days of the year never come soon enough. But when they do, a feeling of euphoria sweeps over anglers because springtime offers some of the year’s best opportunities for trophy largemouth bass.​

Smaller waters hold crappie just like the big lakes

By Lee McClellan

FRANKFORT, Ky.

The wild striped bass in a ginger and red wine sauce at a restaurant in New York City runs $135 before gratuity. At a Japanese restaurant in the same city, a dinner of sushi costs nearly $600 per person.

Farm ponds and small lakes offer excellent fishing earlier than other waters​

By Lee McClellan

FRANKFORT, Ky.

Their small size and relatively shallow waters warm up quicker in spring than large reservoirs sprawling over thousands of acres or state-owned lakes several hundred acres in size.​

Best weather trends for Spring Fishing

By Lee McClellan

FRANKFORT, Ky.

With the frenetic pace and busy schedules of modern life, the saying is true now more than ever. However, if you only have a few weekends each spring to fish, the experience yields more stress reduction, enjoyment and memories if the fish bite like crazy.

FINs Lakes

By Lee McClellan

FRANKFORT, Ky.

The long train of heavy rain in 2019 has Lake Cumberland at its highest level since April 1998. Barren River Lake is 35 feet above winter pool while Rough River Lake is a little more than 30 feet above winter pool.

Decoding The White Bass Runs

By Lee McClellan

FRANKFORT, Ky.

With all of the rain we received early this year, many Kentuckians are wondering when will the white bass run.

Quick-strike Rig Construction

 

Note to Muskie Anglers: When using Live Bait, please Use a Quick-strike Rig to reduce catch-and-release muskie mortality

The basic rig construction consists of a 24-inch length of uncoated bronze stranded wire, 20 to 50 lb. test, a heavy duty rear treble hook, and a smaller front treble or optional single front hook. The front hook should contain shrinkable tubing around the shank so it will slide on the wire making it adjustable. A strong black swivel should be attached on the opposite end of the whole rig. An optional small spinner blade should be added in front of the front hook making it legal for use in states where a multiple hook rig is illegal. The whole thing can be assembled by using either crimp-on sleeves or twisting the wire to make a good connection. You can easily make your own rigs or they can be purchased from most Musky tackle outlets.

Information courtesy Musky America at Musky.com. For more information see: http://www.musky.com/Features/strike.htm