An Official Website of the Commonwealth of Kentucky
If you have further questions about upcoming programs, please email Easton.Copley@ky.gov or call our info center at 1-800-858-1549.
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Welcome to the world of fly fishing! You are about to join the ranks of thousands of like-minded anglers – some of the best conservationists on earth. Each of them started right where you are today… as a beginner.
We have outlined the step-by-step basics below and linked you to some great content to get you on the water, wetting a line! Additional resources are listed at the bottom of the page, including information about upcoming classes.
Please review the Fishing and Boating Guide for current rules and regulations.
Before you venture out, make sure that you have your current fishing license on hand. You can get buy it at most sporting good stores, or via our online license sales.
Do I need a fishing license?
If you are over the age of 16 and not fishing on your own property, then yes.
We are so lucky to have access to some amazing bodies of water in Kentucky. To find a place to fish close to you, use the links below:
Fishing in Neighborhoods
Use this equipment list to help plan and prepare for successful fishing in Kentucky.
Specifically for Fly Fishing Equipment, check out this video series from the ORVIS Fly Fishing Learning Center.
Practice makes perfect, so get out and give it a try! Below are some videos that may help improve your fly fishing skills:
Knot Tying:
How to Tie Improved Clinch Knot
Keeping it Simple at First is Key
Casting:
What the Fly Rod Needs to Do
Perfect your casting in order to reel in a good big one.
The Overhead Cast: The Importance of Pause and Rod Angles
The Overhead Cast: Grip and Rod Tip Positioning
The Roll Cast:
Shooting and Handling Line:
Targeting a Fast-Moving Fish:
False Casting:
The Basic Double Haul:
Make it "O-FISH-al" and tag us in your harvest pics with #FishKY!
You caught the fish, taken pictures... only one more thing to do before you can eat it.
How to Fillet a Fish - Freshwater
Hook and Cook is an educational class geared towards adults ages 16+ on the basics of fishing, meat preparation, and cooking. Most of these workshops are at FINS lakes where the department stocks fish several times a year. In this class you will learn everything from tying a proper fishing knot to preparing fish for cooking and storage, along with other useful skills for an enjoyable day on the water. We teach you the basic skills necessary to harvest your own fish and where to find a fishing hole near you!
For updates and future classes, please check out the Hook and Cook page!
Are you a new angler looking to filet and cook your fish for the first time? We are host a webinar series for you! In this three-part series, you will learn where to fish, how to catch panfish, and how to cook it!
Don't miss this chance to learn how to HOOK IT & COOK IT!