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Fishing in Kentucky

Click a region to explore top fishing spots, species, and local tips.

Kentucky has 45 major lakes — over 100 man-made reservoirs and only 3 natural lakes. From massive Kentucky Lake and Lake Cumberland to the mountain lakes of the east, the Bluegrass State offers world-class bass, crappie, and muskie fishing.

Topographic map — click to view full size

Western Kentucky & LBL

Kentucky Lake, Lake Barkley, Land Between the Lakes -- Largemouth Bass, Crappie, Catfish, Sauger, White Bass

South-Central Kentucky

Lake Cumberland, Dale Hollow Lake, Green River Lake -- Largemouth Bass, Walleye, Muskie, Rainbow Trout, Crappie

Central Kentucky & Bluegrass

Herrington Lake, Taylorsville Lake, Elkhorn Creek, Cave Run Lake -- Largemouth Bass, Kentucky Bass, Muskie, Crappie, Catfish

Eastern Kentucky & Mountains

Laurel River Lake, Paintsville Lake, Buckhorn Lake, Dewey Lake -- Largemouth Bass, Walleye, Crappie, Rainbow Trout, Catfish

Northern Kentucky & Ohio River

Ohio River, Licking River, Markland Dam -- Sauger, Catfish, Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Crappie