Fishing in Kentucky

By RVshare
Fishing

From mountain streams to calm lakes, Kentucky has thousands of waterways to explore. Seasoned anglers come to Kentucky for the world-class fishing opportunities offered by large reservoirs, lakes, and streams. Whether you prefer to spend the day trolling a lake for muskie, standing in a river fly fishing for trout, or sitting on the banks of a creek hoping to hook a catfish, you’ll enjoy fishing in Kentucky. To ensure a stress-free fishing trip, be sure to secure a fishing license and check state fishing regulations. 

Fishing Spots in Kentucky

Here are some of the best fishing spots in Kentucky. You’ll find plenty of bluegill fishing in the state, along with a variety of other fish to catch.

Lake Cumberland State Resort Park

Lake Cumberland State Resort Park is located outside of Jamestown, Kentucky, and provides easy access to Lake Cumberland. The lake is over 50,000 acres and has produced some state-record catches over the years. In addition to record-setting catches, Lake Cumberland is teeming with other game fish like crappie, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and trout. 

You can camp at the state park, where there are electric and water hookups and a dump station.

Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park

Located in the southern portion of Kentucky near Burkesville, Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park is 3,400 acres of wooded land surrounding 28,000-acre Dale Hollow Lake. The lake is home to some of the best fishing in Kentucky, and is home to a world record smallmouth bass and a state record muskie. In addition, the park offers a state-of-the-art marina with a fuel dock, boat rentals, and a marina store for all your last-minute needs. 

The state park has a campground with full hookups. The park also has hiking, a pool, a dock, a golf course, and more.

Kentucky Lake’s Big Bear Resort

Kentucky Lake’s Big Bear Resort is along the shore of Kentucky Lake just outside of Benton. The resort features campsites right on the water’s edge, making it a perfect stop for those who want to hit the lake for a peaceful day of fishing. Kentucky Lake has 186,000 acres of water with over 2,000 miles of beautiful shoreline. It’s known for world-class fishing featuring bass, crappie, catfish, and panfish. The area around Big Bear Resort has some of the best crappie and bass fishing on the lake. 

Taylorsville Lake State Park

Taylorsville Lake State Park near Mt. Eden, is built around the 3,050-acre Taylorsville Lake. Visitors can stop by the secure marina for fresh bait and hit the lake, where anglers often reel in catfish, bass, bluegill, and crappie. You may find the fishing crowded on holidays and weekends, so fish during off-peak times for fewer crowds. 

There is a campground at the park, with electric and water hookups and a dump station. There are also playgrounds, showers, and laundry facilities.

Twin Knobs Recreation Area

This 700-acre campground is in the heart of the Daniel Boone National Forest on the shores of 8,2700-acre Cave Run Lake. Situated among the hills of northeastern Kentucky, Twin Knobs Recreation Area offers a variety of fishing opportunities. Also, the state record 47-pound muskie was caught on Cave Run Lake in 2008. If you plan to reel in a record-breaking catch for yourself, muskie season generally runs from March through the fall. However, muskie isn’t the only fish in the lake. Anglers at Cave Run Lake can also expect to encounter many of the lake’s 150 other fish species, including smallmouth and largemouth bass, bluegill, catfish, crappie, spotted bass, and white bass. 

Where to Fish in Kentucky

With over 90,000 miles of streams and 45 major lakes, Kentucky is a premier destination for world-class fishing, no matter what part of the state you choose to visit. Kentucky Lake is surrounded by historic battlefields, fortifications, hiking, museums, and parks, making it a perfect destination for those who love history. Anglers looking for a more rugged outdoor adventure might enjoy fishing the waterways of the Appalachians. If you prefer to mix your fishing vacation with the bright lights and bustle of the city, consider good fishing spots near the capital city of Frankfort or near bigger cities like Lexington and Louisville

Camping and Fishing in Kentucky

When planning your trip to go fishing in Kentucky, consider where you plan to go and what type of fishing you plan to do. While the casual angler needs only a fishing pole, some bait, and a quiet spot at the water’s edge, you might want a few more supplies to make sure your fishing trip is as comfortable and stress-free as possible. 

Because good fishing spots can take you away from creature comforts, be sure to take plenty of water, snacks, and a first aid kit to treat any minor wounds that occur. Temperatures on the water may be lower than those at the shore, so pack layers to make sure you stay comfortable. If you plan to keep your catch, a disposable cooler with ice packs will help keep it fresh until you’re back at your campsite to clean and cook it. 

With an RV rental, your fishing trip will be a little more comfortable! After you’ve spent a long day fishing, grill up your catch right at your campsite. Then, retire inside to enjoy all the comforts of home on board your RV. Plan your perfect fishing getaway with an RV rental from RVshare.