The 7 Best Fishing Lakes in Kentucky

Discover the best fishing spots in Kentucky! From Lake Cumberland to Kentucky Lake, this article will guide you to the top fishing lakes in Kentucky, with details on the best times to catch fish and what types of fish can be found in each lake.

Cave Run Lake

Located near Morehead in eastern Kentucky, Cave Run Lake is the largest lake in the region. It is 8,270 acres with a shoreline of over 100 miles.

Types of Fish: Walleye, smallmouth bass, muskie, white and striped bass, largemouth bass, catfish, panfish, and crappie.
Types of Fishing: Shoreline, boat, drift, and trolling.
Fishing Equipment Rental: Available at nearby marinas.
Fishing Guide Service: Offered by several local guides.
Closest Hotels to this Lake: Fishing Creek Campground and Harrison Lake State Park.
Nearest Fishing Store and How Far Away it is: Cave Run Outfitters, located 3 miles away.
Basic Fishing Regulations: All applicable state and federal fishing regulations apply.
Amenities of the Lake: Boat ramps, fish cleaning stations, campgrounds, picnic areas, and hiking trails.
Nearest Gas Station and How Far Away it is: Morehead C-Store, located 3.2 miles away.

Laurel River Lake

Located in southeastern Kentucky, Laurel River Lake has a total area of 8,270 acres.

Types of Fish: Walleye, smallmouth bass, muskie, catfish, white and striped bass, largemouth bass, panfish, and crappie.
Types of Fishing: Shoreline, boat, drift, and trolling.
Fishing Equipment Rental: Available at nearby marinas.
Fishing Guide Service: Offered by several local guides.
Closest Hotels to this Lake: London Marina Resort and Windy Cove Park.
Nearest Fishing Store and How Far Away it is: Barbourville Outdoors, located 10 miles away.
Basic Fishing Regulations: All applicable state and federal fishing regulations apply.
Amenities of the Lake: Boat ramps, fish cleaning stations, campgrounds, picnic areas, and hiking trails.
Nearest Gas Station and How Far Away it is: London Travel Plaza, located 4.3 miles away.

Lake Cumberland

Lake Cumberland is one of the largest man-made lakes in the world. It is located in south-central Kentucky and is 101 miles long.

Types of Fish: Walleye, smallmouth bass, muskie, white and striped bass, largemouth bass, catfish, panfish, and crappie.
Types of Fishing: Shoreline, boat, drift, and trolling.
Fishing Equipment Rental: Available at nearby marinas.
Fishing Guide Service: Offered by several local guides.
Closest Hotels to this Lake: Jamestown Resort and Marina, Wolf Creek National Park, and Lake Cumberland State Park.
Nearest Fishing Store and How Far Away it is: Lazy Days Bait & Tackle, located 5 miles away.
Basic Fishing Regulations: All applicable state and federal fishing regulations apply.
Amenities of the Lake: Boat ramps, fish cleaning stations, campgrounds, picnic areas, and hiking trails.
Nearest Gas Station and How Far Away it is: Jamestown Shell Station, located 1.2 miles away.

Barren River Lake

Barren River Lake, located in south-central Kentucky, is 10,000 acres.

Types of Fish: Walleye, smallmouth bass, muskie, white and striped bass, largemouth bass, catfish, panfish, and crappie.
Types of Fishing: Shoreline, boat, drift, and trolling.
Fishing Equipment Rental: Available at nearby marinas.
Fishing Guide Service: Offered by several local guides.
Closest Hotels to this Lake: Barren River Lake State Resort Park, The Narrows Marina & Resort, and Barren River Lake Marina.
Nearest Fishing Store and How Far Away it is: Barren River Bait & Tackle, located 15.2 miles away.
Basic Fishing Regulations: All applicable state and federal fishing regulations apply.
Amenities of the Lake: Boat ramps, fish cleaning stations, campgrounds, picnic areas, and hiking trails.
Nearest Gas Station and How Far Away it is: Fin & Feather Bait & Tackle, located 7.3 miles away.

Herrington Lake

Herrington Lake is located in central Kentucky and is 8,270 acres.

Types of Fish: Walleye, smallmouth bass, muskie, white and striped bass, largemouth bass, catfish, panfish, and crappie.
Types of Fishing: Shoreline, boat, drift, and trolling.
Fishing Equipment Rental: Available at nearby marinas.
Fishing Guide Service: Offered by several local guides.
Closest Hotels to this Lake: Herrington Lake Marina and The Inn at Herrington.
Nearest Fishing Store and How Far Away it is: Herrington Lake Outdoors, located 3.2 miles away.
Basic Fishing Regulations: All applicable state and federal fishing regulations apply.
Amenities of the Lake: Boat ramps, fish cleaning stations, campgrounds, picnic areas, and hiking trails.
Nearest Gas Station and How Far Away it is: Yatesville Store, located 5.5 miles away.

Dale Hollow Lake

Located on the Kentucky-Tennessee border, Dale Hollow Lake is one of the deepest and cleanest man-made reservoirs in the United States. It is 27,700 acres.

Types of Fish: Walleye, smallmouth bass, muskie, white and striped bass, largemouth bass, catfish, panfish, and crappie.
Types of Fishing: Shoreline, boat, drift, and trolling.
Fishing Equipment Rental: Available at nearby marinas.
Fishing Guide Service: Offered by several local guides.
Closest Hotels to this Lake: Dale Hollow Lake Resort, Lakeview Retreat, and Lighthouse Landing Resort.
Nearest Fishing Store and How Far Away it is: Dale Hollow Outdoors, located 8.2 miles away.
Basic Fishing Regulations: All applicable state and federal fishing regulations apply.
Amenities of the Lake: Boat ramps, fish cleaning stations, campgrounds, picnic areas, and hiking trails.
Nearest Gas Station and How Far Away it is: Clinton County Convenience Store, located 6.1 miles away.

Lake Malone

Lake Malone is located in southwestern Kentucky. It is 1,300 acres in size and has a maximum depth of 30 feet.

Types of Fish: Walleye, smallmouth bass, muskie, white and striped bass, largemouth bass, catfish, panfish, and crappie.
Types of Fishing: Shoreline, boat, drift, and trolling.
Fishing Equipment Rental: Available at nearby marinas.
Fishing Guide Service: Offered by several local guides.
Closest Hotels to this Lake: Tori’s Lake Malone Resort and Abram’s Resort.
Nearest Fishing Store and How Far Away it is: Lake Malone Outdoors, located 8.3 miles away.
Basic Fishing Regulations: All applicable state and federal fishing regulations apply.
Amenities of the Lake: Boat ramps, fish cleaning stations, campgrounds, picnic areas, and hiking trails.
Nearest Gas Station and How Far Away it is: Lake Malone Convenience Store, located 1.7 miles away.

Nolin Lake

Nolin Lake is located in central Kentucky and is 8,270 acres.

Types of Fish: Walleye, smallmouth bass, muskie, white and striped bass, largemouth bass, catfish, panfish, and crappie.
Types of Fishing: Shoreline, boat, drift, and trolling.
Fishing Equipment Rental: Available at nearby marinas.
Fishing Guide Service: Offered by several local guides.
Closest Hotels to this Lake: Nolin Lake State Park and nearby campgrounds.
Nearest Fishing Store and How Far Away it is: Nolin Lake Outdoors, located 8.7 miles away.
Basic Fishing Regulations: All applicable state and federal fishing regulations apply.
Amenities of the Lake: Boat ramps, fish cleaning stations, campgrounds, picnic areas, and hiking trails.
Nearest Gas Station and How Far Away it is: Nolin Convenience Store, located 3.2 miles away.

Rough River Lake

Rough River Lake is located in western Kentucky and is 17,000 acres.

Types of Fish: Walleye, smallmouth bass, muskie, white and striped bass, largemouth bass, catfish, panfish, and crappie.
Types of Fishing: Shoreline, boat, drift, and trolling.
Fishing Equipment Rental: Available at nearby marinas.
Fishing Guide Service: Offered by several local guides.
Closest Hotels to this Lake: Rough River Dam State Resort Park, The Springs at Rough River Lake, and Twin Lakes Resort.
Nearest Fishing Store and How Far Away it is: Rough River Outdoors, located 12.5 miles away.
Basic Fishing Regulations: All applicable state and federal fishing regulations apply.
Amenities of the Lake: Boat ramps, fish cleaning stations, campgrounds, picnic areas, and hiking trails.
Nearest Gas Station and How Far Away it is: Falls of Rough Grocery, located 10 miles away.

10.

Kentucky Lake

Kentucky Lake is one of the largest man-made lakes in the world. It is located in southwestern Kentucky and is 160,000 acres in size.

Types of Fish: Walleye, smallmouth bass, muskie, white and striped bass, largemouth bass, catfish, panfish, and crappie.
Types of Fishing: Shoreline, boat, drift, and trolling.
Fishing Equipment Rental: Available at nearby marinas.
Fishing Guide Service: Offered by several local guides.
Closest Hotels to this Lake: Kentucky Lake South Shore Marina and Kentucky Lake Resort.
Nearest Fishing Store and How Far Away it is: Kentucky Lake Outdoors, located 10.6 miles away.
Basic Fishing Regulations: All applicable state and federal fishing regulations apply.
Amenities of the Lake: Boat ramps, fish cleaning stations, campgrounds, picnic areas, and hiking trails.
Nearest Gas Station and How Far Away it is: Kentucky Lake North Shore Grocery, located 8.5 miles away.

Find Good Fishing Spots in Kentucky and Other Nearby Lakes on The Map

Kentucky is home to many beautiful lakes and rivers that offer excellent fishing opportunities. If you’re looking for a new spot to cast your rod, explore the Google map below to discover some of the best fishing locations across the state. From the majestic Lake Cumberland to the tranquil waters of the Ohio River, Kentucky has something to offer for anglers of all levels. So don’t miss out! Start exploring and see what kind of catches you can reel in next.

Check the Weather Forecast for Your Next Fishing Trip to Kentucky

The weather in Kentucky is generally mild and pleasant, making it a great destination for sport fishing throughout the year. Summers in Kentucky tend to be hot and humid, with temperatures reaching into the mid 80s, while winters are cold, but not too extreme, with average temperatures in the low 40s. Spring and fall are often mild, but can be unpredictable. The rainfall in Kentucky is generally consistent throughout the year, with some areas receiving up to 50 inches of rain annually. This makes for great fishing conditions all year round.