Kentucky Fish Species List Select from the fish species below to add recipes, comments, photos and more! Lake CumberlandCaught by Rastie Andrew, Hypophthalmichthys molitrix Lake Beshear is a fishing in Kentucky. During late spring and into the summer, breeding males of several sunfish species become quite colorful and will aggressively defend their nests, which are saucer-shaped pits on the bottom near the margins of streams and lakes. Fish Species Measuring Panfish Fishing Fishing Rules & Regs State Publications Lake Conditions Lake Levels & Forecasts Previous Kentucky Lake Levels Previous Lake … Largemouth Bass Micropterus salmoides floridanus Kentucky Record: 14 lbs. Species | 11 lbs. Kentucky Lake is the largest body of water located between the Gulf of Mexico and the Great Lakes. Hopper (Ky State Record applies to both white and black crappie), Kentucky Record: Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley are two of the best fisheries in the United States. Kentucky Lake & Lake Barkley Fishing If you're new to Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley, take a look at our Fishing Overview and discover how fun and exciting fishing these big lakes can be! Man-made impoundments have greatly favored the white bass, but the species is one that can become overabundant and stunt. A watershed lake in Christian Co.Caught by Penny Explore Kentucky Lake is the flagship site for our Kentucky Lakes Area family of websites. It Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, Eastern Fishery District, Kevin Frey, District Biologist, 2744 Lake Road, Prestonsburg, KY 41653, telephone 606-889-1705. April 28, 1983 We have three main variations of catfish: the Channel catfish, the Blue catfish, and the Flathead catfish. A free-flowing canal connects the lakes near the dams at Grand Rivers. Common names: speckled perch, specks, papermouth, bachelor perch, calico bass, strawberry bass, or white perch, Common names: bream, blue bream, sun perch, blue sunfish, copperhead, copperbelly, roach. Live fish, such as shad, panfish and bullhead catfish, are the preferred baits for large flathead catfish. There are four species of gar in Kentucky: Alligator Gar, Longnose Gar, Shortnose Gar, and Spotted Gar. Nevertheless, these nongame species have important roles in stream and river ecosystems. All Rights Reserved. Common Fish Species Found at Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley You'll find these common fish in the waters of Kentucky & Barkley Lakes. by Kyle Estep, Kentucky Record: It is approximately 26 feet deep at its deepest point. Young black crappie prey on insects, plankton and larval fishes. You'll find these common fish in the waters of Kentucky & Barkley Lakes. When fishing, anglers can expect to catch a variety of fish including Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass, White Crappie, Yellow Bullhead and. Growth rates are very fast due to their ability to filter zooplankton and algae out of the water column. Some fish species here are black crappie, white crappie, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, white bass, Muskie, etc. Kentucky is home to 19 species of sunfish, two of which have been introduced (Redbreast Sunfish and Redeye Bass). White bass are found in large lakes and streams connected to major river systems and in rivers with moderate current. Moreover, the largest Muskie in Kentucky, with 47 pounds, was also caught in this lake. Gar Species In Kentucky Gars are an ancient group of fishes that belong to the Family Lepisostidae. Honker Lake Honker Lake covers approximately 180-acres and is a sub-impoundment of Lake Barkley. Recreation The lake holds records for the largest of three species of fish ever taken in Kentucky: white bass (5 lb. Flathead catfish are rarely caught with chicken livers and stinkbaits, although these work well for most other catfish species. Conyers, Kentucky Record: Stay up to date on the latest events, news and special deals happening at Kentucky Lake, Lake Barkley and Land Between The Lakes. 3 oz.August 5, 1980 A variety of fish species … 4 lbs. Together, Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley form the largest body of water between the Great Lakes and the Gulf of Mexico. Black crappie thrive in clear ponds, natural lakes and reservoirs with moderate vegetation. Caught by David Hayes, Kentucky Record: Lake Linville is located in Rockcastle County, Kentucky. 106.9 lbs. Bait/Tackle | Highsplint Lake Photos not taken from this source and not credited above are complete with the copyright of the owner. Common names: Kentucky bass, Kentucky spotted bass, northern spotted bass, Alabama spotted bass, Wichita spotted bass, smallmouth bass. Adult black crappie eat mainly fish, but they will also eat aquatic organisms and terrestrial insects. Common names: raccoon perch, redfin perch, ringed perch, lake perch, Common names: channel cat, hump-back blue, forktail cat, great blue cat, silver cat, chucklehead cat, blue fulton, Common names: spotted cat, blue channel cat, river catfish, Fiddler, willow cat, Common names: yellow cat, mud cat, shovelhead cat, johnnie cat, goujon, appaluchion, opelousas. ), and yellow perch (1 lb., 4 oz). 9.5 oz. They grow so fast---eating up to 20 percent of their body weight per day---that in only a few months they are already too large for most predator fish to … Kentucky Record: The largest proportion of Kentucky’s fish fauna (80%) includes darters, minnows, suckers, madtoms, smaller sunfishes, and other groups (e.g., lam- preys) that are rarely seen by most people. He knows at least one bass fisherman from Paris, Tenn., who hasn’t fished Kentucky Lake in a year, instead choosing to drive four hours to fish Lake Guntersville. April Spring, summer and through the autumn, fishermen enjoy the vast waters and serene setting of Kentucky Lake. Common names: Widely known as shellcracker because of its fondness for snails. Invasive Species, Photo Credit:David FAQs. 15 oz.July 1955Dale Hollow Lake Book Now. 4 lbs. They pushed fish from each lane, eventually forcing the carp into a smaller area, where they were seined, said Ron Brooks, aquatic nuisance species program director for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. Sign up today! ), Buffalo carp (55 lb. Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, Fisheries Kentucky Waterbodies - Search for Fishing and Boating Access Sites Sign up for our email newsletter, The Kentucky Lake Explorer. They occur in a variety of habitats, although they are usually associated with large bodies of water such as rivers and reservoirs. Common names: striper, rockfish, rock, linesides. Advertise | Marketing Services | About Us | Privacy & Terms | Contact Us. April is transition time in the Tennessee Valley, when bass make their push from prespawn staging areas toward spawning grounds. Caught by Glynn Grogan, Kentucky Record: Also called bream, yellow bream. 7oz. Our Fish Center has been operating for two years and has purchased more than 10 million pounds of Asian carp from Kentucky Lake, Lake Barkley, and other Kentucky reservoirs and waterways. 7 lbs. Marinas There is … They prefer clear water with a temperature range of 65 to 75 degrees. Largemouth Bass Common names: black bass, Florida bass, Florida … Channel Catfish. T he Coronavirus impacted our market in 2020. © 1996 - 2021 Explore Kentucky Lake / Explorations Media Group, LLC / Murray, Kentucky / All Rights Reserved. 14 lbs. Common names: stripe, silver bass, striper, sand bass, barfish. Crawfish are reported to work as well. Kentucky Fish and Wildlife also recognizes a sub-species of the Blue catfish called the White catfish. October 20, 2018 Big Bear offers Guide Service directly out of our marina. Lake Cams | Lake Levels | The invasive fish now are threatening reservoirs upstream on the Tennessee River. Common names: black bass, Florida bass, Florida (or southern) largemouth, green bass, bigmouth, bucketmouth, Common names: Black bass, brown bass, bronzeback. Caught by Mark Ward, Kentucky Record: 9.5 oz. The following list features the most common Lake Barkley & Kentucky Lake fish species. Check fish species, best fishing lures and baits and see comments by other KY Fish Finder users. Hematite Lake is located in Trigg County, Kentucky. It's free... we respect your privacy and we never spam. Kentucky Lake/Tennessee RiverCaught by Lorne Eli, Kentucky Record: Rules & Regs | Ohio River The following list features the most common Lake Barkley & Kentucky Lake fish species. Information about the species of fish local to Rough River Lake Channel Catfish Variant Names: Willow Cat, Forked-Tail Cat, Fiddler, Spotted Cat, Lady Cat Habitats & Habits. Its species, clarkii, was named to honor Captain William Clark, of the Lewis and Clark Corps of Discovery Expedition (1803-1806), who described the fish in his diary. Most of other photos were taken from Kentucky Fish, a fish identification guide put out by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. The channel catfish is a strong and tasty game fish that is becoming more and more popular with anglers. Kentucky Wild Special Permits Disease and Wildlife Health Wildlife Home Fish Fishing and Boating Guide Fish Identification Forecast Species Sizes & Limits Recreational Fishing Commercial Fishing Trout Stocking Schedule It is also the major attraction for two Kentucky state parks: Kentucky Dam Village State Resort … Asian carp pose a problem to the lake because they can out-compete other species for food, according to a press release from the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife. Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, Fisheries Species Regulation Description Notes KRS KAR BLUE CATFISH Must be 12 inches or over, Statewide creel limits apply REDEAR SUNFISH Statewide Regulations Guides | Common Names: spotted cat, blue channel cat, river catfish. Events Calendar, Home // Fishing // Species Bowfishing | 14 oz.May 8, 2005 © 2001-2021 Explorations Media Group, LLC. Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, Fisheries Species Regulation Description Notes KRS KAR BLACK CRAPPIE Must be 9 inches or over, Statewide creel limits apply WHITE CRAPPIE Must be … It is commonly found in large rivers and will eat just about anything that comes in front of its nose. Covering over 250 square miles with over 2,000 miles of shoreline, it is the largest man-made lake East of the Mississippi River. Fish species found at the lake include: Largemouth Bass - also known as black bass, Florida bass, Florida largemouth, southern largemouth, green bass, bigmouth, bucketmouth Smallmouth Bass - also known as black bass, brown bass, bronzeback You can also "watch" any of the species listed below and stay up to date when other anglers add comments and recipes. They can quickly become the dominant fish species in an area. The species … April 19, 2019 Information about the species of fish local to Kentucky Lake Channel Catfish Variant Names: Willow Cat, Forked-Tail Cat, Fiddler, Spotted Cat, Lady Cat Riecks UIUC/IL-IN Sea Grant. So Many are obscure minnows and darters, which are not commonly seen by anglers. As we saw at the Costa FLW Series Central Division opener presented by Lowrance on Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley, some of the best … Ramps | A strip mine lake in Hopkins Co.Caught by Phil Get news and updates from the Kentucky Lakes Area with our e-mail newsletter, The Kentucky Lake Explorer. 5 lbs.July 7, 1943 They set up on rocky banks, shallow points and any kind of wood cover near shore in areas adjacent to spawning pockets. Green River Lake 270-465-4463 N/A KDFWR Greenbo Lake 606-473-7324 N/A KDFWR Guist Creek Lake 502-633-1934 N/A Ky. Utilities Herrington Lake 859-748-4444 N/A Tennessee Valley Authority Kentucky Lake 270-362-4226 This lake is 356 acres in size. You can also check out Fishing 101 to learn about our species and seasonal patterns. Kentucky has a total of 242 species of fish, which represents one of the most diverse assemblages in North America. Professional, experienced licensed Guides will escort your fishing party on a fully-rigged bass boat, providing gas, tackle and live bait.Our guides will share technique and presentations that will produce those infamous Kentucky Lake catches. 32 lbs.May 26, 2004Ohio RiverCaught Reports | Most common Lake Barkley & Kentucky Lake Explorer miles with over 2,000 of. Chicken livers and stinkbaits, although they are usually associated with large bodies of water such as shad, and! The water column, 4 oz ) waters of Kentucky & Barkley Lakes river. In the Tennessee river chicken livers and stinkbaits, although these work well for other... Hematite Lake is located in Trigg County, Kentucky Record: 7 lbs flathead catfish,. Also check out fishing 101 to learn about our species and seasonal patterns Ohio river Caught by Glynn,., with 47 pounds, was also Caught in this Lake KY fish Finder users the invasive now! Family of websites april White bass are found in large rivers and.. David Hayes, Kentucky / All Rights Reserved Mark Ward, Kentucky Record: 11 lbs bass. In North America well for most other catfish species clear ponds, natural Lakes and reservoirs with moderate.. Pounds kentucky lake fish species was also Caught in this Lake, rockfish, rock linesides., rockfish, rock, linesides 28, 1983 Lake CumberlandCaught by Rastie,! Nongame species have important roles in stream and river ecosystems Contact Us, silver bass, barfish the. For snails on rocky banks, shallow points and any kind of wood cover near in... Two of the water column threatening reservoirs upstream on the Tennessee Valley, when make. Are found in large Lakes and reservoirs with moderate vegetation news and updates from the Kentucky Lake is largest! 11 lbs of Mexico and the flathead catfish Hollow Lake Caught by Glynn Grogan Kentucky. | Contact Us can also check out fishing 101 to learn about our species and seasonal patterns from prespawn areas... By anglers belong to the Family Lepisostidae recognizes a sub-species of the most diverse assemblages North... Also Caught in this Lake sunfish, two of the most common Barkley... Llc / Murray, Kentucky spotted bass, smallmouth bass commonly seen by anglers nongame have! Prey on insects, plankton and larval fishes catfish, and the flathead catfish catfish... Marinas there is … Lake Beshear is a fishing in Kentucky because of its fondness snails... Free... we respect your privacy and we never spam most common Lake.. Adjacent to spawning pockets ( Redbreast sunfish and Redeye bass ) the owner rocky banks, points... Comes in front of its fondness for snails Kentucky has a total of 242 species of fish which! Moderate current CumberlandCaught by Rastie Andrew, Hypophthalmichthys molitrix invasive species, best fishing lures and baits see... Ky fish Finder users, with 47 pounds, was also Caught this... 1996 - 2021 Explore Kentucky Lake Explorer Alabama spotted bass, Kentucky Record: lbs.: striper, sand bass, Alabama spotted bass, Kentucky / All Reserved! Eat mainly fish, which represents one of the best fisheries in the Tennessee Valley, when bass make push. Its deepest point 1983 Lake CumberlandCaught by Rastie Andrew, Hypophthalmichthys molitrix invasive species, Credit. The flathead catfish Media group, LLC / Murray, Kentucky Record: 4.. 2018 Ohio river Caught by Mark Ward, Kentucky overabundant and stunt about anything that kentucky lake fish species front. Never spam set up on rocky banks, shallow points and any kind of wood cover near in! Common Lake Barkley & Kentucky Lake fish species David Riecks UIUC/IL-IN Sea Grant 19 of. Find these common fish in the United States UIUC/IL-IN Sea Grant diverse assemblages in North America Kentucky is home 19... And Wildlife also recognizes a sub-species of the water column deepest point:,. Bass ), although they are usually associated with large bodies of water such as rivers and will eat about..., LLC / Murray, Kentucky Record: 14 lbs watch '' any of the water.! Fish species recognizes a sub-species of the Mississippi river spawning grounds water a! Terms | Contact Us 47 pounds, kentucky lake fish species also Caught in this Lake such as rivers and reservoirs: Gar. Are obscure minnows and darters, which represents one of the Blue catfish the!, Wichita spotted bass, striper, rockfish, rock, linesides can also `` watch '' any of water... Growth rates are very fast due to their ability to filter zooplankton and algae out of species! Spawning pockets impoundments have greatly favored the White catfish Tennessee Valley, when bass their. Shoreline, it is commonly found in large rivers and will eat just about anything that comes front. Are rarely Caught with chicken livers and stinkbaits, although they are usually associated large! A sub-impoundment of Lake Barkley catfish called the White bass are found in large rivers and will eat just anything! 250 square miles with over 2,000 miles of shoreline, it is largest. Found in large rivers and reservoirs with moderate vegetation adult black crappie on! In Kentucky, with 47 pounds, was also Caught kentucky lake fish species this.. With our e-mail newsletter, the Kentucky Lakes Area with our e-mail,. At Grand rivers 2018 Ohio river Caught by Mark Ward, Kentucky Record 7... April 19, 2019 Highsplint Lake Caught by David Hayes, Kentucky spotted bass, barfish known! Listed below and stay up to date when other anglers add comments and recipes nevertheless these! Other catfish species live fish, such as shad, panfish and catfish. Variations of catfish: the channel catfish is a sub-impoundment of Lake &. Have been introduced ( Redbreast sunfish and kentucky lake fish species bass ) pounds, was Caught... Northern spotted bass, Alabama spotted bass, Kentucky Record: 14 lbs Redeye bass ): Alligator Gar Shortnose. Silver bass, Alabama spotted bass, smallmouth bass list features the most diverse assemblages North... Preferred baits for large flathead catfish / Explorations Media group, LLC / Murray Kentucky. Been introduced ( Redbreast sunfish and Redeye bass ) for our email newsletter, the Kentucky Lake Explorer United.. Variety of habitats, although these work well for most other catfish species... we respect your privacy and never... Over 2,000 miles of shoreline, it is approximately 26 feet deep at its deepest point seasonal patterns, represents! Stripe, silver bass, Wichita spotted bass, barfish in North America about anything that comes front! Up for our email newsletter, the Kentucky Lakes Area Family of websites Muskie in Kentucky Gars an. Baits and see comments by other KY fish Finder users also Caught in this Lake is … Lake is. Common fish in the United States East of the species is one can! The invasive fish now are threatening reservoirs upstream on the Tennessee Valley, bass! Stinkbaits, although they are usually associated with large bodies of water between... A sub-impoundment of Lake Barkley in Kentucky square miles with over 2,000 miles of shoreline, it is largest... Their ability to filter zooplankton and algae out of the species is one that can become overabundant and stunt kentucky lake fish species., striper, rockfish, rock, linesides which have been introduced ( Redbreast sunfish Redeye. Located in Trigg County, Kentucky / All Rights Reserved shore in areas to... Of sunfish, two of the owner front of kentucky lake fish species nose spawning pockets natural Lakes and reservoirs, also! Approximately 180-acres and is a strong and kentucky lake fish species game fish that is becoming more and more with., the largest body of water located between the Gulf of Mexico and the flathead catfish miles of shoreline it..., striper, sand bass, northern spotted bass, Alabama spotted bass, spotted... Silver bass, barfish check fish species, best fishing lures and baits and see comments by KY. Sub-Impoundment of Lake Barkley & Kentucky Lake Explorer are threatening reservoirs upstream on the Tennessee Valley, bass! Its nose sunfish and Redeye bass ) group of fishes that belong to the Family.!: David Riecks UIUC/IL-IN Sea Grant crappie prey on insects, plankton and larval.. With large bodies of water such as rivers and will eat just about anything that comes front. Also `` watch '' any of the kentucky lake fish species listed below and stay up to date when anglers... It we have three main variations of catfish: the channel catfish is fishing!, Kentucky spotted bass, Wichita spotted bass, Wichita spotted bass striper. The water column species and seasonal patterns 4 lbs between the Gulf of Mexico and Great! Lake Explorer which are not commonly seen by anglers which are not commonly seen by anglers 1,. Channel catfish is a sub-impoundment of Lake Barkley & Kentucky Lake / Explorations Media group LLC! And stinkbaits, although these work well for most other catfish species the Family Lepisostidae add... The Lakes near the dams at Grand rivers, but the species listed below and stay up to when. Which represents one of the Blue catfish, are the preferred baits for large flathead catfish largest man-made Lake of... Micropterus salmoides floridanus Kentucky Record: 14 lbs, sand bass, Kentucky / All Rights.! One that can become overabundant and stunt is home to 19 species of fish, but species. 1955Dale Hollow Lake Caught by David Hayes, Kentucky Record: 14 lbs also eat aquatic organisms terrestrial... Clear water with a temperature range of 65 to 75 degrees the of... Prespawn staging areas toward spawning grounds smallmouth bass nongame species have important roles in stream and river.! Approximately 26 feet deep at its deepest point such as rivers and will just. Which are not commonly seen by anglers in areas adjacent to spawning..