Fishing on Lake Barkley

fishingkid Fishing on Lake Barkley is an angler's dream. A thriving population of crappie, largemouth bass, white bass, catfish, sauger and bluegill offer a challenge for fishermen.

Early Crappie fishing is a sure cure for cabin fever and the warmer days of winter often find anglers sitting peacefully along shorelines and in sunny bays and coves. Crappie can be caught by casting a curly tail jig or by dropping a minnow in a favorite brush pile. In early spring the newcrappie1 crappie begin to move into the bays to spawn. An old wives tale which seems to hold true says "Crappie fishing is best when the dogwoods are in bloom." During the spring spawn, crappie will move from deep to shallow water, and may be found in water depths anywhere from 6 inches to 4-6 feet deep.

May and June are typically the best fishing months on the lake. Crappie can still be caught post spawn and bass will be found on gravel points and around stumps. Catfish can be found on gravel points that taper off to a mud layer. Bluegill, which often spawn later, can be taken with grubs, worms, and crickets.

During July and August, the White Bass can provide fun and catfish1a1 excitement for any angler. Look for them to jump along the river drops and flats, and use a rooster tail, lead spoon, or top water lure to bring these aggressive fish in the boat. Don't be surprised if you hook a largemouth bass while fishing the jumps. They are known to often travel in the same schools to feed.

The peaceful shoreline and colorful fall foliage lend itself to some of the year's most scenic fishing. You can catch fish using spring fishing techniques. Catch Largemouth Bass in the brush, tree tops, and on riprap. Crappie will normally make one more run to shallow water. Look for them in 5-12 feet of water near brush piles and brushy drop-offs. To make your fishing experience more successful, consider renting a boat or booking a local fishing guide.

FREE Vacation Guide

• Lake Barkley Navigational Maps
• Hook, Line & Sinker Fishing Report
• LBL Fishing Report
• LBL Sport Fishing Regulations
• Buy Fishing Licenses ONLINE
• Daily Lake Conditions
• 10 day weather forecast
• Fish Species
• Tournament Fishing Schedule

Download PDF
			A Safe Boating Test is required for anyone 12-17 years of age who operates a boat over 10 horse power. This safety requirement also applies to personal watercraft
Kentucky Fishing & Boating Guide (PDF)	Guide to Basic Fishing (PDF)	Fish Species (PDF)	Kentucky Online Boating Safety Course and Boater Exam

FISHING & HUNTING LICENSE FEES
Type of License	Resident	Non resident
Annual Fishing	$20	$50
Annual Hunting	$20	$130
Annual Junior Hunting	$5	$5
Combination Fishing/Hunting	$30	NA
Senior/Disabled Fishing/Hunting	$5	NA
Joint Husband/Wife Annual Fishing	$36	NA
1-Day Fishing	$7	$10
7-Day Fishing	$30	$30
15-Day Fishing	NA	$40
5-Day Hunting (not valid for deer or turkey)	NA	$40
Sportsman’s	$95	NA
Trout Permit	$10	$10
Deer Permit (2 tags)	$30	$60
Junior Deer Permit (1 tag)	$10	$10
Bonus Antlerless Deer Permit (2 tags)	$15	$15
Bonus Quota Hunt Deer Permit	$30	$30
Statewide Waterfowl Permit	$15	$15
Migratory Game Bird Permit	$10	$10
Fall Turkey Permit (1 tag)	$30	$60
Spring Turkey Permit (1 tag)	$30	$60
Junior Turkey Permit	$10	$10
Land Between The Lakes Hunting	$20	$20
3-Day Fur Bearer’s License	$50	$50
Annual Trapping	$20	$130
Annual Landowner/Tenant Trapping	$10	NA

BAIT, TACKLE & LICENSE
LOCATIONS

• BOB'S BAIT & TACKLE
388-4049, Hwy 62 West at Fowler Rd, Kuttawa, KY 42055; Fishing License, Fishing & Hunting needs. Open 6 days a week early to late.

• BUZZARD ROCK RESORT & MARINA
388-7925, Hwy 810 South at Buzzard Rock Rd., PO Box 130, Kuttawa, KY 42055; Fishing License & Full Service Marina

• EDDY CREEK MARINA
388-2271, 7612 KY Hwy 93 South, Eddyville, KY 42038; Fishing License & Full Service Marine; Billy Joe Boitnott Guide Service - 270-365-3907

• KUTTAWA BP
388-5216, 29 Days Inn Dr, Kuttawa, KY 42055; Fishing License, All your snack needs for the lake

• KUTTAWA HARBOR MARINA
388-9563 ~ 1709 Lake Barkley Dr., Eddyville, KY 42038; Fishing License & Restaurant. Full Service Marina

• PEE WEE'S
388-0454, 5081 Hwy 62 West, Kuttawa, KY 42055; Fishing License.Open 5:00am – 8:00pm 7 days.

• TACKLE BOX
388-0723 ~ 5045 Hwy 62 West, Kuttawa, KY 42055; Fishing License, New owners, Live Bait, Tackle, Fuel and Deli

• THE CABIN BAIT AND TACKLE
(270) 388-0122 ~ 4921 US 62 West, Kuttawa, KY 42055; Fishing & Hunting License, along with a wide variety of fishing equipment.

• TOM & BARB'S
388-7745, Hwy 93 South, Eddyville, KY 42038; Fishing License, Live Bait, Deli, Grocery & Fuel

Public Lake Access Areas - Lake Barkley

• Below Barkley Dam - Grand Rivers
• Eureka Recreation Area - East Barkley Dam
• Boyd's Landing Recreational Area - North Lake Barkley
• Buzzard Rock - Kuttawa
• Poplar Creek Recreational Area - Kuttawa
• Kuttawa Recreational Area
• Eddyville Recreation Area
• Rockcastle Recreation Area - Lyon County/Lake Barkley

FISHING LIMITS ON LAKES
Sport Fish Species	Daily Limit	Possession Limit	Minimum Size Limit (Inches)
Coosa Bass*	6	12	none
Largemouth Bass*	6	12	15'
Smallmouth Bass*	6	12	15'
Kentucky (Spotted) Bass*	6	12	none
Crappie	20	40	10"
White/Yellow Bass**	15	30	none
Striped Bass & Hybrids	5	5	15
Sauger	6	12	14"
Walleye & Hybrids	6	12	15"
Catfish	none	none	none
Bluegill/Sunfish	none	none	none
Brown Trout	3	3	12"
Brook Trout	2	2	10"
Rainbow Trout ***	8	8	none
* Limits apply to any combination of these Black Bass Not more than 5 fish in a daily limit or 10 fish in a possession limit may be 15 inches or longer * Reduce limits by number of Brown Trout Note: State limits on Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass is 12”
Statewide Size & Creel Limits - measure with the fish laid flat from the tip of lower jaw to the tip of the tail. Under-sized fish must be returned immediately to the water in best possible condition. Creel and size limits may differ at certain lakes. Those listed above are for Kentucky and Barkley Lakes. Fees and limits in effect at time of publication. For updated information, contact: Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife; #1 Game Farm Road, Frankfort, KY 40601; 502-564-4336 or 800-858-1549; Online: KY Fish & Wildlife.