If you want to take fishing seriously and live around the bluegrass state, you will need to find the best bank fishing within Kentucky. It’s a good choice that you are taking a step further and getting into the real deal of fishing. Also, your choice is perfect because the Kentucky state offers more navigable miles of water across the United States and it’s second only to Alaska. You know that if there’s more water, there’s likely more chances to catch a fish added to the fact that you are well equipped with fishing gear.
With that in mind, given that there are more waters around Kentucky, not all of them have the best fishing spot. We know that you don’t want to have a fishing activity that has little to no fish at all, and as experienced anglers, we fully understand that feeling.
So, we have listed what we think some of the best bank fishing in Kentucky. If you are dying to know them, kindly scroll further and take a closer look at each listed area.
How We Decided Where to Find the Best Bank Fishing in Kentucky
If you are wondering where we got our list, mind you, it is not a random pick. We certainly know that there are fishing websites that just throw a bunch of lists on where the best fishing is located. Our process is entirely different.
Because we believe in the power of research and thorough investigations and conducting interviews with professional anglers. We believe that what we have listed is definitive. Below are the criteria that we have considered just to complete our list.
The History Of Success
The fishing areas listed below are thoroughly researched and we asked from different professional anglers about their insights with regards to the number of catching successes on the particular spot. So, you don’t have to worry if you think that there will be no chances of success when you go fishing in the area.
Availability of Fish Species
In addition to the success rate, we have also consulted with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources in determining the diversity of each fishing spot that is listed. That said, we have observed that some fishing locations have one or two fish species, but lack diversity with other species. Some have a wide variety of fishes and are diverse enough.
Accessibility of the Fishing Spot
Among the important things to consider is the accessibility. Although there is much navigable water around Kentucky but not all of them are easily accessible. Some of it will need a bit of sacrifice just to get in the fishing spot, while others are easily located.
That said, while we are curating our list, we make sure that all of these are accessible to all sorts of anglers. We took into consideration if it’s nearby towns and cities. More importantly, we made sure that all of these are both private and public places.
Human Interest
Because we don’t just rely on our collected data, we also looked at the angle of human touch. Meaning, we have collected some personal opinions, insights, and tips from seasoned anglers, fishing forums, and other experts, making sure that we have the best and reliable list on bank fishing in Kentucky.
Buckhorn Lake
Located in: Perry / Leslie counties, Kentucky
Our first pick is the Buckhorn Lake. Are you still struggling in catching a fish or having no luck because there’s no fish populace in your current fishing spot? No problem, because this fishing spot is known to have a lot of fish and among them is crappie. This may be among the underrated and under the radar most often, but it’s a sizeable body of water that spans about 1200 acres and produces significant size and quantity slabs.
The gorgeous landscape and the ranges of the lush forest are a treat for you. Aside from that, Buckhorn Lake also has also some places to stay such as a camping ground and a lodging. You might also try their local fishing supply store which has everything you need as well as restaurants and both of them are close by the lake. Bringing your family is among the best way to spend the place here besides the ultimate fishing experience.
What’s noteworthy in here is that you can rent a boat in here and numerous boat launch ramps which are readily available to the public. We recommend checking out the Duffs Bay Marina. The shoreline spans about 60 miles and you can even bank fishing in here in the Kentucky lake. So, better bring your best fishing gear and prepare to enjoy in this awesome and stunning place called Buckhorn Lake. Don’t forget to bring your family and camping gear also.
What are the fish you can catch here?
You can find some fish here such as:
- Smallmouth / Largemouth Bass
- Black / White Crappie
- Bluegill
- White Bass
- Muskie
The amenities available in Buckhorn Lake are:
- Restaurant
- Boat Rental
- Campgrounds
- RV Hookups
- Fishing Supply Store
For more details visit the Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park.
Lake Cumberland
Located in: South-central part of the state, between Jamestown and Monticello
Lake Cumberland is a reservoir and among favorite places to visit by anglers because it’s a haven for big stripers. The location is so perfect and it’s in the south-central part of the state, between Jamestown and Monticello. There are few fishing spots here that deserve to visit and that’s above and below Wolf Creek Dam which is the best to bank fish and fish with a boat. Although there are numerous undiscovered spots here due to its enormous size that measures about 65,000 acres and this covers six counties ( Russell, Laurel, Clinton, Waynes, Pulaski, and McCreary).
Besides that, Lake Cumberland has more to offer other than its major fishing activities. You can also enjoy the Lake Cumberland State Resort Park in Jamestown. In addition, you get to experience renting one of their houseboats in the famous Houseboat Capital of the World & Russell County. There are also several places to stay such as a cottage, hotel, motel, cabin rental, and few camping sites. This is the perfect place for you to go test your fishing skills regardless of skill level.
If you are also fond of birds, you can also experience the birding which includes several bird species that are scattered around the area, and any season offers stunning views. Some of them are coopers hawk, hummingbirds, pileated woodpeckers, eastern bluebirds, barred owl, belted kingfisher, and more! If you are very fond of nature, you can also go on hiking within the area.
What are the fish you can catch here?
You can find some fish here such as:
- Smallmouth / Largemouth Bass
- Spotted Bass
- Channel Catfish
- White / Black Crappie
- Walleye
- Bluegill
- White / Striped Bass
The amenities available in Lake Cumberland are:
- Boat Rental
- Boat Launch Ramp
- RV Hookups
- Lodging
- Restuarant
- Fishing Supply Store
- Convenience Store
For more details visit the Wolf Creek National and Fish Hatchery Lake Cumberland State Resort Park.
Dale Hollow Lake
Located in: South-central part of the state, on the Tennessee-Kentucky border
One of the best bank fishing spots around Kentucky is in this area. Most anglers regardless of skill level will point you to this location if ever you are going on some fishing activity. This is located in the South-central part of the state, on the Tennessee-Kentucky border. It has an abundant population of fish and with its 28,000-acre lake, there’s no way you will end up going home without any fish being caught except when there’s bad weather.
You will be amazed by how fairly easy to catch a fish here and it’s the home of smallmouth bass fish. Like most of the lakes in Kentucky, this has more to offer other than its popular fishing activities. You can also find an adventure here and make this a great relaxing getaway. There are camping grounds in here, you can also find the time to ride a bike or hike within the area. In addition to that, you can go trail riding here, visit some state and national parks, hunting, and even more. It’s the place where you can bring your family and have a nice weekend here.
Going back to fishing, this place has its excellent share of trophy catches over the years. It’s not just smallmouth that can be caught in Dale Hollow, there are numerous fish species that can be caught here. More than that, to fully maximize the joy of fishing, because it has an accessible boat launch ramp and dozens of boat rentals. This is also a great place for bank fishes especially in the areas of creek channels, humps, islets, and points.
What are the fish you can catch here?
You can find some fish here such as:
- Smallmouth / Largemouth Bass
- Spotted Bass
- Channel Catfish
- Flathead Catfish
- Blue Catfish
- White / Black Crappie
- Bluegill
- Walleye
- Redear Sunfish
- Warmouth
- White Bass
- Paddlefish
- Sauger
The amenities available in Dale Hollow Lake are:
- Boat Rental
- Boat Launch Ramp
- Marina
- RV Hookups
- Camping Sites
- Restaurant
- Convenience Store
- Lodging
For more details visit the this and this website.
Kentucky Lake
Located in: Half of Kentucky State and half of Tennessee State
Measures about 160,000 acres and spans about 2,000 miles of shoreline, this Kentucky Lake is among the popular dwelling place of weekend warriors. The fact that this offers plenty of campgrounds, watersports activities, nature trails, and of course, fishing, this is the perfect go-to because of its size and perfect location which is situated in shared borders of Kentucky and Tennessee. Aside from that, with its vast shoreline, it’s a great spot for bank fishing.
This lake has plenty to explore and more fish to catch. When it comes to its accessibility, this area is easy to locate from all sorts of directions. In addition to that, the access to Lake Kentucky’s shoreline is so easy which you can have an amazing bank fishing in here. It has dozens of Marinas offering anglers and boaters fishing and boat supplies, ice, food, and everything you need. Among the second option, you can do here is sightseeing and marvel at the surrounding beauty of Lake Kentucky.
If you are aiming for a trophy fish, Kentucky Lake has fairly fishing pressure so some fish can be quite elusive. This is also home to numerous fish species. Each year, professional and experienced anglers are having tons of fishing tournaments which include FLW College Fishing events, the Kentucky Bassmasters Classic, the Legacy Marine Open Trail, to name a few. We guaranteed that you won’t leave empty-handed here. Just be sure to have the right fishing gear and lots of patience and you are all set.
What are the fish you can catch here?
You can find some fish here such as:
- Smallmouth / Largemouth Bass
- Spotted Bass
- Channel Catfish
- Flathead Catfish
- Blue Catfish
- White / Black Crappie
- Bluegill
- Walleye
- Redear Sunfish
- Warmouth
- White Bass
- Paddlefish
- Sauger
The amenities available in Kentucky Lake are:
- Marina
- Boat Rental
- Boat Launch Ramp
- RV Hookups
- Camping Sites
- Restaurant
- Convenience Store
- Lodging
For more details visit the Kentucky Lake and Kentucky Dam Village
Yatesville Lake
Located in: Lawrence County, Kentucky
Yatesville Lake is situated in the far eastern part of Kentucky. The lake has 2,300 acres and has more to offer. Anglers love this place because of its stillness and quietness. Not just anglers who love this but also campers both on-site and RV owners. It’s a place where you can go fishing at ease with no noise pollution nearby because of the location of the place which is not that easily accessible. But, this place is a perfect option to start your adventure. You get to see incredible breathtaking views and the sound of nature as a treat.
We have included this as among the best bank fishing spots in Kentucky because of the impressive fish you can catch here especially when it’s the month of May and June which is considered the peak season of fishing. Anglers reported that you will have some chances of getting some fish here due to its abundant population. Besides bank fishing, you can also rent a boat to navigate the lake further. You will find that there are some fishing and boat supplies as well for maximum amusement.
Consider this as one of your bucket lists in fishing and camping activities. Because around Yatesville, there are many activities you can do. It has 16 boat-in campsites, and the shoreline is over 90 miles. Plus it has many options for you to stay.
What are the fish you can catch here?
You can find some fish here such as:
- Largemouth Bass
- Channel Catfish
- White Crappie
- Bluegill
The amenities available in Yatesville Lake are:
- RV Hookups
- Lodging
- Campgrounds
- Boat Rental
- Boat Launch Ramp
- Marina
- Convenience Store
- Restuarant
For more details visit the Yatesville Lake State Park.
Cave Run Lake
Located in: Eastern Highlands region of Kentucky (Morgan, Rowan, Menifee, and Bath counties)
Another amazing fishing spot in Kentucky is the Cave Run Lake. If you want a bigger fish to catch, then this is your perfect fishing destination. Considering its 8,300-acre site, it’s definitely a nice spot to go. But be sure you are well equipped with quality fishing in order to achieve the high success rate of catching a fish. Besides that, the Cave Run Lake is cradled with stunning mountain ranges of eastern Kentucky.
That said, with its mountain ranges, it’s not just the fishing spot that should be experienced in this area. Because it has amazing opportunities for you to relax and have some fun. Those include hiking, wildlife viewing, camping, visiting historical sites, fishing is just among the many activities you can enjoy. In case you are going to stay here and spend several days, don’t worry because Cave Run Lake has numerous tent sites, RV hookup sites, and even boat-in campsites.
Among the popular monster fish that can be caught in here is the monster muskie. Although there are other fish species to catch so you have more options. It’s also among the best to bank fishing in this part of Kentucky state because the shorelines span about 200 miles which are plenty enough to have some decent fishing spots.
What are the fish you can catch here?
You can find some fish here such as:
- Smallmouth / Largemouth Bass
- Spotted Bass
- White / Black Crappie
- Bluegill
- White Bass Muskie
The amenities available in Cave Run Lake are:
- Boat Rental
- Boat Launch Ramp
- Marina
- Campgrounds
- Lodging
- Restautant
- Fishing and Boat Supple Store
- Convenience Store
For more details and regulations visit the Cave Run Lake Lake State Park.
Laurel River Lake
Located in: West of Corbin, Kentucky
Laurel River Lake is one of the deepest and clearest in the state of Kentucky. Seeing the lake is impressive enough because not just because of its stunning sceneries and clear waters, but also it’s popular for anglers who love bass fishing and other fish species. Not only that, but this also supports both cold water and warm water fish species. Well, there’s more, it’s only among the lakes in Kentucky that offers trout fishing. Bank fishing is also suitable in this lake due to its 190 miles shoreline and will also amaze you with its picturesque details.
In addition, this lake is very accessible to any sort of angler because of several launch ramps which are strategically located around the lake. What’s fascinating about this is its stillness and quiet environment. You can fish here at your own pace and no noise can disturb you because you are soundproofed by the forest. Also, boating is among the popular major activities around the lake seconded by skiing, scuba diving, and others else.
You can also set a camp on the designated campgrounds and bank fish along the shorelines. There’s also an opportunity to watch some wildlife scenes as the Laurel River Lake has Canadian geese, bald eagles. Moreover, you can also get a glimpse of deer and other native wildlife along the area. Another best bank fishing in Kentucky area.
What are the fish you can catch here?
You can find some fish here such as:
- Smallmouth / Largemouth Bass
- Spotted Bass
- Channel Catfish
- White / Black Crappie
- Walleye
- Rainbow Trout
- Bluegill
- White Bass
The amenities available in Laurel Rive Lake are:
- Boat Rental
- Boat Launch Ramp
- Marina
- Lodging
- Restaurant
- Campgrounds
- Convenience Store
- Fishing and Boat Supply Store
For more details and regulations visit the Laurel River Lake.
Lake Barkley
Located in: Southern border of Kentucky and Northern border of Tennessee
Our last entry for our list is the Lake Barkley which encompasses both Tennessee and Kentucky territory measuring 58,000 surface acres and its vast shoreline stretching for about a thousand miles. This place is great for bank fishing in Kentucky as well as boat fishing given its size and expansive shoreline. It’s also heralded as a sister lake of Kentucky Lake. This will definitely guarantee that you won’t leave empty-handed because you have two options to fish one is here and the other is on nearby Kentucky Lake.
If you will ask native anglers about their top fishing spots both in bank fishing and boat fishing, they will probably include this in their list. This will definitely disappoint experienced anglers who are in search of larger and noteworthy species of fish. Because this offers a wide variety of fish in which you will see them below. That said, many fisher folks from different regions consider this as angler friendly because it has different kinds of accommodations from lodging, campgrounds, motels, and RV parks just around the lake.
In addition, getting here is very accesible the fact that the lake is somewhat large, there are many access points to it. What’s more interesting is that this has everything you need from fishing and boat supplies, accommodations, numerous activities, and plenty of amenities. Above all, it offers rental boats from fihsing boats to kayaks, canoes, and the likes of it.
What are the fish you can catch here?
You can find some fish here such as:
- Smallmout / Largemouth Bass
- Spotted Bass
- Channel / Flathead Catfish
- Blue Catfish
- White / Black Crappie
- Walleye
- Bluegill
- Paddlefish
- Warmouth
The amenities available in Laurel River Lake are:
- Boat Rental
- Boat Launch Ramp
- Marina
- Lodging
- Restaurant
- Campgrounds
- Convenience Store
- Fishing and Boat Supply Store
For more details and regulations visit this and this.
Bank Fishing Tips — Getting Success in one of the Best Bank Fishing Spots in Kentucky
Fishing, in general, can be a bit difficult especially if you are a newcomer in this field and also not aware of the specific fishing spots where there’s good fish to catch. Among the general tips are: to have the best fishing gear at hand. Never skimp on it because it will just backfire on you. Also, you need to know when is the best time to fish.
These are two are just among the tips you should bear in mind. In addition to that, we have listed some of the best fishing tips particularly when bank fishing in Kentucky lakes. With that in mind, below are our few general tips just for you.
Determine the best location
You may think that the vast shorelines of most Kentucky lakes are good for bank fishing and certain spots are not needed. Well, you are wrong. Given the vastness of the shoreline, this does not mean will yield tons of fresh catches. Instead, you will need to spend some time in determining the best fishing spot within the area.
In addition to that, there are some factors that you will need to consider among those are the time of the year. Because some fishes only appear in a particular season. So be mindful of that. It’s best to bring a topographical map for fishing guides and marking the fishing spots.
Gear up with decent quality fishing equipment
Our team always believes in quality equals success. Whether fishing from the banks or from a boat, investing in decent quality fishing equipment should be prioritized. Also, always match the type of rod with the type of fishing activity you will have. As we have always say, “never skimp on your gear”, and this applies to anything. Always remember that good gear will mean more success so you won’t get disappointed and leave empty-handed at the end of the day.
Plan Your Fishing Trip in the Right Season
Among the chances of catching a fish is to know the right season. Fish don’t appear all year round, they appear in certain seasons. A notable example of this is fishing crappie, largemouth bass, and bluegill. Usually, they come out during the summer months and appear in the deepest areas of the lakes. Generally, know what you are going to fish and then know what’s the right season for them so you know to go and when not to. Always plan carefully and make wise decisions rather than spontaneous and drastic manner.
Find A Fishing Spot that is accessible to deep waters
Even though shallow areas have enough fish to catch particularly in the early spring, they won’t yield enough in other seasons. This can be frustrating for a bank fisherman. However, you have the option to find a suitable fishing spot where it has access to deep waters. Usually, they are located near the dam areas.
Bringing along a topographic map will make it easy for you to navigate the area and identify those best spots or access points for bank fishing. Also, knowing the best bank fishing spots in Kentucky will give you more advantages than most anglers.
Know the rules of bank fishing etiquette
Among the most important tips that you should know is to know the rules of bank fishing etiquette. This may not be the authoritative rule, but this will help fellow anglers to respect and be considerate with each other, more importantly, the law. Because fishing is more fun when you obey the rules and knowing that you don’t step on others be it the law or your fellow anglers.
- Be polite
- Make friends with fellow anglers
- Never claim A spot
- Leave no trace
- Always keep a distance with other anglers
Final Thoughts
Now that you know where the best bank fishing in Kentucky, it is time to ready your fishing equipment and head over to the listed places above. There’s nothing better than spending a day with fishing activity be it bank fishing or boat fishing. Also, don’t forget to visit some of the state parks around the lakes because they offer more activities besides fishing especially if you are going to stay for several days. In addition, you need to bring you family or friends with you after all, the more the merrier and it will be the perfect opportunity to spend some quality.
Besides that, make sure you follow the rules of every fishing. Also, if you are a beginner or needs a refresher about catching a fish, better head to our tips sections as we have listed few tips for you to keep in mind. Above all, enjoy your big fishing activity and make sure you won’t leave empty handed.
Do you ave some decent quality equipment for your inshore fishing? You might want this: Best Inshore Casting Rods And More — Cherry-picked Just For You!
