Fishing Lake Cumberland
AKA: Cumberland Reservoir
Popular Fish Species Lake Cumberland, KY
Spotted Bass Fishing
Spotted bass are make up about half of the black bass population in Lake Cumberland. They tend to gather in small schools, especially in deeper water. Fishing for spotted bass can be good anytime you can locate them. Their diet consists mainly of crayfish and insects, but they also eat small baitfish, sunfish and bluegill. Most of the time, spots prefer to stage on steep rocky or gravel banks, and may move up and down the water column throughout the day. When shallow, use topwater or shallow crankbaits around rip rap. When they are deep, use worms and jigs. In winter, spend your time on deeper structure with small worms, jigs and spoons. Smallmouth bass and largemouth bass also reside here in good numbers.
Crappie Fishing
Black and white crappie both reside in Lake Cumberland and tend to school together. Crappie fishing is on the rise again this year and they can be found in sizeable schools. Crappie always like cover and structure, so locate brush and vegetation. Using a fish finder can help locate schools of crappie, which tend to stack vertically around cover. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here. In spring and fall focus on the 8 to 12 foot range. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out deep, as well as find ledges near channels in deeper water.
Striped Bass Fishing
Thanks to stocking programs and good fisheries management by the Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources, striped bass are thriving in Lake Cumberland. These large fish are a favorite of many locals and fishing guides here. They are plentiful, run in schools and can grow to bragging size. In Spring and Fall work the upper end of the lake where water is flowing into the lake. Look for deeper water in the river channel, as a holding place for stripers. In Summer and Winter, stripers hang out in deeper water during the day Morning often draws the stripers to much shallower water, look for them from the surface down to around the 20-foot range as they feed on shallow-running schools of bait. The lake is filled with plenty of baitfish and sunfish to to keep the fishery thriving. Being successful at fishing for stripers is a matter of locating schools of bait, and the wolf packs of stripers which are likely to be nearby. Fish finders, and forward facing sonar, are a big help in locating these roaming schools. Live bait is very effective here, and stripers can be caught year round.
Fish species to fish for...
Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, channel catfish, black crappie, white crappie, walleye, bluegill, white bass and striped bass at Lake Cumberland in Kentucky.
Lake Cumberland Fishing Video
A favorite of local striped bass anglers, Lake Cumberland is a 63,000-acre haven for big stripers. This sprawling reservoir is located in the south-central part of the state, between Jamestown and Monticello. This is the only lake KDFWR stocks with striped bass.
Lake Cumberland, located in southern Kentucky, is a renowned destination for fishing, boating, and camping. With its vast expanse of water and scenic surroundings, the lake offers a wide range of recreational activities for outdoor enthusiasts.
Fishing at Lake Cumberland is a major attraction, as it is known for its diverse fish populations. Anglers can target a variety of popular fish species, including striped bass, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, crappie, and catfish. The lake's deep waters and abundance of underwater structure provide ideal habitats for these species. Striped bass, in particular, are a prized catch at Lake Cumberland, with the lake holding the state record for this species. Anglers often employ trolling techniques, live bait fishing, or casting with artificial lures to entice these powerful fish. Whether you're an experienced angler or a beginner, Lake Cumberland offers ample opportunities for a successful and thrilling fishing experience.
Lake Cumberland State Resort Park, situated on the lake's eastern shore, offers comfortable accommodations, including cabins and a lodge. The park provides a full range of recreational activities, including swimming, hiking, and golfing, ensuring that visitors have plenty to do during their stay.
Lake Cumberland in Kentucky is a paradise for fishing, boating, and camping enthusiasts. Its abundance of fish species, scenic beauty, and recreational amenities make it an ideal destination for outdoor adventures. Whether you're casting a line, cruising the waters, or pitching a tent by the lake, Lake Cumberland offers a memorable and enjoyable experience in the heart of Kentucky's natural splendor.
Anglers chasing striped bass should concentrate deep, focusing on deep structure - humps, ledges, flats and creek and river channels. Often schools of stripers will also suspend below a school of baitfish. During warmer months they may chase these bait schools all the way to the surface, creating excellent topwater action. In addition to stripers the lake has resident populations of bass, catfish, crappie, walleye, bluegill and white bass. Most of these species tend to stay shallower than the striped bass, and in varying ways, stay more closely related to the 1,250 miles of shoreline that wraps Cumberland Lake. There are more than 50 boat launch ramps for launching larger boats including pleasure boats, power boats, ski boats, pontoons and all types of fishing boats. There are numerous additional locations for portage of canoes and kayaks. At many of these same places, plus some additional areas, there is access to the shoreline for fishing from the bank. Multiple marinas, numerous restaurants, camping, lodging and stores are all convenient to enhance your fishing trip or vacation.
Primary fish species residing in Lake Cumberland
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
Lake Cumberland Amenities
Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boating on Lake Cumberland is a favorite activity among visitors. The lake's expansive waters provide a playground for boaters, water skiers, and jet skiers. Boaters can explore the many coves, islands, and scenic shorelines, enjoying the breathtaking views and tranquil surroundings. The lake features numerous marinas and boat ramps, ensuring easy access for boating enthusiasts. Whether you're cruising along the lake's surface, anchoring in a secluded cove, or engaging in water sports, Lake Cumberland offers endless possibilities for boating enjoyment.
Fishing Boat Rentals
Conley Bottom Resort
Rentals: Fishing boats, kayaks and pontoon boats
606 348-6351
Lake Cumberland State Dock
Rentals: Pontoon boats
270 344-5253
Lee's Ford Resort Marina
Rentals: Pontoon boats
606 636-6426
Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings
Alligator 1 Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the north side of the lake, off State Route 76, this is a multi-lane, concrete ramp paved parking.
Campbell's Landing Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the north side of the lake, off Cabe Springs Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.
Cumberland Glen Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the northwest side of the lake, off Davis Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking.
Lake Cumberland State Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest section of the lake, off Lake Cumberland State Resort Park Road, this is a five-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Lily Creek Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the north side of the lake, off Lily Creek Ramp Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with limited parking.
Ono Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the north side of the lake, off Old Jamestown Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking.
Orchard/Riddle Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, off Dug Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.
Pleasant Hill Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the north side of the lake, off State Route 1680, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with limited parking.
Poplar Hill Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the north side of the lake, off Poplar Hill Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with limited parking.
Prudy Hill Boat Dock & Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the north side of the lake, off State Route 1611, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.
Pulaski County Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, off Park Street No 1, this is a five-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.
Safe Harbor Beaver Creek Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, north side, off State Route 92, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Halcombs Landing Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest section of the lake, at the east end of the dam, off US Highway 127, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Marinas
Lake Cumberland State Dock
6365 State Park Rd
Jamestown, KY 42629
270 344-5253
Lee's Ford Resort Marina
451 Lee's Ford Dock Rd
Nancy, KY 42544
606 636-6426
Marina Rowena
11565 State Hwy 558
Albany, KY 42602
606 206-7488
Safe Harbor Grider Hill
115 Grider Hill Dock Rd
Albany, KY 42602
606 387-5501
Wolf Creek Marina
782 Island Ramp Rd
Nancy, KY 42544
270 866-3634
Fishing Guides On Lake Cumberland
Morgan's Guide Service - striped bass
StriperFun - stripers, walleye
If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.
Fishing License
Click here for a Kentucky Fishing License.
Camping at Lake Cumberland is a popular choice for those seeking a nature-filled retreat. The lake provides a variety of campgrounds and RV parks that offer a range of camping options, from primitive tent sites to full-service RV hookups. Campers can immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the lake's surroundings, enjoying the serenity and tranquility of the area. The campgrounds often feature amenities such as picnic areas, playgrounds, and nature trails, providing additional recreational opportunities for visitors.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
Russell Springs KOA Journey Campground - 270 866-5616
Lake Cumberland Camping Campground - 606 348-5200
Fall Creek Campground - 606 348-6042
Waitsboro Campground - 606 561-5513
Fishing Creek Campground - 606 679-5174
Pulaski County Campground & Boat Ramp - 606 636-6450
Somerset KY RV Park - 606 219-3290
Shoreline RV Park - 606 271-6711
Lake Cumberland State Park Campground - 270 343-3111
Kendall Campground - 270 343-4660
Cumberland Point Campground - 606 271-3923
Pine Crest RV Park - 270 866-5615
Lake Cumberland KY Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Lake Cumberland
Lake Cumberland State Dock
6365 State Park Rd
Jamestown, KY 42629
270 343-6000
Fishing lakes in each state.
061224
Lake Cumberland in Kentucky.
KENTUCKY
Information about fishing lakes in Kentucky
Lake Cumberland, in south-central KY offers anglers the chance to fish for big stripers as well as bass, catfish, crappie, walleye, bluegill and white bass.
