Fishing Kentucky Lake

AKA: Kentucky Reservoir

By AA-Fishing Staff Writers

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, blue catfish, black crappie, white crappie, walleye, bluegill, redear sunfish, warmouth, white bass, yellow bass, yellow perch, striped bass, hybrid striped bass, chain pickerel, paddlefish and sauger at Kentucky Lake in Kentucky.

Camping, boating and fishing at Kentucky Lake is as good ad it gets. Plenty of campgrounds and RV parks are scattered all around this 160,000-acre lake. Over 2,000 miles of shoreline, about half in Tennessee and half in Kentucky, can be explored in search of multiple species of fish.

Lake Video

Kentucky Lake, situated in western Kentucky, is a renowned destination for fishing, boating, and camping enthusiasts. As one of the largest man-made lakes in the United States, Kentucky Lake offers a vast expanse of water, scenic beauty, and a wealth of recreational opportunities.

Fishing at Kentucky Lake is a major attraction, drawing anglers from far and wide. The lake is teeming with a variety of popular fish species, including largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, crappie, catfish, and bluegill. Anglers can cast their lines from the shoreline, fish from boats, or explore the lake's countless coves and inlets. With its diverse fishery and abundant populations, Kentucky Lake provides ample opportunities for anglers of all skill levels to reel in their prized catches.

Kentucky Lake's scenic beauty extends beyond its waters. The surrounding shoreline is lined with picturesque landscapes, including rolling hills, lush forests, and abundant wildlife. Nature lovers can explore nearby hiking trails, go birdwatching, or simply relax and enjoy the serene atmosphere.

Whether you're casting a line, cruising the lake in a boat, or setting up camp along the shoreline, Kentucky Lake offers a memorable outdoor experience in the heart of Kentucky. Its diverse fish populations, expansive waters, and picturesque landscapes make it an ideal destination for fishing, boating, and camping adventures. So pack your fishing gear, launch your boat, or pitch your tent by the lakeshore, and immerse yourself in the natural wonders of Kentucky Lake.

Bass, crappie, stripers, hybrid stripers, catfish, sunfish, pike, walleye, sunfish, and giant paddlefish all roam these waters. The lake is easily accessed from all directions and access to the shoreline for fishing from the bank is easily located. More than a dozen marinas serve boaters and anglers with fuel, boat rentals, fishing tackle, ice, food, and boating supplies. Picnicking, hiking, sightseeing and lodging options also surround the lake in almost every direction.Come enjoy some of the best fishing in KY, right here at Kentucky Lake. Marinas around the lake offer kayaks, canoes, jon boats, pontoons, fishing boats, power boats and pleasure boats for rent, or bring your own.

Primary fish species residing in Kentucky Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Kentucky Lake 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 is a favored activity on Kentucky Lake, thanks to its expansive waters and scenic surroundings. Boaters can navigate the lake's vast stretches, exploring its hidden coves, sandy beaches, and tree-lined shores. Whether you're cruising along the water's surface, water skiing, or enjoying a leisurely ride, Kentucky Lake offers a fantastic setting for boating enthusiasts. The lake provides multiple marinas, boat ramps, and rental services, ensuring easy access and convenience for boaters.

Fishing Boat Rentals

Big Bear Marina
Rentals: Jon boats and pontoon boats
270 354-6414

Hester's Resort & Marina
Rentals: Bass boats, fishing boats, kayaks and pontoon boats
270 354-8280

Kenlake Marina
Rentals: Fishing boats, bass boats, kayaks and fishing pontoon boats
270 474-2245

Kentucky Dam Marina
Rentals: Fishing boats, kayaks and pontoon boats
270 362-8386

Lakeside Campground and Marina
Rentals: Kayaks
270 354-8157

Lakeview Cottages & Marina
Rentals: Bass boats and pontoon boats
270 436-5876

Moors Resort & Marina
Rentals: Fishing boats and fishing pontoon boats
270 362-1410

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Big Bear Public Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, off Big Bear Highway, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Birmingham Point Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, off Barge Island Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Fenton Self Service Campground Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, at the east end of the US Highway 68 Bridge, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Jonathan Creek Public Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, at the north end of the US Highway 68 Bridge, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Jones Creek Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, off Forest Service Road 172-C, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.

Kentucky Dam Marina Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, off Marina Drive, this is a five-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

Moors Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, off Moors Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Pisgah Point Backcountry Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast section of the lake, off County Road 111-A, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Rocky Point Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, off Little Bear Highway, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Sledd Creek Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, off Sledd Creek Ramp Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

Smith Bay Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast section of the lake, off County Road 116, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.

Sportsman's Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, at the south end of the US Highway 68 Bridge, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.

Sugar Bay Backcountry Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast section of the lake, off First Service Road 140, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with limited parking.

Marinas

Big Bear Marina
26 Big Bear Resort Rd
Benton, KY 42025
270 354-6414

Hester's Resort & Marina
350 Hesters Rd
Benton, KY 42025
270 354-8280

Kenlake Marina
888 Kenlake Marina Ln
Hardin, Kentucky 42048
270 474-2245

Kentucky Dam Marina
466 Marina Dr
Gilbertsville, KY 42044
270 362-8386

King Creek Marina
972 King Creek Rd
Benton, KY 42025
270 493-0076

Lakeside Campground and Marina
165 Lakeview Cabins Dr
New Concord, KY 42076
270 354-8157

Lakeview Cottages & Marina
165 Lakeview Cabins Drive
New Concord, KY 42076
270 436-5876

Moors Resort & Marina
570 Moors Road
Gilbertsville, KY 42044
270 362-1410

Sunset Harbor Hill Marina
131 Harbor Hill Ln
Murray, KY 42071
270 978-7839

Click here for a Kentucky Fishing License.

Camping at Kentucky Lake is a popular choice for those seeking an impressive outdoor experience. The lake offers a range of campgrounds and RV parks that cater to various camping preferences, including tent sites and full RV hookups. Campers can enjoy the serenity of the lakeside, relax by campfires, and take advantage of amenities such as picnic areas, playgrounds, and hiking trails. Kentucky Lake's campgrounds provide a perfect setting for families and outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy the natural beauty and tranquility of the area.

Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby

Kentucky Lake Resort and RV Park - 270 362-8652

Water's Edge RV Park & Marina - 270 436-5321

Wildcat Creek Campground - 270 436-5628

Canal Campground - 270 362-4840

Stagecoach Station Campground - 270 410-2267

Cypress Lakes RV Park - 270 395-4267

Paducah, I-24, Kentucky Lake KOA Campground - 270 395-5841

Hillman Ferry Campground - 270 924-2181

Lazy Daz RV Park - 270 703-1214

Twin Lakes Backcountry Area Campground - 270 924-2000

Kentucky Lake KY Map - Fishing & Camping Areas

Contact Information

Kentucky Lake
Kentucky Dam Marina
466 Marina Dr
Gilbertsville, KY 42044
270 362-8386

Fishing lakes in each state.