Fishing Lake Barkley
AKA: Barkley Lake, Barkley Reservoir
Popular Fish Species Lake Barkley, TN
Largemouth Bass Fishing
Lake Barkley has long been considered one of the top bass fishing lakes in the country. Fishing for bass can be quite rewarding, with an occasional bass over 7 pounds being caught. Anglers can also pursue smallmouth bass and spotted bass, which reside here in good numbers. Bass often move shallow and become aggressive when they are in a feeding mood. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap. Around grass, use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In deeper water, drop shot rigs, big worms, jigs and spoons are good options. In winter, spend your time fishing deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time.
White Bass Fishing
White bass are aggressive, hard-fighting and just plain fun to catch. When fishing for white bass, the average fish is typically in the one- to two-pound range. These schooling fish tend to roam the lake in search of ideal water conditions, and baitfish. Look for them to generally be in 15 to 35 feet of water, whether they are hovering around the bottom or swimming in open water. Fish finders are the best way to locate big schools of white bass. Fish near the bottom at night with live bait.In spring, once the water temperature rises into the mid sixties, they move shallow into the backs of coves and creek channels to spawn. When white bass chase schools of bait near the surface, spinners, spoons and small crank baits work well. At this time anglers can fish from shore and often do quite well. Use lures that imitate baitfish, including small crankbaits, small jerkbaits, jigs and spoons.
Striped Bass Fishing
Big striped bass are a favorite of many local anglers and fishing guides at Lake Barkley. The fish 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, flathead catfish, blue catfish, black crappie, white crappie, walleye, bluegill, redear sunfish, warmouth, white bass, yellow bass, striped bass, hybrid striped bass, paddlefish and sauger at Lake Barkley in Tennessee.
Lake Barkley Fishing Video
With only a third of the lake in the state of Tennessee, Lake Barkley provides excellent fishing for residents and visitors in the northwest sector of TN. This 58,000-acre lake in Kentucky and Tennessee is split by the northern border of TN, just north of Dover. Barkley Lake has a long-standing reputation as an excellent fishery, especially for bass. Along with its sister lake, Kentucky Lake, it is annually included on everyone's top-ten, best bass lakes in the southeast US. In addition, this is an excellent crappie lake, considered by many as one of the best in the country. Catfish, white bass, stripers, sunfish, paddlefish, walleye and sauger also roam these waters in bragging size schools.
Lake Barkley in Tennessee is a popular destination for anglers seeking a diverse range of fish species and a wealth of fishing opportunities. This 58,000-acre reservoir, located on the Cumberland River, offers fantastic fishing experiences and a beautiful natural setting for boating and camping.
Lake Barkley is known for its abundant populations of various fish species. Anglers can target a variety of game fish, including largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, crappie, catfish, and white bass. Largemouth bass are particularly popular, with the lake providing ample cover and structure for these fish to thrive. Smallmouth bass can also be found in the rocky areas and deeper waters of the lake, providing an exciting challenge for anglers. Crappie fishing is excellent in Lake Barkley, with both black and white crappie offering great opportunities for anglers to fill their creels. Catfish anglers can target channel catfish and blue catfish, while white bass provide fast-paced action during their seasonal runs.
There are marinas and boat rentals on the lake, plenty of angler-friendly lodging choices, and lots of campgrounds and RV parks. Restaurants, bait and tackle, and convenience stores are all close by.
Lake Barkley's combination of exceptional fishing, boating, and camping opportunities make it a popular destination for anglers and outdoor enthusiasts in Tennessee. Whether you're casting a line for bass, crappie, or catfish, or simply enjoying the tranquility of the lake on a boat or from a campsite, Lake Barkley provides a picturesque and enjoyable environment for all who visit.
Primary fish species residing in Lake Barkley
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
Lake Barkley 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 popular activity on Lake Barkley, with its expansive waters offering ample space for boaters to explore. Anglers can launch their boats from various ramps around the lake and navigate its vast stretches to find their preferred fishing spots. The lake is well-suited for both recreational boating and serious fishing pursuits, making it a versatile destination for boaters of all types.
Marinas
Bumpus Marina
197 Marina Rd
Bumpus Mills, TN 37028
931 232-5238
Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings
Hickman Shores Road Boat Ramp
Located in the southwest corner of the lake, west side, just north of Donelson Parkway, this is a single-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking.
Neville Bay Lake Access
Located in the southeast section of the lake, off Neville Bay Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking.
Fishing Guides On Lake Barkley
Crappie Guide Service - crappie
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 Tennessee Fishing License.
Camping options around Lake Barkley are plentiful, with several campgrounds and recreational areas located along its shores. These campgrounds provide opportunities for anglers to extend their fishing trips and enjoy the natural beauty of the area. Many campgrounds offer amenities such as picnic areas, playgrounds, and access to hiking trails, ensuring a well-rounded outdoor experience for visitors.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
Bumpus Mills Campground - 931 232-8831
Gatlin Point Self Service Campground - 270 924-2000
LBL Whispering Pines Campground & Cabins - 931 232-4570
Lake Barkley, TN Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Lake Barkley
Bumpus Mills Campground
764 Forest Trail
Bumpus Mills, TN 37028
931 232-8831
Fishing lakes in each state.
101924
Lake Barkley in Tennessee.
TENNESSEE
Bass, catfish and striper fishing in northern TN.
