Fishing At Kentucky Lake

Excellent Fishing In Tennessee

What 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, chain pickerel, paddlefish and sauger at Kentucky Lake in Tennessee.

The largest manmade lake in the eastern US, Kentucky Lake is a 160,000-acre reservoir in Kentucky and Tennessee. Located at the northwest Kentucky border, 60 miles west of Nashville, it is easily accessed from all directions, including I-40 near the southern end of the lake. Healthy populations of most fresh-water species reside in these fertile waters. Famous for excellent bass fishing, Kentucky Lake/Lake Barkley annually appear in the Bassmaster Top 100 bass lakes in the USA.

Lake Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Rental Boats
Marinas
Boat Launch Ramps
Campgrounds & RV Parks
Map
Contact Info

The purpose of this page is to deliver an overview of this lake, the fishing options, and area amenities. Our goal is to provide info to first time visitors, as well as beginner and novice anglers. We gathered details from personal experience, numerous trusted websites that each offer select bits of information, and videos of fishing activity on the lake. These websites include the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, marinas at the lake, campgrounds, boat rental agencies and others. By consolidating this information to one page it allows visitors to see the entire picture, all in one place.

Lake Video

Kentucky Lake, located in western Tennessee, is a renowned fishing destination that offers anglers exceptional opportunities to reel in a variety of fish species. This massive 160,000-acre reservoir, created by the Tennessee River, provides excellent fishing, boating, and camping experiences.

Kentucky Lake is widely known for its outstanding bass fishing. Largemouth bass are abundant in the lake and attract anglers from all over. The lake's structure, including submerged vegetation, ledges, and rocky points, provides ideal habitats for these sought-after game fish. Anglers can employ various techniques such as flipping, topwater fishing, and crankbaiting to entice the bass. The lake's healthy bass population, combined with the potential for trophy-sized catches, makes it a popular destination for both recreational and tournament anglers.

In addition to bass, Kentucky Lake supports other popular fish species. Crappie fishing is excellent, with both black and white crappie offering anglers ample opportunities to fill their stringers. Anglers can find success near submerged structures, such as brush piles and docks, where crappie tend to gather. The lake is also home to catfish, including channel catfish, blue catfish, and flathead catfish. Anglers can target catfish using various methods such as bottom fishing with cut bait or live bait.

Along with legendary bass catches, Kentucky Lake has exceptional crappie, catfish and striped bass fishing. The long list of species residing in the lake also includes catfish, white bass, sunfish, sauger, chain pickerel and others. More than half a dozen marinas, on the TN portion of the lake alone, are there to serve boaters and anglers with fuel, boat rentals, fishing gear, food, and boating supplies. Camping, picnicking and lodging options surround the lake in almost every direction. Boat ramps galore make for simple launching of most any pleasure and fishing boats. Canoe and kayak fishing is also popular here. Come enjoy some of the best fishing in TN, here at Kentucky Lake. Kentucky Lake's combination of excellent fishing, boating opportunities, and camping facilities make it a highly sought-after destination for outdoor enthusiasts in Tennessee. Whether you're targeting bass, crappie, or catfish, enjoying a leisurely boat ride, or camping by the lakeside, Kentucky Lake offers a serene and enjoyable environment for all who visit.

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 on Kentucky Lake is a favorite activity for visitors, thanks to its expansive waters and multiple marinas. Anglers and boating enthusiasts can launch their boats from public ramps and enjoy cruising the vast lake, exploring its numerous bays, channels, and secluded coves. Boaters can engage in water sports activities, leisurely sightseeing, or simply relax while taking in the scenic beauty of the lake's shoreline and surrounding hills.

Fishing Boat Rentals

Buchanan Resort Marina
Rentals: Pontoons and kayaks
731 642-7708

Paris Landing Pontoon Rental
Rentals: Pontoon boats
731 333-7259

Marinas

Buchanan Resort Marina
785 Buchanan Resort Rd
Springville, TN 38256
731 642-7708

Cane Creek Marina & RV Campground
530 Cane Creek Boat Dock Ln
Stewart, TN 37175
931 721-3483

Eagle Bay Marina
6565 Turkey Creek Rd
Waverly, TN 37185
931 296-4144

Sunset Bay Resort And Marina
60 Mansard Island Dr
Springville, TN 38256
731 642-5590

The Breakers Marina
526 Shamrock Rd
Buchanan, TN 38222
731 232-8399

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Boswell Landing Backcountry
Located mid lake, east side, off Boswell Landing Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and limited, gravel parking.

Buchanan Resort Marina Boat Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off Buchanan Resort Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Danville Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located on the east side of the lake, north side of the entrance to Cane Creek, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Gray's Landing Boat Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, just north of the Donelson Parkway Bridge, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking.

Paris Landing Boat Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, just north of the Donelson Parkway Bridge, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.

Piney Campground Boat Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, off Piney Campground Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Port Road Boat Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off Port Road, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

Click here for a Tennessee Fishing License.

Camping facilities around Kentucky Lake provide visitors with the opportunity to extend their stay and fully immerse themselves in the natural surroundings. The lake boasts numerous campgrounds, many of which offer amenities such as campsites, picnic areas, and restroom facilities. Camping near Kentucky Lake allows anglers and outdoor enthusiasts to make the most of their fishing adventures and enjoy the peaceful ambiance of the lake and its picturesque setting.