BOATING GUIDE KENTUCKY FISHING - Kentucky Department of Fish ...
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KENTUCKY FISHING
& BOATING GUIDE
MARCH 2018 - FEBRUARY 2019
FISH & WILDLIFE:
Photo © Obie Williams
1-800-858-1549 • fw.ky.gov
Report Game Violations
and Fish Kills:
1-800-25-ALERT
KENTUCKY DEPARTMENT OF FISH & WILDLIFE RESOURCES #1 Sportsman’s Lane, Frankfort, KY 40601
DEFINITIONS
(301 KAR 1:201, KRS 150.010) fore sunrise and end one-half hour after and approved by the KDFWR Commis-
Fishing-related definitions not listed sunset. sion and approved by legislative commit-
here are included in appropriate sections of Daily limit is the maximum number of a tees.
this guide. particular species or group of species a per- Release means return of the fish, in the best
son may legally keep in a day or have in possible condition, immediately after re-
Angling means taking or attempting to possession while fishing. moving the hook, to the water from which
take fish by hook and line in hand, rod in Fishing is taking or attempting to take fish it was taken in a place where the fish’s im-
hand, jugging, set line or sport fishing trot- in any manner, whether or not fish are in mediate escape shall not be prevented.
line. possession. Resident is anyone who has established
Artificial baits are lures or flies made of Lake means impounded waters, from the permanent and legal residence in Kentucky
wood, metal, plastic, hair, feathers, pre- dam upstream to the first riffle on the main and residing here at least 30 days.
served pork rind or similar inert materi- stem river and tributary streams or as speci- Size limit is the legal length a fish must be
als and having no organic baits including fied in regulation. if it is in possession. (Fish length is mea-
dough bait, putty or paste type baits de- Length means the distance from the front sured from the tip of the closed lower jaw
signed to attract fish by taste or smell. tip of a fish’s lower jaw with mouth closed to the tip of the tail with fish laid flat on
Authorization number is the number as- to the tip of its tail with the fish laid flat on rule and tail lobes squeezed together.)
signed to a person in lieu of fishing or a rule with its tail lobes squeezed together. Slot limit means fish within a specified
hunting license when the license is pur- Organic baits are insects, minnows, fish minimum and maximum size range must
chased over the phone or Internet. eggs, worms, corn, cheese, cut bait or simi- be released.
Black bass includes largemouth, small- lar substances used as a lure. Single hook is a hook with only one point.
mouth, Kentucky (spotted) and Coosa bass. Possession limit is the maximum number Tenant is any resident sharecropper or
Culling: Replacing a fish in the daily creel of unprocessed fish a person may hold after lessee who lives and works on farmland
limit with another fish of the same species. two days or more of fishing. owned by his/her landlord.
Daylight hours begin one-half hour be- Regulation is a written document adopted
QUICK REFERENCE
FISHING Measuring Fish.................................. �����3 Navigating
Asian Carp.............................................22 New Laws.......................................... �����2 Crossing..............................................34
Bordering Waters...................................15 Nuisance Species....................................22 Meeting..............................................34
Brook Trout Streams..............................26 Parasites and Grubs in Fish....................17 Overtaking..........................................34
Bullfrogs..................................................9 Possession Limits............................... �����3 Equipment
Consumption Advisories..........................17 Size and Creel Limits......................... �����3 Fire Extinguishers...............................35
Didymo..................................................25 Special Regulations............................ �����4 Marine Sanitation Devices...................36
FINS Lakes..............................................4 Sport Fish List................................... �����3 Muffling Devices.................................36
Fish Species Identification......................19 State Record Fish...................................28 Navigation Lights................................36
Fishing Methods Trophy Fish/Master Angler Program.......27 Personal Flotation Devices......................35
Trotlines, Jugging and Set Lines..........10 Trout Seasonal Catch and Release...........23 Signaling Devices...................................36
Gigging and Snagging.........................11 Trout Stocking........................................23 Ventilation.............................................36
Tickling and Noodling.........................11 Turtles.....................................................9 Idle Speed..............................................33
Bow Fishing.......................................11 Zebra Mussels........................................22 Inflatables..............................................32
Spear Fishing.....................................11 Locks and Dams.....................................33
Fishing Tournaments...............................16 BOATING Personal Watercraft...............................32
Grass Carp...............................................9 Accidents Prohibited Riding...................................34
Licenses First Aid.............................................37 Reckless Operation.................................32
Fees....................................................12 Hypothermia.......................................37 Registration
Requirements and Exemptions.............13 Rendering Aid.....................................37 Display of Numbers and Decals............30
Senior/Disabled License.......................14 Reporting Requirements.......................37 Fees....................................................30
Trout Permit.......................................13 Age Restrictions.....................................31 Transfers.............................................30
Pay Lakes...........................................13 Airborne Devices....................................31 Restricted Zones.....................................33
Free Fishing Days................................14 Alcohol..................................................33 Scuba Diving..........................................32
Littering................................................32 Boat, Motor and Lake Restrictions..........31 Swimming..............................................32
Live Bait................................................10 Buoys.....................................................34 Waterway Markers.................................34
Water Skiing .........................................31
March 2018 - February 2019
KENTUCKY FISHING
& BOATING GUIDE
Obie Williams photo
ABOUT THIS GUIDE
This is a SUMMARY of the laws regarding fishing and boating.
This guide is intended solely for informational use. It is not a
3 FISHING REGULATIONS
reprint of any referenced statute or regulation in its entirety and
should not be used as such. Questions about the information con-
tained in this guide should be directed to the Kentucky Department
of Fish and Wildlife Resources BEFORE engaging in the activities
16 GENERAL INFORMATION
referenced. Actual wording of any Kentucky Revised Statute (KRS)
or Kentucky Administrative Regulation (KAR) can be viewed at
www.lrc.state.ky.us/kar/frntpage.htm. 23 TROUT WATERS
OTHER GUIDES AVAILABLE
Kentucky Fish and Wildlife also produces regulation guides for
spring and fall hunting and trapping, waterfowl and other migra-
27 TROPHY FISH
tory bird hunting. Call 1-800-858-1549 weekdays, look for a copy
30
of these regulation guides where hunting licenses are sold, or log
on to fw.ky.gov. BOATING
1
NEW THIS YEAR
The items highlighted in bright blue mouth bass is now removed.
throughout this guide are a quick overview • Beech Fork Reservoir (Powell County):
Commonwealth of Kentucky of the changes to this year’s regulations. Largemouth bass are now under a 15-
Matthew G. Bevin, Governor inch minimum size limit. Bluegill are
FISHING now under a 15-fish daily creel limit.
FISH AND WILDLIFE COMMISSION • The statewide daily creel limit for crap- • Benjy Kinman Lake (Henry County):
1st District: Dr. Harry W. Carloss, Paducah pie is now 20 fish per angler per day. Crappie, bluegill and sunfish now
2nd District: C.F. “Frank” Williams, Madisonville
3rd District: Russell J. Gailor, Louisville
• The statewide daily creel limit for rain- under statewide regulations.
4th District: Kenny Knott, Glasgow bow trout is now 8 fish. The statewide • Southland Christian Church Lake
5th District: Kevin R. Bond, Burlington daily creel limit for brown trout is now 1 ( Jessamine County) is now enrolled in
6th District: Jimmy Bevins, Frankfort fish with a 16-inch minimum size limit. the Fishing in Neighborhoods (FINs)
7th District: Paul Horn, Prestonsburg
8th District: Richard Storm, Carlisle • Anglers may use dip nets to collect program.
9th District: Dr. Karl Clinard, Somerset baitfish statewide. • Willisburg Park Pond (Washington
Commissioner Emeritus: Dr. James R. Rich, Taylor Mill • Anglers using jugs, trot lines or limb lines County): Largemouth bass are now
must now use the Customer Identifica- under a 1-fish daily creel limit with a
Department of tion Number provided on their fishing li- 15-inch minimum size limit, sunfish
FISH AND WILDLIFE RESOURCES
censes to tag their jugs, trot lines or limb are under a 15-fish daily creel limit
Commissioner: Gregory K. Johnson
Deputy Commissioner: Charles Bush
lines instead of their name and address. with no minimum size limit while
Deputy Commissioner: Karen Waldrop • Barren River Lake: Blue and channel- channel catfish are under a 4-fish daily
Wildlife Director: Steve Beam catfish now under a 15-fish daily creel creel limit with no minimum size limit.
Fisheries Director: Ron Brooks limit, only one fish may be longer than • Possession or use of live shad for bait
Law Enforcement Director: vacant
Information & Education Director: 25 inches. is now prohibited on all Fishing in
Norm Minch (acting) • Taylorsville Lake: Crappie minimum Neighborhoods (FINs) lakes.
Administrative Services Director: Billye Haslett size limit is now 10 inches. • Some fishing license and boater
Engineering, Infrastructure and • Beaver Lake (Anderson County): The registration fees changed for the 2018
Technology Director: David Bruce
Marketing Director: Brian V. Blank 15-inch minimum size limit on large- license year.
FISHING & BOATING GUIDE
Editor: Lee McClellan Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources
Art/Design Director: Adrienne Yancy
Contributors: Dane Balsman, Ron Brooks,
Shane Carrier, Dave Dreves, Mike Hardin Who We Are Commission, a nine-member citizens
and Jeff Ross Created as the Kentucky Game and board selected by licensed hunters, boat-
Fish Commission on March 12, 1912, the ers and anglers, and appointed by the
agency known today as the Kentucky De- Governor, meets quarterly in Frankfort to
partment of Fish and Wildlife Resources make policy decisions. With input from
was established in its present form by the the agency’s director, program adminis-
Kentucky General Assembly in 1944. An trators and staff biologists, the Commis-
agency of the Tourism, Arts & Heritage sion adopts regulations that must meet
Obie Williams photo
Cabinet, the department today has about with the approval of the Kentucky Gen-
500 full-time employees. eral Assembly.
What We Do Our Budget
Through the decades the department’s Revenue sources are: hunting and
Landowner permission required
role has expanded to include managing fishing licenses (51%); boat registration
for hunting and fishing
both game and non-game fish and wildlife fees (7%); federal program funds (34%);
A person shall not enter upon the lands
of another to hunt, fish or trap without resources, creating regulations, enforcing program income (3%); interest income, tax
the oral or written permission of the wildlife and boating laws, hatching, rear- check-off donations, and other miscella-
landowner, tenant or person who has au- ing and stocking fish, assisting landowners neous receipts (5%).
thority to grant permission. Those who with fish and wildlife habitat improvement, Budgeted expenditures are: capital
fail to obtain permission are subject to educating youth about the importance of projects and land acquisitions (4%), admin-
arrest and prosecution. Railroad tracks fish and wildlife and their habitats, stream istration (11%), wildlife (28%), fisheries
and rights of way are privately owned restoration, passing on the heritage of ar- (18%), information and education (12%),
property and permission to hunt, fish chery and shooting sports, buying land for and law enforcement (27%).
or trap must be obtained prior to entry. public use, and building boat ramps for an- The department receives no tax dollars
(KRS 150:192) gler access to the state’s public waterways. from the state’s General Fund, and man-
The Kentucky Fish and Wildlife ages fish and wildlife for all citizens.
2
FISHING REGULATIONS
FISHING REGULATIONS
STATEWIDE REGULATIONS
Some waterbodies have different size and creel limits, please refer to the “Special Fishing Regulations” section for more details.
Fish not included in this list are considered rough fish. There are no size or creel limits for rough fish, unless special regulations apply.
For daily creel and fishing license purposes, one fishing day equals one calendar day. Except for trout, anglers may cull fish
of a particular species until reaching the daily creel limit. Any additional fish caught in excess of the daily creel limit must be
released immediately.
SPORT FISH SPECIES Daily Limit Possession Limit Minimum Size Limit
Largemouth Bass 6* 12* 12”
BLACK
BASS
Smallmouth Bass 6* 12* 12”
Kentucky (Spotted) Bass 6* 12* none
Coosa Bass 6* 12* none
Rock Bass 15 30 none
Redear Sunfish 20 40 none
15” on walleye and
Walleye, Sauger and their Hybrids 6* 12*
hybrids; none on sauger
Muskellunge 1 2 30”
Chain Pickerel 5 10 none
Northern Pike none none none
White & Hybrid Striped Bass 15** 30** none**
Striped Bass 5 10 15”
Yellow Bass none none none
Crappie (Black & White) 20* 40* none
Rainbow Trout 8 16 none
Brown Trout 1 2 16”
Brook Trout Catch and release only***
Lake Sturgeon Catch and release only
* Singly or combined; a total of these species ** No more than 5 fish in the daily creel limit may be more than 15 inches long.
*** Except for the Cumberland River downstream of Wolf Creek Dam and the upper section of Hatchery Creek, see Special
Regulations section for details.
STATEWIDE SIZE and CREEL except some waters have different limits squeezed together. Undersized fish must
LIMITS (301 KAR 1:060, 1:201; KRS (see “Special Fishing Regulations”). be returned immediately to the waters
150.010) from which they were taken in the best
Fishing season is open year-round MEASURING FISH possible physical condition.
in Kentucky, except on waterfowl refug- (301 KAR 1:201)
es and as otherwise noted in this guide. Measure all fish from the tip of the
Statewide size and creel limits apply to lower jaw (closed) to the tip of the tail
all Kentucky waters, public and private, with fish laid flat on rule with tail lobes Q: How is a daily creel limit
different than a possession limit?
Squeezed tail A: The daily creel limit is the
number of a particular sport fish
species you may keep in one day’s
fishing. A possession limit is two
times the daily creel limit for all
fish species with a daily creel limit
and excludes processed fish.
length
3
FISHING REGULATIONS SPECIAL FISHING REGULATIONS
(301 KAR 1:080, 1:180, 1:201, 2:222 Recreation Park Lake (Mason County), • Blue and Channel Catfish: 15-fish
4:100, KRS 150.010, 150.025) Middleton Mills Long Pond and Shel- daily creel limit, only 1 fish may be
terhouse Ponds (Kenton County), Mike longer than 25 inches.
SPECIAL REGULATION WATERS Miller Park Lake (Marshall County), • Crappie: 9-inch minimum size limit.
LISTED ALPHABETICALLY Miles Park Lakes ( Jefferson County), • Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass:
The public waters listed below have Millennium Park Pond (Boyle Coun- 15-inch minimum size limit except 1
different size and/or creel limits than ty), Panther Creek Park Lake, (Da- fish in the daily creel limit or 2 in the
statewide regulations allow. Statewide viess County), Prisoner’s Lake (Kenton possession limit may be less than 15
size and creel limits apply unless other- County), Rotary Park Lake (Hickman inches long.
wise mentioned below. Special boating County), Scott County Park Lake (Scott • Walleye: 2 fish daily creel limit; 18- to
regulations are listed in the Boating sec- County), Southgate Lake (Campbell 26-inch protective slot limit. All wall-
tion of this guide. County), Southland Christian Church eye caught from 18 to 26 inches long
Some privately owned waters may Lake ( Jessamine County), Three must be immediately released.
have special size and creel limits as post- Springs Lake (Warren County), Tom
ed by signs. Wallace Park Lake ( Jefferson Coun- BEAVER CREEK from the KY 90
ty), Upper Sportsman’s Lake (Franklin bridge upstream to the KY 200
FINs LAKES: County), Waverly Park Lake ( Jefferson bridge
Lakes in the Fishing In Neighbor- County), Waymond Morris Park Lake Wayne County
hoods (FINs) program have uniform (Daviess County), Whitehall Park Lake All trout caught from October 1
regulations for daily creel and size limits: (Madison County), Yellow Creek Park through March 31 must be immediately
• Rainbow Trout: 5-fish daily limit. Lake (Daviess County) released and only artificial baits shall be
• Catfish: 4-fish daily limit. used during this period.
• Sunfish: 15-fish daily limit. BARK CAMP CREEK
• Largemouth Bass: 15-inch minimum Whitley County BEAVER LAKE
size limit, 1 fish daily limit. All trout caught from October 1 Anderson County
• Possession or use of live shad for bait through March 31 must be immediately Possession or use of live shad for
is prohibited. released and only artificial baits shall be
The follwing FINs lakes are now used during this period.
under these special regulations:
NEED A PLACE TO FISH?
Alexandria Community Park Lake BARKLEY, KENTUCKY LAKES
(Campbell County), Anderson Coun- (and their connecting canal) Find new fishing information
ty Community Park Lake (Anderson • Crappie: 10-inch minimum size limit. on Kentucky waterbodies by
County), Bloomfield Park Lake (Nel- • Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass: visiting fw.ky.gov. Click on the
son County), Bob Noble Park Lake 15-inch minimum size limit. “Find A Place To Fish” tab on
(McCracken County), Brickyard Pond • Sauger: 14-inch minimum size limit. the left side of the home page.
(Knox County), Camp Ernst Lake Anglers may search lakes, riv-
(Boone County), Carlson Lake (Ft. BARKLEY TAILWATER – See Cum- ers and creeks for boat ramps
Knox, Meade County), Cherokee Park berland River and access points, what species
Lake ( Jefferson County), Easy Walk- are available and maps of how
er Park Pond (Montgomery Coun- BARREN RIVER upstream of to get there plus other useful
ty), Fisherman’s Park Lakes ( Jefferson Barren River Lake; downstream of information.
County), Flemingsburg Old Reser- the lake to Lock and Dam 1 and all
Also under the “Find a Place to
voir (Fleming County), Jacobson Park tributaries
Fish” tab is the 2018 Fishing
Lake (Fayette County), James D. Beville • Walleye: 2 fish daily creel limit; 18- to
Forecast. This report details the
Park Lake (Grayson County), Kentucky 26-inch protective slot limit. All wall-
anticipated fishing success for
Horse Park Lakes (Fayette County), eye caught from 18 to 26 inches long
each species in major waterbod-
Kess Creek Park Lake (Graves County), must be immediately released.
ies based on population samples
Kingdom Come State Park Lake (Har-
conducted by KDFWR fisheries
lan County), Lake Mingo ( Jessamine BARREN RIVER LAKE
biologists.
County), Lake Pollywog (Grant Coun- The boundaries of Barren Riv-
ty), Leary Lake (Grant County), Lo- er Lake are from the dam upstream to Although the VPA program is
gan Hubble Park Lake (Lincoln Coun- the KY 100 bridge, Long Creek to the now in a reduced capacity, many
ty), Lower Sportman’s Lake (Franklin KY 100 bridge, Beaver Creek to the KY sites remain open to public use.
County), Lusby Lake (Scott County), 1297 bridge, Skaggs Creek to the Mat- Check the Kentucky Fish and
Madisonville City Park Lakes (Hop- thews Mill Road bridge and Peter Creek Wildlife website at fw.ky.gov.
kins County), Maysville-Mason County to the Peter Creek Road bridge.
4
bait is prohibited. 1 fish daily creel limit for brown trout
FISHING REGULATIONS
• Channel Catfish: 12-inch minimum Did you know? and only artificial baits may be used.
size limit.
Camping is prohibited on KDFWR
owned or managed lakes. CLEAR CREEK
BEECH FORK RESERVOIR Bell County
Powell County All trout caught from October 1
• Bluegill: 15-fish daily creel limit. CARPENTER LAKE through March 31 must be immediately
• Largemouth Bass: 15-inch minimum Daviess County released and only artificial baits shall be
size limit. Possession or use of live shad for used during this period.
bait is prohibited.
BERT COMBS LAKE CORINTH LAKE
Clay County CARR CREEK LAKE Grant County
Possession or use of live shad for • Crappie: 9-inch minimum size limit. Possession or use of live shad for
bait is prohibited. • Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass: bait is prohibited.
15-inch minimum size limit. • Channel Catfish: 12-inch minimum
BIG BONE CREEK size limit.
Boone County CARTER CAVES STATE PARK LAKE
All trout caught from October 1 (also called Smoky Valley Lake) CUMBERLAND GAP NATIONAL
through March 31 must be immediately Fishing during daylight hours only. HISTORICAL PARK
released and only artificial baits shall be Possession or use of live shad for (301 KAR 1:035)
used during this period. bait is prohibited. Special fishing regulations are in
• Largemouth Bass: 12- to 15-inch effect on Cumberland Gap Nation-
BOLTZ LAKE protective slot limit. All largemouth al Historical Park. For complete fishing
Grant County bass caught between 12 and 15 inch- information on this area contact: Cum-
Possession or use of live shad for es in length must be immediately re- berland Gap National Historical Park,
bait is prohibited. leased; 6 fish daily creel limit, only 1 P.O. Box 1848, Middlesboro, KY 40965,
• Channel Catfish: 12-inch minimum fish may be longer than 15 inches. phone (606) 248-2817.
size limit.
CASEY CREEK CUMBERLAND RIVER upstream
BRIGGS LAKE Trigg County from Cumberland Falls and all
Logan County All trout caught from October 1 tributaries:
Possession or use of live shad for through March 31 must be immediately • Walleye: 2 fish daily creel limit; 18- to
bait is prohibited. released and only artificial baits shall be 26-inch protective slot limit. All wall-
used during this period. eye caught from 18 to 26 inches long
BUCKHORN LAKE must be immediately released.
• Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass: CAVE RUN LAKE
15-inch minimum size limit. Gigging and snagging prohibited CUMBERLAND RIVER from Wolf
• Muskellunge: 36-inch minimum size in the main lake and all tributaries up Creek Dam to the Tennessee state
limit. to the first riffle. The location of the first line
• Crappie: 9-inch minimum size limit. riffle may change depending on water All licensed anglers must possess a
levels. trout permit on this portion of Cumber-
BULLOCK PEN LAKE • Largemouth Bass: 13 to 16-inch pro-
Grant and Boone counties tective slot limit. All largemouth bass
• Channel Catfish: 12-inch minimum
size limit.
caught between 13 and 16 inches in
length must be released immediately.
Q: Is fishing allowed around a
dock or a marina?
• Smallmouth Bass: 18-inch minimum
CANE CREEK
Laurel County
size limit.
• Muskellunge: 36-inch minimum size
A: It depends. Public marinas
on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
All trout caught from October 1 limit. Lakes have contractual agreements
through March 31 must be immediately
that address lease space on public
released and only artificial baits shall be CEDAR CREEK LAKE waters. The Corps presently allows
used during this period. Lincoln County the marina owners or operators to
• Largemouth Bass: 20-inch minimum post signs that prohibit fishing with-
CARNICO LAKE size limit, 1 fish daily creel limit. in 150 feet of their floating struc-
Nicholas County • Channel Catfish: 12-inch minimum tures. These agreements do not pro-
• Largemouth Bass: 15-inch minimum size limit. hibit a person from fishing in their
size limit. boat rental slip. This policy does not
CHIMNEY TOP CREEK apply to privately owned boat docks
Wolfe County on Corps lakes.
A 16-inch minimum size limit and
5
land River. This includes Hatchery Creek may be kept daily. ELK SPRING CREEK
FISHING REGULATIONS and all tributaries up to the first riffle.
Anglers may not attract or chum
• Sauger: 14-inch minimum size limit,
10 fish daily creel limit.
Wayne County
All trout caught from October 1
trout with bait, corn or other attractants • Rainbow and Brown Trout: 7-fish through March 31 must be immediately
designed to draw numbers of trout to a aggregate daily creel limit. released and only artificial baits shall be
specific area. This includes all tributar- • Walleye: 16-inch minimum size limit, used during this period.
ies up to the first riffle and in Hatch- 5 fish daily creel limit.
ery Creek. For regulations on Hatchery ELMER DAVIS LAKE
Creek, refer to the Hatchery Creek sec- DEWEY LAKE Owen County
tion on page 7. • Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass: Possession or use of live shad for
• Brown Trout: 20-inch minimum size 15-inch minimum size limit. bait is prohibited.
limit, 1 fish daily creel limit, also ap- • Blue and Channel Catfish: 15 fish • Largemouth Bass: 12 to 15-inch pro-
plies to all tributary streams, except daily creel limit, only 1 fish may be tective slot limit. All largemouth bass
Hatchery Creek. longer than 25 inches. caught between 12 and 15 inches in
• Rainbow Trout: 15 to 20-inch pro- • Muskellunge: 36-inch minimum size length must be immediately released.
tective slot limit. All trout caught be- limit. • Channel Catfish: 12-inch minimum
tween 15 and 20 inches in length size limit.
must be immediately released. Five DIX RIVER from Herrington Lake
fish daily limit, only one rainbow Dam downstream for two miles FAGAN BRANCH LAKE (also called
trout may be longer than 20 inches. Fishing with artificial lures or flies only. Lebanon City Lake)
Also applies to all tributary streams, Marion County
except Hatchery Creek. DOE RUN LAKE • Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass:
• Brook Trout: 1 fish daily creel lim- Kenton County 12 to 15-inch protective slot limit.
it with a 15-inch minimum size limit. Possession or use of live shad for All largemouth and smallmouth bass
Also applies to all tributary streams, bait is prohibited. caught between 12 and 15 inches in
except Hatchery Creek. • Largemouth Bass: 15-inch minimum length must be released immediately.
size limit, 3 fish daily creel limit.
CUMBERLAND RIVER from Lake • Channel Catfish: Four fish daily creel FISHTRAP LAKE
Barkley Dam downstream to conflu- limit, no minimum size limit. • Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass:
ence with Ohio River 15-inch minimum size limit.
Gigging and snagging only permit- DOG FORK • Crappie: 9-inch minimum size limit.
ted downstream of U.S. 62 bridge with a Wolfe County • Blue and Channel Catfish: 15 fish
daily creel limit of 8 fish. Harvesting of Only artificial baits with a single daily creel limit, only 1 fish in the dai-
sportfish by gigging or snagging is pro- hook shall be used. Brook trout must be ly creel limit may be longer than 25
hibited. All snagged or gigged rough fish immediately released. inches.
including paddlefish, with the exception • Walleye: 2 fish daily creel limit; 18- to
of shad, herring or Asian carp, shall be EAST FORK INDIAN CREEK 26-inch protective slot limit. All wall-
taken into possession and not be culled. Menifee County eye caught from 18 to 26 inches long
Snagged or gigged fish must not be dis- All trout caught from October 1 must be immediately released.
posed of on the bank. Disposing of fish through March 31 must be immediately
on the bank is littering and subject to a released and only artificial baits shall be FLOYD’S FORK from U.S. 60 bridge
fine. See the gigging and snagging sec- used during this period. downstream to U.S. 150 bridge
tion on page 11 of this guide for addi- Jefferson County
tional information. Snagged paddlefish ELKHORN CREEK in Franklin • Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass:
or their roe cannot be sold. County from confluence of North 15-inch minimum size limit, 1 fish
• Sauger: 14-inch minimum size limit. and South forks downstream to daily creel limit.
Kentucky River • Rainbow Trout: All trout caught from
DALE HOLLOW LAKE • Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass: Oct. 1 through Mar. 31 must be im-
• Crappie: 10-inch minimum size limit, 12 to 16-inch protective slot lim- mediately released and only artificial
15 fish daily creel limit. it. Largemouth and smallmouth bass baits shall be used during this period.
• Black Bass creel: includes largemouth, caught between 12 and 16 inches in
smallmouth and Kentucky (spotted) length must be immediately released. GENERAL BUTLER STATE PARK
bass – 5 fish daily creel limit on black Daily limit of 6 may include no more LAKE
bass singly or combined, only two of than 2 fish longer than 16 inches. Carroll County
which may be smallmouth bass. • For regulatory purposes, the bound- Possession or use of live shad for
• Largemouth Bass: 15-inch minimum ary of Elkhorn Creek is a permanent bait is prohibited.
size limit. marker just below the first shoal up- • Largemouth Bass: 15-inch minimum
• Smallmouth Bass: 16 to 21-inch pro- stream from its confluence with the size limit, 3 fish daily creel limit.
tective slot limit. One fish over 21 Kentucky River. • Channel Catfish: 4 fish daily creel
inches and one fish under 16 inches limit, no minimum size limit.
6
GOLDEN POND (Land Between The • Walleye: 2 fish daily creel limit, an 18- bait is prohibited.
FISHING REGULATIONS
Lakes National Recreation Area) to 26-inch protective slot limit. All • Largemouth Bass: 15-inch minimum
• Channel Catfish: 15-inch minimum walleye caught from 18 to 26 inches size limit.
size limit, 5 fish daily creel limit. long must be immediately released.
LAKE MALONE
GRAYSON LAKE KENTUCKY RIVER WMA BOONE • Largemouth Bass: 12 to 15-inch pro-
• Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass: TRACT, Henry County tective slot limit. All largemouth bass
15-inch minimum size limit. Benjy Kinman Lake: caught between 12 and 15 inches in
• Largemouth Bass: No harvest. length must be immediately released.
GREENBO LAKE • Catfish: 4 fish daily creel limit. • Channel Catfish: 12-inch minimum
Greenup County • Trolling motor only. size limit.
Possession or use of live shad for All other ponds:
bait is prohibited. • Largemouth Bass: 15-inch minimum LAKE REBA
• Bluegill and other Sunfish: 15 fish size limit; 1 fish daily creel limit. Madison County
daily creel limit. • Bluegill and other sunfish: 15 fish Possession or use of live shad for
• Areas marked by signage and buoys daily creel limit. bait is prohibited.
near the Jesse Stuart Lodge are peri- • Crappie: 15 fish daily creel limit. • Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass:
odically closed to fishing. • Catfish: 4 fish daily creel limit. 15-inch minimum size limit, 3 fish
• Trolling motor only. daily creel limit.
GREEN RIVER LAKE • Blue and Channel Catfish: 12-inch
• Crappie: 9-inch minimum size limit. KINCAID LAKE minimum size limit.
• Muskellunge: 36-inch minimum size Pendleton County
limit. • Channel Catfish: 12-inch minimum LAKE SHELBY
size limit. Shelby County
GUIST CREEK LAKE • Largemouth Bass: 15-inch minimum
Shelby County LAKE BESHEAR size limit, 3 fish daily creel limit.
• Channel Catfish: 12-inch minimum Caldwell County • Channel Catfish: 4 fish daily creel
size limit. • Channel Catfish: 12-inch minimum limit, no minimum size limit.
size limit.
HATCHERY CREEK LAND BETWEEN THE LAKES
Russell County LAKE BLYTHE NATIONAL RECREATION AREA
Anglers must possess a trout permit Christian County (301 KAR 1:031)
to fish Hatchery Creek. • Largemouth Bass: 12 to 15-inch pro- Special fishing regulations are in
• Brook, Rainbow and Brown Trout: tective slot limit. All largemouth bass effect for ponds and small lakes within
Upper section: As designated by signs, caught between 12 and 15 inches in Land Between The Lakes National Rec-
5 trout aggregate daily creel limit. length must be immediately released. reation Area. For complete fishing in-
Lower section: Catch and release formation on this area, anglers should
only and only artificial baits may be LAKE CHUMLEY contact: Land Between The Lakes Na-
used. The lower boundary of Hatch- Lincoln County tional Recreation Area, Golden Pond,
ery Creek is delineated as a straight Fishing during daylight hours only. KY 42231, phone (270) 924-2000.
line between opposite points where
Hatchery Creek meets the main stem LAKE CUMBERLAND LAUREL RIVER LAKE
of the Cumberland River. The boundaries of Lake Cumber- • Largemouth Bass: 15-inch minimum
land are defined as Cumberland Falls size limit.
KENTUCKY, BARKLEY LAKES on the Cumberland River, Devils Jump • Smallmouth Bass: 18-inch minimum
(and their connecting canal) on the Big South Fork, the Narrows of size limit, 2 fish daily creel limit.
• Crappie: 10-inch minimum size limit. Rockcastle River and Laurel River Lake • Crappie: 9-inch minimum size limit,
• Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass: Dam on Laurel River. 15 fish daily creel limit.
15-inch minimum size limit. • Crappie: 10-inch minimum size limit.
• Sauger: 14-inch minimum size limit. • Lake Sturgeon: Catch and release only. LEARY LAKE
• Largemouth Bass: 15-inch minimum Grant County
KENTUCKY LAKE TAILWATER – size limit. Fishing during daylight hours only.
see Tennessee River • Smallmouth Bass: 18-inch minimum
size limit. LEBANON CITY LAKE – see Fagan
KENTUCKY RIVER, upstream of • Striped Bass: 22-inch minimum size Branch Lake
Lock and Dam 14, the North Fork limit, 2 fish daily creel limit.
and tributaries including Carr Fork LEFT FORK, BEAVER CREEK
below Carr Creek Lake along with LAKE JERICHO Floyd County
the Middle and South Forks and all Henry County All trout caught from October 1
Possession or use of live shad for through March 31 must be immediately
tributaries
7
released and only artificial baits shall be size limit, 3 fish daily creel limit. fish daily creel limit on trout and only
FISHING REGULATIONS used during this period. • Channel Catfish: 4 fish daily creel
limit, no minimum size limit.
artificial baits shall be used.
LEVISA FORK OF BIG SANDY PAINTSVILLE LAKE
RIVER above Fishtrap Lake and all NOLIN RIVER LAKE • Largemouth Bass: 12 to 15-inch pro-
tributaries Lake upper boundary is the Wheel- tective slot limit. All largemouth bass
• Walleye: 2 fish daily creel limit; 18- to ers Mill Road bridge in the Nolin Riv- caught between 12 and 15 inches in
26-inch protective slot limit. All wall- er arm and to the KY 728 bridge in the length must be released immediately.
eye caught from 18 to 26 inches long Bacon Creek arm. • Smallmouth Bass: 18-inch minimum
must be immediately released. • Crappie: 9-inch minimum size limit. size limit.
• Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass:
LINCOLN HOMESTEAD STATE 15-inch size limit, except 1 fish in the PARCHED CORN CREEK
PARK LAKE daily limit or 2 in the possession limit Wolfe County
Washington County may be less than 15 inches long. Only artificial baits with single
Fishing during daylight hours only. hook shall be used. Brook trout must be
Possession or use of live shad for bait is OHIO RIVER – see also, “Bordering immediately released.
prohibited. Waters” page 15
• Channel Catfish: 4 fish daily creel • Walleye, Sauger and their Hybrids: PEABODY WMA LAKES
limit, no minimum size limit. No minimum size limit, 10 fish daily In addition to a fishing license, a
• Largemouth Bass: 15-inch minimum creel limit, singly or combined. $15.00 user permit is required of per-
size limit; 3 fish daily creel limit. • White Bass, Striped Bass and their sons age 16 and over while on Peabody
Hybrids: 30 fish daily creel limit, only WMA. Permits can be purchased where
MARION COUNTY LAKE 4 fish may be 15 inches or longer. fishing licenses are sold. Fishing open
Possession or use of live shad for • Blue, Channel and Flathead Cat- Mar. 16 - Oct. 14 on Goose, Island and
bait is prohibited. fish: Anglers may keep one blue cat- South Lake, all other lakes open year-
• Largemouth Bass: 15-inch minimum fish and one flathead catfish 35 inches round.
size limit. or longer and one channel catfish 28
inches or longer daily. No daily creel PIKEVILLE CITY LAKE
MARTIN’S FORK LAKE and all limit on catfish under those limits. Pike County
tributaries • Largemouth Bass: All largemouth
• Walleye: 2 fish daily creel limit; 18- to OTTER CREEK bass caught must be immediately
26-inch protective slot limit. All wall- Meade County released.
eye caught from 18 to 26 inches long • Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass:
must be immediately released. 12- to 16-inch protective slot limit. POOR FORK and its tributaries
All largemouth and smallmouth bass Letcher County
McNEELY LAKE caught between 12 and 16 inches in Downstream to the first crossing of
Jefferson County length must be immediately released; KY 932, only artificial baits with single
Possession or use of live shad for 6 fish daily creel limit, only 1 fish may hook shall be used. Brook trout must be
bait is prohibited. be longer than 16 inches. immediately released.
• Blue and Channel Catfish: 12-inch All trout caught in Fort Knox Mil-
minimum size limit. itary Reservation and in Otter Creek REFORMATORY LAKE
Park from Oct. 1 through Mar. 31 must Oldham County
MIDDLE FORK, RED RIVER be immediately released and only artifi- • Blue and Channel Catfish: 12-inch
Powell County cial baits shall be used during this peri- minimum size limit.
Within the Natural Bridge State od. There is a one-mile section of Otter
Park, all trout caught from October 1 Creek as posted by signs in Fort Knox ROCK CREEK from Bell Farm Bridge
through March 31 must be immediately Military Reservation where trout fish- upstream to Tennessee state line
released and only artificial baits shall be ing is open to statewide regulations. Fort McCreary County
used during this period. Knox Military Reservation requires the All trout caught from October 1
purchase of a $10 permit to fish and is through March 31 must be immediately
MILL CREEK LAKE closed to fishing on Tuesdays. Anglers released and only artificial baits shall be
Powell and Wolfe counties must check-in with the Fort Knox Hunt used during this period.
Possession or use of live shad for Control Office at (502) 624-2712 before
bait is prohibited. each day’s fishing. ROUGH RIVER LAKE
• Largemouth Bass: 15-inch minimum • Crappie: 9-inch minimum size limit.
size limit; 3 fish daily creel limit. PAINT CREEK from the KY 40 • Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass:
bridge downstream to the first U.S. 15-inch minimum size limit except 1
NEW HAVEN OPTIMIST LAKE 460 bridge fish in the daily creel limit or 2 in the
Nelson County Johnson County possession limit may be less than 15
• Largemouth Bass: 15-inch minimum 16-inch minimum size limit and 1 inches long.
8SHANTY HOLLOW LAKE TAYLORSVILLE LAKE roe cannot be sold. Gigging is prohibited
FISHING REGULATIONS
Warren County Lake upper boundary is Dry Dock in the Tennessee River below Kentucky
Possession or use of live shad for Road on Salt River. Dam. See the Gigging and Snagging sec-
bait is prohibited. • Crappie: 10-inch minimum size limit, tion on page 11 for more information.
• Largemouth Bass: 15-inch minimum 15 fish daily creel limit. • Sauger: 14-inch minimum size limit.
size limit. • Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass:
• Channel Catfish: 12-inch minimum 15-inch minimum size limit. TRAMMEL CREEK
size limit. • Blue and Channel Catfish: 15-fish Allen County
daily creel limit, only 1 fish may be All trout caught from October 1
SHILLALAH CREEK longer than 25 inches. through March 31 must be immediately
Bell County released and only artificial baits shall be
Outside the Cumberland Gap Na- TENNESSEE RIVER from Ken- used during this period.
tional Park as posted, only artificial baits tucky Lake Dam downstream to • Brown Trout: 16-inch minimum size
with single hook shall be used. Brook confluence with Ohio River limit, 1 fish daily creel limit.
trout must be immediately released. The area from Kentucky Dam to • RainbowTrout: 5 fish daily creel limit.
the new U.S. 62 bridge will be open to
SPORTSMAN’S LAKES snagging 24 hours per day from January WILLISBURG PARK POND
Franklin County 1 through May 31. From June 1 through Washington County
Fishing during daylight hours only. December 31, the area is open to snag- • Channel Catfish: 4-fish daily creel-
ging from sunset to sunrise. The area of limit, no minimum size limit.
SPURLINGTON LAKE the Tennessee River from the new U.S. • Largemouth Bass: 15-inch minimum
Taylor County 62 bridge to the I-24 bridge is closed size limit, 1-fish daily creel limit.
Possession or use of live shad for to snagging year round. The area from • Sunfish: 15-fish daily creel limit, no
bait is prohibited. the I-24 bridge to the confluence with minimum size limit.
the Ohio River is open to snagging year
SWIFT CAMP CREEK round. There is now a daily snagging creel WOOD CREEK LAKE
Clifty Wilderness, Wolfe County limit of 8 fish in aggregate and shall not Laurel County
All trout caught from October 1 exceed the daily creel limit for any sport • Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass:
through May 31 must be released im- fish in which the creel limit is under 8 15-inch minimum size limit.
mediately and only artificial baits shall fish per day. Snagging must cease if any • Walleye: 2 fish daily creel limit; 18- to
be used during this period. sport fish daily creel limit is attained. All 26-inch protective slot limit. All wall-
fish snagged including paddlefish, ex- eye caught from 18 to 26 inches long
SYMPSON LAKE cept shad, herring or Asian carp, must must be immediately released.
Nelson County be taken into possession and not culled.
• Largemouth Bass: 15-inch minimum Snagged fish must not be disposed on YATESVILLE LAKE
size limit. the bank. This action is littering and sub- • Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass:
ject to a fine. Snagged paddlefish or their 15-inch minimum size limit.
OTHER SPECIES
BULLFROGS Anglers may take snapping turtles one decoy turtle may remain. Any other
(301 KAR 1:082) (except alligator snapping turtles) and species (except soft shelled and snapping
The taking season for bullfrogs softshell turtles year round by the same turtles) caught in a turtle trap must be
opens at noon on the third Friday in methods legal for taking rough fish spe- released unharmed.
May (May 18, 2018) and runs through cies. Commercial fishing gear may not
Oct. 31. If a gun or bow and arrow are be used to take turtles. A hunting license GRASS CARP HARVEST
used, a hunting license is required. If is required when taking turtles by gun PROHIBITED
frogs are taken by pole and line, a fishing or by bow and arrow. Otherwise a fish- (301 KAR 1:201)
license is required. If frogs are taken by ing license is required. Turtles can not be Harvesting grass carp is prohib-
gig or by hand, then either a hunting or sold. ited in any lake owned or managed by
fishing license is valid. The daily noon- Turtle traps may be one of two the Kentucky Department of Fish and
to-noon creel limit for bullfrogs is 15. kinds: either a barrel or drum with a tilt- Wildlife Resources. Anglers who catch
The possession limit is 30. ing trigger board or a floating log raft a grass carp from one of these lakes must
with an enclosed twine or wire mesh immediately return the fish to the water
TURTLES bag. Turtle traps must be inspected daily. where it was caught. Grass carp are used
(301 KAR 1:058) All turtles must be removed daily except to control aquatic vegetation.
9LIVE BAIT FOR PERSONAL USE herring and shad may only be used in diameter is legal statewide.
FISHING REGULATIONS (301 KAR 1:130, 1:122) the waters from which they were col-
lected. A commercial license is required
• Minnow Traps: Maximum legal size
statewide: 3 feet long, 18 inches in di-
No live fish, live bait fish or live
bait organisms that are not native or to take live bait from public waters open ameter, 1-inch openings for catching.
established in Kentucky waters shall be to commercial fishing for the purpose of • Seines: Maximum legal size statewide:
bought, sold, possessed, imported, or in selling. 10 feet long, 4 feet deep, ¼-inch mesh.
any way used or released into waters of Regardless of size or how obtained, Maximum legal size in the Ohio and
this Commonwealth. Blueback herring it is illegal to use any sport fish for bait Mississippi rivers and Kentucky and
are not native to Kentucky and may not (except redear sunfish less than 6 inches Barkley lakes: 30 feet long, 6 feet deep
be imported or possessed in this state. long). (Sport fish species listed on page and ¼-inch bar mesh.
Holders of sport fishing licenses 3). Live bait fishes are defined as red- • Sport Cast Nets: Maximum sport cast
may take live bait from public waters ear sunfish less than 6 inches long and net size is 20 feet in diameter with
and may possess up to 500 live bait fish- rough fish except blackside dace, pale- maximum 1-inch bar mesh statewide
es which include shad (except on lakes zone shiner, Cumberland darter, relict except in the following waters. Sport
where possession or use of live shad is darter and tuxedo darter. Also, see page cast nets prohibited in: 1) lakes hav-
prohibited) and herring, 500 crayfish, 25 21 for a description of these protected ing fewer than 500 surface acres, 2)
spring lizards or dusky salamanders, 5 fish species. Bluegills are not sport fish Hatchery Creek in Russell County.
frogs (other than bullfrogs), 5 tadpoles, and may be taken for bait as described
100 native lampreys, 500 other aquatic above. All sport fish incidentally taken
invertebrate organisms other than mus- Live bait may be taken with the fol- while capturing live bait with seines, dip
sels, and any number of unshelled Asi- lowing gear: nets or cast nets must be released imme-
atic clams. Live wild caught Asian carp, • Dip Nets: Maximum size of 3 feet in diately unharmed into the water.
KNOW YOUR TURTLES!
COMMON SNAPPING TURTLE ALLIGATOR SNAPPING TURTLE
Legal to take Illegal to take
FISHING METHODS
must be set at least three feet below the trotlines or 25 set lines. Each sport fish-
No firearms water’s surface. Jugging is fishing with a
single baited line attached to any float-
ing trotline, jug line or set line must be:
1) permanently labeled with the cus-
Fish may not be taken with use of ing object. A jug line may have no more tomer identification number provided
a firearm. than one single or multi-barbed hook. A on fishing licenses; 2) baited, checked
set line is a line with one single or multi
barbed hook. It may be attached to a tree
SPORT FISHING TROTLINES, limb, tree trunk, bank pole or other sta- Q: What is legal equipment for
JUGGING and SET LINES (LIMB tionary object on the bank of a stream or sport fish?
LINES) impoundment.
(301 KAR 1:410; KRS 150.010) One person may use no more than A: Anglers may legally take
A sport fishing trotline is a line two sport fishing trotlines or 50 jug lines sport fish by hook and line in hand,
with no more than 50 single or multi- or 25 set lines at any one time. Each boat rod in hand, jugging, setline or
barbed baited hooks that must be at least may not use more than 50 jug lines, but sport fishing trotline.
18 inches apart. A sport fishing trotline each occupant may use two sportfishing
10and all fish removed at least once every into possession and cannot be culled or
FISHING REGULATIONS
24 hours; 3) removed from water, bank
or tree when fishing ceases.
released. Anglers must cease gigging or
snagging once they attain the 2 paddle-
Q: May you clean your fish
while on the water?
fish daily creel limit. It is illegal to sell
Prohibited Areas: Sport fish-
ing trotlines, jug lines or set lines may
paddlefish or their roe taken by sportfish
snagging methods. No daily limits on
A: Anglers shall not remove any
part of the head or tail of any fish
not be used within 200 yards below any any other rough fish. Regardless of con- for which there is a size or creel
dam. Sport fishing trotlines, jug lines or dition, all sport fish taken by gigging and limit until finished fishing and off
set lines are not allowed in Department snagging must be immediately returned the water.
owned/managed lakes having less than to the water (except snagging in the
500 surface acres, except those located Tennessee River below Kentucky Dam.
on Ballard and Boatwright WMAs. See special regulations on page 9). methods are permitted in all waters. The
No sport fishing trotlines are allowed Persons may gig rough fish through daily creel limit is 15 rough fish, no more
within 700 yards below Kentucky Dam, the ice any time the surface is frozen than 5 of which can be catfish.
the area between Barkley Dam and U.S. thick enough to stand upon. The gigger
62 bridge, or below the following Ohio must gig while supported by the ice. BOW FISHING
River dams from the face of the dam to (301 KAR 1:410)
the end of the outer lock wall: Smith- Gigging and snagging are pro- Rough fish (except alligator gar)
land, Newburgh, Cannelton, Mark- hibited in the following waters or may be taken year-round by long bow,
land, Meldahl and Greenup; McAlpine areas: crossbow, compound bow, recurve bow
downstream to the K&I railroad bridge; • Cave Run Lake including all tributar- or pneumatic air arrow launching de-
J.T. Meyers (Uniontown) to the end of ies up to the first riffle (The location of vice. Sport fish may not be taken with
the outer lock wall and that portion of the first riffle may change depending this gear. Arrows must have a barbed or
the split channel around the southern on water level). retractable style point that has a line at-
part of Wabash Island from the fixed • Cumberland River, below Wolf Creek tached for retrieval. Catfish have a daily
weir dam to the first dike. Dam downstream to the Tennessee creel limit of 5 (in aggregate) and pad-
line including all of Hatchery Creek dlefish have a daily creel limit of 2. There
GIGGING AND SNAGGING FISH and all tributaries for ½ mile upstream is no limit on other rough fish. Bow
(301 KAR 1:410, 1:082; KRS 150.010) of their confluence with the Cumber- fisherman may fish within 200 yards of
Gigging means spearing or impal- land River. a dam, except by boat in boat restricted
ing fish on any pronged or barbed in- • Within 200 yards of a dam, except be- areas. Bow fishing is prohibited on the
strument attached to the end of any rig- low Kentucky Dam. Cumberland River below Wolf Creek
id object. Snagging means taking fish or • Cumberland River, below Barkley Dam Dam downstream to the Tennessee line,
other aquatic animals by a rapid drawing downstream to the U.S. 62 bridge. including Hatchery Creek and all tribu-
motion (rather than enticement by bait) • Tennessee River, below Kentucky Dam taries for ½ mile upstream of their con-
using a hand-held rod and attached line from the new U.S. 62 bridge to I-24 fluence with the Cumberland River.
with one single treble hook. Except, in bridge. Persons using a bow and arrow for
Green River, Rolling Fork River and • Middle Fork of Kentucky River from fishing must have the appropriate fish-
their tributaries, up to five single or five Buckhorn Lake downstream to the ing license and may take rough fish from
treble hooks may be used for snagging. A Breathitt County line. bank or boat. Bow anglers cannot sell
rod legal for snagging must be equipped • Rough River, below Rough River Dam paddlefish or their roe taken by bow
with line, guides and a reel. to KY 54 bridge and arrow. Paddlefish and catfish taken
The statewide season for gigging • In the Tennessee River below Ken- by bow and arrow must be taken into
and/or snagging rough fish is from Feb- tucky Dam, gigging prohibited year- immediate possession and cannot be
ruary 1 through May 10. It is illegal to round. culled. Fish taken by bow must not be
possess a gig on a stream or lake or in a For special regulations concerning discarded on the bank. Bank disposal is
boat from November 1 through January gigging and snagging in the Cumber- littering and subject to a fine.
31. A person may gig or snag fish from land River below Barkley Dam and in
the bank of a stream during the day or the Tennessee River below Kentucky SPEAR FISHING
night. Gigging and snagging is not legal Lake refer to Special Regulations on (301 KAR 1:410)
from a platform or boat, except that gig- pages 6 and 9 of this guide. Underwater spearing of rough fish
ging is legal from a boat on lakes 500 with hand-held or mechanically pro-
surface acres or larger and only during TICKLING AND NOODLING pelled spear is permitted year-round, but
daylight hours. (301 KAR 1:410; KRS 150.010) only in lakes having 1,000 surface acres
There is a statewide limit of 2 pad- The tickling and noodling (hand or more. All participants in this sport
dlefish for either gigging or snagging grabbing) season for rough fish is June must be submerged while spear fishing.
(except for the Tennessee River below 1 through August 31, during daylight Only rough fish may be taken and the
Kentucky Lake and the Cumberland hours only. Tickling and noodling appropriate fishing license is required.
River below Lake Barkley). All gigged means taking fish directly by hand, or The daily limit is 15 fish of which only 5
or snagged paddlefish must be taken with the aid of a handled hook. These may be catfish.
11FISHING REGULATIONS LICENSE AND PERMIT FEES (effective March 1, 2018)
LICENSE / PERMIT Resident Nonresident
Annual Fishing $23 $50
Joint Married Couple Annual Fishing $42 Not available
1-Day Fishing $7 $10
3-Year Fishing (available online at fw.ky.gov only) $55 Not available
Nonresident 7-Day Fishing Not available $30
Nonresident 15-Day Fishing Not available $40
LICENSES
Trout Permit $10
Annual Hunting $27 $140
1-Day Hunting (not valid for deer, elk, turkey or bear) $7 $15
7-Day Hunting (not valid for deer, elk, turkey or bear) Not available $55
Annual Youth Hunting (ages 12-15 only) $6 $10
Shooting Area License (available online at fw.ky.gov only) $5
Annual Trapping $20 $130
Annual Landowner/Tenant Trapping $10 Not available
Annual Youth (ages 12-15) Trapping $5 Not available
Annual Combination Hunting/Fishing $42 Not available
Senior/Disabled Sportsman’s License* (includes same license and permits
$12 Not available
as Resident Sportsman’s License, plus additional deer permits.)
COMBOS
Sportsman’s License* (Includes combination hunting/fishing, statewide deer
permit, spring and fall turkey permits, state migratory game bird-waterfowl $95 Not available
permit and trout permit.)
Youth (ages 12-15) Sportsman’s License*
$30 Not available
(Includes youth hunting license, 2 youth deer permits and 2 youth turkey permits.)
Statewide Deer Permit (two deer) $35 $120
DEER
Youth (ages 12-15) Deer Permit (one deer) $10 $15
Additional Deer Permit (two deer) $15
Spring Turkey Permit (statewide) (two turkeys) $30 $75
Youth (ages 12-15) Turkey Permit (one turkey, spring or fall) $10 $15
BIRDS
Fall Turkey Permit (statewide)(four turkeys) $30 $75
Migratory Bird–Waterfowl Permit $15
Federal Duck Stamp (available at post offices and online at www.duckstamp.com) $25
Pheasant Quota Hunt Permit (if drawn) $25
Elk Drawing Application (deadline April 30; available online at fw.ky.gov only) $10
Youth WMA Elk Drawing Application (deadline April 30; available at fw.ky.gov only) $10
Quota Bull Elk Permit (if drawn; available online at fw.ky.gov only) $100 $550
ELK
Quota Cow Elk Permit (if drawn; available online at fw.ky.gov only) $60 $400
Youth Elk Permit (if drawn; available online at fw.ky.gov only) $30 $40
Out-of-Zone Elk Permit (Nonresident available online at fw.ky.gov only) $30 $400
Bear Permit $30 $250
BEAR
Youth Bear Permit $10 Not available
Bear Chase Permit $30 Not available
Youth Bear Chase Permit $10 Not available
Peabody WMA User Permit $15
Land Between The Lakes (LBL) Hunter Use Permit $25, or $35 with Backcountry Camping
AREAS
Otter Creek ORA Admission Fees (per person) Daily: $3, annual: $30,
(available online at fw.ky.gov) children under 12: free.
Otter Creek ORA Special Activity Fees (per person, for use of horse trails,
Daily: $7, annual: $70
mountain bike trails and shooting range) (available online at fw.ky.gov)
Temporary Hunter Education Exemption Permit (Hunter Apprentice
OTHER
$5
Opportunity; available online at fw.ky.gov only)
Habitat Improvement and Public Access Donation (voluntary; available at fw.ky.gov only) Any amount
*Peabody, LBL and Otter Creek permits, elk drawing application, elk quota hunt permit, out-of-zone elk permit, bear permit,
federal duck stamp and trapping license not included. An additional deer permit is not included with a Sportsman’s License.
Kentucky’s license year begins March 1 and continues through the last day of February. New licenses are required annually,
except for the 3-year fishing license. A 1-day or 7-day hunting license is valid only for the period shown on license. Resident and
12 nonresident youths under the age of 12 are not required to purchase licenses or permits (except the elk drawing application).You can also read
