Fishing
Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley comprise one of the world’s largest man-made bodies of water. Combined, they contain nearly 220,000 surface acres of water and a 1.75 mile long canal connects them at the northern end.
This watery wonderland surrounds Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area on three sides, offering visitors 300 miles of undeveloped shoreline. You also find four fish-able small lakes and numerous interior ponds spread throughout the peninsula. All this makes Land Between the Lakes one of the country’s fishing hot spots!
Fishing Rules
Being located in beautiful Western Kentucky and Tennessee requires us to follow applicable state fishing rules and have appropriate licenses when fishing in each state. Be aware that some lakes within Land Between the Lakes have different possession limits than the state(s). For more information on these limits, see our Fishing Fact Sheet.
An exception allows for either state license to suffice on the western shores of Land Between the Lakes and in Kentucky Lake proper between Eggner’s Ferry Bridge, Hwy US68/KY80, south to the Paris Landing Bridge, Hwy 79. Blood River is excluded from this allowance. For more information, please see the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources or the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.
Additional Info
We’re a regional sport fishing center for crappie, bass, sauger, catfish, and bluegill. Check out why we have become a wonderland for anglers of all skill levels and ages — fishing from our banks or from your boat!
Bards, Energy, Honker, Hematite, and Duncan Lakes are No Wake Lakes. No boats with gasoline engines are permitted on Duncan and Hematite Lakes. Our 14 basic campgrounds and camping areas also have boat ramps and provide additional camping by the lakeshore where anglers can really make a week of fishing and relaxing away from the crowds.
Tournaments
Major League Fishing (MLF) serves bass and walleye anglers of all skill levels from coast to coast as a premiere tournament fishing organization. MLF is headquartered in Benton, KY in Marshall County, our western neighbor near Kentucky Lake. Find out more at the MLF website.
