Kentucky Fishing Lakes
Lake-by-lake species, seasonal bite, boat access, and regulations for the biggest fishing lakes in Kentucky.
Lake Barkley
Lake Cumberland
Kentucky Lake
More Kentucky lakes
Tap a lake to open its guide: species, boat launches, bait shops, and size and creel limits.
Lake CumberlandRussell, Wayne, Pulaski, Clinton, Laurel, McCreary & Whitley Counties · 50,250 acres
Lake Cumberland
Lake Cumberland is a long, deep Army Corps lake in south-central Kentucky behind Wolf Creek Dam. It is the state's best striped bass lake and also known for walleye and smallmouth bass.
Species
Fishery rating out of 5.
Striped Bass
Fish live shad or alewives on planer boards in the lower lake creek arms.
Walleye
Troll nightcrawler rigs 25 to 30 feet deep in summer.
Smallmouth Bass
Main lake points hold fish all year; try a float-n-fly in cold water.
Spotted Bass
Watch for schooling fish at first light in late summer.
Crappie
Try the mouths of the Laurel and Rockcastle rivers in early spring.
Boat launches
6 launch sites. Fees and hours change, so confirm before you go.
- Conley Bottom RampPublicArmy Corps ramp near Nancy and Burnside; concrete, well keptDirections ↗
- Waitsboro RampPublicArmy Corps ramp near Somerset; usually less crowdedDirections ↗
- General Burnside Island RampPublicRamp at General Burnside Island State Park, BurnsideDirections ↗
- Lake Cumberland State Resort Park RampPublicState park ramp, US 127 south of Jamestown then State Park RoadDirections ↗
- Halcomb's LandingPublicPublic ramp off US 127 just before Wolf Creek DamDirections ↗
- More public accessPublicSee Kentucky Fish & Wildlife or the lake manager's website for all ramps and feesDirections ↗
Size & creel limits
Special rules for this lake, confirmed from official state regulations. Minimum size and daily limit.
| Species | Min size | Daily limit |
|---|---|---|
| Black Crappie Crappie, black or white | 10 in | Statewide limit |
| White Crappie | 10 in | Statewide limit |
| Largemouth Bass | 15 in | Statewide limit |
| Smallmouth Bass | 18 in | Statewide limit |
| Striped Bass | 22 in | 2 / day |
| Walleye | 14 in | 6 / day |
Other species in this lake: look up the limits at Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources ↗
Bait & tackle nearby
Closest shops to the lake and its boat launches. Call ahead for live bait and hours.
- Durbin's Bait & TackleNearby8591 S Highway 27, Unit 2, Burnside, KY(606) 341-1122Directions ↗
- Captain Jake's Snack Shack & BaitNearby80 Kendall Rd, Jamestown, KY(270) 343-3477Directions ↗
Local tips
- In April and May, fish stripers at night with Rapala Slivers or Redfins in the upper half of creek arms.
- Striped bass must be 22 inches, with a limit of 2; walleye must be 14 inches.
- For stripers, look at Beaver, Otter, Wolf and Lily creek embayments in the lower lake.
View on interactive map
Zoom and pan on a street, satellite or terrain map. Red pins are boat launches.