Kentucky is home to more than 60 public lakes and 13,000 miles of flowing water. In between swim bluegill by the bushel and threadfin shad by the millions. Dozens of private lakes and farm ponds dot every county. They hold largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, catfish and assorted rough fish such as carp and drum. Striped bass, walleye, hybrid striped bass, smallmouth bass, white bass, spotted bass, redear, green sunfish, muskellunge, sauger and trout are found in some lakes but are limited in distribution.
Fishing is open year-round.
Spring, summer and fall are typically the most productive seasons, with April, May and June generally the best months. Winter is prime time for a few species such as sauger, which can often be found in abundance in the Ohio River tailwaters on days when the weather hints of snow. Kentucky's most sought-after sport fish is probably the largemouth bass, followed by the crappie. But every species from catfish to trout has its band of devoted followers. Worms, lizards, spinners, crankbaits, jerkbaits and stickbaits all take bass.