Lake Barkley

Fishing on Lake Barkley is an angler's dream. A thriving population of crappie, largemouth bass, white bass, catfish, sauger and bluegill offer a challenge for fishermen.

Public Lake Access Areas - Lake Barkley

• Below Barkley Dam - Grand Rivers

• Eureka Recreation Area - East Barkley Dam

• Boyd's Landing Recreational Area - North Lake Barkley

• Buzzard Rock - Kuttawa

• Poplar Creek Recreational Area - Kuttawa

• Kuttawa Recreational Area

• Eddyville Recreation Area

• Rockcastle Recreation Area - Lyon County

Lake Barkley is 134 miles long with a magnificent shoreline measuring 1,004 miles. Approximately one mile from the dam is a canal connecting Lake Barkley with Kentucky lake, forming one of the greatest freshwater recreational complexes in the nation. The Lakes run parallel courses for more than 50 miles with Land Between the Lakes Recreation area located in between them.

Lake Barkley's thriving population of crappie, largemouth bass, white bass, catfish, sager and blue gill make it every fisherman's dream come true. An old wives tell is told around this area: "Crappie fishing is the best when the dogwoods are in bloom." The saying seems to be true. During the spring spawn, crappie will move from deep to shallow water.

Fishing is not the only activity Lake Barkley has to offer. Hiking trails, golf course and water sports are also part of the lakes avid lifestyle. Trails, such as the Fort Henry National Recreation trail which offers 26 miles of connecting trails, surround the area in both the north and south end of the Land Between the Lakes recreational area.

Campgrounds:

Aurora Oaks Campground

Eddy Creek Marina Resort

Prizer Point Camping

Marinas:

Eddy Creek Marina Resort

Green Turtle Bay

Prizer Point Marina

You will find any type of lodging , recreation, fishings guides, dining, here around this beautiful lake.

Brush piles, drop-offs, coves, gravel points, stumps, riprap, fallen timber

Early Crappie fishing is a sure cure for cabin fever and the warmer days of winter often find anglers sitting peacefully along shorelines and in sunny bays and coves. Crappie can be caught by casting a curly tail jig or by dropping a minnow in a favorite brush pile. In early spring the crappie begin to move into the bays to spawn. An old wives tale which seems to hold true says "Crappie fishing is best when the dogwoods are in bloom." During the spring spawn, crappie will move from deep to shallow water, and may be found in water depths anywhere from 6 inches to 4-6 feet deep.

May and June are typically the best fishing months on the lake. Crappie can still be caught post spawn and bass will be found on gravel points and around stumps. Catfish can be found on gravel points that taper off to a mud layer. Bluegill, which often spawn later, can be taken with grubs, worms, and crickets.

During July and August, the White Bass can provide fun and excitement for any angler. Look for them to jump along the river drops and flats, and use a rooster tail, lead spoon, or top water lure to bring these aggressive fish in the boat. Don't be surprised if you hook a largemouth bass while fishing the jumps. They are known to often travel in the same schools to feed.

The peaceful shoreline and colorful fall foliage lend itself to some of the year's most scenic fishing. You can catch fish using spring fishing techniques. Catch Largemouth Bass in the brush, tree tops, and on riprap. Crappie will normally make one more run to shallow water. Look for them in 5-12 feet of water near brush piles and brushy drop-offs. To make your fishing experience more successful, consider renting a boat or booking a local fishing guide.