Bass, crappie, catfish, redear and other panfish are commonly sought after at Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley.
Additionally, Land Between The Lakes features four smaller lakes and several ponds for those looking to eliminate water.
In LBL, there are nearly two-dozen lake access areas with launch ramps that are free of charge.
Outside LBL, across the waters of Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley, there are many marinas to stock up on fuel, bait, ice, supplies, food and drinks and more.
Kentucky and Tennessee have reciprocal fishing license agreements so you don't have to follow the state lines when on Kentucky Lake between Eggners Ferry Bridge (US 68/KY 80) at the Paris Landing Bridge (US 79).
Fishing Reports & News
You can obtain in-depth current fishing reports on Explore Kentucky Lake. There are several how-to articles on the site as well as creel and size limit information, tournaments, navigation charts and much more.
Fishing Guides
Need some help fishing Kentucky Lake or Lake Barkley? Here are our recommend fishing guides available for hire.
// 157 Chase Loop - Benton, KY SHOW MAP
With 50 years of experience fishing Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley, let me give you a fishing experience you'll not forget! Fish with me for crappie, bluegill, redear and catfish. Fully licensed!
- Equip. Provided
- Family-Friendly
- No Alcohol
- 4/6-hr Trips
- Hummingbird Tech
- Up to 4 Guests
// 399 Dusty Trail Road - Benton, KY SHOW MAP
Fish with Brandon Hunter, a professional fishing guide for Kentucky Lake. Fish for largemouth and smallmouth bass just for fun or have Brandon help you prep for your next tournament. Sonar help also available.
- Electronics Train
- Largemouth
- Smallmouth
- Tourney Preps
- USCG Lic/Ins
- CPR/First Aid
// 68 Kit Carson Lane - Benton, KY SHOW MAP
All skill levels welcome! We fish both Kentucky & Barkley lakes with a fully-equipped 20' bass boat (tackle, bait, GPS and Sonar). We also have a handicapped-accessible pontoon boat available for larger groups.
- USCG Licensed
- Insured
- All Skills
- Tourney Preps
- Equipped Boats
// 300 Whippoorwill Cove - Benton, KY SHOW MAP
I have a captain's license with the Coast Guard and I am a licensed fishing guide with Kentucky. My boat is rated to carry 12 people and My Ebbtide features high gunnels, so it's great for young kids and older adults!
- 35+ Years Exp
- Lic/Insured
- Family Fishing
- Kids Welcome
- Equip Supplied
- USCG Cap. Lic.
// 3175 Mt. Sinai Road - Buchanan, TN SHOW MAP
With extensive lake knowledge you're sure to have a successful trip. Come spend a day or two with me and we will catch some fish of your choice. I fish for bass/crappie year around and also bluegill and redear in May and June. All equipment is provided and I'll even clean your fish!
- Family-Friendly
- Bass/Crappie
- Bluegill/Redear
- Lic/Insured
- Equip. Supplied
- Fish Clean Incl.
// Brad Weakley - Benton, KY SHOW MAP
Brad is a lifelong fisherman with much of his life spent fishing Kentucky Lake. Brad has been a licensed fishing guide for 41 years as well as a successful tournament angler.
- Fish Cleaned
- Fish Packaged
- USCG Certified
- Licensed/Insured
- Largemouth
- Smallmouth
// 118 Driftwood Drive - Cadiz, KY SHOW MAP
I guide bass fishing trips on Kentucky and Barkley lakes. Get a better understanding of how to fish these two lakes. I offer ledge fishing, flipping techniques and brush pile patterns, crappie fishing and white bass trips as well as electronics understanding and tournament prep.
- Bass Fishing
- Ledge Fishing
- Tourney Prep
- Crappie
- White Bass
- 20' Skeeter Boat
// 2060 Turner Rd. - Murray, KY SHOW MAP
Don't spend your whole trip looking for fish, let me put you on them. I personally guarantee your satisfaction with your trip.
- 20+ Years Exp.
- Multi-Species
- Year-Round
- Technique Teaching
- Blood River
- Big Sandy
// 11442 US Hwy 68 East - Benton, KY SHOW MAP
I fish for every game species in the lake: Smallmouth Bass and Largemouth Bass, Crappie, Red Ears, Bluegills, White Bass, Stripers, Sauger, Catfish and even Yellers. The fact that this lake has such species diversity is one of it's many attributes. Something is ALWAYS biting!! I have been a full time guide on this lake for 25 years.
- 30+ Years Exp.
- Licensed/Insured
- 20-ft Bass Boat
- USCG Lic.
- All Species
- Year-Round
// 30 Big Bear Resort Rd - Benton, KY SHOW MAP
Out of Big Bear Resort on Kentucky Lake, licensed fishing guide Rodney Hairgrove takes fishermen on his fully-rigged bass boat for luring bass, crappie, smallmouth, panfish, sauger, white bass and catfish anglers.
- 20 Years Exp.
- 20' Ranger Z520
- Crappie/Bass
- Bluegill/Redear
- Lic./Insured
- Fish Cleaning
// Captain Richard Bay - Benton, KY SHOW MAP
Don't let our name fool ya... we fish for all species of game fish. Kick'n Bass Guide Service brings over a decade of experience in angling on Kentucky and Barkley Lakes! Guiding for the novice to the pro.
- Full Time Guide
- All Species
- HD Electronics
- Lowe Pontoon
// 160 Joey Drive - Cadiz, KY SHOW MAP
Andy Allen's Fishing Guide Service offers guided fishing tours. Fish with me for Crappie, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Striped Bass and Bluegill.
- 30+ Years Exp.
- Coast Guard Lic.
- Insured
- Full-Day Trips
- Half-Day Trips
- All Species
// 655 Anderson Drive - Paris, TN SHOW MAP
Steve has over 40 years experience guiding anglers on Kentucky Lake and is one of America's foremost outdoorsman who has hosted and appeared on several national television shows.
- 40+ Years Exp.
- Bass/Crappie
- Bluegill
- Triton Boat
- Full/Half Days
- Hunting Guide