Tips on Fishing in Lake Cumberland, Kentucky

License/Permit

• To legally fish at Lake Cumberland, you must have a valid fishing license. Both residents and non-residents of Kentucky must have a valid fishing license on them at all times while fishing. The fishing license gives the owner the right to catch fish by rod-and-reel, pole, line or other legal fishing methods. However, if you want to fish for trout you must purchase a trout permit. All fishermen aged 12 and above must have a fishing license. Children under the age of 12 do not require a license to legally fish.

Boats

• Fishing on Lake Cumberland can be done from either shore or boat. Lake Cumberland offers many fishing charter companies that will take you to spots on the lake that have a high rate of catch success. If you would rather sail the lake without a guide, boat rentals are available for those with a valid driver's license.

Bass

• Striped bass, also know as rockfish, are typically caught from April to June and then again in September through October. They are most prominent in the Beaver and Otter Creek area of Lake Cumberland. Striped bass hit on spoons, crankbaits and large jigs. Largemouth bass can be found in the major tributaries throughout the lake from April to October. Largemouth bass are successfully caught on worms and spinner bait.

Catfish

• Catfish, such as blues and flatheads, grow to unusually large sizes for freshwater fish. Catfish are most active during their non-spawning season which is between April and November. Catfish hit on shad minnows, bluegills, night crawlers and chicken liver.

Crappie and Walleye

• Crappie is caught throughout the lake's tributaries during the months of March to June and then again in October. Crappies respond well to small jigs and minnows. Walleye inhabit the Big South Fork Head and Tailwaters are of the lake, and can be caught on minnows, jigs or a combination of the two.