Ky Fishing and Boating Guide

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KENTUCKY FISHING & BOATING GUIDE

MARCH 2018 - FEBRUARY 2019 FISH & WILDLIFE: 1-800-858-1549 • fw.ky.gov Report Game Violations and Fish Kills:

Photo © ObieWilliams 1-800-25-ALERT

KENTUCKY DEPARTMENT OF FISH & WILDLIFE RESOURCES #1 Sportsman’s Lane, Frankfort, KY 40601 DEFINITIONS

(301 KAR 1:201, KRS 150.010) fore sunrise and end one-half hour after and approved by the KDFWR Commis- Fishing-related definitions not listed sunset. sion and approved by legislative commit- here are included in appropriate sections of Daily limit is the maximum number of a tees. this guide. particular species or group of species a per- Release means return of the fish, in the best son may legally keep in a day or have in possible condition, immediately after re- Angling means taking or attempting to possession while fishing. moving the hook, to the water from which take fish by hook and line in hand, rod in Fishing is taking or attempting to take fish it was taken in a place where the fish’s im- hand, jugging, set line or sport fishing trot- in any manner, whether or not fish are in mediate escape shall not be prevented. line. possession. Resident is anyone who has established Artificial baits are lures or flies made of Lake means impounded waters, from the permanent and legal residence in Kentucky wood, metal, plastic, hair, feathers, pre- dam upstream to the first riffle on the main and residing here at least 30 days. served pork rind or similar inert materi- stem river and tributary streams or as speci- Size limit is the legal length a fish must be als and having no organic baits including fied in regulation. if it is in possession. (Fish length is mea- dough bait, putty or paste type baits de- Length means the distance from the front sured from the tip of the closed lower jaw signed to attract fish by taste or smell. tip of a fish’s lower jaw with mouth closed to the tip of the tail with fish laid flat on Authorization number is the number as- to the tip of its tail with the fish laid flat on rule and tail lobes squeezed together.) signed to a person in lieu of fishing or a rule with its tail lobes squeezed together. Slot limit means fish within a specified hunting license when the license is pur- Organic baits are insects, minnows, fish minimum and maximum size range must chased over the phone or Internet. eggs, worms, corn, cheese, cut bait or simi- be released. Black bass includes largemouth, small- lar substances used as a lure. Single hook is a hook with only one point. mouth, Kentucky (spotted) and Coosa bass. Possession limit is the maximum number Tenant is any resident sharecropper or Culling: Replacing a fish in the daily creel of unprocessed fish a person may hold after lessee who lives and works on farmland limit with another fish of the same species. two days or more of fishing. owned by his/her landlord. Daylight hours begin one-half hour be- Regulation is a written document adopted

QUICK REFERENCE

FISHING Measuring Fish...... ��3 Navigating Asian Carp...... 22 New Laws...... ��2 Crossing...... 34 Bordering Waters...... 15 Nuisance Species...... 22 Meeting...... 34 Brook Trout Streams...... 26 Parasites and Grubs in Fish...... 17 Overtaking...... 34 Bullfrogs...... 9 Possession Limits...... ��3 Equipment Consumption Advisories...... 17 Size and Creel Limits...... ��3 Fire Extinguishers...... 35 Didymo...... 25 Special Regulations...... ��4 Marine Sanitation Devices...... 36 FINS Lakes...... 4 Sport Fish List...... ��3 Muffling Devices...... 36 Fish Species Identification...... 19 State Record Fish...... 28 Navigation Lights...... 36 Fishing Methods Trophy Fish/Master Angler Program...... 27 Personal Flotation Devices...... 35 Trotlines, Jugging and Set Lines...... 10 Trout Seasonal Catch and Release...... 23 Signaling Devices...... 36 Gigging and Snagging...... 11 Trout Stocking...... 23 Ventilation...... 36 Tickling and Noodling...... 11 Turtles...... 9 Idle Speed...... 33 Bow Fishing...... 11 Zebra Mussels...... 22 Inflatables...... 32 Spear Fishing...... 11 Locks and Dams...... 33 Fishing Tournaments...... 16 BOATING Personal Watercraft...... 32 Grass Carp...... 9 Accidents Prohibited Riding...... 34 Licenses First Aid...... 37 Reckless Operation...... 32 Fees...... 12 Hypothermia...... 37 Registration Requirements and Exemptions...... 13 Rendering Aid...... 37 Display of Numbers and Decals...... 30 Senior/Disabled License...... 14 Reporting Requirements...... 37 Fees...... 30 Trout Permit...... 13 Age Restrictions...... 31 Transfers...... 30 Pay Lakes...... 13 Airborne Devices...... 31 Restricted Zones...... 33 Free Fishing Days...... 14 Alcohol...... 33 Scuba Diving...... 32 Littering...... 32 Boat, Motor and Lake Restrictions...... 31 Swimming...... 32 Live Bait...... 10 Buoys...... 34 Waterway Markers...... 34 Water Skiing ...... 31 March 2018 - February 2019

KENTUCKY FISHING & BOATING GUIDE

Obie Williams photo

ABOUT THIS GUIDE This is a SUMMARY of the laws regarding fishing and boating. FISHING REGULATIONS This guide is intended solely for informational use. It is not a 3 reprint of any referenced statute or regulation in its entirety and should not be used as such. Questions about the information con- tained in this guide should be directed to the Kentucky Department 16 GENERAL INFORMATION of Fish and Wildlife Resources BEFORE engaging in the activities referenced. Actual wording of any Kentucky Revised Statute (KRS) or Kentucky Administrative Regulation (KAR) can be viewed at TROUT WATERS www.lrc.state.ky.us/kar/frntpage.htm. 23

OTHER GUIDES AVAILABLE Kentucky Fish and Wildlife also produces regulation guides for 27 TROPHY FISH spring and fall hunting and trapping, waterfowl and other migratory bird hunting. Call 1-800-858-1549 weekdays, look for a copy of these regulation guides where hunting licenses are sold, or log on to fw.ky.gov. 30 BOATING

1 NEW THIS YEAR FISHING REGULATIONS The items highlighted in bright blue mouth bass is now removed. Commonwealth of Kentucky throughout this guide are a quick overview • Beech Fork Reservoir (Powell County): Matthew G. Bevin, Governor of the changes to this year’s regulations. Largemouth bass are now under a 15- inch minimum size limit. Bluegill are FISHING FISH AND WILDLIFE COMMISSION now under a 15-fish daily creel limit. • The statewide daily creel limit for crap- • Benjy Kinman Lake (Henry County): 1st District: Dr. Harry W. Carloss, Paducah 2nd District: C.F. “Frank” Williams, Madisonville pie is now 20 fish per angler per day. Crappie, bluegill and sunfish now 3rd District: Russell J. Gailor, Louisville • The statewide daily creel limit for rain- under statewide regulations. 4th District: Kenny Knott, Glasgow bow trout is now 8 fish. The statewide • Southland Christian Church Lake 5th District: Kevin R. Bond, Burlington 6th District: Jimmy Bevins, Frankfort daily creel limit for brown trout is now 1 ( Jessamine County) is now enrolled in 7th District: Paul Horn, Prestonsburg fish with a 16-inch minimum size limit. the Fishing in Neighborhoods (FINs) 8th District: Richard Storm, Carlisle • Anglers may use dip nets to collect program. 9th District: Dr. Karl Clinard, Somerset baitfish statewide. • Willisburg Park Pond (Washington Commissioner Emeritus: Dr. James R. Rich, Taylor Mill • Anglers using jugs, trot lines or limb lines County): Largemouth bass are now Department of must now use the Customer Identifica- under a 1-fish daily creel limit with a FISH AND WILDLIFE RESOURCES tion Number provided on their fishing li- 15-inch minimum size limit, sunfish Commissioner: Gregory K. Johnson censes to tag their jugs, trot lines or limb are under a 15-fish daily creel limit Deputy Commissioner: Charles Bush lines instead of their name and address. with no minimum size limit while Deputy Commissioner: Karen Waldrop • Barren River Lake: Blue and channel- channel catfish are under a 4-fish daily Wildlife Director: Steve Beam Fisheries Director: Ron Brooks catfish now under a 15-fish daily creel creel limit with no minimum size limit. Law Enforcement Director: vacant limit, only one fish may be longer than • Possession or use of live shad for bait Information & Education Director: 25 inches. is now prohibited on all Fishing in Norm Minch (acting) • Taylorsville Lake: Crappie minimum Neighborhoods (FINs) lakes. Administrative Services Director: Billye Haslett Engineering, Infrastructure and size limit is now 10 inches. • Some fishing license and boater Technology Director: David Bruce • Beaver Lake (Anderson County): The registration fees changed for the 2018 Marketing Director: Brian V. Blank 15-inch minimum size limit on large- license year.

FISHING & BOATING GUIDE Editor: Lee McClellan Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources Art/Design Director: Adrienne Yancy Contributors: Dane Balsman, Ron Brooks, Shane Carrier, Dave Dreves, Mike Hardin Who We Are Commission, a nine-member citizens and Jeff Ross Created as the Kentucky Game and board selected by licensed hunters, boat- Fish Commission on March 12, 1912, the ers and anglers, and appointed by the agency known today as the Kentucky De- Governor, meets quarterly in Frankfort to partment of Fish and Wildlife Resources make policy decisions. With input from was established in its present form by the the agency’s director, program adminis- Kentucky General Assembly in 1944. An trators and staff biologists, the Commis- agency of the Tourism, Arts & Heritage sion adopts regulations that must meet Cabinet, the department today has about with the approval of the Kentucky Gen- 500 full-time employees. eral Assembly.

Obie Williams photo What We Do Our Budget Landowner permission required Through the decades the department’s Revenue sources are: hunting and for hunting and fishing role has expanded to include managing fishing licenses (51%); boat registration A person shall not enter upon the lands both game and non-game fish and wildlife fees (7%); federal program funds (34%); of another to hunt, fish or trap without resources, creating regulations, enforcing program income (3%); interest income, tax the oral or written permission of the wildlife and boating laws, hatching, rear- check-off donations, and other miscella- landowner, tenant or person who has au- ing and stocking fish, assisting landowners neous receipts (5%). thority to grant permission. Those who with fish and wildlife habitat improvement, Budgeted expenditures are: capital fail to obtain permission are subject to educating youth about the importance of projects and land acquisitions (4%), admin- arrest and prosecution. Railroad tracks fish and wildlife and their habitats, stream istration (11%), wildlife (28%), fisheries and rights of way are privately owned restoration, passing on the heritage of ar- (18%), information and education (12%), property and permission to hunt, fish chery and shooting sports, buying land for and law enforcement (27%). or trap must be obtained prior to entry. public use, and building boat ramps for an- The department receives no tax dollars (KRS 150:192) gler access to the state’s public waterways. from the state’s General Fund, and man- 2 The Kentucky Fish and Wildlife ages fish and wildlife for all citizens. FISHING REGULATIONS FISHING REGULATIONS

STATEWIDE REGULATIONS

Some waterbodies have different size and creel limits, please refer to the “Special Fishing Regulations” section for more details. Fish not included in this list are considered rough fish. There are no size or creel limits for rough fish, unless special regulations apply. For daily creel and fishing license purposes, one fishing day equals one calendar day. Except for trout, anglers may cull fish of a particular species until reaching the daily creel limit. Any additional fish caught in excess of the daily creel limit must be released immediately.

SPORT FISH SPECIES Daily Limit Possession Limit Minimum Size Limit Largemouth Bass 6* 12* 12” Smallmouth Bass 6* 12* 12” 6* 12* none

BASS Kentucky (Spotted) Bass BLACK Coosa Bass 6* 12* none Rock Bass 15 30 none Redear Sunfish 20 40 none 15” on walleye and Walleye, Sauger and their Hybrids 6* 12* hybrids; none on sauger Muskellunge 1 2 30” Chain Pickerel 5 10 none Northern Pike none none none White & Hybrid Striped Bass 15** 30** none** Striped Bass 5 10 15” Yellow Bass none none none Crappie (Black & White) 20* 40* none Rainbow Trout 8 16 none Brown Trout 1 2 16” Brook Trout Catch and release only*** Lake Sturgeon Catch and release only * Singly or combined; a total of these species ** No more than 5 fish in the daily creel limit may be more than 15 inches long. *** Except for the Cumberland River downstream of Wolf Creek Dam and the upper section of Hatchery Creek, see Special Regulations section for details.

STATEWIDE SIZE and CREEL except some waters have different limits squeezed together. Undersized fish must LIMITS (301 KAR 1:060, 1:201; KRS (see “Special Fishing Regulations”). be returned immediately to the waters 150.010) from which they were taken in the best Fishing season is open year-round MEASURING FISH possible physical condition. in Kentucky, except on waterfowl refug- (301 KAR 1:201) es and as otherwise noted in this guide. Measure all fish from the tip of the Statewide size and creel limits apply to lower jaw (closed) to the tip of the tail How is a daily creel limit all Kentucky waters, public and private, with fish laid flat on rule with tail lobes Q: different than a possession limit?

Squeezed tail A: The daily creel limit is the number of a particular sport fish species you may keep in one day’s fishing. A possession limit is two times the daily creel limit for all fish species with a daily creel limit and excludes processed fish. length 3 SPECIAL FISHING REGULATIONS

(301 KAR 1:080, 1:180, 1:201, 2:222 Recreation Park Lake (Mason County), • Blue and Channel Catfish: 15-fish 4:100, KRS 150.010, 150.025) Middleton Mills Long Pond and Shel- daily creel limit, only 1 fish may be terhouse Ponds (Kenton County), Mike longer than 25 inches. SPECIAL REGULATION WATERS Miller Park Lake (Marshall County), • Crappie: 9-inch minimum size limit. LISTED ALPHABETICALLY Miles Park Lakes ( Jefferson County), • Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass: The public waters listed below have Millennium Park Pond (Boyle Coun- 15-inch minimum size limit except 1 different size and/or creel limits than ty), Panther Creek Park Lake, (Da- fish in the daily creel limit or 2 in the statewide regulations allow. Statewide viess County), Prisoner’s Lake (Kenton possession limit may be less than 15 size and creel limits apply unless other- County), Rotary Park Lake (Hickman inches long. wise mentioned below. Special boating County), Scott County Park Lake (Scott • Walleye: 2 fish daily creel limit; 18- to regulations are listed in the Boating sec- County), Southgate Lake (Campbell 26-inch protective slot limit. All wall- tion of this guide. County), Southland Christian Church eye caught from 18 to 26 inches long Some privately owned waters may Lake ( Jessamine County), Three must be immediately released. have special size and creel limits as post- Springs Lake (Warren County), Tom ed by signs. Wallace Park Lake ( Jefferson Coun- BEAVER CREEK from the KY 90 ty), Upper Sportsman’s Lake (Franklin bridge upstream to the KY 200 FINs LAKES: County), Waverly Park Lake ( Jefferson bridge Lakes in the Fishing In Neighbor- County), Waymond Morris Park Lake Wayne County hoods (FINs) program have uniform (Daviess County), Whitehall Park Lake All trout caught from October 1 regulations for daily creel and size limits: (Madison County), Yellow Creek Park through March 31 must be immediately • Rainbow Trout: 5-fish daily limit. Lake (Daviess County) released and only artificial baits shall be • Catfish: 4-fish daily limit. used during this period. • Sunfish: 15-fish daily limit. BARK CAMP CREEK • Largemouth Bass: 15-inch minimum Whitley County BEAVER LAKE size limit, 1 fish daily limit. All trout caught from October 1 Anderson County FISHING REGULATIONS • Possession or use of live shad for bait through March 31 must be immediately Possession or use of live shad for is prohibited. released and only artificial baits shall be The follwing FINs lakes are now used during this period. under these special regulations: NEED A PLACE TO FISH? Alexandria Community Park Lake BARKLEY, KENTUCKY LAKES (Campbell County), Anderson Coun- (and their connecting canal) Find new fishing information ty Community Park Lake (Anderson • Crappie: 10-inch minimum size limit. on Kentucky waterbodies by County), Bloomfield Park Lake (Nel- • Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass: visiting fw.ky.gov. Click on the son County), Bob Noble Park Lake 15-inch minimum size limit. “Find A Place To Fish” tab on (McCracken County), Brickyard Pond • Sauger: 14-inch minimum size limit. the left side of the home page. (Knox County), Camp Ernst Lake Anglers may search lakes, riv- (Boone County), Carlson Lake (Ft. BARKLEY TAILWATER – See Cum- ers and creeks for boat ramps Knox, Meade County), Cherokee Park berland River and access points, what species Lake ( Jefferson County), Easy Walk- are available and maps of how er Park Pond (Montgomery Coun- BARREN RIVER upstream of to get there plus other useful ty), Fisherman’s Park Lakes ( Jefferson Barren River Lake; downstream of information. the lake to Lock and Dam 1 and all County), Flemingsburg Old Reser- Also under the “Find a Place to tributaries voir (Fleming County), Jacobson Park Fish” tab is the 2018 Fishing Lake (Fayette County), James D. Beville • Walleye: 2 fish daily creel limit; 18- to Forecast. This report details the Park Lake (Grayson County), Kentucky 26-inch protective slot limit. All wall- anticipated fishing success for Horse Park Lakes (Fayette County), eye caught from 18 to 26 inches long each species in major waterbod- Kess Creek Park Lake (Graves County), must be immediately released. ies based on population samples Kingdom Come State Park Lake (Har- conducted by KDFWR fisheries BARREN RIVER LAKE lan County), Lake Mingo ( Jessamine biologists. County), Lake Pollywog (Grant Coun- The boundaries of Barren Riv- ty), Leary Lake (Grant County), Lo- er Lake are from the dam upstream to Although the VPA program is gan Hubble Park Lake (Lincoln Coun- the KY 100 bridge, Long Creek to the now in a reduced capacity, many ty), Lower Sportman’s Lake (Franklin KY 100 bridge, Beaver Creek to the KY sites remain open to public use. County), Lusby Lake (Scott County), 1297 bridge, Skaggs Creek to the Mat- Check the Kentucky Fish and Madisonville City Park Lakes (Hop- thews Mill Road bridge and Peter Creek Wildlife website at fw.ky.gov. 4 kins County), Maysville-Mason County to the Peter Creek Road bridge. FISHING REGULATIONS bait is prohibited. 1 fish daily creel limit for brown trout • Channel Catfish: 12-inch minimum Did you know? and only artificial baits may be used. size limit. Camping is prohibited on KDFWR owned or managed lakes. CLEAR CREEK BEECH FORK RESERVOIR Bell County Powell County All trout caught from October 1 • Bluegill: 15-fish daily creel limit. CARPENTER LAKE through March 31 must be immediately • Largemouth Bass: 15-inch minimum Daviess County released and only artificial baits shall be size limit. Possession or use of live shad for used during this period. bait is prohibited. BERT COMBS LAKE CORINTH LAKE Clay County CARR CREEK LAKE Grant County Possession or use of live shad for • Crappie: 9-inch minimum size limit. Possession or use of live shad for bait is prohibited. • Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass: bait is prohibited. 15-inch minimum size limit. • Channel Catfish: 12-inch minimum BIG BONE CREEK size limit. Boone County CARTER CAVES STATE PARK LAKE All trout caught from October 1 (also called Smoky Valley Lake) CUMBERLAND GAP NATIONAL through March 31 must be immediately Fishing during daylight hours only. HISTORICAL PARK released and only artificial baits shall be Possession or use of live shad for (301 KAR 1:035) used during this period. bait is prohibited. Special fishing regulations are in • Largemouth Bass: 12- to 15-inch effect on Cumberland Gap Nation- BOLTZ LAKE protective slot limit. All largemouth al Historical Park. For complete fishing Grant County bass caught between 12 and 15 inch- information on this area contact: Cum- Possession or use of live shad for es in length must be immediately re- berland Gap National Historical Park, bait is prohibited. leased; 6 fish daily creel limit, only 1 P.O. Box 1848, Middlesboro, KY 40965, • Channel Catfish: 12-inch minimum fish may be longer than 15 inches. phone (606) 248-2817. size limit. CASEY CREEK CUMBERLAND RIVER upstream BRIGGS LAKE Trigg County from Cumberland Falls and all Logan County All trout caught from October 1 tributaries: Possession or use of live shad for through March 31 must be immediately • Walleye: 2 fish daily creel limit; 18- to bait is prohibited. released and only artificial baits shall be 26-inch protective slot limit. All wall- used during this period. eye caught from 18 to 26 inches long BUCKHORN LAKE must be immediately released. • Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass: CAVE RUN LAKE 15-inch minimum size limit. Gigging and snagging prohibited CUMBERLAND RIVER from Wolf • Muskellunge: 36-inch minimum size in the main lake and all tributaries up Creek Dam to the Tennessee state limit. to the first riffle. The location of the first line • Crappie: 9-inch minimum size limit. riffle may change depending on water All licensed anglers must possess a levels. trout permit on this portion of Cumber- BULLOCK PEN LAKE • Largemouth Bass: 13 to 16-inch pro- Grant and Boone counties tective slot limit. All largemouth bass • Channel Catfish: 12-inch minimum caught between 13 and 16 inches in Q: Is fishing allowed around a size limit. length must be released immediately. dock or a marina? • Smallmouth Bass: 18-inch minimum CANE CREEK size limit. It depends. Public marinas Laurel County A: • Muskellunge: 36-inch minimum size on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers All trout caught from October 1 limit. Lakes have contractual agreements through March 31 must be immediately that address lease space on public released and only artificial baits shall be CEDAR CREEK LAKE waters. The Corps presently allows used during this period. Lincoln County the marina owners or operators to • Largemouth Bass: 20-inch minimum post signs that prohibit fishing with- CARNICO LAKE size limit, 1 fish daily creel limit. in 150 feet of their floating struc- Nicholas County • Channel Catfish: 12-inch minimum tures. These agreements do not pro- • Largemouth Bass: 15-inch minimum size limit. hibit a person from fishing in their size limit. boat rental slip. This policy does not CHIMNEY TOP CREEK apply to privately owned boat docks Wolfe County on Corps lakes. A 16-inch minimum size limit and 5 land River. This includes Hatchery Creek may be kept daily. ELK SPRING CREEK and all tributaries up to the first riffle. • Sauger: 14-inch minimum size limit, Wayne County Anglers may not attract or chum 10 fish daily creel limit. All trout caught from October 1 trout with bait, corn or other attractants • Rainbow and Brown Trout: 7-fish through March 31 must be immediately designed to draw numbers of trout to a aggregate daily creel limit. released and only artificial baits shall be specific area. This includes all tributar- • Walleye: 16-inch minimum size limit, used during this period. ies up to the first riffle and in Hatch- 5 fish daily creel limit. ery Creek. For regulations on Hatchery ELMER DAVIS LAKE Creek, refer to the Hatchery Creek sec- DEWEY LAKE Owen County tion on page 7. • Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass: Possession or use of live shad for • Brown Trout: 20-inch minimum size 15-inch minimum size limit. bait is prohibited. limit, 1 fish daily creel limit, also ap- • Blue and Channel Catfish: 15 fish • Largemouth Bass: 12 to 15-inch pro- plies to all tributary streams, except daily creel limit, only 1 fish may be tective slot limit. All largemouth bass Hatchery Creek. longer than 25 inches. caught between 12 and 15 inches in • Rainbow Trout: 15 to 20-inch pro- • Muskellunge: 36-inch minimum size length must be immediately released. tective slot limit. All trout caught be- limit. • Channel Catfish: 12-inch minimum tween 15 and 20 inches in length size limit. must be immediately released. Five DIX RIVER from Herrington Lake fish daily limit, only one rainbow Dam downstream for two miles FAGAN BRANCH LAKE (also called trout may be longer than 20 inches. Fishing with artificial lures or flies only. Lebanon City Lake) Also applies to all tributary streams, Marion County DOE RUN LAKE except Hatchery Creek. • Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass: Kenton County • Brook Trout: 1 fish daily creel lim- 12 to 15-inch protective slot limit. it with a 15-inch minimum size limit. Possession or use of live shad for All largemouth and smallmouth bass Also applies to all tributary streams, bait is prohibited. caught between 12 and 15 inches in except Hatchery Creek. • Largemouth Bass: 15-inch minimum length must be released immediately. size limit, 3 fish daily creel limit. CUMBERLAND RIVER from Lake • Channel Catfish: Four fish daily creel FISHTRAP LAKE Barkley Dam downstream to conflu- limit, no minimum size limit. • Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass: FISHING REGULATIONS ence with Ohio River 15-inch minimum size limit. DOG FORK Gigging and snagging only permit- • Crappie: 9-inch minimum size limit. Wolfe County ted downstream of U.S. 62 bridge with a • Blue and Channel Catfish: 15 fish daily creel limit of 8 fish. Harvesting of Only artificial baits with a single daily creel limit, only 1 fish in the dai- sportfish by gigging or snagging is pro- hook shall be used. Brook trout must be ly creel limit may be longer than 25 hibited. All snagged or gigged rough fish immediately released. inches. including paddlefish, with the exception • Walleye: 2 fish daily creel limit; 18- to EAST FORK INDIAN CREEK of shad, herring or Asian carp, shall be 26-inch protective slot limit. All wall- Menifee County taken into possession and not be culled. eye caught from 18 to 26 inches long Snagged or gigged fish must not be dis- All trout caught from October 1 must be immediately released. posed of on the bank. Disposing of fish through March 31 must be immediately on the bank is littering and subject to a released and only artificial baits shall be FLOYD’S FORK from U.S. 60 bridge fine. See the gigging and snagging sec- used during this period. downstream to U.S. 150 bridge tion on page 11 of this guide for addi- Jefferson County ELKHORN CREEK in Franklin tional information. Snagged paddlefish • Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass: County from confluence of North or their roe cannot be sold. 15-inch minimum size limit, 1 fish and South forks downstream to • Sauger: 14-inch minimum size limit. daily creel limit. Kentucky River • Rainbow Trout: All trout caught from DALE HOLLOW LAKE • Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass: Oct. 1 through Mar. 31 must be im- • Crappie: 10-inch minimum size limit, 12 to 16-inch protective slot lim- mediately released and only artificial 15 fish daily creel limit. it. Largemouth and smallmouth bass baits shall be used during this period. • Black Bass creel: includes largemouth, caught between 12 and 16 inches in smallmouth and Kentucky (spotted) length must be immediately released. GENERAL BUTLER STATE PARK bass – 5 fish daily creel limit on black Daily limit of 6 may include no more LAKE bass singly or combined, only two of than 2 fish longer than 16 inches. Carroll County which may be smallmouth bass. • For regulatory purposes, the bound- Possession or use of live shad for • Largemouth Bass: 15-inch minimum ary of Elkhorn Creek is a permanent bait is prohibited. size limit. marker just below the first shoal up- • Largemouth Bass: 15-inch minimum • Smallmouth Bass: 16 to 21-inch pro- stream from its confluence with the size limit, 3 fish daily creel limit. tective slot limit. One fish over 21 Kentucky River. • Channel Catfish: 4 fish daily creel 6 inches and one fish under 16 inches limit, no minimum size limit. FISHING REGULATIONS GOLDEN POND (Land Between The • Walleye: 2 fish daily creel limit, an 18- bait is prohibited. Lakes National Recreation Area) to 26-inch protective slot limit. All • Largemouth Bass: 15-inch minimum • Channel Catfish: 15-inch minimum walleye caught from 18 to 26 inches size limit. size limit, 5 fish daily creel limit. long must be immediately released. LAKE MALONE GRAYSON LAKE KENTUCKY RIVER WMA BOONE • Largemouth Bass: 12 to 15-inch pro- TRACT, Henry County • Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass: tective slot limit. All largemouth bass Benjy Kinman Lake: 15-inch minimum size limit. caught between 12 and 15 inches in • Largemouth Bass: No harvest. length must be immediately released. GREENBO LAKE • Catfish: 4 fish daily creel limit. • Channel Catfish: 12-inch minimum Greenup County • Trolling motor only. size limit. All other ponds: Possession or use of live shad for LAKE REBA bait is prohibited. • Largemouth Bass: 15-inch minimum Madison County • Bluegill and other Sunfish: 15 fish size limit; 1 fish daily creel limit. daily creel limit. • Bluegill and other sunfish: 15 fish Possession or use of live shad for • Areas marked by signage and buoys daily creel limit. bait is prohibited. near the Jesse Stuart Lodge are peri- • Crappie: 15 fish daily creel limit. • Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass: odically closed to fishing. • Catfish: 4 fish daily creel limit. 15-inch minimum size limit, 3 fish • Trolling motor only. daily creel limit. GREEN RIVER LAKE • Blue and Channel Catfish: 12-inch KINCAID LAKE • Crappie: 9-inch minimum size limit. minimum size limit. Pendleton County • Muskellunge: 36-inch minimum size LAKE SHELBY limit. • Channel Catfish: 12-inch minimum size limit. Shelby County GUIST CREEK LAKE • Largemouth Bass: 15-inch minimum Shelby County LAKE BESHEAR size limit, 3 fish daily creel limit. Caldwell County • Channel Catfish: 12-inch minimum • Channel Catfish: 4 fish daily creel size limit. • Channel Catfish: 12-inch minimum limit, no minimum size limit. size limit. HATCHERY CREEK LAND BETWEEN THE LAKES Russell County LAKE BLYTHE NATIONAL RECREATION AREA Christian County Anglers must possess a trout permit (301 KAR 1:031) to fish Hatchery Creek. • Largemouth Bass: 12 to 15-inch pro- Special fishing regulations are in • Brook, Rainbow and Brown Trout: tective slot limit. All largemouth bass effect for ponds and small lakes within Upper section: As designated by signs, caught between 12 and 15 inches in Land Between The Lakes National Rec- 5 trout aggregate daily creel limit. length must be immediately released. reation Area. For complete fishing in- Lower section: Catch and release formation on this area, anglers should LAKE CHUMLEY only and only artificial baits may be contact: Land Between The Lakes Na- Lincoln County used. The lower boundary of Hatch- tional Recreation Area, Golden Pond, ery Creek is delineated as a straight Fishing during daylight hours only. KY 42231, phone (270) 924-2000. line between opposite points where LAKE CUMBERLAND LAUREL RIVER LAKE Hatchery Creek meets the main stem of the Cumberland River. The boundaries of Lake Cumber- • Largemouth Bass: 15-inch minimum land are defined as Cumberland Falls size limit. KENTUCKY, BARKLEY LAKES on the Cumberland River, Devils Jump • Smallmouth Bass: 18-inch minimum (and their connecting canal) on the Big South Fork, the Narrows of size limit, 2 fish daily creel limit. • Crappie: 10-inch minimum size limit. Rockcastle River and Laurel River Lake • Crappie: 9-inch minimum size limit, • Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass: Dam on Laurel River. 15 fish daily creel limit. 15-inch minimum size limit. • Crappie: 10-inch minimum size limit. LEARY LAKE • Sauger: 14-inch minimum size limit. • Lake Sturgeon: Catch and release only. • Largemouth Bass: 15-inch minimum Grant County KENTUCKY LAKE TAILWATER – size limit. Fishing during daylight hours only. see Tennessee River • Smallmouth Bass: 18-inch minimum size limit. LEBANON CITY LAKE – see Fagan KENTUCKY RIVER, upstream of • Striped Bass: 22-inch minimum size Branch Lake Lock and Dam 14, the North Fork limit, 2 fish daily creel limit. and tributaries including Carr Fork LEFT FORK, BEAVER CREEK below Carr Creek Lake along with LAKE JERICHO Floyd County the Middle and South Forks and all Henry County All trout caught from October 1 tributaries Possession or use of live shad for through March 31 must be immediately 7 released and only artificial baits shall be size limit, 3 fish daily creel limit. fish daily creel limit on trout and only used during this period. • Channel Catfish: 4 fish daily creel artificial baits shall be used. limit, no minimum size limit. LEVISA FORK OF BIG SANDY PAINTSVILLE LAKE RIVER above Fishtrap Lake and all NOLIN RIVER LAKE • Largemouth Bass: 12 to 15-inch pro- tributaries Lake upper boundary is the Wheel- tective slot limit. All largemouth bass • Walleye: 2 fish daily creel limit; 18- to ers Mill Road bridge in the Nolin Riv- caught between 12 and 15 inches in 26-inch protective slot limit. All wall- er arm and to the KY 728 bridge in the length must be released immediately. eye caught from 18 to 26 inches long Bacon Creek arm. • Smallmouth Bass: 18-inch minimum must be immediately released. • Crappie: 9-inch minimum size limit. size limit. • Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass: LINCOLN HOMESTEAD STATE 15-inch size limit, except 1 fish in the PARCHED CORN CREEK PARK LAKE daily limit or 2 in the possession limit Wolfe County Washington County may be less than 15 inches long. Only artificial baits with single Fishing during daylight hours only. hook shall be used. Brook trout must be Possession or use of live shad for bait is OHIO RIVER – see also, “Bordering immediately released. prohibited. Waters” page 15 • Channel Catfish: 4 fish daily creel • Walleye, Sauger and their Hybrids: PEABODY WMA LAKES limit, no minimum size limit. No minimum size limit, 10 fish daily In addition to a fishing license, a • Largemouth Bass: 15-inch minimum creel limit, singly or combined. $15.00 user permit is required of per- size limit; 3 fish daily creel limit. • White Bass, Striped Bass and their sons age 16 and over while on Peabody Hybrids: 30 fish daily creel limit, only WMA. Permits can be purchased where MARION COUNTY LAKE 4 fish may be 15 inches or longer. fishing licenses are sold. Fishing open Possession or use of live shad for • Blue, Channel and Flathead Cat- Mar. 16 - Oct. 14 on Goose, Island and bait is prohibited. fish: Anglers may keep one blue cat- South Lake, all other lakes open year- • Largemouth Bass: 15-inch minimum fish and one flathead catfish 35 inches round. size limit. or longer and one channel catfish 28 inches or longer daily. No daily creel PIKEVILLE CITY LAKE MARTIN’S FORK LAKE and all limit on catfish under those limits. Pike County FISHING REGULATIONS tributaries • Largemouth Bass: All largemouth • Walleye: 2 fish daily creel limit; 18- to OTTER CREEK bass caught must be immediately 26-inch protective slot limit. All wall- Meade County released. eye caught from 18 to 26 inches long • Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass: must be immediately released. 12- to 16-inch protective slot limit. POOR FORK and its tributaries All largemouth and smallmouth bass Letcher County McNEELY LAKE caught between 12 and 16 inches in Downstream to the first crossing of Jefferson County length must be immediately released; KY 932, only artificial baits with single Possession or use of live shad for 6 fish daily creel limit, only 1 fish may hook shall be used. Brook trout must be bait is prohibited. be longer than 16 inches. immediately released. • Blue and Channel Catfish: 12-inch All trout caught in Fort Knox Mil- minimum size limit. itary Reservation and in Otter Creek REFORMATORY LAKE Park from Oct. 1 through Mar. 31 must Oldham County MIDDLE FORK, RED RIVER be immediately released and only artifi- • Blue and Channel Catfish: 12-inch Powell County cial baits shall be used during this peri- minimum size limit. Within the Natural Bridge State od. There is a one-mile section of Otter Park, all trout caught from October 1 Creek as posted by signs in Fort Knox ROCK CREEK from Bell Farm Bridge through March 31 must be immediately Military Reservation where trout fish- upstream to Tennessee state line released and only artificial baits shall be ing is open to statewide regulations. Fort McCreary County used during this period. Knox Military Reservation requires the All trout caught from October 1 purchase of a $10 permit to fish and is through March 31 must be immediately MILL CREEK LAKE closed to fishing on Tuesdays. Anglers released and only artificial baits shall be Powell and Wolfe counties must check-in with the Fort Knox Hunt used during this period. Possession or use of live shad for Control Office at (502) 624-2712 before bait is prohibited. each day’s fishing. ROUGH RIVER LAKE • Largemouth Bass: 15-inch minimum • Crappie: 9-inch minimum size limit. size limit; 3 fish daily creel limit. PAINT CREEK from the KY 40 • Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass: bridge downstream to the first U.S. 15-inch minimum size limit except 1 NEW HAVEN OPTIMIST LAKE 460 bridge fish in the daily creel limit or 2 in the Nelson County Johnson County possession limit may be less than 15 8 • Largemouth Bass: 15-inch minimum 16-inch minimum size limit and 1 inches long. FISHING REGULATIONS SHANTY HOLLOW LAKE TAYLORSVILLE LAKE roe cannot be sold. Gigging is prohibited Warren County Lake upper boundary is Dry Dock in the Tennessee River below Kentucky Possession or use of live shad for Road on Salt River. Dam. See the Gigging and Snagging sec- bait is prohibited. • Crappie: 10-inch minimum size limit, tion on page 11 for more information. • Largemouth Bass: 15-inch minimum 15 fish daily creel limit. • Sauger: 14-inch minimum size limit. size limit. • Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass: TRAMMEL CREEK • Channel Catfish: 12-inch minimum 15-inch minimum size limit. Allen County size limit. • Blue and Channel Catfish: 15-fish daily creel limit, only 1 fish may be All trout caught from October 1 SHILLALAH CREEK longer than 25 inches. through March 31 must be immediately Bell County released and only artificial baits shall be Outside the Cumberland Gap Na- TENNESSEE RIVER from Ken- used during this period. tional Park as posted, only artificial baits tucky Lake Dam downstream to • Brown Trout: 16-inch minimum size with single hook shall be used. Brook confluence with Ohio River limit, 1 fish daily creel limit. trout must be immediately released. The area from Kentucky Dam to • RainbowTrout: 5 fish daily creel limit. the new U.S. 62 bridge will be open to WILLISBURG PARK POND SPORTSMAN’S LAKES snagging 24 hours per day from January Washington County Franklin County 1 through May 31. From June 1 through Fishing during daylight hours only. December 31, the area is open to snag- • Channel Catfish: 4-fish daily creel- ging from sunset to sunrise. The area of limit, no minimum size limit. SPURLINGTON LAKE the Tennessee River from the new U.S. • Largemouth Bass: 15-inch minimum Taylor County 62 bridge to the I-24 bridge is closed size limit, 1-fish daily creel limit. Possession or use of live shad for to snagging year round. The area from • Sunfish: 15-fish daily creel limit, no bait is prohibited. the I-24 bridge to the confluence with minimum size limit. the Ohio River is open to snagging year WOOD CREEK LAKE SWIFT CAMP CREEK round. There is now a daily snagging creel Laurel County Clifty Wilderness, Wolfe County limit of 8 fish in aggregate and shall not All trout caught from October 1 exceed the daily creel limit for any sport • Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass: through May 31 must be released im- fish in which the creel limit is under 8 15-inch minimum size limit. mediately and only artificial baits shall fish per day. Snagging must cease if any • Walleye: 2 fish daily creel limit; 18- to be used during this period. sport fish daily creel limit is attained. All 26-inch protective slot limit. All wall- fish snagged including paddlefish, ex- eye caught from 18 to 26 inches long SYMPSON LAKE cept shad, herring or Asian carp, must must be immediately released. Nelson County be taken into possession and not culled. YATESVILLE LAKE • Largemouth Bass: 15-inch minimum Snagged fish must not be disposed on size limit. the bank. This action is littering and sub- • Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass: ject to a fine. Snagged paddlefish or their 15-inch minimum size limit.

OTHER SPECIES

BULLFROGS Anglers may take snapping turtles one decoy turtle may remain. Any other (301 KAR 1:082) (except alligator snapping turtles) and species (except soft shelled and snapping The taking season for bullfrogs softshell turtles year round by the same turtles) caught in a turtle trap must be opens at noon on the third Friday in methods legal for taking rough fish spe- released unharmed. May (May 18, 2018) and runs through cies. Commercial fishing gear may not GRASS CARP HARVEST Oct. 31. If a gun or bow and arrow are be used to take turtles. A hunting license PROHIBITED used, a hunting license is required. If is required when taking turtles by gun frogs are taken by pole and line, a fishing or by bow and arrow. Otherwise a fish- (301 KAR 1:201) license is required. If frogs are taken by ing license is required. Turtles can not be Harvesting grass carp is prohib- gig or by hand, then either a hunting or sold. ited in any lake owned or managed by fishing license is valid. The daily noon- Turtle traps may be one of two the Kentucky Department of Fish and to-noon creel limit for bullfrogs is 15. kinds: either a barrel or drum with a tilt- Wildlife Resources. Anglers who catch The possession limit is 30. ing trigger board or a floating log raft a grass carp from one of these lakes must with an enclosed twine or wire mesh immediately return the fish to the water TURTLES bag. Turtle traps must be inspected daily. where it was caught. Grass carp are used (301 KAR 1:058) All turtles must be removed daily except to control aquatic vegetation. 9 LIVE BAIT FOR PERSONAL USE herring and shad may only be used in diameter is legal statewide. (301 KAR 1:130, 1:122) the waters from which they were col- • Minnow Traps: Maximum legal size No live fish, live bait fish or live lected. A commercial license is required statewide: 3 feet long, 18 inches in di- bait organisms that are not native or to take live bait from public waters open ameter, 1-inch openings for catching. established in Kentucky waters shall be to commercial fishing for the purpose of • Seines: Maximum legal size statewide: bought, sold, possessed, imported, or in selling. 10 feet long, 4 feet deep, ¼-inch mesh. any way used or released into waters of Regardless of size or how obtained, Maximum legal size in the Ohio and this Commonwealth. Blueback herring it is illegal to use any sport fish for bait Mississippi rivers and Kentucky and are not native to Kentucky and may not (except redear sunfish less than 6 inches Barkley lakes: 30 feet long, 6 feet deep be imported or possessed in this state. long). (Sport fish species listed on page and ¼-inch bar mesh. Holders of sport fishing licenses 3). Live bait fishes are defined as red- • Sport Cast Nets: Maximum sport cast may take live bait from public waters ear sunfish less than 6 inches long and net size is 20 feet in diameter with and may possess up to 500 live bait fish- rough fish except blackside dace, pale- maximum 1-inch bar mesh statewide es which include shad (except on lakes zone shiner, Cumberland darter, relict except in the following waters. Sport where possession or use of live shad is darter and tuxedo darter. Also, see page cast nets prohibited in: 1) lakes hav- prohibited) and herring, 500 crayfish, 25 21 for a description of these protected ing fewer than 500 surface acres, 2) spring lizards or dusky salamanders, 5 fish species. Bluegills are not sport fish Hatchery Creek in Russell County. frogs (other than bullfrogs), 5 tadpoles, and may be taken for bait as described 100 native lampreys, 500 other aquatic above. All sport fish incidentally taken invertebrate organisms other than mus- Live bait may be taken with the fol- while capturing live bait with seines, dip sels, and any number of unshelled Asi- lowing gear: nets or cast nets must be released imme- atic clams. Live wild caught Asian carp, • Dip Nets: Maximum size of 3 feet in diately unharmed into the water.

KNOW YOUR TURTLES! FISHING REGULATIONS

COMMON SNAPPING TURTLE ALLIGATOR SNAPPING TURTLE Legal to take Illegal to take

FISHING METHODS

must be set at least three feet below the trotlines or 25 set lines. Each sport fish- No firearms water’s surface. Jugging is fishing with a ing trotline, jug line or set line must be: single baited line attached to any float- 1) permanently labeled with the cus- Fish may not be taken with use of ing object. A jug line may have no more tomer identification number provided a firearm. than one single or multi-barbed hook. A on fishing licenses; 2) baited, checked set line is a line with one single or multi barbed hook. It may be attached to a tree SPORT FISHING TROTLINES, What is legal equipment for limb, tree trunk, bank pole or other sta- Q: JUGGING and SET LINES (LIMB sport fish? tionary object on the bank of a stream or LINES) impoundment. (301 KAR 1:410; KRS 150.010) One person may use no more than A: Anglers may legally take A sport fishing trotline is a line two sport fishing trotlines or 50 jug lines sport fish by hook and line in hand, with no more than 50 single or multi- or 25 set lines at any one time. Each boat rod in hand, jugging, setline or sport fishing trotline. barbed baited hooks that must be at least may not use more than 50 jug lines, but 10 18 inches apart. A sport fishing trotline each occupant may use two sportfishing FISHING REGULATIONS and all fish removed at least once every into possession and cannot be culled or 24 hours; 3) removed from water, bank released. Anglers must cease gigging or Q: May you clean your fish or tree when fishing ceases. snagging once they attain the 2 paddle- while on the water? fish daily creel limit. It is illegal to sell Prohibited Areas: Sport fish- paddlefish or their roe taken by sportfish A: Anglers shall not remove any ing trotlines, jug lines or set lines may snagging methods. No daily limits on part of the head or tail of any fish not be used within 200 yards below any any other rough fish. Regardless of con- for which there is a size or creel dam. Sport fishing trotlines, jug lines or dition, all sport fish taken by gigging and limit until finished fishing and off set lines are not allowed in Department snagging must be immediately returned the water. owned/managed lakes having less than to the water (except snagging in the 500 surface acres, except those located Tennessee River below Kentucky Dam. on Ballard and Boatwright WMAs. See special regulations on page 9). methods are permitted in all waters. The No sport fishing trotlines are allowed Persons may gig rough fish through daily creel limit is 15 rough fish, no more within 700 yards below Kentucky Dam, the ice any time the surface is frozen than 5 of which can be catfish. the area between Barkley Dam and U.S. thick enough to stand upon. The gigger 62 bridge, or below the following Ohio must gig while supported by the ice. BOW FISHING River dams from the face of the dam to (301 KAR 1:410) Gigging and snagging are pro- the end of the outer lock wall: Smith- Rough fish (except alligator gar) hibited in the following waters or land, Newburgh, Cannelton, Mark- may be taken year-round by long bow, areas: land, Meldahl and Greenup; McAlpine crossbow, compound bow, recurve bow downstream to the K&I railroad bridge; • Cave Run Lake including all tributar- or pneumatic air arrow launching de- J.T. Meyers (Uniontown) to the end of ies up to the first riffle (The location of vice. Sport fish may not be taken with the outer lock wall and that portion of the first riffle may change depending this gear. Arrows must have a barbed or the split channel around the southern on water level). retractable style point that has a line at- part of Wabash Island from the fixed • Cumberland River, below Wolf Creek tached for retrieval. Catfish have a daily weir dam to the first dike. Dam downstream to the Tennessee creel limit of 5 (in aggregate) and pad- line including all of Hatchery Creek dlefish have a daily creel limit of 2. There GIGGING AND SNAGGING FISH and all tributaries for ½ mile upstream is no limit on other rough fish. Bow (301 KAR 1:410, 1:082; KRS 150.010) of their confluence with the Cumber- fisherman may fish within 200 yards of Gigging means spearing or impal- land River. a dam, except by boat in boat restricted ing fish on any pronged or barbed in- • Within 200 yards of a dam, except be- areas. Bow fishing is prohibited on the strument attached to the end of any rig- low Kentucky Dam. Cumberland River below Wolf Creek id object. Snagging means taking fish or • Cumberland River, below Barkley Dam Dam downstream to the Tennessee line, other aquatic animals by a rapid drawing downstream to the U.S. 62 bridge. including Hatchery Creek and all tribu- motion (rather than enticement by bait) • Tennessee River, below Kentucky Dam taries for ½ mile upstream of their con- using a hand-held rod and attached line from the new U.S. 62 bridge to I-24 fluence with the Cumberland River. with one single treble hook. Except, in bridge. Persons using a bow and arrow for Green River, Rolling Fork River and • Middle Fork of Kentucky River from fishing must have the appropriate fish- their tributaries, up to five single or five Buckhorn Lake downstream to the ing license and may take rough fish from treble hooks may be used for snagging. A Breathitt County line. bank or boat. Bow anglers cannot sell rod legal for snagging must be equipped • Rough River, below Rough River Dam paddlefish or their roe taken by bow with line, guides and a reel. to KY 54 bridge and arrow. Paddlefish and catfish taken The statewide season for gigging • In the Tennessee River below Ken- by bow and arrow must be taken into and/or snagging rough fish is from Feb- tucky Dam, gigging prohibited year- immediate possession and cannot be ruary 1 through May 10. It is illegal to round. culled. Fish taken by bow must not be possess a gig on a stream or lake or in a For special regulations concerning discarded on the bank. Bank disposal is boat from November 1 through January gigging and snagging in the Cumber- littering and subject to a fine. 31. A person may gig or snag fish from land River below Barkley Dam and in the bank of a stream during the day or the Tennessee River below Kentucky SPEAR FISHING night. Gigging and snagging is not legal Lake refer to Special Regulations on (301 KAR 1:410) from a platform or boat, except that gig- pages 6 and 9 of this guide. Underwater spearing of rough fish ging is legal from a boat on lakes 500 with hand-held or mechanically pro- TICKLING AND NOODLING surface acres or larger and only during pelled spear is permitted year-round, but daylight hours. (301 KAR 1:410; KRS 150.010) only in lakes having 1,000 surface acres There is a statewide limit of 2 pad- The tickling and noodling (hand or more. All participants in this sport dlefish for either gigging or snagging grabbing) season for rough fish is June must be submerged while spear fishing. (except for the Tennessee River below 1 through August 31, during daylight Only rough fish may be taken and the Kentucky Lake and the Cumberland hours only. Tickling and noodling appropriate fishing license is required. River below Lake Barkley). All gigged means taking fish directly by hand, or The daily limit is 15 fish of which only 5 or snagged paddlefish must be taken with the aid of a handled hook. These may be catfish. 11 LICENSE AND PERMIT FEES (effective March 1, 2018)

LICENSE / PERMIT Resident Nonresident Annual Fishing $23 $50 Joint Married Couple Annual Fishing $42 Not available 1-Day Fishing $7 $10 3-Year Fishing (available online at fw.ky.gov only) $55 Not available Nonresident 7-Day Fishing Not available $30 Nonresident 15-Day Fishing Not available $40 Trout Permit $10 Annual Hunting $27 $140 1-Day Hunting (not valid for deer, elk, turkey or bear) $7 $15 LICENSES 7-Day Hunting (not valid for deer, elk, turkey or bear) Not available $55 Annual Youth Hunting (ages 12-15 only) $6 $10 Shooting Area License (available online at fw.ky.gov only) $5 Annual Trapping $20 $130 Annual Landowner/Tenant Trapping $10 Not available Annual Youth (ages 12-15) Trapping $5 Not available Annual Combination Hunting/Fishing $42 Not available Senior/Disabled Sportsman’s License* (includes same license and permits $12 Not available as Resident Sportsman’s License, plus additional deer permits.) Sportsman’s License* (Includes combination hunting/fishing, statewide deer permit, spring and fall turkey permits, state migratory game bird-waterfowl $95 Not available

COMBOS permit and trout permit.) Youth (ages 12-15) Sportsman’s License* $30 Not available (Includes youth hunting license, 2 youth deer permits and 2 youth turkey permits.) Statewide Deer Permit (two deer) $35 $120 Youth (ages 12-15) Deer Permit (one deer) $10 $15 FISHING REGULATIONS DEER Additional Deer Permit (two deer) $15 Spring Turkey Permit (statewide) (two turkeys) $30 $75 Youth (ages 12-15) Turkey Permit (one turkey, spring or fall) $10 $15 Fall Turkey Permit (statewide)(four turkeys) $30 $75 Migratory Bird–Waterfowl Permit $15 BIRDS Federal Duck Stamp (available at post offices and online at www.duckstamp.com) $25 Pheasant Quota Hunt Permit (if drawn) $25 Elk Drawing Application (deadline April 30; available online at fw.ky.gov only) $10 Youth WMA Elk Drawing Application (deadline April 30; available at fw.ky.gov only) $10 Quota Bull Elk Permit (if drawn; available online at fw.ky.gov only) $100 $550 ELK Quota Cow Elk Permit (if drawn; available online at fw.ky.gov only) $60 $400 Youth Elk Permit (if drawn; available online at fw.ky.gov only) $30 $40 Out-of-Zone Elk Permit (Nonresident available online at fw.ky.gov only) $30 $400 Bear Permit $30 $250 Youth Bear Permit $10 Not available Bear Chase Permit $30 Not available BEAR Youth Bear Chase Permit $10 Not available Peabody WMA User Permit $15 Land Between The Lakes (LBL) Hunter Use Permit $25, or $35 with Backcountry Camping Otter Creek ORA Admission Fees (per person) Daily: $3, annual: $30, (available online at ) children under 12: free. AREAS fw.ky.gov Otter Creek ORA Special Activity Fees (per person, for use of horse trails, Daily: $7, annual: $70 mountain bike trails and shooting range) (available online at fw.ky.gov) Temporary Hunter Education Exemption Permit (Hunter Apprentice $5 Opportunity; available online at fw.ky.gov only)

OTHER Habitat Improvement and Public Access Donation (voluntary; available at fw.ky.gov only) Any amount *Peabody, LBL and Otter Creek permits, elk drawing application, elk quota hunt permit, out-of-zone elk permit, bear permit, federal duck stamp and trapping license not included. An additional deer permit is not included with a Sportsman’s License. Kentucky’s license year begins March 1 and continues through the last day of February. New licenses are required annually, except for the 3-year fishing license. A 1-day or 7-day hunting license is valid only for the period shown on license. Resident and 12 nonresident youths under the age of 12 are not required to purchase licenses or permits (except the elk drawing application). HOW TO BUY LICENSES AND PERMITS FISHING REGULATIONS

GETTING A LICENSE ONLINE All Kentucky hunting and fishing li- By Internet: By phone: censes and permits, except a Joint Mar- Visit Call toll-free 1-877-598-2401 ried Couple Fishing License, can be fw.ky.gov Persons purchasing online: Persons purchasing by phone: purchased through the secured Kentucky 1. Must use Visa, Mastercard or 1. Must use Visa, Mastercard, Dis- Fish and Wildlife website. Replacement Discover; cover or e-check; licenses can be printed free at fw.ky.gov. 2. Must provide their name, address, 2. Will be charged a small fee; GETTING A LICENSE IN PERSON date of birth and Social Security 3. Must provide their name, address, number; date of birth and Social Security Licenses and permits can be pur- 3. Must carry proof of their license/ number; chased throughout the Commonwealth. permit in addition to a picture ID 4. Will be issued a paper license/permit Most department stores, county court while fishing; and by mail (except short-term licenses); clerk offices and outdoor sporting goods 4. Will not receive a paper license/ 5. Will be issued an authorization stores sell licenses. License vendor loca- permit in the mail. number which serves as a license/ tions are listed at fw.ky.gov. permit until paper license/permit is issued; and GETTING A LICENSE BY PHONE you need, refer to previous portions of 6. Must have the authorization Licenses and permits can be pur- this guide, or contact Kentucky Fish and number in addition to a picture ID chased by phone 24 hours a day. It is the Wildlife at 1-800-858-1549. while fishing, if they have not yet caller’s responsibility to know what type All Kentucky hunting and fishing received their paper license/permit of license or permit is needed before licenses and permits, except a disabled li- in the mail. calling. Operators should NOT be relied cense, elk lottery application and all youth upon to explain licensing requirements. licenses and permits, can be purchased If you are unsure what license or permit over the phone for a small fee.

LICENSE REQUIREMENTS AND EXEMPTIONS

ing furlough status. Tennessee state line, its tributaries up to License expiration • Residents and nonresidents ages 15 the first riffle and all of Hatchery Creek and younger. are required to possess a trout permit. Annual license/permit authorization • Persons fishing on the first Saturday (See the Trout section in this guide for numbers are valid from the date of and Sunday in June ( June 2-3, 2018) details and for a complete list of waters purchase through the last day in during Free Fishing Days are not re- where trout are present.) February. New licenses are required quired to have a license or permit. annually March 1. A temporary RESIDENT SPORTSMAN’S • Persons fishing within the boundaries fishing license is valid for the period LICENSE (SAVE $67!) shown on the license. KRS 150.175 of Mammoth Cave National Park. A resident is anyone who has estab- Available to Kentucky residents lished permanent and legal residence in only, the Sportsman’s License includes a Kentucky and resided here at least 30 days combination hunting and fishing license, WHO NEEDS A LICENSE? immediately prior to applying for a license. spring turkey permit, fall turkey permit, (KRS 150.010, 150.170) Full-time students enrolled in an educa- statewide deer permit, state waterfowl All persons must fill out and carry tional institution for at least a six-month permit (which also covers dove and other the proper license and permit to fish term and service personnel on permanent migratory bird hunting) and trout permit. any Kentucky waters except the follow- assignment in Kentucky are also classi- Peabody and LBL permits, trapping li- ing (for permit requirements see “Trout fied as residents. All others are considered cense, an elk lottery application, elk quota Permit” on this page): non-residents for licensing purposes. hunt permit (if drawn), out-of-zone elk • The resident owner of farmlands, their permit, bear permit and bonus deer per- spouse and dependent children may TROUT PERMIT (301 KAR 1:201) mits must be purchased separately. A fed- fish on their land without a license. Unless license exempt, anglers who eral duck stamp (available at post offices) Tenants, their spouses and dependent intend to keep trout must have a trout is required for waterfowl hunting. children may fish without a license on permit ($10). A trout permit is included PAY LAKES farmlands where they live and work. with the resident senior/disabled (KRS 150.660) • Resident servicemen on furlough for combination license and resident A person fishing in a pay lake li- more than three days may fish state- sportsman’s license. All licensed anglers censed by the Kentucky Department of wide without a license, but must carry fishing the portion of the Cumberland Fish and Wildlife Resources needs ei- proper identification and papers show- River from Wolf Creek Dam to the ther a Kentucky fishing license or a free 13 permit issued by the operator. fishing days the first weekend in June All other fishing regulations remain in ( June 2-3, 2018). On free fishing days effect. Free fishing days are offered to FREE FISHING DAYS no license (including the Kentucky trout promote fishing and National Fishing (301 KAR 1:210) permit) is required of residents or non- Week. Every year Kentucky offers free residents to fish any Kentucky waters.

Resident senior or DisabLED SPORTSMAN’s Licenses

The following are eligible to request the BEVE on the Social The authorization card is not a purchase the Senior or Disabled Security website, choose “Create license. It must be presented to the li- Sportsman’s License (which includes an Account” or “Sign In.” Next, cense seller, or the authorization number the same license and permits as the click the “Get a Benefit Verification entered online, at the time of purchase. Resident Sportsman’s License, plus Letter” link. Next select “Custom- License vendors cannot sell a dis- additional deer permits): ize your letter.” The BEVE should ability license using an expired autho- • Kentucky residents ages 65 or older. include your name, address, date of rization card. The Senior or Disabled Seniors need only show proof of age birth, benefit amount and indicate Sportsman’s License is valid through and residency to purchase this license. that you are disabled. Next, choose the end of February each year. If you • Kentucky residents certified totally “Apply to letter” and then “Print.” lose your card or license, you can print and permanently disabled by the fed- If you contact Social Security, please a copy of both online using the “My eral Social Security Administration, request all of this information to be Profile” feature atfw.ky.gov . a state workers’ compensation board, included on the BEVE. The BEVE the Kentucky Teachers’ Retirement will only include the last four digits To send disability paperwork to System or the U.S. Railroad Retire- of your claim number(s). We ask that Kentucky Fish and Wildlife: ment Board. you write your entire Social Security • By mail: KDFWR Disability License, • Kentucky resident employees of the Number (SSN) on the BEVE before #1 Sportsman’s Lane, U.S. Office of Personnel Management sending it to Kentucky Fish and Frankfort, KY 40601 declared totally and permanently Wildlife. The full SSN is required in • By fax: (502) 564-9845 disabled by a recognized authority. order to process the Hunting/Fishing

FISHING REGULATIONS • Kentucky resident veterans at least License application. The BEVE that 50% disabled as the result of a you send to us should not be over six service-connected disability. months old from its date of issue. Q: For how long is a disability authorization card valid? Persons with disabilities listed • Veteran’s Affairs: Contact your above must first obtain a disability local VA office and request a letter authorization card from Kentucky that verifies you are at least 50 A: A disability authorization Fish and Wildlife. percent disabled as a result of a card is good for three years (check service-connected disability. The the expiration date). Every three To obtain a disability license letter should also have your current years you must provide updated authorization card: address and your Social Security paperwork (following the instruc- If your disability is through the: number. tions on this page) and get a new card. Those who already have a dis- • Federal Social Security Adminis- • If your disability is through other ability authorization card through tration: To request a Benefit Veri- state or federal agencies call 1-800- Veterans Affairs, U.S. Railroad fication Letter (BEVE), you may: 858-1549. Retirement Board or U.S. Office of (1) go to Once the proper documentation is www.socialsecurity.gov/ Personnel Management may call , (2) call 1-800-772-1213 processed, applicants will receive their myaccount 1-800-310-1873 to get a new card. or (3) contact your local office. To authorization card by mail.

LOST LICENSES AND PERMITS Lane, Frankfort, KY 40601. You will re- Persons who need a replacement li- ceive a refund minus a $5 handling fee. Carry proof cense or permit have three options: 3. Send $5, your name, address, date of Holders of Disabled Combination 1. Print a replacement online at fw.ky. birth and Social Security number, and Licenses must carry both the license gov. Click on “Licenses,” then on “Re- which license(s) or permits you lost and authorization card while fishing. print Your License.” to: KDFWR Licensing, #1 Sports- Once a person who qualifies for this 2. Purchase the same type of license or man’s Lane, Frankfort, KY 40601. The license reaches age 65, he or she permit from any license vendor, ask department will replace the license/ is considered a senior for licensing them for a license refund form (or print permit once verification of original purposes, and no longer needs to one at fw.ky.gov), fill it out and send it purchase occurs. Replacement may follow the process of obtaining a dis- to: KDFWR Licensing, #1 Sportsman’s take up to 3 weeks. ability license authorization card. 14 BORDERING WATERS FISHING REGULATIONS

All resident Kentucky anglers who license, but must abide by Indiana’s size Kentucky residents must have a Ken- fish reciprocal waters must have a valid and creel limits. However, anglers fish- tucky license. Kentucky fishing license. ing from a boat must follow the size and creel limits of the state in which the an- KENTUCKY LAKE OHIO RIVER FISHING gler is licensed. On Kentucky Lake, anglers with (KRS 150.170) Reminder: snagging is not permit- either a valid Kentucky or Tennessee An angler with a Kentucky fishing ted for any fish species on the Indiana sport fishing license may fish from Egg- license may fish the entire main stem of side or in any Indiana waters of the ner’s Ferry Bridge (U.S. 68 and KY 80) the Ohio River from a boat, or a bor- Ohio River. In Kentucky, a person may in Kentucky south to the Governor Ned dering state’s bank without buying the not snag within 200 yards below any McWhorter Bridge (U.S. 79 and TN 76) other state’s license (bordering states in- dam on the Ohio River. in Tennessee. This includes all embay- clude Illinois, Indiana and Ohio). ments and tributaries, except the Blood MISSISSIPPI RIVER This does not apply if fishing a bor- River embayment in Kentucky. Anglers dering state’s embayments or tributaries, (KRS 150.170) must abide by the fishing and boating which begin at a straight line between Anglers licensed in Kentucky may regulations of the state in which they are opposite points where the tributary or fish Missouri portions of the Mississippi fishing. embayment meets the main stem of the River without buying a Missouri fishing river. license. Each state recognizes the sport BIG SANDY AND TUG FORK Anglers fishing from a bordering fishing licenses and permits of the other RIVERS state’s bank must follow the size and state on the Mississippi River. The river Anglers with a valid Kentucky creel limits of the state where the an- is defined as the main channel and im- fishing license may fish the entire main gler is located. For example, a Kentucky mediate side or secondary channels and stem of the Big Sandy and Tug Fork licensed angler can stand on the Indi- chutes. It does not include oxbow or rivers from the confluence of the Ohio ana bank and fish the main stem of the floodplain lakes or any tributary streams. and Big Sandy Rivers upstream to the Ohio River without an Indiana fishing A tributary is delineated by the straight Virginia state line. Kentucky anglers can line between opposite points where the fish from a boat or on West Virginia’s tributary connects with the main body bank without buying a West Virginia of the Mississippi River. Furthermore, fishing license. the river does not include backwaters This does not apply to fishing West that extend onto the floodplain or tribu- Virginia’s tributaries or embayments, taries when the river exceeds 33 feet at which begin at a straight line between the gauging station at Cairo, Illinois. opposite points where the tributary or em- Sport fishing license or permit bayment meets the main stem of the river. holders may fish from, or attach any Kentucky anglers fishing from West device or equipment to land along the Virginia’s bank must follow their size and river under the jurisdiction of the other creel limits. However, Kentucky anglers state. Landowner permission is required fishing the main stem from a boat must to fish from the bank. follow Kentucky’s size and creel limits. Sport fishing license holders shall abide by the regulations in the state in BIG SOUTH FORK OF THE whose waters they are fishing and when CUMBERLAND RIVER fishing in waters they are not licensed to Anglers may use either a Tennessee fish, shall comply with the most restric- or a Kentucky sport fishing license while tive regulation. fishing that portion of the Big South Fork from the Leatherwood Ford bridge The Angler’s Legacy program DALE HOLLOW LAKE (TN 297) in Tennessee to the KY 92 aims to mobilize the 7.5 mil- Anglers may use either a Tennes- bridge at Yamacraw, Kentucky. lion avid anglers in the United see or a Kentucky sport fishing license Anglers must obey the regulations States to “take someone fishing.” while fishing in the Wolf River arm of of the state in which they are licensed. The program intends to pass the Dale Hollow Lake. This includes the Il- Kentucky residents must have a Ken- angling legacy down to the next lwill Creek embayment beginning at a tucky license. generation. Take the pledge by log- line crossing the Wolf River at its mouth ging on to www.anglerslegacy.org to where it joins the Obey River and the OTHER BORDERING WATERS take a child, friend, co-worker or main part of the lake. On all other bordering waters, relative on a fishing trip. Anglers must obey the regulations boundaries are set by state lines. Obey the of the state in which they are licensed. laws of the state in which you are fishing. 15 GENERAL INFORMATION

There are over 1,000 fishing tourna- rectors follow some simple procedures FISHING ments held annually in Kentucky waters. to keep bass alive during summer tour- TOURNAMENTS These can be a valuable source of infor- naments that run from June through mation to our fishery biologists. Follow- August. Summer tournament fishing ing each scheduled event, tournament places great stress on bass due to high As a voluntary program, fishing organizers are asked to report their catch water temperatures. Please refer to the event organizers are strongly urged to data directly on the tournament web Kentucky Fish and Wildlife website at use the Tournament web site at fw.ky. site or on forms which can be sent via fw.ky.gov for a list of these procedures. gov/tournamentschedule.aspx to register postal mail. Voluntary cooperation from and report on their events. Tournament tournament organizers will be used in planners can avoid space conflicts with making fishery management decisions. HABITAT other previously registered events by At the end of the tournament season, a adjusting the date, time, specific launch summary of tournament results will be The Kentucky Department of Fish areas or weigh-in site for their activities. sent to all providers. If not provided with and Wildlife regularly creates and main- Other recreational anglers and one, contact your local fisheries district tains fish attractors and habitat struc- boaters can check the web site to see office. They will provide a packet. tures in lakes across Kentucky. These when and where fishing events are structures vary in material and benefit scheduled. This will assist them in plan- KEEPING YOUR BASS ALIVE sport fish populations while providing ning their activities and also help avoid Kentucky Fish and Wildlife rec- anglers productive fishing areas. GPS potential space conflicts. Additional per- ommends tournament anglers and di- locations of many of these structures are mits may be required by the U.S. Army found at fw.ky.gov. Corps of Engineers, the U.S. Forest Ser- vice or Kentucky State Parks. Bigger tournaments GENERAL INFORMATION Check the Kentucky Fish and HARMFUL ALGAL Fishing tournaments involving more Wildlife website at fw.ky.gov. than 100 boats are regulated and BLOOMS If the launch site for your tourna- permitted by the Division of Law ment involves using a marina ramp, Enforcement, 1-800-858-1549. Blue-green algae are a type of bac- please contact the marina operator be- teria found in lakes in Kentucky and fore scheduling your tournament. throughout the United States. They occur naturally, but if their numbers get too high they can pose health risks to Kentucky’s humans and animals. Anglers, hunters, largest boaters and all others who might use HAVE YOU these water resources should be aware salamander: of the potential risks associated with Eastern these blooms. Both the Kentucky Divi- Hellbender sion of Water and the U.S. Army Corps SEEN ME? of Engineers have initiated testing of Can grow up to 24” long • Completely aquatic • Not aggressive or poisonous • Long lived (up to 30 yrs.) lakes in Kentucky to document these blooms and provide updated informa- Kentucky Fish and Wildlife is tion to the public. See fw.ky.gov for very interested in all locality more information. records for the eastern hellbender. If you see this giant salamander, please Q: Can you sell fish caught e-mail John MacGregor while possessing only a valid ([email protected]) Kentucky sport fishing license? with locality information and a photograph, if possible. A: No. It is illegal to sell any fish caught without the proper commercial fishing license and gear. 16 GENERAL INFORMATION FISH CONSUMPTION ADVISORIES

The Kentucky Departments for Environmental Protection, Health Ser- vices and Fish and Wildlife Resources jointly issue a fish consumption advisory to the public when fish are found contaminated. Trace contaminants such as polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB), mercury and chlordane are found in some fish in Kentucky. An advisory cautions people about potential health problems that may result from eating fish caught from a particular area. An advisory does Lee McClellan photo not ban eating fish; it is a guide to reduce your risk. This guide provides information advisory information, please visit tion on how often fish may be safely eat- Sensitive population fw.ky.gov. en. Most fish are healthy to eat and are Women of childbearing age, children STATEWIDE an excellent source of low-fat protein. 6 years of age or younger, pregnant and nursing women and women who All waters are under advisory for CONSUMPTION GUIDELINES plan to become pregnant should fol- mercury. Women of childbearing age A new method for reporting fish low the advisories in the “Sensitive and children 6 years of age or younger consumption advisories has been ad- Population” category. should eat no more than six meals per opted. Consumption rates for specific year of predatory fish and no more than fish have been developed based on a one meal per month of panfish and meal of ½ pound of fish (before cook- and blue catfish, yellow bass, chain pick- bottom feeder fish. The general public ing) eaten by a 150-pound individual. erel and all gars. should eat no more than one meal per Following these guidelines and spacing Panfish include bluegill, crap- month of predatory fish and no more your meals of those fish species will limit pie, rock bass as well as green, longear than one meal per week of panfish and your health risks by reducing your total and redear sunfish. Bottom feeder fish bottom feeder fish. exposure. See table on the next page. include the bullheads, buffalo species, Organic mercury occurs naturally Due to expanded testing on more channel catfish, common carp, redhorse in the environment and does not affect waterbodies and additional fish species, species, shovelnose sturgeon, drum, swimmers, skiers or boaters. Fish ac- the fish consumption advisories changed creek chub as well as the white, spotted, cumulate low levels of mercury by eat- this year due to a wider presence of or- northern hog and carp suckers. ing plankton and other small aquatic ganic mercury than previously found. For the most up-to-date consump- creatures. Fish consumption advisories now delineate between predatory fish, bottom feeder fish and panfish. Predatory PARASITES AND GRUBS IN FISH fish include black bass (smallmouth, Kentucky anglers will oc- or from its mouth. The eggs hatch largemouth and spotted), white bass, casionally clean a fish and find a and tiny larvae of the parasite striped bass, hybrid striped bass, sauger, white or yellowish color worm in burrow into a snail. After a time saugeye, walleye, muskellunge, flathead the fish’s flesh that is about the in the snail, the parasite changes size of a grain of rice. Or, when form and swims to its next host, a stream fishing, an angler will fish. Inside the fish, the parasite REDUCE YOUR RISK encounter a smallmouth bass or changes to a grub form and waits Risks from eating contaminated sunfish with small black specks on for the fish to be eaten. Then, the fish can be reduced by the its belly or across its body. cycle repeats. following: This is a parasitic fluke that The angler’s first instinct is • fillet the fish, remove the skin requires different host animals to to discard any fish with either and trim all fat complete its life cycle: a fish eating the grubs in the flesh or black • do not eat fish eggs bird, a snail and a fish. The grub specks on the body. Grub-infested • broil, grill or bake the fillets in- matures and produces eggs inside fish are safe to eat. Grubs do not stead of frying or microwaving a host fish-eating bird such as a infect people. Remove any grubs • do not eat or reuse juices or Great Blue Heron. The eggs enter found and prepare the fish as you fats that cook out of the fish. the water from the bird’s droppings normally would. 17 FISH CONSUMPTION ADVISORIES

NUMBER OF MEALS PER SPECIES General Population Sensitive Population STATEWIDE Predatory fish (mercury) 1/month 6/year Bottom feeders and panfish (mercury) 1/week 1/month DRAKES CREEK (from dam on W. Fork at Franklin, KY downstream to confluence with Barren River) All species (PCB) No consumption FISH LAKE, Ballard Co. (from lake headwaters to outflow of Shawnee Creek) Bottom feeders (mercury) 1/month 6/year FISHTRAP LAKE, Pike Co. (from VA/KY state line to Fishtrap Lake dam) Bottom feeders and white bass (PCB) 1/month 6/year Predatory fish (PCB) 1/week 1/month GREEN RIVER LAKE (from lake headwaters to dam) Bottom feeders (PCB and mercury) 1/month 6/year KNOX CREEK, Pike Co. (from VA/KY state line to Tug Fork River) Flathead catfish (PCB and mercury) No consumption Bottom feeders (PCB) 6/year No consumption Predatory fish (PCB) and panfish (PCB and mercury) 1/month 6/year LITTLE BAYOU CREEK, McCracken Co. All species (PCB) No consumption METROPOLIS LAKE, McCracken Co. All species (PCB and mercury) No consumption MUD RIVER, Logan Co. (from headwaters to Wolf Lick Creek) Bottom feeders (PCB) No consumption Predatory fish and panfish (PCB) 1/month 6/year MUD RIVER, Butler and Muhlenberg cos. (from Wolf Lick Creek to Green River) GENERAL INFORMATION Bottom feeders (PCB) 1/month 6/year Predatory fish and panfish (PCB) 1/week 1/month TOWN BRANCH, Logan Co. All species (PCB) No consumption WESTERN KENTUCKY WMA PONDS, McCracken Co. All species (mercury) No consumption The Ohio River has different advisories than other Kentucky waters. Any fish species not listed in the table below falls under a 1 meal per week advisory for mercury. OHIO RIVER, UPPER and MIDDLE REACH (Mouth of the Big Sandy River to J.T. Meyers L&D) Common carp (PCB) 1/month 1/month Channel catfish under 18 inches long (PCB) 1/month 1/month Channel catfish 18 inches and longer (PCB) 6/year 6/year Flathead catfish (PCB) 1/month 1/month Striped, hybrid striped and white bass (PCB) 6/year 6/year All suckers (PCB) 1/month 1/month Freshwater drum (PCB) 1/month 1/month Black bass (largemouth, smallmouth and spotted) (mercury) 1/month 1/month OHIO RIVER, LOWER REACH (J.T. Meyers L&D to mouth of Ohio River) Common carp 22 inches and longer (PCB) 1/month 1/month Blue catfish 20 inches and longer (PCB) 1/month 1/month Channel catfish 18 inches and longer (PCB) 1/month 1/month Flathead catfish (PCB and mercury) 1/month 1/month Striped and hybrid striped bass (PCB and mercury) 1/month 1/month White bass (mercury) 1/month 1/month Freshwater drum 14 inches and longer (mercury) 1/month 1/month Black bass (largemouth, smallmouth and spotted) (mercury) 1/month 1/month 18 GENERAL INFORMATION ANGLER’S FISH IDENTIFICATION GUIDE

1 2 3

1 3 SAUGER 1. Rows of dark spots on spiny dorsal fin, 2. No dark blotch at rear of spiny dorsal fin, 3. Dark saddle-like blotches which extend onto the sides of the body HYBRID STRIPED BASS 1 2 1. Tooth patch on tongue consists of two rows of teeth, often partially joined, 2. Back moderately arched, 3. Most stripes are broken, many more than once

3 2 3 WALLEYE 1 1. Dark streaks or blotches on spiny dorsal fin, but not distinct spots, 2. Dark blotch at rear of spiny, dorsal fin, 3. White spot on lower lobe of tail fin

1 2 STRIPED BASS 1. Tooth patch on tongue consists of two distinctly split, parallel rows of teeth, 2. Back slightly arched, more streamlined, 3. Stripes very distinct and most extend fully onto tail

3 BROWN TROUT 1. Dark spots and orange or red spots with blue halos, 2 2. No spots on tail fin 1 1 2 3

WHITE BASS 1. Single tooth patch on tongue, 2. Back arched, 3. Stripes often faint and irregular RAINBOW TROUT 1. Pink to red stripe on side, 2. Back and sides heavily 3 speckled, 3. Spots on tail fin

1 2 1

2 YELLOW BASS BROOK TROUT 1. No tooth patch on tongue, 2. Second and 1. Worm-like markings (vermiculations) on upper body, third anal spines nearly same length, 3. Stripes 2. Pale spots on dark background distinct and broken above anal fin 19 2 2 1 1 3

3 BLUEGILL ROCK BASS 1. Gill flap black, 2. Vertical bars on side, 3. Dark 1. Eye rimmed in red, 2. Most scales have a dark spot, blotch at rear of soft dorsal fin 3. Anal fin has five or six spines

2 1 2 3

1 REDEAR SUNFISH SMALLMOUTH BASS 1. Gill flap black with orange or red margin, 1. Upper jaw does not extend beyond back of eye, 2. Shallow 2. No dark blotch at rear of soft dorsal fin notch between dorsal fins, 3. Bronze colored with vertical bars on side 1 GENERAL INFORMATION 2 2

WHITE CRAPPIE LARGEMOUTH BASS 1. Dorsal fin has five or six spines, 2. Vertical bars on side 1. Upper jaw extends beyond back of eye, 2. Dorsal fins separated by deep notch, 3. Tongue usually without tooth patch 1 2 2

1 3 SPOTTED BASS BLACK CRAPPIE 1. Upper jaw does not extend beyond back of eye, 1. Dorsal fin has seven or eight spines, 2. Irregular 2. Shallow notch between dorsal fins, 3. Rows of dark spots below lateral line, 4. Single tooth patch on tongue 20 black blotches on side Rick Hill illustrations GENERAL INFORMATION 1 KENTUCKY THREATENED AND ENDANGERED FISHES 2 These five species of fish are protected under the MUSKELLUNGE Federal Endangered Species Act. It is illegal to take 1. Duck-like bill with sharp teeth, 2. No scales on lower these fish species and utilize them for any purpose in- half of cheek and gill flap cluding as live bait for fishing (see page 10).

1 3 2

BLACKSIDE DACE FLATHEAD CATFISH Found only in small (wadeable) streams in the Upper 1. Lower jaw projects far beyond upper jaw, 2. Tail fin not Cumberland River Basin including Letcher, Harlan, Bell, deeply forked, 3. Head is compressed on flathead catfish Whitley, Knox, McCreary, Pulaski and Laurel counties.

CUMBERLAND DARTER 1 Found only in small (wadeable) streams in the CHANNEL CATFISH Upper Cumberland River drainage including 1. Outer margin of anal fin rounded, with 24 to 29 rays, Whitley and McCreary counties. 2. Dark spots usually on body, 3. Tail fin deeply forked

3 PALEZONE SHINER Found only in the Little South Fork of the 1 BLUE CATFISH Cumberland River in McCreary and Wayne counties. 1. Outer margin of anal fin straight, with 30 to 35 rays, 2. Body without dark spots, 3. Tail fin deeply forked

RELICT DARTER Found only in the Bayou du Chien River in Hickman and Graves counties.

LAKE STURGEON (top) and ALLIGATOR GAR Lake sturgeon may not be harvested statewide. Alligator gar are part of a new restoration effort in western Kentucky. If you TUXEDO DARTER see or catch these fish, please report the catch or sighting to Found only in the Big South Fork of the Matt Thomas at (502) 564-7109. Release caught alligator gar. Cumberland River in McCreary County. 21 AQUATIC NUISANCE SPECIES TROUT WATERS tern of stripes. Zebra mussels can live 8 It’s the law HELP KEEP OUT to 10 days out of water and can be trans- No live fish, live minnow, or live NON-NATIVE SPECIES ported to another water body while attached to a boat. bait organisms not native or estab- • CLEAN your boat and trailer lished in Kentucky shall be bought, before launching into or leav- HYDRILLA sold, possessed, imported, or in any ing any waterbody. Hydrilla is an exotic plant invading way used or released into Kentucky • REMOVE all plants and Kentucky through transfer of plant frag- waters. animals. ments by boats and personal watercraft. • DRAIN all water from bilges All it takes is a small fragment of the and livewells. Sport anglers unintentionally and plant to start a new colony. This plant • DISPOSE of unwanted live intentionally stock fish in Kentucky’s forms extremely dense mats that grow bait on shore – DO NOT public waters. These species mainly in- to the surface of the waterbody making STOCK THE LAKE! clude gizzard shad and alewives that are boating and swimming difficult. It liter- • RINSE your boat, trailer and present in several water bodies. Giz- ally fills shallow areas from top to bot- equipment with high pressure zard shad have been illegally released tom with vegetation. hot water. in several small public lakes where they Hydrilla also chokes out native • DRY everything for at least previously were not present. They inter- plants and displaces fish. It is extremely five days. fere with the lake’s ability to support a difficult to eradicate once it becomes quality bluegill population. Alewives are established. a non-native fish illegally stocked into In order to limit the spread of this several Kentucky lakes. The total impact cannot be controlled without support nuisance plant, please check all trailer of these fish is not known, but they are from commercial fishing. parts, boat motor and other equipment known to eat young fish, including sport Very young Asian carp can be eas- for mud or pieces of plant and remove fishes. ily mistaken as shad or skipjack her- before leaving the lake. Additionally, there are many non- ring. All bait collectors using cast or

GENERAL INFORMATION native aquatic species that invaded the dip nets should never dispose of any country, particularly in Great Lake live bait into other water bodies due to WE RECYCLE YOUR FISHING LINE states. These include both plants and the potential threat of spreading these animals such as Eurasian watermilfoil, aquatic nuisance species. Asian carp, hydrilla, spring water flea, ZEBRA MUSSELS and zebra mussels. Kentucky has zebra mussels present ASIAN CARP in our waters and are at nuisance levels MONOFILAMENT Three species of Asian carps (big- in the Ohio River. They attach head, silver and grass) are reproducing themselves to any solid at alarming rates and threaten Ken- submerged surface in a tucky’s aquatic ecology. These fish are cluster, reproduce rap- outcompeting native fishes for forage idly, and pose a seri- and becoming overpopulated. Silver ous threat to native Envase de Reciclaje de Monofilamento Eche su línea de pescar usada en este envase carp, because of their propensity to freshwater mussel No echar latas - botellas - y ninguna otra basura aquí jump, can be harmful to recreational populations. These boaters. These carp species can produce mussels have elon- over 1 million eggs per large adult each gated pointed shells year. In areas where conditions are suit- less than two inches NO CANS - NO BOTTLES - NO TRASH able for reproduction, their numbers long with a zebra like pat- Kentucky Fish and Wildlife is beginning an effort to educate the public about the harmful effects Asian carp of discarded fishing line on the environment. Recycle used monofilament fishing line by placing it in collection bins on lakes across the state. 22 TROUT WATERS 23 16” none Minimum Size Limit there is a 16-inch minimum is a 16-inch minimum there On Chimney Top Creek, in Al- Creek Trammel On ty (Paintsville Lake tailwater), size is a 16-inch minimum there fish daily limit and one creel 40 the KY from trout limit on to the first bridge downstream Only 460 bridge crossing. U.S. artificial be used. baits may Chimincluding- Right Fork County), (Wolfe Creek Top ney size is a 16-inch minimum there fish daily limit and one creel and only trout limit for brown artificial be used. baits may Some indicated streams in the ta- 2 len County, County, len sizedaily limit fish one a and limit creel fish dailycreel and a five trout brown on is no har- There rainbow trout. limit on during of trout the catch vest and release 31. March 1 through Oct. from season CATCH AND RELEASE STREAMS CATCH a catch (no season ble have and release March 1 through harvest)Oct. from in Swift except where Camp Creek 31, the catch is Oct.1 season and release During the catch and 31. May through only artificial baits shall season, release im- be caught alland used must be trout mediately released. 16 Possession Limit Possession Dave Dreves photo Dave STREAMS

Catch and release only (except on Cumberland River) Catch and release only 8 1 TROUT STOCKING Daily Limit

The lower boundaryThe lower lower of the Coun- Johnson in Creek Paint On The streams listed on the listed followingThe streams section of Hatcherysection is delineat- Creek ed as a straight opposite between line Hatcherypoints where meets the Creek main stem of the Cumberland River. pages are stocked by are with rainbow trout pages the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife and the (KDFWR) Resources FishWildlife and Service during the U.S. stocked are trout Brown indicated. months fishery. for a put-grow-take each year once - Na Creek Wolf at produced are All trout Visit for a fw.ky.gov Fishtional Hatchery. stockings.list of monthly trout Rainbow trout Rainbow Brown trout Brook trout TROUT REGULATIONS TROUT TROUT WATERS TROUT Brown trout Brook trout* Rainbow trout Rainbow SPORT FISH SPECIES On Hatchery Creek in Russell The Cumberland River below On the Dix River (Herrington River Dix the On baits may be used. baits may for species and only all artificial trout section is open forcatchsection only release and creel limit. The newly constructed lower limit. creel by signs has a 5 trout aggregate daily aggregate signs has a 5 trout by the upper section as designated the upper section County, glers may not chumglers may or cull trout. - An mit (regardless of species sought). must possess a valid Kentucky trout per- Kentuckyvalid a possess trout must first riffle and all of Hatchery Creek, first riffle andof Hatchery all Creek, includingall tributary the to up streams on this section of the Cumberland River, of the Cumberland this section on River, 15-inch minimum size limit. All anglers size15-inch minimum limit. trout have a 1 fish daily limit with have creel trout may be longer than 20 inches. Brook Brook than 20 inches. be longer may bow trout of the five fish dailycreel limit of the five trout bow be immediately released. Only rain one - be immediately released. caught 15 and 20 inches between must Cumberland River. All rainbow trout All trout rainbow CumberlandRiver. is in effect of the for the same section protective slot limit on rainbow trout rainbow trout limit on slot protective plies to brown trout. A 15- to 20-inch trout. plies to brown limit and a one fish daily limit ap- limit and a one creel trout area. A 20-inch minimum size 20-inchA minimum area. trout nessee state line is a trophy brown brown nessee state line is a trophy - Ten to the Dam downstream Creek from the Wolf Wolf Lake Cumberland the from River. HerringtonKentuckythe via is Dam public access to Dix River below below to Dix River public access mile section of Dix River. The onlyThe of Dix River. mile section possessed while fishing this two- Live or organic bait may not be or organic bait may Live permitted with artificial baits only. permitted with artificialonly. baits Lake tailwaters), fishing is EXCEPTIONS for the list of monthly trout stockings. for the list of monthly Wildlife website at fw.ky.gov Check the Kentucky Fish and weather and road conditions. Check the Kentucky streams, lakes or tailwaters are subject to All trout stockings in on page 26 and special regulations for Cumberland River on page 6. regulations for Cumberland River on page on page 26 and special Streams” Brook Trout *See “Catch and Release 24 TROUT WATERS Otter CreekORA Otter Creek,Fort Knox North Fork, Triplett Creek* Middle Fork, Red River* Lynn CampCreek Looney Creek Sturgeon Creek Sulphur Spring Creek Left Fork, BeaverCreek Station CampCreek Laurel Creek Laurel Jennings Creek Elk SpringCreek Hatchery Creek(upper) Hatchery Floyds Fork East Fork, IndianCreek* Craney Creek* Clear Creek Chimney Top Creek* Casey Creek Cane Creek* Sinking Creek East Fork,Little SandyRiver Greasy Creek Goose Creek Big CaneyCreek Big BoneCreek Russell ForkRussell Beaver Creek Bark CampCreek* Royal Springs Rock Creek* Round Stone Creek Right Fork, BuffaloCreek Right Fork, BeaverCreek Raven Creek STATEWIDE STREAMS Powell/Wolfe Breckinridge McCreary Jefferson Harrison Simpson Menifee Whitley County Warren Harlan Russell Owsley Wayne Wayne Meade Rowan Rowan Laurel Elliott Elliott Boone Wolfe Leslie Casey Floyd Floyd Estill Scott Trigg Boyd Hart Hart Pike Bell Lee 7,500 Rainbows 27,000 15,125 STREAMS 7,500 1,050 2,600 2,500 1,500 1,200 3,000 2,750 1,600 1,200 8,000 3,750 1,200 7,000 3,875 1,000 3,600 2,500 1,200 2,250 1,000 1,500 3,750 1,200 2,800 1,200 Total 750 400 400 400 500 400 2,4,5,6,7,8,9,10 2,3,4,5,10,11 3,4,6,7,8,9,10 4,5,6,7,8,9,10 4,5,6,7,8,9,10 4,5,6,7,8,9,10 3,4,5,6,9,10, 4,5,6,7,10 3,4,5,6,10 3,4,5,6,10 3,4,5,10 4,5,6,10 3,4,5,10 Months monthly 4,5,10 4,5,10 4,5,10 3,4,10 4,5,10 4,5,10 4,5,10 4,5,10 4,5,10 11,12 3,4,5 4,5,6 5,6,7 4,10 4,5 4,5 10 10 4 4 4 4 4 (fort only) Browns Total 500 700 200 250 500 400 450 250 500 200 Oct. 1 - Mar. 31; inside of Natural downstream toUS150–20miles down streamtomouth–4.5miles Oct. 1-Mar. 31;Hwy122bridge Oct. 1-Mar. 31;Hwy190bridge Bone LickStatePark –2.1miles Oct. 1-Mar. 31;Hwy90bridge Oct. 1-Mar. 31;insidetheBig Military Reservation andOtter Military Bridge StatePark –2.2miles bridge upstreamtoTennessee upstream toHwy200bridge Oct. 1-Mar. 31; BellFarm Oct. 1-Mar. 31;2.8miles Oct. 1-Mar. 31;3.6miles Oct. 1-Mar. 31;6.6miles Oct. 1-Mar. 31;5.3miles Oct. 1-Mar. 31;3.9miles Oct. 1-Mar. 31; Ft.Knox Oct. 1-Mar. 31;US60 Creek ORA –9.7miles (No Harvest) Season (No Harvest) upstream –3.6miles Catch andRelease border –9.8miles – 2.8miles TROUT WATERS 25 4,5,11 Months 4,5,6,11 4,5,10,11 1,3,5,7,11 3,4,5,6,10 4,5,6,10,11 4,5,6,10,11 4,5,6,10,11 4,5,6,10,11 4,5,6,10,11 4,5,6,10,11 4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11 4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11 4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11 Catch and Release and Release Catch (No Harvest) Season 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Oct. 1 - Mar. 31 – 4.4 miles 31 Oct. 1 - Mar. Wilderness miles Area – 8.0 Oct. 1 - May 31; within CliftyOct. 1 - May 250 300 250 31,000 Total Browns Total trailers for any vegetation after leaving the water and remove. 1. disinfect with a 2 ered later, percent solution of household 2. a 5 percent solution bleach or, 3. you may also soak in of salt or, 4. Allow to air undiluted vinegar. dryat least 2 days. for • If algae or vegetation is discov- 600 Total Total Browns 500 5,000 5,000 6,800 4,000 5,000 4,500 3,750 9,000 3,000 2,250 20,000 10,000 157,200 Total Rainbows Total 4,10 2,10 3,4,5 Months 3,4,5,6,10 4,5,6,7,8,9,10 Total Total 1,200 1,000 8,750 2,500 1,000 Rainbows TAILWATERS hulls, livewells, lower units and Paintsville Taylorsville Buckhorn Fishtrap Laurel River Martins Fork Carr Creek Cave Run Cumberland* Dewey Grayson Herrington Nolin River Yatesville *Stocking dates for Cumberland River (Lake Cumberland tailwater) will not be *Stocking dates for Cumberland River (Lake announced. Also, sterile rainbow trout and brook trout are stocked in March. tom with mats that cover up native plants and crowd out native insects that trout need for food. prevent the spread of Didymo into To tailwaters and streams, other Kentucky anglers who fish the Cumberland River and out-of-state waterways should: • Inspect all wading gear and boat Allen Wolfe Rowan Fayette County Jackson (continued)

TAILWATERS

The following tailwatersreceive THREAT TO TROUT FISHERIES THREAT The invasive algae known as Didymo (Didymosphenia geminata) recently appeared in the Cumberland River (Lake Cumberland tailwater). Didymo, native to northern Europe light and Canada, is a white, gray, brown or beige mass on the stream bottom that resembles shag carpet. Didymo can choke the stream bot-

Get permission Get upon or cross- privately owned lands. Anyone entering in this guide are located on, or adjacent to, Many of the streams listed have the permissioning private property must of the land owner. Leave a note Leave When planning a boating trip, leave a note, or float plan, with someone to let them know where you are. Include your departure and expected return times, the waters where you will be boating, a description and/ or license number of the vessel and where you can be reached in case of emergency. STATEWIDE STREAMS STREAMS STATEWIDE Trammel Creek Trammel Fork* War Triplett Creek Triplett (Veteran’s Park) (Veteran’s Swift Camp Creek* Swift Camp Hickman Creek West *Daniel Boone National Forest stream; stockings are not announced. stream; stockings are Forest *Daniel Boone National fw.ky.gov. ing 1-800-858-1549 or logging on to on logging 1-800-858-1549 or ing Kentucky FishWildlife and call by - Monthly schedules are available through Monthly available through schedules are the late fall; monthly totals will vary. monthlywill totals vary. the late fall; begins in spring into and continues rainbow and brown trout. Stocking trout. rainbow and brown 26 TROUT WATERS valid Kentucky fishinglicense andtroutvalid Kentucky isrequireding permit inaddition toa fishing andapostfish- regulations apply with rainbowor brown trout. Special are stocked reservations ties) military Knox (Bullitt, Meade andHardin coun- Creek and Otter onnessee portion) Fort and KinserPool on Fort (Ten Campbell - FORT CAMPBELLANDKNOX Fisherman’s Park #3and#4 Fagen Branch Easy Walker Park Eagle Lake Cranks Creek Cherokee Park Cannon Creek Camp Ernst Brickyard Pond Boulder Pond, Parklands Bob NoblePark Bloomfield Park James D.BevillePark Beulah Bert Combs Anderson Co.CommunityPark Lake Alexandria CommunityPark Martin Co.Reservoir South Madisonville CityPark Lake, Lusby Lower Sportsman’s Logan HubblePark Lake Leary Lake River Laurel Kingdom ComeStatePark Six AcreLake Ky. RiverWMABooneTract, Kess CreekPark Lake Rolex Lake Kentucky HorsePark Jacobson Park Highsplint Greenbo Grant’s Branch Flemingsburg OldReservoir Fish Pond LAKES Little West Fork, Fork Fletchers LAKES scheduled basedonscheduled weather androad conditions. The lakesbelowrainbow arewithtrout stocked inthemonths indicated. are stockings January-March 6,060 Acres lakes) 4 (2 126 219 243 181 19 25 10 87 36 22 25 46 22 11 32 2 4 1 6 2 3 1 7 2 3 9 5 3 6 2 6 6 11,000 45,000 only year-round flies only artificial andonly TROUT STREAMS CATCH ANDRELEASEBROOK Fort Knox, KY; phone: (502)624-2712. (270)798-2175 or Hunt Control Office, Fort Campbell, KY 42223-5000; phone: Division, Unit, HuntingandFishing permit. Contact CommunityRecreation 2,000 2,000 5,000 9,000 4,500 2,700 4,000 4,000 1,500 2,500 4,500 1,500 1,500 1,500 4,500 2,500 4,500 9,000 4,000 2,700 5,000 3,000 1,500 1,500 4,500 4,500 2,500 2,000 1,500 2,700 2,750 Trout Total 800 Four streams andrelease are catch OTHER AREAS 1,4,5,10 1,4,5,10 1,4,5,10 1,4,5,10 Months 2,3,10 2,3,11 2,3,11 2,3,10 2,3,10 2,3,11 1,3,10 2,3,11 2,3,11 2,3,10 2,3,10 2,3,10 2,3,11 2,3,10 2,3,11 2,3,11 1,3,10 2,3,10 10,11 3,11 2,11 3,10 2,10 3,11 2,11 2,10 2,11 1,10 2,3, 11 1 Yellow CreekPark Wood Creek Parklands Lake, William F. MilesGreenHeron Parklands William F. MilesAnglerLake, Whitehall Park Lake Waymond MorrisPark Lake Waverly Park Upper Sportsman’s Tom Wallace Park Three Springs Southland ChurchLake Southgate Scott Co.Park Sandy Watkins Park Lake Rotary Park Lake Prisoner’s Pollywog Pikeville CityLake Peabody Rob’s WMA, Pond Peabody FlycatcherPond WMA, Peabody AccessPond WMA, Panther CreekPark Panbowl Paintsville WMA Higginson/Henry Morton’s Lake, Mingo Martin Co.(Milo)Lake Millennium Park Pond Mill Creek Mike MillerPark Shelterhouse Middleton MillsPark, Pond Middleton MillsPark, Long Metcalfe Co. Maysville-Mason Co.Park Lake LAKES (continued)

• Shillalah Creek County, –Bell • Shillalah outside • Poor Fork County, –Letcher from the • Parched Creek Corn – Wolfe County • DogFork – Wolfe County on thesestreams: and lures withasinglehook may beused toric Parktoric GapNational His- the Cumberland headwaters tofirstcrossing of KY 932 1,139 Acres 672 29 24 11 75 41 22 12 3 1 4 6 5 5 7 5 3 2 3 3 1 4 4 1 1 4 1 2 5 2 4 1 1 1,500 1,500 2,500 4,500 4,500 4,500 4,500 4,500 1,500 1,500 1,500 1,000 1,500 2,500 2,500 1,500 2,250 2,500 1,500 3,750 1,500 2,500 1,500 1,500 8,000 4,500 2,500 1,500 6,000 4,500 6,000 2,700 Trout Total 500 500 1,3,5,10 Months 2,3,10 2,3,10 2,3,10 2,3,10 2,3,10 2,3,10 2,3,10 2,3,10 2,3,10 2,3,11 2,3,11 2,3,10 2,3,10 2,3,11 2,3,10 2,3,10 2,3,11 2,3,10 2,3,10 2,3,10 1,3,11 1,11 1,11 2,11 2,10 3,11 1,11 3,10 2,11 2 2 3 2 TROPHY FISH TROPHY FISH TROPHY FISH

Thomas Malone of Crofton, KY holds the state record brown trout he caught from the Cumberland River on April 30, 2000. The fish weighed 21 pounds.

Photo courtesy Thomas Malone TROPHY FISH/MASTER ANGLER AWARD PROGRAM

Minimum Hybrid Striped Bass 23” Anglers who catch, by pole and ELIGIBLE SPECIES line, any one fish meeting the length length Kentucky (Spotted) Bass 16” requirements below may qualify for the Blue Catfish 35” Largemouth Bass 23” Trophy Fish/Master Angler Awards Bluegill 10” Muskellunge 40” Program. Anglers who catch three Bowfin 25” Rainbow Trout 20” different species of trophy status are Brook Trout 11” Redear Sunfish 10” eligible for the Master Angler Award. There is no time limit in which the Brown Trout 20” Redbreast Sunfish 10” three different species must be caught, Bullhead Catfish 14” Rock Bass 10” but each catch must be documented Common Carp 35” Sauger 18” and registered as a trophy fish with Chain Pickerel 24” Smallmouth Bass 20” Kentucky Fish and Wildlife since the Channel Catfish 28” Striped Bass 36” program began in 1987. Species counted Crappie 15” Walleye 25” toward a Master Angler Award may not Flathead Catfish 35” White Bass 16” be duplicated. Anglers qualifying for a Kentucky Freshwater Drum 25” Yellow Perch 10” Trophy Fish Award will receive a Gar 40” collectable Kentucky Trophy Fish lapel/ Fish Certificate. A photo of the catch hat pin. An angler may only receive Master Angler Award must be received must be submitted along with the one pin per year, but each Trophy Fish by Feb. 1 the following year to qualify Trophy Fish/Master Angler application. caught counts toward the Master Angler for a lapel/hat pin. Complete details are available by Award. Anglers must register at fw.ky.gov calling 1-800-858-1549 or online at All applications for Trophy Fish/ to receive their lapel/hat pin and Trophy fw.ky.gov. 27 STATE RECORD FISH PROGRAM

To qualify for the state record WESTERN FISHERY DISTRICT Morehead, (606) 783-8650 fish program, fish must be caught in Adam Martin Kentucky waters by a rod and reel Murray, (270) 753-3886 EASTERN FISHERY DISTRICT or pole and line only. Fish taken on Kevin Frey or Jason Russell commercial gear, by trotlines, limb lines, NORTHWESTERN FISHERY DISTRICT Prestonsburg, (606) 889-1705 jugging, gigging, snagging, by hand or Rob Rold or Jeremy Shiflet bow fishing are not eligible. Calhoun, (270) 273-3117 SOUTHEASTERN FISHERY DISTRICT Fish need to be weighed on a scale Marcy Anderson certified for legal trade and witnessed by SOUTHWESTERN FISHERY DISTRICT Somerset, (606) 677-4096 three people who must sign the record Eric Cummins or Kayla Gerber application. The fish must be identified in Bowling Green, (270) 746-7127 MINOR CLARK FISH HATCHERY person by KDFWR fishery biologist or Rod Middleton, Pete Besant or TROPHY FISH the manager of Wolf Creek National Fish CENTRAL FISHERY DISTRICT Scott Barrett, Morehead, (606) 783-8650 Hatchery and not filleted, gutted or cut up. Jeff Crosby or David Baker Applications for the state record Frankfort, 1-800-858-1549 PFIEFFER FISH HATCHERY fish program are available by calling Josh Pennington, Noah Nelson or 1-800-858-1549 or online at fw.ky.gov NORTHEASTERN FISHERY DISTRICT Graham Howell or from your District Fisheries Office: Tom Timmermann or Justin Heflin Frankfort, (502) 564-4957

SPECIES Weight Caught By Location Date ANCIENT FISH Bowfin 15.08 lbs. Norman Moran, Lexington, KY Green River 05/31/99 Longnose Gar 40 lbs. Kelsie Travis, Jr., Paducah, KY Ohio River 08/08/56 Paddlefish (Spoonbill) 106 lbs. William Chumbler, Calvert City, KY Ohio River 03/23/04 Sturgeon 36 lbs. 8 oz. Barney Frazier, Corbin, KY Lake Cumberland 10/03/54 BLACK BASS Kentucky (Spotted) Bass 7 lbs. 10 oz. A.E. Sellers, Louisville, KY Private lake, Nelson Co. 06/13/70 Largemouth Bass 13 lbs. 10 oz. Dale Wilson, London, KY Wood Creek Lake 04/14/84 Smallmouth Bass* 11 lbs. 15 oz. David L. Hayes, Leitchfield, KY Dale Hollow Lake 07/09/55 Coosa Bass 1.21 lbs. Seth Goodin, Smith, KY Martins Fork River 05/25/13 TEMPERATE BASS Striped Bass (Rockfish) 58 lbs. 4 oz. Roger Foster, Somerset, KY Lake Cumberland 12/11/85 Hybrid Striped Bass 20 lbs. 8 oz. Mark Wilson, Louisville, KY Barren River 04/27/91 Lorne Eli, Dawson Springs, KY Kentucky Lake 07/11/43 White Bass 5 lbs. (TIE) B.B. Hardin, Mt. Eden, KY Herrington Lake 06/03/57 Cumberland River, Yellow Bass 1 lb., 6.4 oz. William Hinton, Central City, KY 03/19/09 Lake Barkley tailwaters CARP/SUCKER Bighead Carp 64 lbs. Drew Fulmer, Florence, KY Kentucky Lake 07/19/10 Blue Sucker 8.34 lbs. Stacey L. Boik, Evansville, IN Ohio River 11/22/09 Buffalo (Smallmouth) 55 lbs. Clinton Roby, Waddy, KY Kentucky Lake 03/23/00 Common Carp 54 lbs. 14 oz. Ricky Vance, Paris, KY South Fork, Licking River 03/13/71 Creek Chub 0.59 lbs Joshua Scott, Louisville, KY Otter Creek, Hardin Co. 03/26/06 Golden Redhorse 4 lbs. 5 oz. Leif Meadows, Stanton, KY Red River 04/22/98 Grass Carp 58 lbs. 8 oz. Robert Marsh, Erlanger, KY Cemetary Lake, Kenton Co. 06/17/09 Northern Hog Sucker 1 lb, 12 oz. Larry Salchli, Stanton, KY Slate Creek, Bath Co. 04/07/05 River Redhorse 9 lbs. 1 oz. Denny Hatfield, London, KY Rockcastle River 09/20/03 Silver Carp 11 lbs. 2 oz. Jonathan Seitzinger, Paducah, KY Ohio River 05/14/15 28 TROPHY FISH SPECIES (cont.) Weight Caught By Location Date Silver Redhorse 5 lbs. 6 oz. Justin Collins, London, KY Rockcastle River 04/17/10 White Sucker 1 lb. 10 oz. Larry Salchli, Stanton, KY Slate Creek, Montgomery Co. 03/19/98 CATFISH Blue Catfish 104 lbs. Bruce Midkiff, Owensboro, KY Ohio River 08/28/99 Bullhead Catfish 5 lbs. 8 oz. Randy Kirk, Maysville, KY Private Pond, Mason County 07/06/13 Channel Catfish 32 lbs. Kyle Estep, South Point, OH Ohio River 05/26/04 Flathead Catfish 97 lbs. Esker Carroll Green River 06/06/56 White Catfish 5.27 lbs. Ethen Vest, Frankfort, KY Guist Creek Lake 10/11/16 DRUM Freshwater Drum 38 lbs. Larry Cardwell, Morgantown, KY Green River 06/05/80 HERRING Skipjack Herring 3.10 lbs. Joey Dixon, Elizabethtown, KY Ohio River 04/14/06 MOONEYE Goldeye 2.64 lbs. Mark Smith, Lexington, KY Kentucky River 04/21/01 PERCH Logperch 0.08 lbs. Marietta Strange, Louisville, KY Lake Barkley 11/04/13 Sauger 7 lbs. 7 oz. Rastie Andrew, Jamestown, KY Cumberland River 04/28/83 Saugeye 6 lbs. 9 oz. Chuck Kouns, South Shore, KY Ohio River 02/19/98 Walleye 21 lbs. 8 oz. Abe Black, Shaker Heights, OH Lake Cumberland 10/01/58 Yellow Perch 1 lb. 7 oz. Shay Mitchell, Almo, KY Kentucky Lake 03/01/10 PIKE Chain Pickerel 5 lbs. 6 oz. Tommy Thompson, Bardwell, KY Forked Lake, Carlisle Co. 07/08/83 Grass Pickerel 10 oz. Gerald Gallagher, Louisville, KY Wilson Creek, Bullitt Co. 07/17/89 Muskellunge 47 lbs. Sarah Terry, Mt. Sterling, KY Cave Run Lake 11/02/08 Northern Pike 10.53 lbs. Derek Cowden, Corbin, KY Laurel River Lake 10/29/06 Tiger Muskie 19 lbs. 9 oz. Wayne Joslin, Winchester, KY Private lake, Clark Co. 04/25/07 (Muskellunge Hybrid) SUNFISH Bluegill 4 lbs. 3 oz. Phil Conyers, Madisonville, KY Strip Mine Lake, Hopkins Co. 08/05/80 Crappie (White or Black) 4 lbs. 14 oz. Penny Hopper, Crofton, KY Watershed Lake, Christian Co. 05/08/05 Green Sunfish 1 lb. 9.44 oz. David Gibson, Hawesville, KY Farm pond, Hancock Co. 05/20/13 Longear Sunfish 13 oz. Anthony Lynch, Salyersville, KY Strip Mine Pond, Magoffin Co. 06/23/94 Redbreast Sunfish 14 oz. Tim King, Stearns, KY Marsh Creek, McCreary Co. 09/01/97 Redear Sunfish 3 lbs. 1 oz. Betty Truax, Finchville, KY Farm pond, Shelby Co. 05/24/82 Rock Bass 1 lb. 10 oz. H.S. White, Cadiz, KY Casey Creek, Trigg Co. 05/26/75 Warmouth 1 lb. 6.2 oz. John Hoover, Louisville, KY Private pond, Jefferson Co. 07/21/03 TROUT Brook Trout 3.65 lbs. Wyatt Hoefer, Louisville, KY Cumberland River 03/15/15 Brown Trout 21 lbs. Thomas Malone, Crofton, KY Cumberland River 04/30/00 Lake Trout 5 lbs. 5 oz. John McDonogh, Jeffersontown, KY Cumberland River 04/04/83 Rainbow Trout 14 lbs. 6 oz. Jim Mattingly, Somerset, KY Cumberland River 09/10/72 Note: Line class records are not maintained by the KDFWR. * All tackle world record Bowfishing records The United Bowhunters of Kentucky maintains a state record program for fish harvested by bow and arrow. Visit their website at www.kystatebowfishingrecords.com for details, guidelines and current state records. 29 BOATING BOATING REGULATIONS

INTRODUCTION BOAT REGISTRATION FEES BOATING This publication provides basic Class A Vessels (less than 16’ in length) $21.00 information for most boaters and an- swers the most commonly asked ques- Class 1 Vessels (16’ to less than 26’ in length) $40.00 tions. However, it is not all inclusive. Class 2 Vessels (26’ to less than 40’ in length) $50.00 For further information, please con- Class 3 Vessels (over 40’ in length) $65.00 tact the Division of Law Enforcement, #1 Sportsman’s Lane, Frankfort, KY Inboard boats (regardless of size) $43.00 40601 or call 1-800-858-1549. Boats propelled by an electric (trolling) motor only $10.00 For emergencies, officers may be contacted by dialing 1-800-252-5378, or The above costs do not include property taxes, clerks fees, titling fees or any other local law enforcement agency or through applicable charges. (301 KAR 6:005) the nearest Kentucky State Police post. One may use marine channel 16 to contact a local marina. PROPER DISPLAY OF NUMBERS AND DECALS REGISTRATION

KY 1234 AA (301 KAR 6:001, 6:010) All mechanically powered vessels used primarily in this state must have a Kentucky registration. Boats are registered at the county clerk’s office. Persons may register in the county of their resi- Registration decal dence or the county of principal use. Boat registrations expire April 30 each year. Boats registered in other states may be used for up to 60 consecutive days in KY 1234 AA Kentucky without registering here. All boats operated in Kentucky must have the registration certificate on board. Boats that are rented from a marina or boat livery must have a lease agreement on board. tween letter and number groups: sibility of the purchaser to take the en- DISPLAY OF NUMBER AND DECAL dorsed title to the county clerk and have Correct: KY 1234 AA Once boats are assigned a registra- the boat transferred into the name of the Incorrect: KY1234AA tion number and decals, they must be new owner. This procedure must be done displayed correctly. The number assigned, upon completion of the transaction. and no other, shall be displayed on the Registration decals are to be placed Whenever a vessel is transferred, bow, or forward half, of each side of the within six inches behind (aft) and in line the seller shall, within 15 days, give the vessel, read from left to right, and in a with the registration number. Upon renew- county clerk notice of the transfer of his position to be distinctly visible. The let- al every year, old registration decals are to interest in the vessel. ters and numbers must be of a plain block be removed and the current ones applied. Whenever a vessel is destroyed or design, at least three (3) inches in height, abandoned, the owner shall, within 15 TRANSFER, DESTRUCTION OR and of a color that will provide maximum days, give notice to the county clerk to ABANDONMENT contrast to the background (light num- terminate the registration. The owner bers on a dark hull or vice versa). When ownership of a currently shall remove the numbers and decals 30 There must be a letter size space be- registered boat changes, it is the respon- from the vessel. BOATING BOAT, MOTOR and LAKE USAGE

Reba, Spurlington Lake, Washburn adequate seating for all riders. Bordering waters Lake, Pikeville City Lake. Boats towing kites and similar air- Motors larger than 10 HP must borne devices must: Kentucky boaters on the Ohio River operate at idle speed at all times on • Have, in addition to the operator, an may also be subject to the laws of Beaver Lake, Boltz Lake, Bullock Pen observer 12 years or older (mirror will Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and the U.S. Lake, Corinth Lake, Cranks Creek not suffice), Coast Guard. (Herb Smith) Lake, Elmer Davis Lake, • Stay 500 feet from commercial docks Kincaid Lake, Martins Fork Lake and Shanty Hollow Lake. (301 KAR 1:012, 1:015) Idle Speed Only: Ballard WMA ON ALL KENTUCKY FISH Maximum horsepower limits and lakes, Boatwright WMA lakes, Beulah & WILDLIFE-OWNED/ other boat motor and lake usage regula- Lake, Carnico Lake, Greenbo Lake, tions apply on many small public fish- Pan Bowl Lake, Wilgreen Lake and all MANAGED LAKES: ing lakes. (For boat size limits see box Peabody WMA lakes including Goose, • Boaters must use idle speed on this page.) Island and South lakes. (slowest speed possible to main- Lake Malone and Lake Beshear: No MOTOR SIZE RESTRICTIONS: tain maneuverability of a boat) horsepower restrictions on boat motors. when passing another boat with Operation of electric or internal an occupant actively engaged in combustion motors prohibited: Lake fishing. Chumley, Dennie Gooch Lake and Note • The centerline of boats on the Kingdom Come Lake. Legal-size boats exceeding the maxi- water cannot exceed 22 feet Operation of internal combus- mum horsepower restriction for a as measured on deck or bow tion motors prohibited: Bert T. Combs particular lake may operate their boat to stern on all lakes owned or Lake, Briggs Lake, Carpenter and King- with an electric trolling motor only. managed by Kentucky Fish and fisher lakes, Carter Caves State Park Wildlife. Lake (a.k.a. Smoky Valley Lake), Leba- WATER-SKIING • On Cedar Creek Lake, Lake non City Lake (a.k.a. Fagan Branch Beshear and Lake Malone only, Lake), Fishpond Lake, all Kentucky While this section is titled water- pontoon boats may have deck- River WMA Boone Tract lakes, Lincoln skiing, it applies to persons being towed ing and pontoons up to 30 feet; Homestead State Park Lake, McNeely on any device such as knee boards, inner on Guist Creek Lake pontoon Lake, Marion County Lake, Martin tubes, etc. Water-skiing is only allowed max length is 24 feet. There is County Lake, Metcalfe County Lake, between sunrise and sunset. Addition- no size restriction on canoes. Mauzy Lake, Mill Creek Lake, Lake ally, it is illegal to manipulate skis, surf- • Houseboats are not permitted. boards, etc. while intoxicated or under • Personal watercrafts are pro- the influence of any other substance that hibited on Cedar Creek Lake. AGE RESTRICTIONS impairs one’s operating ability. • Swimming is permitted only in Both the operator and skier should A person must be 12 years or designated areas when a quali- be alert to the areas of a lake or river fied lifeguard is on duty. older to operate a motorboat (in- marked as “no ski.” Persons shall not ski cluding personal watercraft) 10 • Skin or scuba diving is not per- within 100 feet of a commercial boat mitted. horsepower or over on Kentucky dock, a moorage harbor or a swimming public waters. A person 12-17 • Boat motors without underwa- area or within 2,000 feet of a lock or dam. ter exhaust are not permitted. years old shall possess a Kentucky Skiers who ski too close to other Safe Boating Certificate Card or boats, docks and obstructions are show- a certificate showing successful Water-skiing permitted as des- ing poor judgement. Many of the com- ignated by signs on Guist Creek completion of a NASBLA ap- plaints officers receive while patrolling proved boater education course. Lake and Lake Beshear from the water are those about skiers skiing 10:00 a.m. to sunset beginning For information about Kentucky’s too close. Boater Education program, call the third Thursday in May (May Persons being towed on any device 17, 2018) through September 30. 1-800-858-1549 or on the inter- must wear a Type I, II or III PFD. Boats net, log on to . Similarly, water-skiing is permit- fw.ky.gov (including personal watercraft) towing ted on Lake Malone beginning the Persons under 12 years of age skiers must have, in addition to the op- must wear a personal floatation third Thursday in May (May 17, erator of the boat, an observer 12 years 2018) through October 31. Wa- device (lifejacket) while in the of age or older or a wide angle rearview open portion of a boat that is ter-skiing and tubing are prohibit- mirror mounted so that the operator can ed on Cedar Creek Lake. under way. check on the skier but still give full attention to traffic ahead. There must be 31 and ramps, ing ramp. Swim in marked and super- DIVERS DOWN FLAGS • Limit the tow rope to 150 feet or less, vised areas. If you are a nonswimmer or a Boaters should exercise caution • Have no more than two persons being poor swimmer, wear a PFD. Remember, towed. PFDs are not just for boaters. Refrain from drinking alcoholic PERSONAL WATERCRAFT beverages when swimming. Alcohol A “personal watercraft” (PWC) greatly reduces a person’s reflexes and means a vessel which uses an internal strength when in the water. For persons combustion engine to power a jet pump Alpha Flag (left): Blue with a who have had alcoholic beverages a PFD for its primary source of propulsion and silver stripe, displayed on vessel is the difference between life and death. is designed to be operated by a person Persons who wish to swim a long BOATING with restricted mobility because sitting, standing or kneeling on the ves- of diving operation. Diver’s Flag distance should swim parallel to the sel rather than by a person sitting or (right): Red flag at least 12” x 12” shore instead of across a river or lake. standing inside the vessel. In addition with diagonal stripe at least three Boaters don’t normally expect to see to being governed by the same laws that inches wide, displayed where diver is swimmers in the middle of a lake or apply to all boats, the following laws ap- submerged. river and may run over them. ply to personal watercraft: • Personal watercraft can only be oper- INFLATABLES ated between sunrise and sunset. rector or local wildlife and boating law Air mattresses, inner tubes and oth- • Personal watercraft without self-cir- enforcement officer assigned to the spe- er similar devices are generally used as cling capability must have a lanyard- cific body of water in which the diving is recreational items by persons swimming type engine kill switch attached to the to take place. or sunbathing. Use of these items should operator when the craft is underway. Persons diving or submerging with be restricted to designated or generally • Operators and passengers must wear a the aid of a mechanical breathing appa- recognized swimming areas and not be U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal ratus in an area where boats might be are used in areas of boat traffic. Nonswim- flotation device (PFD.) required by law to display the diver’s flag. mers or poor swimmers should not de- Because of their small size and low This flag should be put on a buoy, pend on these devices to save their life. profile, operators of PWCs should ex- boat or other floating platform so boat- These items can be punctured and lose ercise defensive driving. These craft are ers will readily see it. Approaching boats their buoyancy – wear a PFD! highly responsive and capable of quick must stay outside of a 100-foot radius of turns. In fact, this is part of the fun of the flag. Divers must surface within a 50- LITTERING their operation. However, this kind of foot radius unless there is an emergency. (KRS 433.757) operation is reckless if done in congested Divers shall not dive in established The operator of any motorboat or areas of boat traffic. traffic lanes nor interfere with anyone vessel is responsible for any litter thrown fishing unless emergency operations are into the water. Litter is not only un- SKIN AND SCUBA DIVING in progress. sightly, but can be dangerous to humans (301 KAR 1:410, 6:030) and animals. For example, fishing line Skin or SCUBA diving is prohib- SWIMMING discarded into the water can be hazard- ited in all lakes owned or managed by Swimming in any lake owned or ous to wildlife and to a boat’s lower unit. the Kentucky Department of Fish and managed by the KDFWR is prohibited Animals can be ensnared in the line and Wildlife Resources, except during emer- except in areas specifically set aside for die. Fishing line caught on a prop shaft gencies, on Greenbo Lake and during swimming at which a qualified lifeguard can cause seal leaks and lower unit fail- salvage operations when the diver has is on duty. Kentucky law specifically ure. Trot lines and limb lines can snare written permission from the regional di- prohibits swimming at any boat launch- animals and other anglers in boats.

BOAT OPERATION

RECKLESS OPERATION surfboard or any water sport device; in the water and turning sharply at The operator of a watercraft is re- • jumping the wake of another craft close range. sponsible for damage caused by negli- in a way that endangers human life, Persons shall not operate a motor- gent operation. The following actions physical safety or property; boat or personal watercraft within 50 are considered reckless operation and are • cutting between a boat and the feet of a commercial vessel and its tow therefore against the law: individual(s) being towed by the boat; that is in operation on a waterway, ex- • weaving through traffic; • crossing the path of another boat cept if the operator of the commercial • following watercraft too closely that is when visibility is obstructed; vessel has given consent. 32 towing an individual on waterskis, a • steering toward an object or individual When operating in a busy area, re- BOATING duce speed and allow plenty of room for should never fish from or stand on lock avoidance maneuvers. Even in areas that and dam structures. are not marked as idle speed, excessive Boaters should be alert for these wake can still be dangerous. Operators structures. Dams are either conventional of larger craft should be aware of the Boil or “low head” type. Conventional dams wake their vessels are throwing. are easily recognizable with their spill- Low ways and power installations. IDLE SPEED Head Kentucky law defines idle speed as Dam RESTRICTED ZONES the “slowest speed possible to maintain (KAR 6:030) maneuverability” of a boat. Generally Kentucky law prohibits boats from speaking for a properly adjusted boat, this LOW HEAD DAMS ARE operating within restricted areas as is the speed when a boat is put into gear DANGEROUS posted above or below navigation, power without advancing the throttle. Wakes generating or flood control dams. Low head dams are usually can capsize small boats or cause damage No fish is worth risking your life. marked with “keep out” buoys or to boats moored at marinas and docks. It Be aware of trespassing and danger “danger” signs above and below. is extremely important that boat operators zones. Wear a PFD when entering any Low head dams pose an even be aware of their speed and the resulting area above or below a dam. greater danger due to the fact wake. Operators are liable for any injuries that they are not as recognizable, or damage caused by their boat’s wake. OPERATING UNDER THE especially when water is flow- Boaters may see buoys or signs that INFLUENCE ing over them. It is this flow of say “No Wake.” This means that boats (KRS 235.240) water over the dam that creates must be at idle speed. It is against the law to operate a a “boil” on the lower side. Boat- boat or vessel including personal water- ers risk almost certain death if LOCKS AND DAMS craft, manipulate water skis, surfboard caught in this turbulence. Boaters in Kentucky may encoun- or other similar device while intoxicated ter lock and dam systems. Generally, or under the influence of any other sub- these will be on the Green, Ohio and stance that impairs one’s driving ability. Kentucky Rivers (for the first four locks nel to avoid personal injury or dam- Any person who operates a vessel on upstream to Frankfort, KY), but a few age to their boat from wakes caused by Kentucky waters is considered to have impoundments have a lock and dam. commercial tows entering or leaving the given consent to a test or tests to deter- Locks are a relatively simple method of locks. Never moor a vessel in the lock mine his alcohol concentration or the raising or lowering boats from one wa- approach channels. presence of other drugs. The tests shall ter level to another. If lockage is desired, Dams associated with the locks be administered at the direction of a law boaters should signal the lock operator can be very dangerous. Below all locks enforcement officer who has probable by using the pull chain on each end of and dams, boat occupants must wear a cause to believe that the operator is in- the lock or call on marine channel 13. personal floatation device (lifejacket) toxicated. An operator refusing the test If the lock is not immediately available, upstream of danger signs and open-di- shall be in violation of the law and sub- boaters should position their vessels a amond buoys or within 150 feet of the ject to the same penalties. safe distance from the approach chan- downstream lock and dam wall. Anglers Anyone who operates a boat, PWC,

BLOOD ALCOHOL CONTENT CHART SMALL CRAFT PRECAUTIONS Body Weight Number of Drinks in a Two Hour Period (in pounds) 12 oz. beer = 5 oz. wine = 1 oz. 80 proof liquor Statistics show that approxi- 100 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 mately half the boat-related fatalities involve boats that are less 120 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 than 16’ in length. These boats 140 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 are usually unstable and can tip 160 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 over, throwing the occupants overboard. Also, these boats can 180 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 be easily swamped, especially if 200 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 used on a large body of water 220 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 where the wind can cause high 240 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 waves. When using such craft, be aware of the hazards. Wearing a BAC to .05% - Be careful. Loss of judgement and coordination. personal floatation device (PFD) BAC .05% to .07% - Abilities impaired. Chance of accident increased. is strongly recommended. BAC .08% and over - Do not operate a boat. High risk of accident, subject to arrest. 33 skis, surfboard or similar device while of alcoholic beverages to the extent that intoxicated with a blood alcohol level of they may unreasonably annoy or endan- UNIFORM STATE 0.08 or higher or while under the influ- ger themselves or others shall be subject WATERWAY MARKING ence of any substance that impairs the to arrest. SYSTEM operator’s driving ability may be subject to fines and possible jail time if convicted. PROHIBITED RIDING Approximately half of boat related Boats Keep Out! DRINKING IN PUBLIC AND fatalities result from falls overboard. Nature of danger PUBLIC INTOXICATION When operating a motorboat above idle may be placed (KRS 222.202) speed the operator or passengers shall not outside crossed Kentucky law specifically prohibits ride on an enclosed bow, outside protec- diamond, e.g., wa- BOATING the drinking of alcoholic beverages in tive railing of a pontoon or houseboat, on terfalls, swim areas or rapids. public places (this excludes establish- a seat which extends six inches above the ments licensed to sell such beverages) plane of the gunwales, nor shall they ride Danger! and the waterways of this state are con- on the sides, back, engine cover, back of Nature of danger sidered public places. seat, or any other obviously dangerous may be indicated Further, in a public place, persons position which could lead to falling over- inside the diamond who are manifestly under the influence board. shape, e.g., rocks, reefs, dams, construction or snags. RULES OF THE ROAD Caution! On the water there are no painted sels must give way to avoid a collision. At Controlled Areas as indicated in circle, lines to mark where boats must go. In or- night, a boat’s navigation lights give an e.g., speed limit, no der to provide an orderly flow of traffic, indication of right of way (see page 36). fishing, no anchor- there are “rules of the road” that boaters The above rules cover most traffic ing, ski-only, slow-no wake, no ski or should learn and practice. situations, but a few other situations ex- no prop boats. Boaters on the water encounter ist. Sailboats under sail have the right of three situations: meeting, crossing and way except when they are the overtaking overtaking. The following diagrams vessel. Rowboats and paddle powered Information Tells directions, should give a clear explanation of who boats have the right of way over motor- distances, places has the right of way (stand-on vessel) boats. All recreational craft should yield such as food, repair, and who must give way (give-way ves- the right of way to large commercial supplies and other sel). However, in an emergency, all ves- craft (towboats, barges). Such vessels non-regulatory messages. have large blind spots and will be unable to see smaller crafts in front of them. MEETING SITUATION On small or narrow bodies Obstruction Marker of water, all traffic should stay to Do not pass between the right of mid-channel and not shore and buoy. “cut corners”. BUOYS Mooring Buoy Buoys are the most common OVERTAKING SITUATION White with reflec- types of navigational aid, and tive blue band. May they serve the same pur- have white light or pose as traffic signs on reflector. the highway. Failure to Give-way vessel Stand-on vessel obey buoys can result overtaking being overtaken in enforcement action, or Channel Marker worse, a loss of property or Keep buoy on right lives. When boating in un- facing upstream. CROSSING Stand-on vessel familiar waters, slow down SITUATION holds course and look for any regulatory Danger zone and speed or channel-marking buoys. Channel Marker 112° Remember that it is possible Keep buoy on left for these buoys to drift out facing upstream. of position. Kentucky law Marker may be prohibits from tying up to green or black. Give-way any buoy except designated 34 vessel mooring buoys. BOATING REQUIRED EQUIPMENT

(301 KAR 6:020 Sect. 4); KRS 235.203 For each person onboard a vessel, TYPES OF PFDs federal as well as state law requires a TYPE I (right) and TYPE II (far right) Type I, II, or III personal flotation de- These devices are designed, when worn vice (PFD) on all boats. Boats 16 feet properly, to turn a person who is uncon- and over, except canoes and kayaks, must scious and face down in the water to a also carry one Type IV throwable PFD. vertical or slightly backward face up Operators and passengers of personal position. watercraft must wear a PFD. Persons under 12 years of age must wear a PFD while in the open part of a boat that is TYPE III TYPE IV under way. These are special These PFDs purpose devices are designed PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICES that include ski to be thrown Kentucky Fish and Wildlife vests, fishing vests to persons in strongly recommends wearing PFDs and float coats. the water who while boating, especially by children and They are not designed can hold on to nonswimmers. In order for PFDs to be to turn a person’s face out them until help legal, the following requirements must of the water, but they do have the same arrives. They are be met: buoyancy as the type I and II PFDs and not designed to be worn, and could • Coast Guard approved: A label with are more comfortable to wear. cause drowning if worn on the back. an approval number will be on the PFD. Check the label on inflatable types of PFDs. Some older models MARINE FIRE EXTINGUISHER CLASSIFICATION meet Coast Guard approval only Coast Guard Dry Chemical UL Listing Foam (gals.) CO2 (lbs.) when worn. Classes (lbs.) • Serviceability: All straps, buckles, B-I 5B 1.25 4 2 zippers, stitching, must be intact and the fabric should not be rotted. Some B-II 6B* 2.5 15 10 PFDs contain airtight bags filled with — 10B none 10 2.5 a fibrous material. Squeeze the bags. — 20B 2.5 50 4.5 - 6 If air escapes, destroy the PFD and replace it with a new one. * UL rating 6B is no longer used. • Size: PFDs must fit properly. Read MINIMUM NUMBER OF the label to determine size and weight B-1 FIRE EXTINGUISHERS restrictions. best fire protection is well main- No Fixed Fire Fixed Fire Vessel/ • Accessibility: PFDs must be readily tained equipment and proper Extinguisher Extinguisher size available for immediate use by all safety habits. System System Installed occupants of a vessel. It is advisable There are fuels other than for each person to try on their PFD gasoline that cause fires. Many Class A 1 0 before departing so that they are fa- houseboats use bottled gas (pro- Class 1 1 0 miliar with the fastening devices and pane) for stoves and other ap- Class 2 2 1 to assure it is adjusted to the person. pliances. Also, many fishermen Class 3 3 2 PFDs shouldn’t be stored in the will use a lantern while fishing at plastic bags in which they were sold. night; if tipped over it can cause This limits access and can promote a fire. rotting. BACKFIRE FLAME FIRE EXTINGUISHERS ARRESTERS Kentucky law requires that all Internal combustion en- boats equipped with a petroleum prod- gines may backfire. To safeguard uct (gasoline, kerosene, propane, etc.) against fire, all motorboats with consuming device (engines, lanterns, enclosed engines and engines stoves, etc.) shall have a hand portable originally equipped with a flame fire extinguisher in serviceable condi- arrester, (except outboards and Above: foam, CO2 and dry chemical fire tion and located for immediate use. The diesels) must have an approved extinguishers 35 carburetor backfire flame arrester system on each carburetor. DISPLAY OF NAVIGATION LIGHTS VENTILATION Class 2 and 3 white sailboats Most fires on a boat are due to igni- Class A and Class 1 tion of fuel vapors. Gasoline is heavier motorboats white than air. It can collect in the bilge or engine compartment and any spark can red ignite it. Therefore, Kentucky law re- red quires boats to have adequate ventilation of areas where flammable vapors can ac- green BOATING cumulate. white green Most boats are equipped with ad- white equate ventilation systems when they come from the factory. Usually, this is Class 2 and 3 motorboats a combination of active and passive Class A and Class 1 sailboats systems. Active systems use electrical blowers to exhaust flammable vapors green red red from the bilge and other areas. Passive green systems are ducts and cowls that venti- late areas when the boat is moving. Al- most all inboards will have an electrical as towing, refer to 33 CFR 83 (Inland be equipped with effective exhaust muf- blower installed in the engine compart- Navigation Rules). fling devices. Usually, boats and motors ment. Operators should run the blower that come direct from the manufacturer for several minutes before starting the Boat B are adequately muffled. However, there engine. If the blower is inoperable it Boat A may be instances of high performance should be repaired or replaced immedi- boats that have been modified by the ately. Many boat fires take place after re- owners that are not in compliance with fueling, so care should be taken to avoid the law. Additionally, there may be fed- spilling fuel in the vessel. eral and/or local regulations restricting boats with an over-the-transom exhaust NAVIGATION LIGHTS system. All vessels when underway between SIGNALING DEVICES sunset and sunrise must display proper MARINE SANITATION DEVICES navigation lights. Navigation lights on Kentucky law states that all boats (KRS 235:420) boats are restricted to the colors of red, 16 feet in length or longer must have a Motorboats with marine toilets are green and white. hand-, mouth- or power-operated sig- not allowed on public waters unless the From sunset to sunrise in an area naling device capable of producing a toilet is equipped with a Type I, II or III where other boats navigate, all vessels at blast for two seconds or more and au- marine sanitation device (MSD.) Type I anchor shall display a steady white light dible for one-half mile for class 1 vessels, and II MSDs chemically treat sewage. visible 360 degrees at all times. Manu- one mile for class two vessels and one Type III MSDs are holding tanks for ally propelled vessels shall carry a white and one-half miles for class three ves- raw sewage. light to display in sufficient time to sels. This does not exempt vessels from Raw sewage shall not be discharged avoid a collision. any other signaling device as may be re- in any public waters. Treated sewage The purpose of the red and green quired by federal law when operating on may be discharged from a marine toi- navigation lights at night is to show if navigable waters of this state. let into legal “discharge” waters. Those your boat is in a meeting, crossing or Navigation law also requires the waters are Barkley and Kentucky lakes, overtaking situation. The red and green following maneuvering and warning Lake Cumberland and any of the major lights must be displayed from sunset to signals: river systems. Type I and II MSDs must sunrise whenever a boat is underway. • One long blast: Warning signal (com- be sealed or locked while the vessel is on They will give some indication of the ing out of slip) “no discharge” waters. size and speed of vessels. The red and • One short blast: Pass on my port side green bow lights are especially helpful (left) Scan this in determining right of way in crossing • Two short blasts: Pass on my starboard QR code to situations. In the diagram below, boat (right) download the B sees the green bow light of boat A, • Three short blasts: Engines in reverse Kentucky Boat and has the right of way to continue on • Five or more blasts: Danger signal Safe app for course. Boat A sees the red bow light of your mobile MUFFLING DEVICES boat B and must stop or pass astern of device! 36 boat B. In special circumstances, such Kentucky law requires all boats to BOATING ACCIDENTS

(301 KAR 6:030, KRS 235.250) are available from wildlife and boating on the water than on land. Interested per- law enforcement officers or by writing sons should contact their local chapter of REPORTING REQUIREMENTS to Kentucky Department of Fish and the American Red Cross for information If any of the following conditions Wildlife Resources, Division of Law on first aid and CPR training. occur as the result of a boating accident, Enforcement, #1 Sportsman’s Lane, HYPOTHERMIA collision, etc., a Boating Accident Re- Frankfort, KY 40601, or by calling port must be made: 1-800-858-1549. Four elements cause hypothermia • death or disappearance of a person; – cold, moisture, wind and exhaustion. RENDERING AID • injury to a person which requires Symptoms of hypothermia are uncontrol- medical attention or incapacitates An operator of a vessel involved in a lable shivering, slurred speech, stumbling, that person for 24 hours or more; boating accident shall render aid to other blue skin, decreased heart and breathing • loss or damage to property (including the persons and vessels as long as it doesn’t en- rate, weak pulse and unconsciousness. vessel) in an amount of $500 or more. danger his crew, passengers or vessel. Also, All hypothermia symptoms demand The operator of a vessel is required the operator of any vessel involved in an immediate attention. As soon as pos- to complete the report. If the operator is accident shall give his name, address, and sible, a victim of hypothermia should be not capable of filing the report and is not identification of his vessel, in writing, to brought out of the weather. Wet cloth- the owner of the vessel, then the owner any person that is injured or to the owner ing should be replaced with dry clothing. shall be required to fill out a boating ac- of any property that is damaged. If the victim shows mild symptoms, get cident report. them near a fire or other heat source or FIRST AID Note 1: Even if a Law Enforce- put them in a warm sleeping bag. For ment Officer fills out a boating accident This section includes suggestions victims with advanced symptoms of hy- report, this does not exempt the opera- that may save a life. First, boats should pothermia, seek immediate medical at- tor from filing a report. be equipped with a first aid kit. This kit tention. Never give alcohol to the victim. Note 2: The reports filed by op- should be able to provide treatment for The best cure for hypothermia is pre- erators of vessels are confidential and burns, insect bites, cuts and abrasions. vention. Monitor weather reports when you are not available as public record (KRS Second, boaters should take a first aid plan to be in the outdoors. Dress in layers 235.250). However, reports made by of- course so they know how to treat victims and always have foul-weather gear handy. ficers are available for review. with sprains, broken bones and shock. FATIGUE Accidents involving death or seri- Third, boaters should know how to ous injury must be submitted to the perform Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Boaters should be aware of the fac- Division of Law Enforcement within (CPR) in case they encounter victims of tors that induce fatigue while on the 48 hours. All others must be submitted near drowning, heart attack or trauma water. The wind, sun, engine noise and within five days. from boating accidents. In many cases, constant motion of the boat can greatly Boating accident report forms emergency medical help is further away reduce a person’s reaction time.

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