REGULATIONS FISHING REGULATIONS

Dave Dreves photo NEW THIS YEAR

The items highlighted here are a • Camp Ernst Lake in Boone County, quick overview of the changes to this Madisonville City Park Lake North NEED A PLACE TO FISH? year’s regulations. Changes from last in Hopkins County, Millennium Park season are printed in bright blue in Pond in Boyle County, Whitehall Find new fishing information on complete detail throughout this guide to Park Lake in Madison County, Way- waterbodies by visiting assist you in noticing those changes. mond Morris Park Lake in Daviess fw.ky.gov. Click on the “Fishing” County, and Carlson and Dickerson tab, then on “Where to Fish” and FISHING lakes in Fort Knox in Meade County lastly “Find A Place to Fish.” An- • A 7-fish aggregate daily limit are now enrolled in the Fishing in glers may search lakes, rivers and on rainbow and brown trout on Dale Neighborhoods Program (FINs). creeks for boat ramps and access Hollow Lake. points, what species are available • Yellow bass on the Ohio River are BOATING and maps of how to get there plus now under the statewide daily creel • Below locks and dams on U.S. Army other useful information. lmit of 30 fish with no minimum size Corps of Engineers waterways and Also under the “Where to Fish” limit. the , boat occupants tab is the 2011 Fishing Forecast. • The special fishing regulations on must wear a personal floatation This report details the anticipated ponds on WMA are device (lifejacket) upstream of danger fishing success for each species removed. These ponds are now under signs and open-diamond buoys or in major waterbodies based on statewide regulations for all species. within 150 feet of the downstream population samples conducted by • Anglers may take up to 5 softshell lock and dam wall. KDFWR biologists. turtles year round. Turtles can not be • Unlimited horsepower on boat motors 4 sold. at . FISHING REGULATIONS STATEWIDE REGULATIONS

Some waterbodies have different size and creel limits, please refer to the “Special Fishing Regulations” section for more details.

SPORT FISH SPECIES Daily Limit Possession Limit Minimum Size Limit 6* 12* 12” Smallmouth Bass 6* 12* 12” Kentucky (Spotted) Bass 6* 12* none

BLACK BASS 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 30 60 none Crappie (Black & White) 30* 60* none Rainbow Trout none Daily limit 8, only 3 may be brown trout*** Brown Trout 12” Brook Trout 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. *** Possession limit is double the daily creel limit for these species. 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.

STATEWIDE SIZE AND CREEL MEASURING FISH LIMITS (301 KAR 1:060, 1:201; KRS Q: How is a daily creel limit (301 KAR 1:201) 150.010) different than a possession limit? Measure all fish from the tip of the Fishing season is open year-round lower jaw (closed) to the tip of the tail in Kentucky, except on waterfowl refug- A: The daily creel limit is the with fish laid flat on rule with tail lobes es and as otherwise noted in this guide. number of a particular sport fish squeezed together. Undersized fish must Statewide size and creel limits apply to species you may keep in one day’s be returned immediately to the waters all Kentucky waters, public and private, fishing. A possession limit is two from which they were taken in the best except some waters have different limits times the daily creel limit for all fish possible physical condition. (see, “Special Fishing Regulations”.) The species with a daily creel limit and Kentucky Trout Waters information is excludes processed fish. now incorporated into this guide. Please Squeezed tail see page 26. Did you know? Camping is prohibited on KDFWR owned or managed lakes. length 5 SPECIAL FISHING REGULATIONS

(301 KAR 1:080, 1:180, 1:201, 2:222 Park Lake (Campbell County), Three 4:100, 4:200E; KRS 150.010, 150.025) Springs Lake (Warren County), Tom Anderson County Wallace Park Lake ( Jefferson County), Possession or use of shad for bait is SPECIAL REGULATION WATERS Upper Sportsman’s Lake (Franklin prohibited. LISTED ALPHABETICALLY County), Watterson Park Lake ( Jeffer- • Largemouth Bass: 15-inch minimum The public waters listed below have son County), Waverly Park Lake ( Jef- size limit. different size and/or creel limits than ferson County), Waymond Morris Park • Channel : 12-inch minimum statewide regulations allow. Statewide Lake (Daviess County), Whitehall Park size limit. size and creel limits apply unless other- Lake (Madison County), Yellow Creek wise mentioned below. Special boating Park Lake (Daviess County) BERT COMBS LAKE regulations are listed in the Boating sec- Clay County A.J. JOLLY LAKE tion of this guide. Possession or use of shad for bait is Campbell County Some privately owned waters may prohibited. have special size and creel limits as post- No harvest of flathead catfish. ed by signs. BESHEAR LAKE BARK CAMP CREEK Caldwell County Whitley County FINs LAKES: • Channel Catfish: 12-inch minimum Lakes in the Fishing In Neighbor- All trout caught from October 1 size limit. hoods (FINs) program now have uni- through March 31 must be immediately form regulations for daily creel and size released and only artificial baits shall be BIG BONE CREEK limits: used during this period. Boone County • Rainbow Trout: 5-fish daily limit. All trout caught from October 1 BARKLEY, KENTUCKY LAKES • Catfish: 4-fish daily limit. through March 31 must be immediately (and their connecting canal) • Sunfish: 15-fish daily limit. released and only artificial baits shall be • Largemouth Bass: 15-inch minimum • Crappie: 10-inch minimum size limit, used during this period. FISHING REGULATIONS size limit, 1 fish daily limit. 20 fish daily creel limit. The follwing FINs lakes are now • Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass: under these special regulations: 15-inch minimum size limit. Grant County Anderson County Community • Sauger: 14-inch minimum size limit. Possession or use of shad for bait is Park Lake (Anderson County), Bloom- prohibited. BARKLEY TAILWATER – See field Park Lake (Nelson County), Bob • Channel Catfish: 12-inch minimum Noble Park Lake (McCracken County), size limit. Brickyard Pond (Knox County), Camp Ernst Lake (Boone County), Carlson BRIGGS LAKE and Dickerson Lakes (Ft. Knox, Meade The boundaries of Barren River Logan County County), Cherokee Park Lake ( Jeffer- Lake are from the dam upstream to the Possession or use of shad for bait is son County), Easy Walker Park Pond Hwy. 100 bridge, Long Creek to the prohibited. (Montgomery County), ’s Hwy. 100 bridge, Beaver Creek to the Park Lakes ( Jefferson County), Kingdom Hwy. 1297 bridge, Skaggs Creek to the Come State Park Lake (Harlan Coun- Matthews Mill Road bridge and Peter • Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass: ty), Lake Mingo ( Jessamine County), Creek to the Peter Creek Road bridge. 15-inch minimum size limit. Lake Pollywog (Grant County), Lower • Crappie: 9-inch minimum size limit. • Muskellunge: 36-inch minimum size Sportman’s Lake (Franklin County), • Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass: limit. Lusby Lake (Scott County), Madison- 15-inch minimum size limit except 1 • Crappie: 9-inch minimum size limit. ville City Park Lake North (Hopkins fish in the daily creel limit or 2 in the County), Martin County Lake (Mar- possession limit may be less than 15 tin County), Middleton Mills Long inches long. Grant and Boone counties Pond and Shelterhouse Ponds (Kenton • Channel Catfish: 12-inch minimum BEAVER CREEK County), Mike Miller Park Lake (Mar- size limit. Wayne County shall County), Miles Park Lakes ( Jef- ferson County), Millennium Park Pond All trout caught from October 1 CANE CREEK (Boyle County), Panther Creek Park through March 31 in the section of Laurel County Lake, (Daviess County), Prisoner’s Lake Beaver Creek from the Hwy. 90 bridge All trout caught from October 1 (Kenton County), Scott County Park upstream to the Hwy. 200 bridge must through March 31 must be immediately Lake (Scott County), Southgate Lake be immediately released. Only artificial released and only artificial baits shall be 6 (Campbell County), Stein Community baits shall be used during this period. used during this period. FISHING REGULATIONS CARNICO LAKE CLEAR CREEK specific area. This includes all tributar- Nicholas County Bell County ies up to the first riffle and in Hatchery • Largemouth Bass: 15-inch minimum All trout caught from October 1 Creek. size limit. through March 31 shall be immediately • Brown Trout: 20-inch minimum size released and only artificial baits may be limit, 1 fish daily creel limit, also ap- CARPENTER LAKE used during this period. plies to all tributary streams. Daviess County • Rainbow Trout: 15 to 20-inch Possession or use of shad for bait is CORINTH LAKE protective slot limit. All trout caught prohibited. Grant County between 15 and 20 inches in length Possession or use of shad for bait is must be immediately released. Until prohibited. further notice, the daily creel limit is • Crappie: 9-inch minimum size limit. • Channel Catfish: No daily creel limit, 10 fish. Only one rainbow trout may • Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass: 12-inch minimum size limit. be longer than 20 inches. Also applies 15-inch minimum size limit. to all tributary streams. NATIONAL • Brook Trout: 1 fish daily creel limit CARTER CAVES STATE PARK LAKE HISTORICAL PARK with a 15-inch minimum size limit. (also called Smokey Valley Lake) (301 KAR 1:035) Also applies to all tributary streams. Fishing during daylight hours only. Special fishing regulations are in effect CUMBERLAND RIVER from Lake Possession or use of shad for bait is on Cumberland Gap National Histori- downstream to conflu- prohibited. cal Park. For complete fishing informa- ence with Ohio River • Largemouth Bass: No minimum size tion on this area contact: Cumberland limit, 6 fish daily creel limit. Gap National Historical Park, P.O. Box and only permit- 1848, Middlesboro, KY 40965, phone ted downstream of U.S. 62 bridge with a CASEY CREEK (606) 248-2817. daily creel limit of 8 fish. Harvesting of Trigg County sportfish by snagging is prohibited. All All trout caught from October 1 CUMBERLAND RIVER, (including snagged or gigged rough fish including through March 31 must be immediately Hatchery Creek) from Wolf Creek paddlefish, with the exception of shad, released and only artificial baits shall be Dam to the state line: herring or Asian carp, shall be taken into used during this period. All licensed anglers must possess a possession and not be culled. Snagged or trout permit on this portion of Cumber- gigged fish must not be disposed of on land River. This also includes Hatchery the bank. Disposing of fish on the bank Gigging and snagging prohibited Creek and all tributaries up to the first is littering and subject to a fine. See the in the main lake and all tributaries up riffle. gigging and snagging section on page 16 to the first riffle. The location of the first Anglers shall not cull trout by re- of this guide for additional information. riffle may change depending on water placing a live trout in their possession Snagged paddlefish or their roe cannot levels. with another trout. Once an angler be sold. • Largemouth Bass: 13 to 16-inch pro- holds a trout in their possession on • Sauger: 14-inch minimum size limit. tective slot limit. All largemouth bass this section of the Cumberland River, DALE HOLLOW LAKE between 13 and 16 inches in length it counts toward the daily trout creel must be released immediately. limit. Anglers may not attract or chum • Crappie: 10-inch minimum size limit, • Smallmouth Bass: 18-inch minimum trout with bait, corn or other attractants 15 fish daily creel limit. size limit. designed to draw numbers of trout to a • Black Bass creel: includes largemouth, • Muskellunge: 36-inch minimum size smallmouth and Kentucky (spotted) limit. Q: Is fishing allowed around a bass – 5 fish daily creel limit on black dock or a marina? bass singly or combined, only two of CEDAR CREEK LAKE which may be smallmouth bass. Lincoln County A: It depends. Public marinas • Largemouth Bass: 15-inch minimum Possession or use of shad for bait is on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers size limit. prohibited. Lakes have contractual agreements • Smallmouth Bass: 16 to 21-inch • Largemouth Bass: 20-inch minimum that address lease space on public protective slot limit. One fish over 21 size limit, 1 fish daily creel limit. waters. The Corps presently allows inches and one fish under 16 inches • Channel Catfish: 12-inch minimum the marina owners or operators to may be kept daily. size limit. post signs that prohibit fishing within • Sauger: 14-inch minimum size limit, 150 feet of their floating structures. 10 fish daily creel limit. CHIMNEY TOP CREEK These agreements do not prohibit • Rainbow and Brown Trout: 7-fish Wolfe County a person from fishing in their boat aggregate daily creel limit. A 16-inch minimum size limit and rental slip. This policy does not apply • Walleye: 16-inch minimum size limit, 1 fish daily creel limit for brown trout to privately owned boat docks on 5 fish daily creel limit. and only artificial baits may be used. Corps lakes. 7 between 12 and 15 inches in length 15-inch minimum size limit. • Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass: must be released immediately. • Sauger: 14-inch minimum size limit. 15-inch minimum size limit. • Channel Catfish: 12-inch minimum size limit. TAILWATER from – see Dam downstream for two miles FAGAN BRANCH LAKE (also called Fishing with artificial lures or flies only. Lebanon City Lake) Marion County Pendleton County DOE RUN LAKE • Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass: • Channel Catfish: 12-inch minimum Kenton County 12 to 15-inch protective slot limit. size limit. Possession or use of shad for bait is All largemouth and smallmouth bass prohibited. between 12 and 15 inches in length LAND BETWEEN THE LAKES • Largemouth Bass: 15-inch minimum must be released immediately. NATIONAL RECREATION AREA size limit, 3 fish daily creel limit. (301 KAR 1:031) • Channel Catfish: Four fish daily creel Special fishing regulations are in limit, no minimum size limit. • Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass: effect for ponds and small lakes within 15-inch minimum size limit. Land Between the Lakes National Rec- DOG FORK • Crappie: 9-inch minimum size limit. reation Area. For complete fishing in- Wolfe County formation on this area, anglers should Only artificial baits with a single GENERAL BUTLER STATE PARK contact: Land Between the Lakes Na- hook shall be used. Brook Trout must LAKE tional Recreation Area, Golden Pond, be immediately released. Carroll County KY 42231, phone (270) 924-2000. Possession or use of shad for bait is EAST FORK INDIAN CREEK prohibited. LAKE BLYTHE Menifee County • Largemouth Bass: 15-inch minimum Christian County All trout caught from October 1 size limit, 3 fish daily creel limit. • Largemouth Bass: 12 to 15-inch pro- through March 31 shall be immediately • Channel Catfish: 4 fish daily creel tective slot limit. All largemouth bass released and only artificial bait shall be limit, no minimum size limit. caught between 12 and 15 inches in used during this period. length must be immediately released. FISHING REGULATIONS GOLDEN POND (Land Between the ELKHORN CREEK in Franklin Lakes National Recreation Area) LAKE CHUMLEY County from confluence of North • Channel Catfish: 15-inch minimum Lincoln County and South forks downstream to size limit, 5 fish daily creel limit. Fishing during daylight hours only. Kentucky River: • Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass: 12 to 16-inch protective slot limit. • Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass: The boundaries of Lake Cumber- Largemouth and smallmouth bass 15-inch minimum size limit. land are defined as caught between 12 and 16 inches in on the Cumberland River, Devils Jump length must be immediately released. on the Big South Fork, the Narrows of Daily limit of 6 may include no more Greenup County Rockcastle River and than 2 fish longer than 16 inches. Possession or use of shad for bait is Dam on Laurel River. • For regulatory purposes, the bound- prohibited. • Crappie: 10-inch minimum size limit. ary of Elkhorn Creek is a permanent • Bluegill and other Sunfish: 15 fish • Lake Sturgeon: Catch and release only. marker just below the first riffle daily creel limit. • Largemouth Bass: 15-inch minimum upstream from its confluence with the size limit. Kentucky River. • Smallmouth Bass: 18-inch minimum • Crappie: 9-inch minimum size limit. size limit. ELK SPRING CREEK • Muskellunge: 36-inch minimum size • Striped Bass: 24-inch minimum size Wayne County limit. limit, 2 fish daily creel limit. All trout caught from October 1 through March 31 must be immediately LAKE JERICHO released and only artificial baits shall be Shelby County Henry County used during this period. • Channel Catfish: 12-inch minimum Possession or use of shad for bait is size limit. prohibited. • Largemouth Bass: 15-inch minimum Owen County KENTUCKY, BARKLEY LAKES size limit. Possession or use of shad for bait is (and their connecting canal) prohibited. • Crappie: 10-inch minimum size limit, • Largemouth Bass: 12 to 15-inch pro- 20 fish daily creel limit. • Largemouth Bass: 12 to 15-inch pro- 8 tective slot limit. All largemouth bass • Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass: tective slot limit. All largemouth bass FISHING REGULATIONS caught between 12 and 15 inches in used during this period. • Largemouth Bass: 15-inch minimum length must be immediately released. size limit; 3 fish daily creel limit. • Channel Catfish: 12-inch minimum LINCOLN HOMESTEAD STATE size limit. PARK LAKE NEW HAVEN OPTIMIST LAKE Washington County Nelson County LAKE SHELBY Fishing during daylight hours only. • Largemouth Bass: 15-inch minimum Shelby County Possession or use of shad for bait is size limit, 3 fish daily creel limit. • Largemouth Bass: 15-inch minimum prohibited. • Channel Catfish: 4 fish daily creel size limit, 3 fish daily creel limit. • Channel Catfish: 4 fish daily creel limit, no minimum size limit. • Channel Catfish: 4 fish daily creel limit, no minimum size limit. limit, no minimum size limit. • Largemouth Bass: 15-inch minimum size limit; 3 fish daily creel limit. Lake upper boundary extended to LAUREL RIVER LAKE the Wheelers Mill Road bridge in the • Largemouth Bass: 15-inch minimum MARION COUNTY LAKE Nolin River arm and to the Hwy. 728 size limit. Possession or use of shad for bait is bridge in the Bacon Creek arm (for- • Smallmouth Bass: 18-inch minimum prohibited. merly defined as first riffle upstream in size limit, 2 fish daily creel limit. • Largemouth Bass: 15-inch minimum Bacon Creek and Nolin River). • Crappie: 9-inch minimum size limit, size limit. • Crappie: 9-inch minimum size limit. 15 fish daily limit. • Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass: McNEELY LAKE 15-inch size limit, except 1 fish in the LEARY LAKE Jefferson County daily limit or 2 in the possession limit Grant County Possession or use of shad for bait is may be less than 15 inches long. Fishing during daylight hours only. prohibited. • Channel Catfish: 4 fish daily creel OHIO RIVER – see also, “Bordering limit. MIDDLE FORK, RED RIVER Waters” page 15 • Largemouth Bass: 15-inch minimum Powell County • Walleye, Sauger and their Hybrids: size limit, 3 fish daily creel limit. Within the Natural Bridge State no minimum size limit, 10 fish daily Park, all trout caught from October 1 limit, singly or combined. LEBANON CITY LAKE – see Fagan through March 31 must be immediately • White Bass, Striped Bass and their Branch Lake released and only artificial baits shall be Hybrids: 30 fish daily limit, only 4 used during this period. fish in daily limit may be 15 inches or LEFT FORK, BEAVER CREEK longer. Floyd County MILL CREEK LAKE • Yellow Bass: 30 fish daily creel limit, All trout caught from October 1 Powell and Wolfe counties no minimum size limit. through March 31 must be immediately Possession or use of shad for bait is released and only artificial baits shall be prohibited. OTTER CREEK Meade County All trout caught in Fort Knox Mili- Kentucky’s largest salamander: Eastern Hellbender tary Reservation and in Otter Creek Park from October 1 through March 31 must be immediately released and only -Can grow up artificial baits shall be used during this to 24” long period. Fort Knox Military Reserva- -Completely tion requires the purchase of a $10 per- aquatic mit to fish and is closed to fishing on -Not Tuesdays. Anglers must check-in with aggressive the Fort Knox Hunt Control Office at or poisonous (502) 624-2712 before each day’s fish- -Long lived ing. There is a one-mile section of Otter (up to HAVE YOU Creek as posted by signs in Fort Knox 30 years) Military Reservation where trout fishing is open to statewide regulations.

PAINT CREEK SEEN ME? Johnson County Kentucky Fish and Wildlife is very interested in all locality records for the 16-inch minimum size limit and 1 eastern hellbender. If you see this giant salamander, please e-mail John fish daily creel limit on trout from the MacGregor ([email protected]) or Greg Lipps ([email protected]) with KY 40 bridge downstream to the first locality information and a photograph, if possible. U.S. 460 bridge crossing and only arti- ficial baits shall be used. 9 LAKE creel limit may be longer than 25 • Largemouth Bass: 12 to 15-inch pro- • Crappie: 9-inch minimum size limit. inches. tective slot limit. All largemouth bass • Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass: TAYLORSVILLE LAKE WMA caught between 12 and 15 inches in 15-inch minimum size limit except 1 PONDS length must be released immediately. fish in the daily creel limit or 2 in the • Smallmouth Bass: 18-inch minimum possession limit may be less than 15 • These waters now under statewide size limit. inches long. regulations for all fish species. PARCHED CORN CREEK SHANTY HOLLOW LAKE TENNESSEE RIVER from Ken- Wolfe County Warren County tucky Lake Dam downstream to confluence with Ohio River Only artificial baits with single Possession or use of shad for bait is hook shall be used. Brook Trout must prohibited. The area from to be immediately released. • Largemouth Bass: 15-inch minimum the new U.S. 62 bridge will be open to size limit. snagging 24 hours per day from January PEABODY WMA LAKES • Channel Catfish: 12-inch minimum 1 through May 31. From June 1 through In addition to a fishing license, a size limit. December 31, the area is open to snag- $15.00 user permit is required of per- ging from sunset to sunrise. The area of sons age 16 and over while on Peabody SHILLALAH CREEK the Tennessee River from the new U.S. WMA. Permits can be purchased where Bell County 62 bridge to the I-24 bridge is closed fishing licenses are sold. Fishing open Outside the Cumberland Gap Na- to snagging year round. The area from Mar. 16 - Oct. 14 on Goose, Island and tional Park as posted, only artificial baits the I-24 bridge to the confluence with South Lake, all other lakes open year- with single hook shall be used. Brook the Ohio River is open to snagging year round. Trout must be immediately released. round. There is now a daily creel limit of 8 fish in aggregate and shall not ex- PENNYRILE LAKE SPORTSMAN’S LAKES ceed the daily creel limit for any sport Christian County Franklin County fish in which the creel limit is under 8 • Largemouth Bass: 12 to 15-inch pro- Fishing during daylight hours only. fish per day. Snagging must cease if any tective slot limit. All largemouth bass Possession or use of shad for bait is sport fish daily creel limit is attained. All between 12 and 15 inches in legnth prohibited. See FINs lakes at the begin- fish snagged including paddlefish, ex- FISHING REGULATIONS must be immediately released. ning of the special regulations section cept shad, herring or Asian carp, must for daily creel and minimum size limits. be taken into possession and not culled. PIKEVILLE CITY LAKE Snagged fish must not be disposed on Pike County SPURLINGTON LAKE the bank. This action is littering and • Largemouth Bass: All largemouth Taylor County subject to a fine. Snagged paddlefish bass caught must be immediately Possession or use of shad for bait is or their roe cannot be sold. Gigging is released. prohibited. prohibited in the Tennessee River below Kentucky Dam. See the Gigging and POOR FORK and its tributaries SWIFT CAMP CREEK Snagging section on page 6 for more Letcher County Clifty Wilderness, Wolfe County information. Downstream to the first crossing All trout caught from October 1 • Sauger: 14-inch minimum size limit. of Hwy. 932, only artificial baits with through May 31 shall be released imme- single hook shall be used. Brook Trout diately and only artificial baits shall be Laurel County must be immediately released. used during this period. • Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass: REBA LAKE SYMPSON LAKE 15-inch minimum size limit. Madison County Nelson County YATESVILLE LAKE Possession or use of shad for bait is • Largemouth Bass: 15-inch minimum prohibited. size limit. • Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass: KNOW YOUR TURTLES! • Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass: 15-inch minimum size limit. 15-inch minimum size limit, 3 fish TAYLORSVILLE LAKE daily creel limit. Lake upper boundary extended to Dry Dock Road on Salt River (formerly ROCK CREEK defined as first riffle upstream in Salt McCreary County River). From Bell Farm Bridge upstream • Crappie: 9-inch minimum size limit, to Tennessee state line, all trout caught 15 fish daily creel limit. from October 1 through March 31 • Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass: must be immediately released and only 15-inch minimum size limit. artificial baits shall be used during this • Blue and Channel Catfish: 15-fish 10 period. daily creel limit. 1 fish of the daily OTHER SPECIES FISHING REGULATIONS

BULLFROGS ited in any lake owned or managed by der the Endangered Species Act – these (301 KAR 1:082) the Kentucky Department of Fish and fish species shall not be taken for any The taking season for bullfrogs Wildlife Resources. Anglers who catch a use. Bluegills are not sport fish and may opens at noon on the third Friday in grass carp from one of these lakes must be taken for bait as described above. May (May 18, 2012) and runs through immediately return the fish to the water Live bait may be taken with the fol- Oct. 31. If a gun or bow and arrow are where it was caught. Grass carp are used lowing gear: used, a hunting license is required. If to control aquatic vegetation. Signs are • Dip Nets: Maximum size of 3 feet in frogs are taken by pole and line, a fishing posted at applicable lakes. diameter is legal in the Ohio, Tennes- license is required. If frogs are taken by see and Mississippi rivers, Cumberland gig or by hand, then either hunting or LIVE BAIT FOR PERSONAL USE River below Barkley Dam, Kentucky fishing license is valid. The daily noon- (301 KAR 1:130, 1:122) River below Lock No. 14, and all lakes to-noon creel limit for bullfrogs is 15. No live fish, live or live having 1,000 or more surface acres. The possession limit is 30. bait organisms that are not native or • Minnow Traps: Maximum legal size established in Kentucky waters shall be statewide: 3 feet long, 18 inches in di- TURTLES bought, sold, possessed, imported, or in ameter, 1-inch openings for catching. (301 KAR 1:058) any way used or released into waters of • Seines: Maximum legal size statewide: Anglers may take snapping turtles this Commonwealth. Blueback herring 10 feet long, 4 feet deep, ¼-inch mesh. (except alligator snapping turtles) and are not native to Kentucky and may not Maximum legal size in the Ohio and up to 5 softshell turtles year round by the be imported or possessed in this state. Mississippi rivers and Kentucky and same methods legal for taking rough fish Holders of sport fishing licenses Barkley lakes: 30 feet long, 6 feet deep species. gear may may take live bait from public waters and ¼-inch bar mesh. not be used to take turtles. A hunting and may possess up to 500 minnows, • Sport Cast Nets: Maximum sport cast license is required when taking turtles 500 crayfish, 25 spring lizards or dusky net size is 20 feet in diameter with by gun or by bow and arrow. Otherwise salamanders, 5 frogs (other than bull- maximum 1-inch bar mesh statewide a fishing license is required. Turtles can frogs), 5 tadpoles, 100 native lampreys, except in the following waters. Sport not be sold. 500 other aquatic invertebrate organisms cast nets prohibited in: 1) lakes having Turtle traps may be one of two other than mussels, 500 shad (except on fewer than 500 surface acres, 2) any of kinds: either a barrel or drum with a tilt- lakes where shad possession/use is pro- the streams and tailwaters listed in the ing trigger board or a floating log raft hibited), 500 herring and any number of “Trout Waters” section of this guide, with an enclosed twine or wire mesh unshelled Asiatic clams. A commercial 3) tributaries of the Cumberland Riv- bag. Turtle traps must be inspected daily. license is required to take live bait from er between Wolf Creek Dam and the All turtles must be removed daily except public waters open to commercial fish- Tennessee state line except Crocus and one decoy turtle may remain. Any other ing for the purpose of selling. Marrowbone creeks where sport cast species (except soft shelled and snapping Regardless of size or how obtained, mesh size must be made of 1-inch bar turtles) caught in a turtle trap must be it is illegal to use any sport fish for bait mesh only, 4) from the mouth of Cro- released unharmed. (except redear sunfish less than 6 inches cus Creek upstream for 50 yards. long). (Sport fish species listed on page All sport fish incidentally taken GRASS CARP HARVEST 5). Minnows are defined as all fish, ex- while capturing live bait with seines, dip PROHIBITED cept sport fish species, less than 6 inches nets or cast nets must be released imme- (301 KAR 1:201) long. Also, see page 24 for a description diately unharmed into the water. Harvesting grass carp is prohib- of fish species protected in Kentucky un-

KNOW YOUR TURTLES!

COMMON SNAPPING TURTLE ALLIGATOR SNAPPING TURTLE Legal to take Illegal to take 11 LICENSE AND PERMIT FEES

LICENSE / PERMIT Resident Nonresident Annual Fishing $20.00 $50.00 Joint Husband/Wife Annual Fishing $36.00 Not available 1-Day Fishing $7.00 $10.00 Nonresident 7-Day Fishing Not available $30.00 Nonresident 15-Day Fishing Not available $40.00 Trout Permit $10.00 Annual Hunting $20.00 $130.00 1-Day Hunting (not valid for deer, elk, turkey or bear) $7.00 $10.00

LICENSES 5-Day Hunting (not valid for deer, elk, turkey or bear) Not available $40.00 Annual Youth Hunting (ages 12-15 only) $5.00 Shooting Preserve License (available online at fw.ky.gov only) $5.00 Annual Trapping $20.00 $130.00 Annual Landowner/Tenant Trapping $10.00 Not available Annual Youth (ages 12-15) Trapping $5.00 Not available Annual Combination Hunting/Fishing $30.00 Not available Senior/Disabled Combination Hunting/Fishing* (includes same license and $5.00 Not available permits as Resident Sportsman’s License, plus bonus antlerless-only deer permits.) Sportsman’s License* (Includes combination hunting/fishing, statewide deer $95.00 Not available permit, spring and fall turkey permits, state waterfowl permit and trout permit.) Youth (ages 12-15) Sportsman’s License* $25.00 COMBO LICENSES (Includes youth hunting license, youth deer permit and youth turkey permit.)

FISHING REGULATIONS Deer Permit (statewide) (two deer) $30.00 $60.00 Youth (ages 12-15) Deer Permit (one deer) $10.00 DEER Bonus Antlerless-Only Deer Permit (two deer) $15.00 Spring Turkey Permit (statewide) (two turkeys) $30.00 $60.00 Youth (ages 12-15) Turkey Permit (one turkey, spring or fall) $10.00 Fall Turkey Permit (statewide)(four turkeys) $30.00 $60.00 Kentucky Waterfowl Permit $15.00 BIRDS Migratory Bird Permit $10.00 Federal Duck Stamp (available at post offices and online at www.duckstamp.com) $15.00 Elk Lottery Application (deadline April 30; available at fw.ky.gov only) $10.00 Youth WMA Elk Lottery (deadline April 30; available at fw.ky.gov only) $10.00

ELK Elk Quota Hunt Permit (if drawn) $30.00 $365.00 Out-of-Zone Elk Permit $30.00 $365.00 Peabody WMA User Permit $15.00 Land Between the Lakes (LBL) Hunter Use Permit $20.00 Otter Creek ORA Admission Fees (per person) Daily: $3.00, annual: $30.00, (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: $7.00, annual: $70.00 mountain bike trails and shooting range) (available online at fw.ky.gov) Bear Permit $30.00 Not available Temporary Hunter Education Exemption Permit $5.00 OTHER (available online at fw.ky.gov only) *Peabody, LBL and Otter Creek permits, elk lottery application, elk quota hunt permit, out-of-zone elk permit, bonus antlerless- only deer permit, bear permit, federal duck stamp and trapping license not included. Annual hunting and fishing licenses and permits are valid from the date of purchase through the last day in February. New licenses are required annually March 1. (A 1- or 5-day hunting license is valid only for the period shown on the license.) Resident and nonresident youth under the age of 12 are not required to purchase licenses or permits (except the elk lottery ap- 12 plication). HOW TO BUY LICENSES AND PERMITS FISHING REGULATIONS

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

LICENSE REQUIREMENTS AND EXEMPTIONS

wide without a license, but must carry with the resident senior/disabled License expiration proper identification and papers show- combination license and resident Annual license/permit ing furlough status. sportsman’s license. All licensed anglers authorization numbers are valid • Residents and nonresidents ages 15 fishing the portion of the Cumberland from the date of purchase through and younger. River from Wolf Creek Dam to the the last day in February. New • Persons fishing on the first Saturday Tennessee state line, its tributaries up to licenses are required annually and Sunday in June ( June 2-3, 2012) the first riffle and all of Hatchery Creek March 1. A temporary fishing during Free Fishing Days are not re- are required to possess a trout permit. license is valid for the period quired to have a license or permit. (See the Trout section in this guide for shown on the license. (301) KAR • Persons fishing within the boundaries details and for a complete list of waters 3:022 of Mammoth Cave National Park. where trout are present.) A resident is anyone who has es- tablished permanent and legal residence RESIDENT SPORTSMAN’S WHO NEEDS A LICENSE? in Kentucky and resided here at least 30 LICENSE (SAVE $50!) (KRS 150.010, 150.170) days immediately prior to applying for Available to Kentucky residents All persons must fill out and carry a license. Full-time students enrolled in only, the Sportsman’s License includes a the proper license and permit to fish an educational institution for at least a combination hunting and fishing license, any Kentucky waters except the follow- six-month term and service personnel spring turkey permit, fall turkey permit, ing (for permit requirements see “Trout on permanent assignment in Kentucky statewide deer permit, state waterfowl Permit” on this page): are also classified as residents. All others permit (which also covers dove and other • The resident owner of farmlands, his are considered non-residents for licens- migratory bird hunting) and trout permit. spouse and dependent children may ing purposes. Peabody and LBL permits, trapping li- fish on their land without a license. cense, an elk lottery application, elk quota TROUT PERMIT Tenants, their spouses and dependent hunt permit (if drawn), out-of-zone elk children may fish without a license on (301 KAR 1:201) permit, bear permit and bonus deer per- farmlands where they live and work. Unless license exempt, anglers who mits must be purchased separately. A fed- • Resident servicemen on furlough for intend to keep trout must have a trout eral duck stamp (available at post offices) more than three days may fish state- permit ($10). A trout permit is included is required for waterfowl hunting. 13 PAY LAKES (KRS 150.660) Resident senior and Disabled Licenses A person fishing in a pay lake li- censed by the Kentucky Department of The following are eligible to purchase the $5 Senior or Disabled Com- Fish and Wildlife Resources needs ei- bination Hunting and Fishing License (which includes the same license and ther a Kentucky fishing license or a free permits as the Resident Sportsman’s License, plus bonus antlerless-only permit issued by the operator. If the lake deer permits): is not licensed by the operator, anglers • Kentucky residents 65 years of age or older. need a valid Kentucky fishing license. • Kentucky residents certified totally and permanently disabled by the Federal Social Security Administration, a state Workers Compensation Board, the FREE FISHING DAYS Kentucky Teacher Retirement System or the United States Railroad Retire- (301 KAR 1:210) ment Board. Every year Kentucky offers free • Kentucky resident employees of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, fishing days the first weekend in June declared totally and permanently disabled by a recognized authority. ( June 2-3, 2012). On free fishing days • Kentucky resident veterans at least 50% disabled as the result of a ser- no license (including the Kentucky trout vice-connected disability. permit) is required of residents or non- Seniors need only show proof of age and residency to purchase this residents to fish any Kentucky waters. All license. Persons with disabilities listed above must first obtain a disability other fishing regulations remain in effect. authorization card from Kentucky Fish and Free fishing days are offered to promote Wildlife. fishing and National Fishing Week. Contacting us To obtain a disability license Except for those who qual- authorization card: ify for a Disability License If your disability is through the: through Worker’s Compen- Carry proof • Federal Social Security Administration: sation, mail or fax your dis- Holders of Disabled Combination Contact your local Social Security office ability certification to: Licenses must carry both the and request a form showing your name, license and authorization card address, Social Security number and date KDFWR Disability License while hunting. Once a person who of birth, which states that you are disabled #1 Sportsman’s Lane

FISHING REGULATIONS qualifies for this license reaches and drawing benefits. Send form to Ken- Frankfort, KY 40601 age 65, he or she is considered tucky Fish and Wildlife. FAX: (502) 564-9845 a senior for licensing purposes, • Veteran’s Administration: Contact your and no longer needs to follow the local VA office and request a letter that veri- You may also bring the docu- process of obtaining a disability fies you are at least 50% disabled as a result mentation in person to the license authorization card. of a service-connected disability. Send letter department office in Frank- to Kentucky Fish and Wildlife. fort at #1 Sportsman’s • State Worker’s Compensation Board: Lane during business hours Request an application from Kentucky 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Eastern Monday - Friday. Q: How long is a disability Fish and Wildlife, fill it out and send it to authorization card valid? the State Worker’s Compensation Board. • United States Railroad Retirement Board: Contact the Board and A: The disability authorization request a letter stating you are 100% totally and permanently disabled. card is good for 3 years (check Send letter to Kentucky Fish and Wildlife. the expiration date on your card). • Kentucky Teacher Retirement System: Contact the Teacher Retire- Every 3 years, you must provide ment System and request written documentation stating you are on dis- updated paperwork (following the ability retirement. Send documentation to Kentucky Fish and Wildlife. instructions to the right) and get a •United States Office of Personnel Management: Contact the federal Of- new card. fice of Personnel Management and obtain certification of employment and Those who already have a disability documentation of being 100% disabled. Send documentation to Kentucky authorization card through the Fish and Wildlife. Veteran’s Administration, Railroad Once the proper documentation is processed, applicants will receive Retirement Board or Office of their authorization card by mail. The authorization card is not a license. It Personnel Management may call must be presented to the license seller, or the authorization number entered 1-800-310-1873 to get a new card. online, at the time of purchase. License vendors cannot sell a disability license using an expired autho- rization card. Senior and Disabled Combination Licenses are valid through the end of February like any other license. If you lose your card, you may contact Kentucky Fish and Wildlife at the above address for a replacement. 14 BORDERING WATERS FISHING REGULATIONS Lost licenses and permits Persons who need a replacement license or permit have three options: All Kentucky anglers who fish re- device or equipment to land along the 1. Print a replacement online at ciprocal waters must have a valid Ken- river under the jurisdiction of the other . Click on “Licenses & tucky fishing license. state. Landowner permission is required fw.ky.gov to fish from the bank. Permits,” then the “Lost Your OHIO RIVER FISHING License?” tab. Sport fishing license holders shall 2. Purchase the same type of license (KRS 150.170) abide by the regulations in the state in or permit from any license vendor, An angler with a Kentucky fishing whose waters they are fishing and when ask them for a license refund license may fish the entire main stem of fishing in waters they are not licensed to the Ohio River from a boat, or a bor- fish, shall comply with the most restric- form (or print one at fw.ky.gov), fill it out and send it to: KDFWR dering state’s bank without buying the tive regulation. Licensing, #1 Sportsman’s Lane, other state’s license (bordering states in- Frankfort, KY 40601. You will clude Illinois, Indiana and Ohio). DALE HOLLOW LAKE receive a refund minus a $5 han- This does not apply if fishing a bor- Anglers may use either a Tennes- dling fee. dering state’s embayments or tributaries, see or a Kentucky sport fishing license 3. Send $5, your name, address, which begin at a straight line between while fishing in the Wolf River arm of date of birth and Social Security opposite points where the tributary or Dale Hollow Lake. This includes the number, and which license(s) or embayment meets the main stem of the Illwill Creek embayment beginning at a permits you lost to: KDFWR river. line crossing the Wolf River at its mouth Licensing, #1 Sportsman’s Lane, Anglers fishing from a bordering where it joins the Obey River and the Frankfort, KY 40601. The depart- state’s bank must follow the size and main part of the lake. ment will replace the license/per- creel limits of the state where the an- Anglers must obey the regulations mit once verification of original gler is located. For example, a Kentucky of the state in which they are licensed. purchase occurs. Replacement licensed angler can stand on the Indi- Kentucky residents must have a Ken- may take up to 3 weeks. ana bank and fish the main stem of the tucky license. Ohio River without an Indiana fishing license, but must abide by Indiana’s size KENTUCKY LAKE and creel limits. However, anglers fish- On Kentucky Lake, anglers with ei- ing from a boat must follow the size and ther a valid Kentucky or Tennessee sport creel limits of the state in which the an- fishing license may fish from Eggner’s gler is licensed. Ferry Bridge (U.S. 68 and Hwy. 80) in Reminder: snagging is not permit- Kentucky south to the Governor Ned ted for any fish species on the Indiana McWhorter Bridge (U.S. 79 and Hwy. side or in any Indiana waters of the 76) in Tennessee. This includes all em- Ohio River. bayments and tributaries, except the Blood River embayment in Kentucky. Anglers must abide by the fishing reg- Need fish for your (KRS 150.170) ulations of the state in which they are new or renovated pond? Visit Anglers licensed in Kentucky may fishing. fish Missouri portions of the Mississippi fw.ky.gov or call 1-800-858- River without buying a Missouri fishing BIG SOUTH FORK OF THE CUMBERLAND RIVER 1549 for information about license. Each state recognizes the sport fishing licenses and permits of the other Anglers may use either a Tennessee Kentucky Fish and Wildlife’s state on the Mississippi River. The river or a Kentucky sport fishing license while farm pond stocking program. is defined as the main channel and im- fishing that portion of the Big South mediate side or secondary channels and Fork from the Leatherwood Ford bridge chutes. It does not include oxbow or (Hwy. 297) in Tennessee to the Hwy. 92 Q: If I have my pond floodplain lakes or any tributary streams. bridge at Yamacraw, Kentucky. stocked by the KDFWR, do I A tributary is delineated by the straight Anglers must obey the regulations have to let the public fish it? line between opposite points where the of the state in which they are licensed. tributary connects with the main body Kentucky residents must have a Ken- A: No. The deadline to of the Mississippi River. Furthermore, tucky license. apply for the pond stocking the river does not include backwaters OTHER BORDERING WATERS program is September 1 that extend onto the floodplain or tribu- annually and there is a fee. taries when the river exceeds 33 feet at On all other bordering waters, the gauging station at Cairo, Illinois. boundaries are set by state lines. Obey Sport fishing license or permit the laws of the state in which you are holders may fish from, or attach any fishing. 15 FISHING METHODS

within 700 yards below Kentucky Dam, No firearms the area between Barkley Dam and U.S. Q: May you clean your fish Fish may not be taken with use of 62 bridge, or below the following Ohio while on the water? a firearm. River dams from the face of the dam to the end of the outer lock wall: Smith- A: Anglers shall not remove any land, Newburgh, Cannelton, Mark- part of the head or tail of any fish land, Meldahl and Greenup; McAlpine for which there is a size or creel SPORT FISHING TROTLINES, downstream to the K&I railroad bridge; limit until finished fishing and off the JUGGING and SET LINES (LIMB J.T. Meyers (Uniontown) to the end of water. LINES) the outer lock wall and that portion of (301 KAR 1:410; KRS 150.010) the split channel around the southern A sport fishing trotline is a line part of Wabash Island from the fixed the water. with no more than 50 single or multi- weir dam to the first dike. Persons may gig rough fish through barbed baited hooks that must be at least the ice any time the surface is frozen 18 inches apart. A sport fishing trotline GIGGING AND SNAGGING FISH thick enough to stand upon. The gig- must be set at least three feet below the (301 KAR 1:410, 1:082; KRS 150.010) ger must gig while supported by the ice. water’s surface. Jugging is fishing with a Gigging means spearing or impal- There are special snagging regulations single baited line attached to any float- ing fish on any pronged or barbed in- for the Kentucky Lake tailwater (Ten- ing object. A jug line may have no more strument attached to the end of any - nessee River) and the tail- than one single or multi-barbed hook. A id object. Snagging means taking fish or water (Cumberland River). Please refer set line is a line with one single or multi other aquatic animals by a rapid drawing to the Special Fishing Regulations sec- barbed hook. It may be attached to a tree motion (rather than enticement by bait) tion of this guide before snagging on limb, tree trunk, bank pole or other sta- using a hand-held pole and attached line these waters. tionary object on the bank of a stream or with a single or one multiple . Gigging and snagging are pro- impoundment. Only one single or treble hook may be hibited in the following waters or FISHING REGULATIONS One person may use no more than attached to the line. Except, in Green areas: two sport fishing trotlines or 50 jug lines River, Rolling Fork River and their trib- • Cave Run Lake including all tributar- or 25 set lines at any one time. Each boat utaries, up to five single or treble hooks ies up to the first riffle (The location of may not use more than 50 jug lines, but may be used for snagging. A rod legal the first riffle may change depending each occupant may use two sportfish- for snagging must be equipped with line, on water level). ing trotlines or 25 set lines. Each sport guides and a reel and shall not exceed • Cumberland River, below Wolf Creek fishing trotline, jug line or set line must 7½ feet in length, including the handle. Dam downstream to the Tennessee be: 1) permanently labeled with the The statewide season for gigging line including Hatchery Creek and name and address of the user; 2) baited, and/or snagging rough fish is from Feb- all tributaries for ½ mile upstream of checked and all fish removed at least ruary 1 through May 10. It is illegal to their confluence with the Cumberland once every 24 hours; 3) removed from possess a gig on a stream or lake or in a River. water, bank or tree when fishing ceases. boat from November 1 through January • Within 200 yards of a dam, except be- Prohibited Areas: Sport fish- 31. A person may gig or snag fish from low Kentucky Dam. ing trotlines, jug lines or set lines may the bank of a stream during the day or • Cumberland River, below Barkley Dam not be used within 200 yards below any night. Gigging and snagging is not legal downstream to the U.S. 62 bridge. dam. Sport fishing trotlines, jug lines or from a platform, except that gigging is le- • Tennessee River, below Kentucky Dam set lines are not allowed in Department gal from a boat on lakes 500 surface acres from the new U.S. 62 bridge to I-24 owned/managed lakes having less than or larger and only during daylight hours. bridge. 500 surface acres, except those located There is a statewide limit of 2 pad- • Middle Fork of Kentucky River from on Ballard and Boatwright WMAs. dlefish for either gigging or snagging. Buckhorn Lake downstream to the No sport fishing trotlines are allowed All gigged or snagged paddlefish must Breathitt County line. be taken into possession and cannot • Rough River, below Rough River Dam be culled or released. Snagging anglers to KY 54 bridge Q: How many fishing poles are must cease gigging or snagging once • In the Tennessee River below Kentucky you allowed to have while fishing? they attain the 2 paddlefish daily creel Dam, gigging prohibited year-round. limit. It is illegal to sell paddlefish or For specific regulations for gigging A: As many as you want. There their roe taken by sportfish snagging and snagging in the Cumberland River is no limit on the number of fishing methods. No daily limits on any other below Barkley Dam and in the Tennes- poles (or fishing rods) an angler may rough fish. Regardless of condition, all see River below Kentucky Lake refer to use at one time. sport fish taken by gigging and snag- Special Regulations on pages 8 and 11 16 ging must be immediately returned to of this guide. FISHING REGULATIONS TICKLING AND bow. Arrows must have a barbed or re- row. Paddlefish and catfish taken by bow (301 KAR 1:410; KRS 150.010) tractable style point that has a line at- and arrow must be taken into immediate The tickling and noodling (hand tached for retrieval. Catfish have a daily possession and cannot be culled. Fish grabbing) season for rough fish is June creel limit of 5 (in aggregate) and pad- taken by bow must not be discarded on 1 through August 31, during daylight dlefish have a daily creel limit of 2. Bow the bank. Bank disposal is littering and hours only. Tickling and noodling fisherman may fish within 200 yards of subject to a fine. means taking fish directly by hand, or a dam, except by boat in boat restricted with the aid of a handled hook. These areas. Bow fishing is prohibited on the SPEAR FISHING methods are permitted in all waters. The Cumberland River below Wolf Creek (301 KAR 1:410) daily creel limit is 15 rough fish, no more Dam downstream to the Tennessee line, Underwater spearing of rough fish than 5 of which can be catfish. including Hatchery Creek and all tribu- with hand-held or mechanically pro- taries for ½ mile upstream of their con- pelled spear is permitted year-round, but BOW FISHING fluence with the Cumberland River. only in lakes having 1,000 surface acres (301 KAR 1:410) Persons using a bow and arrow for or more. All participants in this sport Rough fish may be taken year-round fishing must have the appropriate fish- must be submerged while spear fishing. by bow and arrow with line attached. ing license and may take rough fish from Only rough fish may be taken and the Sport fish may not be taken with a bow bank or boat. There is no limit on other appropriate fishing license is required. and arrow. Bow anglers may use a long rough fish. Bow anglers cannot sell pad- The daily limit is 15 fish of which only 5 bow, recurve bow, crossbow or compound dlefish or their roe taken by bow and ar- may be catfish.

ish require healthy habitats. Degraded habitat Ftranslates into fewer fish and fishing opportunities. Kentucky has over 90,000 miles of streams and rivers. Many of these streams are in need of restoration and would qualify for habitat restoration funding.

KDFWR administers a new multi-agency program with funds for stream restoration and enhancement. For more information contact the Stream Restoration Program, #1 Sportsman’s Lane, Frankfort, KY 40601 The problem or call 1-800-858-1549.

Fish Habitat Restoration o o A National Issue - A Kentucky Initiative

The goal 17