Fishing Lake Barkley
AKA: Barkley Lake
Popular Fish Species Lake Barkley, KY
Largemouth Bass Fishing
Lake Barkley is considered one of the top bass fishing lakes in the USA, as it has been for many years now. Anglers are catching bass in good numbers with largemouth bass in the 3 to 5-pound range showing up with some regularity. A history of careful fisheries management by the Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife has helped to maintain a thriving bass fishery. Anglers can also catch smallmouth bass and spotted bass, which reside here in decent numbers. Recent results by bass fishing tournament participants, attest to the fact that fishing for largemouth bass has been quite rewarding, with an occasional bass over 6 pounds being weighed in. In Lake Barkley, bass often move shallow and become fairly aggressive when they are in a feeding mood. If they seem disinterested in your presentations, try slowing down and use smaller, lighter baits. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap. Around grass, use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In deeper water, drop shot rigs, big worms, jigs and spoons are good options. In winter, spend your time fishing deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time.
Striped Bass Fishing
Lake Barkley is also widely known as a great striped bass fishing lake. Due to their large size, striped bass are a favorite of many locals and fishing guides at Lake Barkley. They are plentiful, run in schools and can grow to bragging size. In Spring and Fall work the upper end of the lake where water is flowing into the lake. Look for deeper water in the river channel, as a holding place for stripers. In Summer and Winter, stripers hang out in deeper water during the day Morning often draws the stripers to much shallower water, look for them from the surface down to around the 20-foot range as they feed on shallow-running schools of bait. The lake is filled with plenty of baitfish and sunfish to to keep the fishery thriving. Being successful at fishing for stripers is a matter of locating schools of bait, and the wolf packs of stripers which are likely to be nearby. Fish finders, and forward facing sonar, are a big help in locating these roaming schools. Live bait is very effective here, and stripers can be caught year round.
White Bass Fishing
After numerous successful spawn years, white bass are flourishing in Lake Barkley and anglers should expect some great fishing this year. White bass are aggressive, hard-fighting and just plain fun to catch. When fishing for white bass, the average fish is typically in the one- to two-pound range. These schooling fish tend to roam around the lake looking for ideal water conditions and baitfish. Look for them to generally be in 15 to 35 feet of water, whether they are hovering around the bottom or swimming in open water. Fish finders are the best way to locate big schools of white bass. Fish near the bottom at night with live bait. In spring, once the water temperature rises into the mid sixties, they move shallow into the backs of coves and creek channels to spawn. When white bass chase schools of bait near the surface, spinners, spoons and small crank baits work well. At this time anglers can fish from shore and often do quite well. Use lures that imitate baitfish, including small crankbaits, small jerkbaits, jigs and spoons.
Fish species to fish for...
Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, blue catfish, black crappie, white crappie, walleye, bluegill, redear sunfish, warmouth, white bass, yellow bass, striped bass, hybrid striped bass, paddlefish and sauger at Lake Barkley in Kentucky.
Lake Barkley Fishing Video
With over 1,000 miles of shoreline and 58,000 surface acres, Lake Barkley is considered one of the best fishing lakes in Kentucky. This reservoir, along with Kentucky Lake which is considered a sister lake, is located in the southwest corner of KY, split by the northern border of TN and the southern border of KY.
Lake Barkley, located in western Kentucky, is a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts, boaters, and campers alike. The lake offers a wide range of recreational activities and boasts a diverse fishery that attracts anglers from all over the region.
Lake Barkley is home to several popular fish species, including largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, crappie, catfish, and bluegill. Anglers can target largemouth bass along the lake's shorelines, submerged structures, and weed beds, while smallmouth bass can be found near rocky areas and drop-offs. Crappie fishing is excellent in Lake Barkley, with anglers often targeting them around submerged trees, brush piles, and bridge pilings. The lake also provides opportunities for catfish enthusiasts, as channel catfish and blue catfish can be found in its depths. Additionally, bluegill can be plentiful in the shallower areas, making it an excellent choice for young or novice anglers.
Lake Barkley State Resort Park is situated on the lake's eastern shore and offers a full-service lodge, cottages, and a campground, providing visitors with a convenient and comfortable base for their fishing and outdoor adventures. The park also offers additional recreational activities such as hiking, swimming, and golfing, ensuring there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Whether you're an avid angler, a boating enthusiast, or a nature lover, Lake Barkley in Kentucky has much to offer. Its abundant fish populations, scenic beauty, and recreational amenities make it an ideal destination for fishing, boating, and camping adventures. So pack your fishing gear, bring your boat or camping equipment, and immerse yourself in the recreational opportunities that Lake Barkley has to offer.
Ninety percent of the lake is in the state of Kentucky. There are several marinas within KY and numerous places offering boat rentals on the lake. Angler-friendly lodging, campgrounds and RV parks are located strategically around the lake. Restaurants, bait and tackle, and convenience stores are all available at the lake or nearby. Barkley Lake has a long-standing reputation as an excellent fishery, especially bass fishing. Along with its sister lake, Kentucky Lake, it is included on everyone's top-ten, best bass lakes in the southeast. This is also an excellent crappie lake, maybe even one of the best in the country. Catfish, white bass, stripers, sunfish, paddlefish, walleye and sauger also roam these waters in bragging size schools. Pontoon boats, houseboats, power boats, family boats, fishing boats, kayaks and canoes can be rented at the lake.
Primary fish species residing in Lake Barkley
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
Lake Barkley Amenities
Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boating is a popular activity on Lake Barkley, as the expansive waters allow ample room for recreational boaters, water skiers, and anglers. The lake provides boat ramps and marinas for easy access, and the calm waters are ideal for boating activities. Whether you're cruising the lake, water skiing, or towing a tube, Lake Barkley offers plenty of space to enjoy the water.
Fishing Boat Rentals
Buzzard Rock Marina
Rentals: Pontoon boats
270 388 - 7925
Eddy Creek Marina Resort
Rentals: Jon boats, bass boats, kayaks and pontoon boats
270 388-2271
Green Turtle Bay Boat Rentals
Rentals: Pontoon boats
270 362-9555
Lake Barkley Marina
Rentals: Bass boats and pontoon boats
270 924-6081
Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings
Barkley Dam Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, off Barkley Dam Spur, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Barkley Lake Boat Ramp at Energy Dam
Located mid lake, west side, off County Road 134, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.
Craven's Bay Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off County Road 118, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking.
Craven's Bay Campground Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off County Road 118, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Demumbers Point Boat Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, off Forest Service Road 108, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking.
Devils Elbow Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest section of the lake, off US Route 68, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.
Nickell Branch Backcountry Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, off Forest Service Road 102-A, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Taylor Bay Backcountry Area Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off County Road 136, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Marinas
Buzzard Rock Marina
985 Buzzard Rock Rd
Kuttawa, KY 42055
270 388 - 7925
Eddy Creek Marina Resort
7612 State Route 93 South
Eddyville, Kentucky 42038
270 388-2271
Lake Barkley Marina
4200 State Park Road
Cadiz, KY 42211
270 924-6081
Fishing Guides On Lake Barkley
Andy Allen Fishing Guide Service - bass, crappie, bluegill, catfish
If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.
Fishing License
Click here for a Kentucky Fishing License.
Camping is also a favorite pastime at Lake Barkley, with several campgrounds and RV parks located along its shores. Visitors can choose from a variety of camping options, including tent camping, RV camping, and cabin rentals. The campgrounds often provide amenities such as picnic areas, playgrounds, and nature trails, allowing campers to enjoy the serene beauty of the lake while immersing themselves in the outdoors.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
Energy Lake Campground - 270 924-2270
Kamptown RV Resort - 270 522-7976
Kentucky Lakes-Prizer Point KOA Campground - 270 522-3762
Dryden Bay Campground & Cabin - 270 388-0289
Cravens Bay Campground - 270 924-2000
Indian Point RV Park - 270 388-2730
Eureka Recreation Area Campground - 270 388-9459
Murphy's RV Park - 270 388-4752
Lake Barkley KY Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Barkley Lake
Lake Barkley Marina
4200 State Park Rd
Cadiz, KY 42211
270 924-6081
Fishing lakes in each state.
081324
Lake Barkley in Kentucky.
KENTUCKY
Information about fishing lakes in Kentucky
Lake Barkley, in southwest KY, offers anglers the chance to fish for three kinds of bass plus catfish, white bass, stripers, sunfish, paddlefish, walleye, sauger and more.
