Fishing Barren River Lake
AKA: Barren River Reservoir
Popular Fish Species Barren River Lake, KY
Smallmouth Bass Fishing
Smallmouth bass are a favorite of many locals at Barren River Reservoir, as they are plentiful and easy to catch, once located. Fishing for smallmouth bass is good anytime they are shallow - in spring, during high water, mornings in summer and during warmer fall afternoons. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap, and around grass use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In winter, spend your time on deeper structure with small worms, jigs and spoons. Other bass to be caught here include largemouth bass and spotted bass.
Muskie Fishing
Fishing for Muskellunge in Barren River Reservoir could provide a trophy fish on any given cast. Giant musky roam these waters and are aggressive eaters. Muskie fishing can bring some exciting moments to your fishing day, as big muskies are spectacular, and strong fighters. Use a strong rod in medium- to medium-heavy action, with heavy line - 20# or heavier. Because of their sharp teeth, steel leaders are highly recommended. Musky have a big mouth so use big baits, same baits you would use for bass but in larger sizes. Topwater, spinnerbaits, crankbaits and jerkbaits all work well for hungry muskie. The best time of year to chase these big fish is Spring, and then again in Fall as the water temperature starts cooling.
Crappie Fishing
Both black crappie and white crappie reside in Barren River Reservoir, and crappie are a very popular species this year. Crappie fishing has improved significantly due to recent changes in minimum size and limit. Crappie always like cover and structure, so locate brush and vegetation. Using a fish finder can help locate schools of crappie, which tend to stack vertically around cover. In spring and fall focus on the 8 to 12 foot range. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out deep, as well as find ledges near channels in deeper water. White crappie, in smaller numbers, also make this lake their home.
Barren River Lake Fishing Video
Fish species to fish for...
Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, channel catfish, blue catfish, black crappie, white crappie, walleye, bluegill, redear sunfish, white bass, yellow bass and hybrid striped bass at Barren River Lake in Kentucky.
An often used fishery for bass tournaments, Barren River Lake has both largemouth and smallies to attract these events. With 10,000 surface acres and 140 miles of shoreline there is plenty of water to fish. Barren River Lake offers fishing for largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, bluegill, and white bass. Check out fishing reports for popular species at this lake.
Primary fish species residing in Barren River Lake
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
Barren River Lake 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
Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings
Austin Public Use Area Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, off Ramp Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a gravel parking.
Barren River Lake State Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, off State Park Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with lots of paved parking.
Beaver Creek Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast section of the lake, off Beaver Creek Boat Ramp Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp paved parking.
Browns Ford Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, at the east end of the Brownsford Road Bridge, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.
Peninsula Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, off Peninsula Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.
The Narrows Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, off Narrows Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Marinas
Barren River State Park Marina
1148 State Park Rd
Lucas, KY 42156
270 646-2357
Peninsula Marina
1261 Peninsula Rd
Glasgow, KY 42141
270 646-2223
Fishing Guides On Barren River Lake
Barren and Beyond Guide Service - crappie, hybrid stripers
If you offer fishing guide services on Barren River Lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.
Fishing License
Click here for a Kentucky Fishing License.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
Bailey's Point Campground - 270 622-6959
Tailwater Campground - 270 622-7732
The Narrows Campground - 270 646-3094
Spring Hill RV Park - 270 646-3373
Barren River Lake KY Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Barren River Lake
Barren River State Park Marina
1148 State Park Rd
Lucas, KY 42156
270 646-2357
Fishing lakes in each state.
012925
Barren River Lake in Kentucky.
KENTUCKY
Information about fishing lakes in Kentucky
Barren River Lake, in south-central KY offers anglers the opportunity to fish for bass, crappie, walleye, hybrid stripers, catfish sunfish and white bass.
