Fishing Fishtrap Lake

AKA: Fishtrap

Popular Fish Species
Fishtrap Lake Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
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Fishtrap Lake, KY

Popular Fish Species Fishtrap Lake, KY

Fishtrap Lake Popular Fish - Hybrid Striped Bass

Hybrid Striped Bass Fishing

Hybrid striped bass, also known as wipers, are a favorite of many locals and fishing guides at Fishtrap Lake, as they are plentiful and grow to bragging size. As a hybrid of striped bass and white bass, they have great potential for spawning massive numbers and growing to large sizes. Fishing for hybrid stripers is a matter of locating schools of bait, and schools of hybrid striped bass are likely to be in the area. Mornings, during Fall, hybrids can be caught on topwater or shallow running lures, as they are feeding on baitfish at the surface. When they move deeper, fish finders improve your odds of locating both bait and schools of wipers. Live bait, spoons and jigs are very very effective here, and these hungry fish can be caught year round.

Fishtrap Lake Popular Fish - White Crappie

White Crappie Fishing

Plenty of healthy white crappie reside in Fishtrap Lake, as they are making a nice comeback this year. The fish population is healthy and crappie fishing is excellent. The best time to catch crappie tends to be at dawn and dusk. Crappie always like cover and structure, so locate shallow brush and vegetation in Spring and Fall focusing on the 8 to 12 foot range. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out to as deep as 30 to 35 feet, as well as ledges near channels at these depths. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here. Black crappie, in smaller numbers, also make this lake their home.

Fishtrap Lake Popular Fish - Spotted Bass

Spotted Bass Fishing

Spotted bass are often found in small schools on steep banks, around rocky or sandy shorelines, points and ledges. They often prefer hanging out in slightly deeper water than largemouths. Here at Fishtrap Lake, they are a favorite of many local anglers, as they are plentiful and put up a good tussle when hooked. Fishing for spotted bass can be good anytime you can locate them. Their diet consists mainly of crayfish and insects, but they also eat small baitfish, small sunfish and small bluegill. Most of the time, spots prefer to stage on steep rocky or gravel banks, and may move up and down the water column throughout the day. When shallow, use topwater or shallow crankbaits around rip rap. When they are deep, use drop-shot worms and jigs. Throughout winter, spend your time on deeper structure with small worms, jigs and spoons. Smallmouth bass and largemouth bass also reside here in decent numbers.

Fishtrap 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, white bass, hybrid striped bass and muskie at Fishtrap Lake in Kentucky.

A boat launch ramp at each end of Fishtrap Lake provides easy access for boating and fishing on the lake. It is a 1,130-acre lake in the eastern corner of Kentucky, 10 miles southeast of Pikeville.

Fishing enthusiasts can peruse about 40 miles of shoreline by boat in search of hybrid stripers, bass, catfish, crappie, walleye, sunfish and musky. Some areas for fishing from the bank are available near boat launch ramps and other places where country roads access the lake. There is no marina, rental boats, lodging or amenities at the lake, so come prepared. Camping is available off Grapevine Road, or near the dam.

Primary fish species residing in Fishtrap Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Fishtrap Lake Amenities

Marina: NO
Boat Rental: NO
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: NO
Lodging: NO
Convenience Store: NEARBY
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: NEARBY

Today's Weather & Forecast

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Fishtrap Lake Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest corner of the lake, off Fishtrap Road, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Grapevine Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, northeast side, off Grapevine Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Lick Creek Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, south side, off Lick Creek Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.