- 30+ Years Experience
- Coast Guard Licensed
- Insured
- Full Day Trips
- Half Day Trips
Andy Allen Fishing Guide Service provides guided fishing trips on Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley for anglers pursuing crappie, largemouth and smallmouth… (more...)
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Things to do in and around LBL
Fishing in Land Between The Lakes
Fishing is a long-standing part of life at Land Between the Lakes, with access to both Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley along the edges of the recreation area, as well as several smaller lakes and ponds within it. Anglers come here for a range of species, including bass, crappie, catfish, bluegill, and sauger, depending on the season and location.
Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley are connected by a single canal, which allows anglers to move between the two waters while exploring different shorelines and conditions. Within LBL, fishing opportunities vary from simple bank access to boat ramps that serve everything from small boats to kayaks.
While Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley are always available for fishing, some smaller lakes within LBL follow seasonal guidelines. Kentucky and Barkley’s water levels and conditions can change throughout the year, so a little planning goes a long way. Whether the goal is a quiet morning along the shore or a day spent on the water, fishing at LBL offers a straightforward, accessible way to spend time outdoors.
Photo courtesy Scott Raymond
Best Time to Go
Spring and early summer are popular for fishing at Land Between the Lakes, with many species becoming more active as water temperatures rise. Conditions vary by location and water level, so timing can make a noticeable difference from one day to the next.
Fishing in LBL
What to Expect
Fishing at Land Between the Lakes requires a valid fishing license from Kentucky or Tennessee, depending on where you plan to fish, along with compliance with state size and creel limits. Kentucky and Tennessee have a reciprocal fishing agreement for fishing between US 68 and US 79. Either a Kentucky or a Tennessee fishing license will work for this part of Kentucky Lake.
Access ranges from shoreline spots to maintained boat ramps, and conditions can vary with season, weather, and water levels. Spring and early summer are popular times for many species, but fishing is available throughout much of the year. Anglers are encouraged to pack out trash and dispose of fishing line properly to help keep access areas clean and usable.
Kentucky Lake & Lake Barkley Fishing Guides
- Multi-Species
- Over 30 Years Experience
- Blood River
- Big Sandy
- Technique Teaching
John Morgan has operated Angling Adventures on Kentucky Lake since 1992. His multi-species trips combine time on the water with practical instruction,… (more...)
- Electronics Training
- Largemouth Bass
- Smallmouth Bass
- Tournament Prep
- USCG Licensed
Brandon Hunter guides for largemouth and smallmouth bass on Kentucky Lake, with trips available for recreational fishing, technique work and tournament preparation.… (more...)
- Over 30 Years Exp.
- Licensed & Insured
- All Species
- Year-Round Guide
- 20-Ft Bass Boat
Captain Kirk’s Guide Service offers year-round, multi-species fishing trips on Kentucky Lake. Depending on the season, trips may target bass, crappie, redear,… (more...)
- Family-Friendly
- Bass/Crappie
- Bluegill/Redear
- Licensed/Insured
- Fishing Cleaning
Ross Wimberly guides for bass and crappie throughout the year, along with bluegill and redear during May and June. Cedar Ridge Guide… (more...)
- Family-Friendly
- Four & Six Hr. Trips
- Alcohol Free
- Up to 4 Guests
- Hummingbird Tech
Captain Doug Wynn brings more than 50 years of Kentucky Lake fishing experience to Crappie Gills N’ More. He specializes in trolling… (more...)
- Wheelchair Acccessible
- All Species
- Electronics
- Pontoon Fishing
- Equipment Provided
Captain Rich Bay operates Kick’n Bass Guide Service as a full-time, multi-species service on Kentucky and Barkley lakes. Family trips are offered… (more...)
- Bass Fishing
- Lake Familiarization
- Tournament Prep
- Map Marking
- Open Apr-Nov
Scott Patton offers bass fishing trips on Kentucky Lake from April through November. Trips can focus on lake familiarization, tournament preparation, map… (more...)
- 40 Years Experience
- Licensed & Insured
- Family-Friendly
- Bass & Crappie
- Equipment Supplied
Shelldiver Guide Service offers bass and multi-species fishing trips on Kentucky and Barkley lakes. Scott also provides sonar instruction, bass-fishing courses and… (more...)
- Since 1972
- Crappie Guide
- Bluegill & Redears
- Full/Half Days
- Waterfowl Guide
Steve McCadams has worked as a professional fishing and waterfowl guide since 1972. His Kentucky Lake fishing experience includes bass, crappie and… (more...)
- Your Catch Cleaned
- USCG Certified
- Largemouth Bass
- Smallmouth Bass
- Fish Packaged
Brad Weakley has been a licensed Kentucky Lake fishing guide for more than four decades. His service covers largemouth and smallmouth bass,… (more...)
