Fishing on Cumberland Lake
 

Although Lake Cumberland offers some of the finest recreational and sight-seeing opportunities above the water, it's what's underneath that counts. And it counts BIG!

Largemouth Bass, Crappie, Stripers and Catfish are the main source of excitement on the Lake and when one type isn't cooperating, relax..... another one will.

The fishing season begins early on Lake Cumberland, from then on the action gets better.  As the lake warms up topwater lures produce the explosive strikes that make grown men shake with excitement. After the bass spawn, usually in late April or early May, the plastic worm begins to replace the crankbaits and surface lures on the business end of the fishing rod. Summer find bass around deep points, drop off's and boat docks. And just when you think the action's going to end, the cool weather of October and November brings the bass back in the shallows for some more fast fishing action.

If Large Mouth Bass doesn't excite you, some of the other's will. During the early spring spawning runs experienced anglers often fill their limit in about as many casts.

Through effective management, regulation and stocking efforts Lake Cumberland has provided numbers of state record catches over the past years.

Whether you are a serious pro looking for some outstanding bass fishing or just look forward to a lazy day of relaxation and family fun, Cumberland Lake has the best for your fishing vacation.




Fishing Information & License Fees
License year runs from March 1, through the last day of February
 
 LICENSE   RESIDENT   NON-RESIDENT  
 Annual Fishing   $12.50   $30.00
 Combined Hunting & Fishing   $20.00  NA
 3-day Fishing  NA  $12.50
 14-day Fishing  NA  $20.00
 Joint Husband & Wife Fishing   $22.50  NA
 Trout Stamp  $5.00  $5.00
 Commercial (includes 10 gear tags)   $100.00  $500.00
 Commercial Gear Tags (blocks of 10)   $10.00  $75.00



CREEL & SIZE LIMITS
 
SPECIES  DAILY LIMIT  POSSESSION LIMIT  SIZE LIMIT 
Black Bass (largemouth, smallmouth) 
6
12
12"
Kentucky Bass (spotted)
6
12
none
Rock Bass
15
30
none
Walleye & hybirds
10
20
15"
Sauger
10
20
none
Northern Pike
none
none
none
Muskellung
2
2
30"
Chain Pickerel
5
10
none
White & Yellow Bass
30
60
none
Striped Bass (rock fish & Hybirds)
5
5
15"
Crappie
30
60
none
Rainbow Trout
8
8
none
Brook Trout
2
2
10"
Bullfrogs (noon 3rd Friday in May-Oct.)
15
30
none


FOR MORE INFORMATION AND CURRENT SIZE & LIMITS
Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources
#1 Game Farm Road, Frankfort, Ky. 40601
(502) 564-4336