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Fishing Regulations in Kentucky

Size limits, bag limits, and seasons by species in Kentucky.

Kentucky's Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources sets the rules across Lake Cumberland's stripers, the smallmouth tailwaters below the dams, and the bass and crappie of its many reservoirs. Size and creel limits differ by species and water, with some tailwaters carrying special regulations, so confirm the rules for your spot first.

45 species with limits184 special regulation bodies of water

Notable waters

DALE HOLLOW LAKEDale Hollow LakeGREEN RIVER LAKE TAILWATER (Taylor County) — from Green River Lake Dam and extending downstream to the end of the concrete wallOTTER CREEK (Meade County) — inside Otter Creek Outdoor Recreation AreaROCKCASTLE RIVER WMA Ponds (Pulaski County)WOOD CREEK LAKE (Laurel County)Barren River LakeBeaver Creek (Wayne County) — KY 90 bridge to KY 200 bridge

Official Kentucky regulations Kentucky license costs

Statewide

Year-round

Min size12"Daily bag6Possession12

Size Min 12: Largemouth: 12 inches minimum

Combined Aggregate: LMB + SMB + Kentucky (Spotted) + Coosa Bass: 6/12 in aggregate

Specific bodies of water may have special regulations.

Always confirm with the official state agency before keeping a fish. Regulations can change and local exceptions may apply.

Check Kentucky Regulations on the App

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