2009 ANGLING GUIDE
The LBL area has some of the nation's best sport fishing opportunities for crappie, bass, sauger, catfish, and bluegill. For anglers 16 and older (13 and older in Tennessee), a fishing license is required; no LBL permit is required. Anglers must have a license for the state in which they are fishing, except there is a reciprocal agreement for a portion of Kentucky Lake as described below. Fishing licenses are sold at many local businesses outside LBL. Respective state fishing regulations and limits apply except for those listed in the special sport fishing regulations table (below). Anglers should carefully examine state regulations as size and creel limits can vary, dependent upon where you are fishing. The LBL Fishing Report is available by dialing (270) 924-2000 and selecting option 2.

* There is no size limit for Kentucky (spotted) bass in Kentucky or Tennessee portions.
** Trotlines and limblines prohibited in Bards Lake. Jug fishing permitted from October 1 to March 21, with limits of 10 jugs per person.
*** Other areas may be closed as indicated by buoys and signs.

BOWFISHING & FROG GIGGING
Bowfishing is permitted for nongame fish species along the LBL shoreline of Kentucky and Barkley Lakes and in Honker, Energy, and Bards interior lakes when open to fishing. Fishing licenses are required from the respective states where bowfishing is done.

Frog gigging is permitted by gig only (no firearms) in LBL interior ponds, Bards, Energy, and Honker Lakes from May 15 through August 31. Daily limit is 15. Frog gigging is permitted along the LBL shoreline by gig only in accordance with statewide seasons and regulations. According to Kentucky state law, either a hunting or fishing license may be used for frog gigging. In Tennessee, only a hunting license is valid for frog gigging.

NOTE: Individuals frog gigging with a hunting license in the Kentucky portion of LBL and all Tennessee frog giggers must possess an LBL Hunter Use Permit.

The annual water level pattern is the same for Kentucky and Barkley Lakes since the lakes are joined by a canal at LBL's north end. Some day-to-day variations in water levels occur, but levels generally follow this graph. Much higher water levels may occur during flooding or lower levels may occur during droughts in any season.

SEASONAL FISHING OPPORTUNITIES
Kentucky & Barkley Lakes

Spring (April-June)
Fishing success is rated excellent. As waters warm above 60°F, fish move to shallow areas in protected coves to spawn. Fish for crappie, largemouth bass, and a variety of sunfish in these areas around any form of cover. Fish for catfish below the dams and in the main lakes near riprap and large rock banks.

Summer (July to mid-September)
Fishing success is rated good. As water temperatures rise above 80°F, fish move to deeper main lake areas along sand bars and old creek channels. Fish for white bass (sometimes called "stripes"), catfish, sauger, and large- and smallmouth bass near drop-offs in 8 to 20 feet of water. Sunfish can still be caught in shallows near the banks. Fish for catfish near the river channels or below the dams.

Fall (mid-September to mid-November)
Fishing success is rated good. Fish move along main lake shorelines and into the deeper bays. Fish for crappie and large- and smallmouth bass around brush, logs, and other cover near the bank in 3 to 10 feet of water. Fish for catfish and rockfish in the dam tailwaters.

Winter (mid-November to mid-March)
Fishing success is rated fair. Fish for crappie along drop-offs with cover in 10 to 20 feet of water in the main lake or in larger bays. Fish for smallmouth bass on sunny main lake gravel bars and points. fish 30-40ft. deep for catfish near the river channels or below the dams.

EAGLE NESTS ON LBL SHORELINE
Several bald eagle nests are active at LBL each year. Some of these are near the shoreline. Nesting activity generally occurs in several of these territories yearly. Please avoid disturbing eagles by not approaching too closely. Although bald eagles are no longer listed under the Endangered Species Act, they are still protected.

Have questions on LBL or state fisheries and wildlife management programs? Contact:

Environmental Stewardship
Land Between The Lakes
100 Van Morgan Drive
Golden Pond, Kentucky 42211-9001
Phone (270) 924-2065
(8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Mon-Fri)

Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency
Ellington Agricultural Center
PO Box 40747
Nashville, Tennessee 37204
Phone (615) 781-6500

Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources
No. 1 Sportsman's Lane
Frankfort, Kentucky 40601
Phone 1-800-858-1549

Reporting Illegal Activities:
To report illegal fish and wildlife activities call:
USDA Forest Service: 270-924-2196
Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency: 1-800-831-1173
Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources: 1-800-252-5378

For more information on LBL write: Land Between The Lakes, 100 Van Morgan Drive, Golden Pond, KY 42211-9001, or call (270) 924-2000 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. CST.