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Lake Information for Barren River Lake


Map: 
Description: 

Barren River Lake is a 10,100 acres (41 km2), artificial lake in Kentucky created by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1964 by impounding the Barren River. The lake occupies parts of Allen, Barren, and Monroe counties. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is responsible for operation and maintenance of the project and responsible for protection of the resource. A small segment of the propety owned by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is leased to Barren River Lake State Resort Park and lies along a section of shoreline in Barren County.

Facilities and Parks: 
Fishing Description: 

Good populations of channel and flathead catfish present with good numbers of larger fish. Best fishing period is during June when spawning occurs along rock outcrops and back in the end of smaller coves. Use live or cut bait, chicken liver and night crawlers in the summer. Night fishing generally best.

For largemouth bass expect Higher than average numbers of 15-inch plus fish are available from strong 2002 and 2003 year classes.

Overall numbers of hybrid striped bass are good with large fish (20-inch plus) available. In spring, focus on headwaters with spinner rigs and crank baits. Target main lake early in the morning and at dusk in the summer and fall as schools appear throughout the lake. Look for areas where fish are working bait into the shallows. This can be some very thrilling fishing. Some fish taken during the winter months scattered throughout the lake.

Yellow bass numbers continue to increase since their discovery in 2003. Compared to white bass and hybrid striped bass they are smaller-sized (6-9 inches), have darker lines on the side with broken lines on the lower rear portion (the broken lines appear to be in a line) and have a general yellow appearance. Fishing methods similar to white bass using smaller jigs and spinners.

Black crappie comprise the majority of the crappie population. Remainder of good 2003 year class of black crappie should grow to harvestable size (9 inches) as year progresses. White crappie will be in short supply, but with most being 10-12 inches or better. Target shallower water to find black crappie in spring and early summer. Summer fishing is best around deeper structure and fish attractor sites.

Large population of sunfish with good numbers of heavy 6–8 inch fish. Fish stump beds and back of coves during the spring and fall with deeper fishing in the summer along rock outcrops.

Fish: 
Channel Catfish
Fish: 
Crappie
Fish: 
Largemouth Bass
Fish: 
Sunfish
Fish: 
White Bass
Optional Information
Surface area: 
10100.00
Name: 
Barren River Lake
Lake type: 
reservoir
State: 
Kentucky

Businesses Located Nearby

Boat Rental

    Sawyers Marine
  • 2867 Meador Port Oliver Rd - Scottsville, KY
  • (270) 622-7797

Vacation Rental


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