Lake Barkley
Lake Barkley is a lake in Kentucky. The main target species are Bluegill, Smallmouth Bass and White Bass.
Best day to fish
The bite over the next days, scored at dusk. Based on the weather forecast, so it is guidance, not guarantees.
Conditions right now
Water temperature is an estimate based on weather and season.
Best times today
Local time at the spot, from the most likely species' daily rhythm.
Feeding times today
Solunar times are a traditional guide based on the moon's position, separate from the live ranking above. Local time at the spot.
Next hours
Likely catch now (12 species)
About the fishing here
Lake Barkley runs alongside Kentucky Lake, connected by a short canal, and covers the lower Cumberland River behind a Tennessee Valley Authority dam. Largemouth and smallmouth bass fill the rocky points and creek arms, and the lake is also known for good crappie fishing in spring. Being tied to Kentucky Lake means the two often fish similarly depending on water levels. A Kentucky or Tennessee fishing license is required, depending on the stretch.
Popular catches here include Bluegill, Smallmouth Bass, White Bass, Largemouth Bass, Striped Bass and Rainbow Trout.
Bluegill fishing is usually best around May-Jul. The best windows are usually dawn, day and dusk.
A state fishing license is required to fish here. Napp ranks the species above from the live weather, water temperature, season and time of day, so the order changes through the day.
Guides for this water
Tips right now
Fishing permit
A state fishing license is required to fish here. Licenses are issued by each state:
About this water
Lake Barkley, a 58,000-acre (230 km2) reservoir in Livingston County, Lyon County and Trigg County in Kentucky and extending into Stewart County and Houston County in Tennessee, was impounded by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1966 upon the completion of Barkley Dam. Both the lake and the dam are named for Vice President Alben Barkley, a Kentucky native.
Read more on Wikipedia →Map
More waters nearby
Common questions
What fish can you catch at Lake Barkley?
Anglers here regularly land Bluegill, Smallmouth Bass, White Bass, Largemouth Bass, Striped Bass, Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout and Black Crappie.
Do you need a fishing license at Lake Barkley?
Yes. A state fishing license is required; see the link on this page for the state's rules.
When is the best time to fish Lake Barkley?
Bluegill fishing is usually best around May-Jul. The best windows are usually dawn, day and dusk.
What is biting at Lake Barkley right now?
Right now Bluegill is the most likely catch, at about 27%.