Fishing Opportunies at Lake Barkley

Fishing on property managed by the Corps of Engineers for the operation of Lake Barkley has become a tradition and is a favorite pastime for many people.  With over 57,000 surface acres of water available for public use, Lake Barkley supports diverse and abundant fish populations.  Sportsman licenses for fishing are required in both Kentucky and Tennessee and should be purchased for the State in which you will be enjoying these outdoor activities.  Special permits may be obtained in both States for trout fishing.  Please check State laws for complete information.  Fishing licenses may be purchased over the counter at Bait Stores, Gas Stations, Marinas and Department Stores, which sell sporting goods.

Fish Attractor Permits:

1. The Lake Barkley Corps of Engineers navigation charts will be used to mark the location where you wish to place the attractors.

2. A description of the attractor and material to be used must be submitted before a permit will be issued.

3. No vegetation may be cut on public property.

4. Preserved or pressure treated wood materials will not be permitted. Only brush and non-treated wood products will be permitted.

5. Buckets used for stake beds are approved; however the buckets must be free of all residues prior to being used as part of fish attractor.

6. Attractors must be placed minimum depths of five feet at winter pool elevation 354’ above mean sea level (m.s.l.).

7. Attractors will not be permitted in primary or secondary navigation channels.

8. Attractors will be anchored with concrete, concrete blocks and/or rocks to hold the attractors in place.

IF YOU WISH TO FILL OUT A PERMIT APPLICATION PLEASE CLICK HERE AND FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS:

For further information contact:

Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources
#1 Game Farm Road
Frankfort, KY 40601
(1-800-858-1549 or 1-502-564-3074) 

Or

Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency
218 Genesis Road
Crossville, TN 38555
(1-800-262-6704)