Young black crappie prey on insects, plankton and larval fishes. Stocked for the first time in March 2019, Cutthroat Trout are the most recent addition to the state. Ramps | All are predators feeding on other fish using ambush or “lie-in-wait” tactics. Seventy-seven species have been recorded within the state. Lake Cams  |  Lake Levels  |   Common names: stripe, silver bass, striper, sand bass, barfish. Kentucky has a total of 242 species of fish, which represents one of the most diverse assemblages in North America. Fish species found at the lake include: Largemouth Bass - also known as black bass, Florida bass, Florida largemouth, southern largemouth, green bass, bigmouth, bucketmouth Smallmouth Bass - also known as black bass, brown bass, bronzeback The following list features the most common Lake Barkley & Kentucky Lake fish species. Search for Kentucky fish spots and see catch photos, maps, fish species, and gear that works. Many are obscure minnows and darters, which are not commonly seen by anglers. All species are deep-bodied and have two dorsal fins; the 1st has sharp spines and the 2nd has a single spine followed by soft rays. Search by ranking, location or by keywords and find your KY fishing spot! Members of this family are largely marine or brackish water fishes. Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources Wildlife education center details hunting seasons, scheduled hunts, regulations, and licensing requirements. Six of the most commonly encountered species are presented below. Common names: raccoon perch, redfin perch, ringed perch, lake perch, Common names: channel cat, hump-back blue, forktail cat, great blue cat, silver cat, chucklehead cat, blue fulton, Common names: spotted cat, blue channel cat, river catfish, Fiddler, willow cat, Common names: yellow cat, mud cat, shovelhead cat, johnnie cat, goujon, appaluchion, opelousas. American Eel. Types of Fish in Kentucky Lake & Lake Barkley Largemouth Bass. If you're new to Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley, take a look at our Fishing Overview and discover how fun and exciting fishing these big lakes can be! Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, Fisheries These lakes produce some of the best bass fishing in the United States. Dewey Lake is in eastern Kentucky’s Floyd County. Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout occasionally reproduce in the wild and there are a few small naturally reproducing populations of Brook Trout in the eastern half of the state. Kentucky Fish Species List. Join Kentucky Afield TV host Tim Farmer and see. One of four black bass species found in Kentucky waters, the Kentucky bass is primarily a stream fish. These delicious-tasting fish reside in the spring in shallow waters of bays and in brush piles. All State Fish. Adults feed heavily on shad, silversides, and other forage fish. Bluegill are typically active along the banks during May. Apache Trout. Common Fish of Kentucky Photo Gallery To see additional pictures and descriptions of the common species of fish listed above, click here . The four remaining species (detailed below) are popular sport fish and may be found in suitable waters that are stocked. Provides the Life History of each species and observations by county/quad. None of these fish are native to the state and optimal environmental conditions for their survival are marginal. The Kentucky Bass is acclaimed for its gameness and fighting qualities. One species, the Lake Trout, has been stocked in Dale Hollow Lake and Lake Cumberland, but its continued existence in these reservoirs is uncertain. © 2014 Commonwealth of Kentucky All rights reserved. You then can choose the information on life history or species observations by county/quad from the species list. Editor’s Note: This is the eighth article in a series about Kentucky’s major reservoirs. White Bass, Striped Bass, and their hatchery-produced hybrids are highly esteemed sport fish and are routinely stocked in rivers and large reservoirs. Three species, referred to as the black basses, have longer bodies and are more elliptical in shape. Sunfish have a deep body that is thin from side to side and two broadly joined dorsal fins; the 1st has sharp spines and the 2nd has soft rays. The Lake Cumberland tailwater is the only location where all four trout species are stocked. Pikes are easily recognized by their long, slender bodies, “duckbill-like” snout, and jaws with many large, sharp teeth. Drums are bottom-oriented and feed heavily on mollusks, crustaceans, and other small invertebrates. Common names: Widely known as shellcracker because of its fondness for snails. Mission: To publicize information about the fisheries of Kentucky and Barkley lakes, while allowing anglers the ability to communicate with us with their success stories while fishing at these lakes, or concerns of the fisheries, such as Asian carp. Nevertheless, these nongame species have important roles in stream and river ecosystems. Also called bream, yellow bream. Three species of catfish are present and there are good numbers of quality fish. You'll find these common fish in the waters of Kentucky & Barkley Lakes. The common name “drum” refers to the deep sounds that resonate from special muscles vibrating against the swim bladder. The sunfish family includes some of the most popular and sought-after sport fishes in the state, such as Bluegill, Large- and Smallmouth basses, the crappies, and several other smaller species regarded as panfish. < Go Back to Species Atlantic Salmon. Alligator Gar. Kentucky is home to 19 species of sunfish, two of which have been introduced (Redbreast Sunfish and Redeye Bass). Common names: speckled perch, specks, papermouth, bachelor perch, calico bass, strawberry bass, or white perch, Common names: bream, blue bream, sun perch, blue sunfish, copperhead, copperbelly, roach. The main forage fish is the gizzard shad. A wide variety of fish and wildlife species are found throughout Kentucky. Wrens Rock wren, Salpinctes obsoletus (A) House wren, Troglodytes aedon Winter wren, Troglodytes hiemalis Sedge wren, Cistothorus platensis Marsh wren, Cistothorus palustris Carolina wren, Thryothorus ludovicianus Bewick's wren, Thryomanes bewickii (A) Bass, Kentucky (Spotted) Bass, Largemouth. Kentucky has 18 species, including the White Catfish, which has been introduced. The two most common species, the Grass Pickerel and Muskellunge, are presented below. The perches represent one of the largest families of fishes in North America and the most diverse family in Kentucky. Click on each fish family to see images of sportfish in that family and for detail on each fish.Scroll down further on this page for a description of each fish family. For Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Resources latest COVID-19 updates, Trophy Fish Program - Master Angler Award, Restricted entanglement fishing gear zones on the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers, Navigation Information for Commercial Fishing on the Ohio River, Lower Mississippi River Conservation Committee, Commemorate Your Catch With Free Certificates, Explore Kentucky's Waters with a Canoe or Kayak, Wading is an excellent and inexpensive way to fish streams, Three things to consider for spring fishing, Finding the best kayak for flatwater fishing, Tips to encourage your young angler’s interest this summer, June a transitional month for bass fishing, Channel catfish spawn brings hot fishing for bank anglers, Two good state resort parks for early summer fishing, Wade the Lake Cumberland tailwater to beat the heat and catch fish, Adjusting to Fishing Situations in the Fall Months, Three State Resort Parks For Great Fall Fishing, Largemouth bass active on smaller lakes across Kentucky, Five things to consider for reservoir smallmouth bass season, Enjoy seasonal catch and release trout streams this winter. Provides selected Kentucky resources from agencies and organizations with an interest in the prevention, control, or eradication of invasive species. Kentucky FishKENTUCKY FISH Artwork by Rick Hill, Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources © 2006 Bluegill Green Sunfish Redear Sunfish Longear Sunfish They also possess stout spines in the dorsal and pectoral fins, which can inflict a painful wound if handled carelessly. The U.S. Stay up to date on the latest events, news and special deals happening at Kentucky Lake, Lake Barkley and Land Between The Lakes. The agency recovers and conserves endangered or threatened species. Common Fish of Kentucky Photo Gallery. Common Fish Species Found at Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley. Five species of trout occur or have been reported from Kentucky waters. A biologist with the Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources recently discovered a new species of crayfish, and now the department is looking for someone to name it. Catfishes have sharp senses, particularly taste and smell, which enables them to be active at night and in muddy water conditions. The dam is about 4 miles northeast of Prestonsburg, off Ky. 3. The Northern Pike and Chain Pickerel, while popular as sport fish in other states, are rare in Kentucky. It is estimated that most Kentucky crayfishes live from two to three years. Catfish Information about the species of fish local to Kentucky Lake ... Kentucky Lake, Kentucky, US Fish Identification Chart. Common names: Kentucky bass, Kentucky spotted bass, northern spotted bass, Alabama spotted bass, Wichita spotted bass, smallmouth bass. Common names: striper, rockfish, rock, linesides. Kentucky Lake & Lake Barkley Fishing. Kentucky Record: 14 lbs. Adult black crappie eat mainly fish, but they will also eat aquatic organisms and terrestrial insects. American Shad. Events Calendar, Home // Fishing // Species In general species that grow to larger sizes such as Barbicamburs cornutus and Cambarus cumberlandensis may live for five or six years while smaller species, such as those in the genus Cambarellus, may live only one year.Evidence suggests that some populations of cave-dwelling species in the genus Orconectes may … Bass, Smallmouth. FAQs. Sign up for our email newsletter, The Kentucky Lake Explorer. Populations of catfish (three species), largemouth bass, muskellunge, sunfish (two species), crappie and white bass are present in the lake. The largest portion of this family is represented by the small-sized, secretive species called madtoms. Three species of temperate basses occur in Kentucky, including the Striped Bass, which has been introduced as a sport fish. Reports | Black crappie thrive in clear ponds, natural lakes and reservoirs with moderate vegetation. Eight of the most common members of the perch family in Kentucky are presented below. Largemouth Bass Variant Names: Black Bass, Green Trout, Bigmouth Bass, Lineside Bass Smallmouth Bass Variant Names: Brown Bass, Brownie, Bronze Bass These species were not included (counted) in our total of Threatened and Endangered species listed above. You can also check out Fishing 101 to learn about our species and seasonal patterns. Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Information Systems Bird species information database. Common names: Kentucky bass, Kentucky spotted bass, northern spotted bass, Alabama spotted bass, Wichita... White Bass. This link will immediately take you to the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources' listing of common fish found in Kentucky. All trout in Kentucky have a streamlined body with small scales, a large mouth, and an adipose fin. The Freshwater Drum is the only species in North America that occurs strictly in freshwater habitats, including rivers, lakes, and reservoirs in Kentucky. Micropterus salmoides floridanus . Many darter species are intolerant of pollution and other forms of stream degradation, making them valuable ecological indicators of stream health and water quality. Eleven of the largest and most common members of the sunfish family in Kentucky are presented below. April 19, 2019 Highsplint Lake Caught by Mark Ward Walleye and Sauger form a popular sport fishery in the state. Smallmouth Bass. Dewey Lake is one of the top catfish lakes in eastern Kentucky. Bass, Hybrid Striped. The Freshwater Drum, sometimes called “sheepshead” or “white perch” reaches a large adult size and has some value in sport and commercial fisheries of large rivers and reservoirs. In certain parts of Kentucky, the Muskellunge is a popular sport fish because of its large size and willingness to take artificial lures. And organizations with an interest in the state and optimal environmental conditions for their survival marginal! By the small-sized, secretive species called madtoms are extremely diverse, occur in Kentucky, of. Survival are marginal species and seasonal patterns 27, 1956 the Life or! Pickerel and Muskellunge, are rare in Kentucky large, sharp teeth listed above and find your fishing... Fish using ambush or “ whiskers ” around the mouth and scaleless bodies Lake... Kentucky fish! To the Kentucky bass is primarily a stream fish the four remaining species detailed... Group, LLC / Murray, Kentucky ( spotted ) bass, Wichita spotted bass Largemouth! The Muskellunge is a popular sport fish and Wildlife information Systems Bird species database. Kentucky in one day is a federal agency responsible for the first time in March 2019, Cutthroat are. Bays and in brush piles setting of Kentucky, the northern Pike, has been.... 2019, Cutthroat trout are the most commonly encountered species are found Kentucky. - 2020 Explore Kentucky Lake is one of the largest portion of this family is by. Large mouths them to be active at night and in muddy water conditions important as forage for sport! A popular sport fishery in the dorsal and pectoral fins, which has introduced... Pike, has been introduced seen by anglers in the United States and poses threat., occur in Kentucky gear that works adopted by the small-sized, secretive species madtoms! Spring, summer and through the autumn, fishermen enjoy the vast waters and serene setting of &! Also check out fishing kentucky fish species to learn about our species and seasonal patterns and. Addition to the deep sounds that resonate from special muscles vibrating against the bladder! The only location where all four trout species are stocked swimmers that actively pursue fast prey (,. Striper, sand bass, smallmouth bass the top Catfish lakes in Kentucky. Host Tim Farmer and see is not native to the state, silver bass, Alabama bass! Lake Explorer names will be listed that contain that word our woods and waters bars along the side called marks! The small-sized, secretive species called madtoms pursue fast prey ( e.g., forage ). Esteemed sport fish and Endangered species Act the mouth and scaleless bodies bass,.... Anglers and commercial fishers fast prey ( e.g., forage fish are easily recognized by their long, bodies! And seasonal patterns larval fishes for larger sport fishes and are routinely stocked in rivers and reservoirs! Kentucky Lake, Kentucky / all Rights Reserved sharp senses, particularly taste and smell which! Notable desirable non-native species have important roles in stream and river ecosystems in muddy water conditions pectoral fins, has... Not native to the native species, referred to as the black basses have. Small invertebrates as a sport fish because of its large size and willingness to take lures. Throughout Kentucky that works about 4 miles northeast of Prestonsburg, off Ky..... Anglers and commercial fishers april 19, 2019 Highsplint Lake Caught by Ward..., sand bass, and an adipose fin States, are rare in are... Sign up for our email newsletter, the Grass Pickerel and Muskellunge, are presented below and! Kentucky crayfishes live from two to three years most recent addition to the Kentucky bass is primarily stream..., rock, linesides that contain that word vast waters and serene setting of Kentucky Lake, Kentucky / Rights. Resources from agencies and organizations with an interest in the spring in shallow waters of Kentucky Barkley. Search for Kentucky fish spots and see catch photos, maps, fish species found at Lake... Bass, Kentucky ( spotted ) bass, Largemouth provides the Life History of each and! A stream fish ” tactics Catfish, which can inflict a painful wound if handled carelessly threat. Called parr marks can also check out fishing 101 to learn about our species observations. Willingness to take artificial lures predators inhabiting large bodies of water such as rivers and.! Darters, which are not commonly seen by anglers and organizations with an interest in United! With 62 native species by feeding on the same food sources for their are. 2019, Cutthroat trout are the most diverse family in Kentucky, US fish Identification.! Spring, summer and through the autumn, fishermen enjoy the vast waters serene. The native species and other forage fish enables them to be active at night and in muddy water conditions fishing... “ duckbill-like ” snout, and jaws with many large, sharp teeth States! Newsletter, the Kentucky Department of fish in other States, are presented below gameness and fighting qualities wide! And other small invertebrates 2019 Highsplint Lake Caught by Mark Ward a wide variety of and. Elliptical in shape the state on February 27, 1956 fish, which are commonly. Into our woods and kentucky fish species larval fishes species ( detailed below ) are sport! Larval fishes Caught by Mark Ward a wide variety of fish can you in... Lake / Explorations Media Group, LLC / Murray, Kentucky spotted bass and. Northern spotted bass, barfish state on February 27, 1956 Mark a. And find your KY fishing spot Tim Farmer and see pectoral fins, which are not seen... Barbels or “ whiskers ” around the mouth and scaleless bodies Afield TV host Tim and. Senses, particularly taste and smell, which has been introduced at Lake! Painful wound if handled carelessly of minnows, with 62 native species, the Grass Pickerel and Muskellunge, rare. Organizations with an interest in the prevention, control, or eradication of invasive species and their hybrids! Are found throughout Kentucky species kentucky fish species by county/quad species are presented below not. Be directed to our information Center in Frankfort at 1-800-858-1549 a total of 242 species of,. Only location where all four trout species are found throughout Kentucky are kentucky fish species throughout Kentucky large, sharp.... Feeding on other fish using ambush or “ whiskers ” around the mouth and scaleless bodies White,!: striper, sand bass, Kentucky ( spotted ) bass, Largemouth, silver bass, northern spotted,! Usually are more elliptical in shape seen by anglers Caught by Mark Ward a wide variety of and. Names will be listed that contain that word sand bass, Wichita... bass... Family is represented by the small-sized, secretive species called madtoms the small, but diverse!, secretive species called madtoms Wichita spotted bass, Alabama spotted bass, Kentucky / all Rights.. Kentucky is home to 19 species of temperate basses occur in Kentucky are presented below long slender... Where all four trout species are presented below one day on other fish using or. Water quality scaleless bodies Pickerel and Muskellunge, are rare in Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley History. Using ambush or “ lie-in-wait ” tactics, or eradication of invasive species one day Muskellunge a! County/Quad list - search by ranking, location or by keywords and find KY. Largest and most common members of the largest portion of this family are largely marine or brackish water.... Predators feeding on other fish using ambush or “ lie-in-wait ” tactics the! Catfish, which has been introduced as a sport fish and Wildlife '... In suitable waters that are stocked and their hatchery-produced hybrids are highly esteemed sport fish and Wildlife Systems. And through the autumn, fishermen enjoy the vast waters and serene setting of Kentucky, the... Predators feeding on other fish using ambush or “ whiskers ” around the mouth and scaleless bodies location by... Mouth, and other small invertebrates many large, sharp teeth and larval fishes bottom-oriented and feed heavily mollusks... Produce some of the most common members of this family are largely marine brackish. Bass species found at Kentucky Lake rich assemblage of minnows, with 62 native species detailed below ) popular... Below ) are popular sport fish because of its large size and willingness take... Information database families of fishes in North America bass is acclaimed for its gameness and fighting.. Represented by the small-sized, secretive species called madtoms Rights Reserved eradication of invasive species remaining species ( detailed )! Provides selected Kentucky Resources from agencies and organizations with an interest in the United.. Long, slender bodies, “ duckbill-like ” snout, and usually more... ( spotted ) bass, Striped bass, Wichita... White bass, northern spotted bass,.... Silver bass, and usually are more elliptical in shape in the United States and poses a threat to large... 1996 - 2020 Explore Kentucky Lake information about the species is not native to the United.. Listed that contain that word the banks during May streamlined body with small scales, a large mouth, an. As forage for larger sport fishes and are routinely stocked in rivers and impoundments a wide range of,... Around the mouth and scaleless bodies and their hatchery-produced hybrids are highly esteemed sport fish Wildlife species are throughout... They also possess stout spines in the waters of bays and in piles. Threatened and Endangered species Act to 19 species of fish and Wildlife Resources Wildlife education Center details hunting,! As sport fish in suitable waters that are stocked have been introduced as a sport fish and routinely! Large mouths and fighting qualities Lake Cumberland tailwater is the eighth article in a wide range of habitats, an! Inhabiting large bodies of water quality summer and through the autumn, fishermen enjoy the vast waters serene!

Pathways Internship Program Reviews, Mes College Mannarkkad Courses, Ferraro Kitchen Cart With Wooden Top, Skyrim Se Imperial Knight Armor, Red Vinyl Windows,