Kentucky reference
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Kentucky Special-Regulation Waters
Every special-regulation entry in the 2026 guide, A to Z, and the 301 KAR 1:201 exceptions, quoted as printed.
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Special waters
Kentucky waters with their own fishing rules
The 2026 guide prints 92 special-regulation entries, alphabetical by water: slot limits, higher size minimums, lower daily limits, tackle rules and trout seasons. Each entry replaces the statewide row only for the species and stretch it names. 71 of them link to a water page on this site; 11 describe parks, refuges or reservoirs with no KDFWR waterbody page and print as text.
92guide entries
71KAR exceptions
71linked here
2026 Kentucky Fishing & Boating Guide (Regulations Summary March 2026 to February 2027, updated September 2026, p. 7-12; KDFWR PDF), read November 10, 2026.
Photo of Nolin River Lake: LouisvilleUSACE, CC BY 2.0
B
Kentucky special-regulation waters, B
| Water as printed | County | Rules as printed |
|---|---|---|
| Bark Camp Creek | Whitley County | All trout caught from October 1 through March 31 must be immediately released and only artificial baits shall be used during this period. |
| Barkley Tailwater – See Cumberland River | ||
| Barkley, Kentucky Lakes (and their connecting canal) | Crappie: 10-inch minimum size limit. Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass: 15-inch minimum size limit. | |
| Barren River and all tributaries including Barren River Lake | Walleye: 2-fish daily limit; 18- to 26-inch protective slot limit. All walleye caught from 18 to 26 inches long must be immediately released. Smallmouth Bass: 15-inch minimum size limit. | |
| Barren River Lake | The boundaries of Barren River Lake are from the dam upstream to the KY 100 bridge, Long Creek to the KY 100 bridge, Beaver Creek to the KY 1297 bridge, Skaggs Creek to the Matthews Mill Road bridge and Peter Creek to the Peter Creek Road bridge. Blue and Channel Catfish: 15-fish aggregate daily limit, only 1 fish may be longer than 25 inches. Crappie: 10-inch minimum size limit. Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass: 15-inch minimum size limit. Walleye: 2-fish daily limit; 18- to 26-inch protective slot limit. All walleye caught from 18 to 26 inches long must be immediately released. | |
| Beaver Creek from the KY 90 bridge upstream to the KY 200 bridge | Wayne County | All trout caught from October 1 through March 31 must be immediately released and only artificial baits shall be used during this period. |
| Beaver Lake | Anderson County | Possession or use of live shad for bait is prohibited. Black Bass: includes largemouth, smallmouth and Kentucky (spotted) bass – 10 fish daily limit on black bass singly or combined. Largemouth Bass: 12- to 15-inch protective slot limit. All largemouth bass caught between 12 and 15 inches in length must be immediately released. |
| Beech Fork Reservoir | Powell County | Bluegill: 15-fish daily limit. Largemouth Bass: 15-inch minimum size limit. |
| Bert Combs Lake | Clay County | Possession or use of live shad for bait is prohibited. Black Bass: includes largemouth, smallmouth and Kentucky (spotted) bass – 10 fish daily limit on black bass singly or combined. Largemouth Bass: 12- to 15-inch protective slot limit. All largemouth bass caught between 12 and 15 inches in length must be immediately released. |
| Beulah Lake | Jackson County | Black Bass: includes largemouth, smallmouth and Kentucky (spotted) bass – 10 fish daily limit on black bass singly or combined. Largemouth Bass: 12- to 15-inch protective slot limit. All largemouth bass caught between 12 and 15 inches in length must be immediately released. |
| Big Bone Creek | Boone County | All trout caught from October 1 through March 31 must be immediately released and only artificial baits shall be used during this period. |
| Boltz Lake | Grant County | Possession or use of live shad for bait is prohibited. Black Bass: includes largemouth, smallmouth and Kentucky (spotted) bass – 10 fish daily limit on black bass singly or combined. Largemouth Bass: 12- to 15-inch protective slot limit. All largemouth bass caught between 12 and 15 inches in length must be immediately released. |
| Briggs Lake | Logan County | Possession or use of live shad for bait is prohibited. |
| Buckhorn Lake | Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass: 15-inch minimum size limit. Muskellunge: 40-inch minimum size limit. Crappie: 9-inch minimum size limit. |
C
Kentucky special-regulation waters, C
| Water as printed | County | Rules as printed |
|---|---|---|
| Cane Creek | Laurel County | All trout caught from October 1 through March 31 must be immediately released and only artificial baits shall be used during this period. |
| Carnico Lake | Nicholas County | Largemouth Bass: 15-inch minimum size limit. Bluegill and other sunfish: 15-fish daily limit. |
| Carr Creek Lake | Crappie: 9-inch minimum size limit. Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass: 15-inch minimum size limit. Blue and Channel Catfish: 15-fish aggregate daily limit, only 1 fish may be longer than 25 inches. | |
| Carter Caves State Park Lake (also called Smoky Valley Lake) | Fishing during daylight hours only. Possession or use of live shad for bait is prohibited. Black Bass: includes largemouth, smallmouth and Kentucky (spotted) bass – 10 fish daily limit on black bass singly or combined. Largemouth Bass: 12- to 15-inch protective slot limit. All largemouth bass caught between 12 and 15 inches in length must be immediately released. | |
| Casey Creek | Trigg County | All trout caught from October 1 through March 31 must be immediately released and only artificial baits shall be used during this period. |
| Cave Run Lake | Gigging and snagging prohibited in lake and all tributaries up to the first riffle or upper boundary as listed below. Lake upper boundaries: Scott’s Creek to the KY 801 culvert; Beaver Creek to the KY 1274 culvert; North Fork Creek to the confluence of Craney Creek; Ramey Creek to include pool of water north of KY 801; Licking River to KY 772 bridge. Black Bass: includes largemouth, smallmouth and Kentucky (spotted) bass – 10 fish daily limit on black bass singly or combined. Largemouth Bass: only 5 of the 10 can be 12” or above. Smallmouth Bass: 18-inch minimum size limit. Muskellunge: 40-inc | |
| Cedar Creek Lake | Lincoln County | Largemouth Bass: 20-inch minimum size limit, 1-fish daily limit. |
| Chimney Top Creek | Wolfe County | Only artificial baits may be used. |
| Clear Creek | Bell County | All trout caught from October 1 through March 31 must be immediately released and only artificial baits shall be used during this period. |
| Corinth Lake | Grant County | Possession or use of live shad for bait is prohibited. Black Bass: includes largemouth, smallmouth and Kentucky (spotted) bass – 10 fish daily limit on black bass singly or combined. Largemouth Bass: 12- to 15-inch protective slot limit. All largemouth bass caught between 12 and 15 inches in length must be immediately released. |
| Cumberland Gap National Historical Park | (301 KAR 1:035) Special fishing regulations are in effect on Cumberland Gap National Historical Park. For complete fishing information on this area contact: Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, P.O. Box 1848, Middlesboro, KY 40965, phone (606) 248-2817. | |
| Cumberland River from Lake Barkley Dam downstream to confluence with Ohio River | Gigging and snagging regulations along with special regulations for the Cumberland River below Lake Barkley can be found on page 14. Fishing prohibited at the mouth of the lock chamber at Barkley Dam as designated by signs. | |
| Cumberland River from Wolf Creek Dam to the Tennessee state line | All licensed anglers must possess a trout permit on this portion of Cumberland River. This includes Hatchery Creek and all tributaries up to the first riffle. Anglers may not attract or chum trout with bait, corn or other attractants designed to draw numbers of trout to a specific area. This includes all tributaries up to the first riffle and in Hatchery Creek. For additional regulations on Hatchery Creek, refer to the Hatchery Creek section on page 10. Brown Trout or Cutthroat Trout: 20-inch minimum size limit, 1-fish daily limit, also applies to all tributary streams, except Hatchery Creek. | |
| Cumberland River upstream from Cumberland Falls and all tributaries: | Walleye: 2-fish daily limit; 18- to 26-inch protective slot limit. All walleye caught from 18 to 26 inches long must be immediately released. Smallmouth Bass: 15-inch minimum size limit. |
D
Kentucky special-regulation waters, D
| Water as printed | County | Rules as printed |
|---|---|---|
| Dale Hollow Lake | Crappie: 10-inch minimum size limit, 15-fish daily limit. Black Bass: includes largemouth, smallmouth and Kentucky (spotted) bass – 5 fish daily limit on black bass singly or combined, only two of which may be smallmouth bass. Largemouth Bass: 15-inch minimum size limit. Smallmouth Bass: 16- to 21-inch protective slot limit. One fish over 21 inches and one fish under 16 inches may be kept daily. Sauger: 10-fish daily limit. Rainbow and Brown Trout: 7-fish aggregate daily limit. Walleye: 16-inch minimum size limit, 5-fish daily limit. | |
| Dewey Lake | Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass: 15-inch minimum size limit. Blue and Channel Catfish: 15-fish aggregate daily limit, only 1 fish may be longer than 25 inches. Muskellunge: 40-inch minimum size limit. | |
| Dix River from Herrington Lake Dam downstream for two miles | Only artificial baits shall be used. | |
| Doe Run Lake | Kenton County | Possession or use of live shad for bait is prohibited. Largemouth Bass: 15-inch minimum size limit. Channel Catfish: Four fish daily limit. |
| Dog Fork | Wolfe County | Only artificial baits with a single hook shall be used. Brook trout must be immediately released. |
E
Kentucky special-regulation waters, E
| Water as printed | County | Rules as printed |
|---|---|---|
| East Fork Indian Creek | Menifee County | All trout caught from October 1 through March 31 must be immediately released and only artificial baits shall be used during this period. |
| Elk Spring Creek | Wayne County | All trout caught from October 1 through March 31 must be immediately released and only artificial baits shall be used during this period. |
| Elkhorn Creek in Franklin County from confluence of North and South forks downstream to Kentucky River | Black Bass: includes largemouth, smallmouth and Kentucky (spotted) bass – 10 fish daily limit on black bass singly or combined. Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass: 12- to 15-inch protective slot limit. Largemouth and smallmouth bass caught between 12 and 15 inches in length must be immediately released. For regulatory purposes, the boundary of Elkhorn Creek is a permanent marker just below the first shoal upstream from its confluence with the Kentucky River. | |
| Elmer Davis Lake | Owen County | Possession or use of live shad for bait is prohibited. Black Bass: includes largemouth, smallmouth and Kentucky (spotted) bass – 10 fish daily limit on black bass singly or combined. Largemouth Bass: 12- to 15-inch protective slot limit. All largemouth bass caught between 12 and 15 inches in length must be immediately released. |
F
Kentucky special-regulation waters, F
| Water as printed | County | Rules as printed |
|---|---|---|
| Fishtrap Lake | Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass: 15-inch minimum size limit. Crappie: 9-inch minimum size limit. Blue and Channel Catfish: 15-fish aggregate daily limit, only 1 fish in the daily limit may be longer than 25 inches. Walleye: 2-fish daily limit; 18- to 26-inch protective slot limit. All walleye caught from 18 to 26 inches long must be immediately released. | |
| Floyd’S Fork from U.S. 60 bridge downstream to U.S. 150 bridge | Jefferson County | Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass: 15-inch minimum size limit. Rainbow Trout: All trout caught from Oct. 1 through March 31 must be immediately released and only artificial baits shall be used during this period. |
G
Kentucky special-regulation waters, G
| Water as printed | County | Rules as printed |
|---|---|---|
| General Butler State Park Lake | Carroll County | Possession or use of live shad for bait is prohibited. Black Bass: includes largemouth, smallmouth and Kentucky (spotted) bass – 10 fish daily limit on black bass singly or combined. Largemouth Bass: 12- to 15-inch protective slot limit. All largemouth bass caught between 12 and 15 inches in length must be immediately released. Channel Catfish: 4 fish daily limit. |
| Golden Pond (Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area) | Channel Catfish: 15-inch minimum size limit, 5-fish daily limit. | |
| Grayson Lake | Black Bass: includes largemouth, smallmouth and Kentucky (spotted) bass – 10 fish daily limit on black bass singly or combined. Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass: 12- to 15-inch protective slot limit. All largemouth and smallmouth bass caught between 12 and 15 inches in length must be immediately released. | |
| Green River Lake | Lake upper boundaries: Green River to Snake Creek Boat Ramp; Robinson Creek to KY 76 bridge; Casey Creek to Arnolds Landing Boat Ramp. Crappie: 9-inch minimum size limit. Muskellunge: 40-inch minimum size limit. | |
| Green River Lake Tailwater from Green River Lake Dam and extending downstream to the end of the concrete wall (Taylor County) | Fishing shall be limited to rod in hand using either: (a) An artificial bait with a single hook; or (b) Live bait attached to a single hook. Did you know? Camping is prohibited on KDFWR owned or managed lakes except as designated by signs. | |
| Greenbo Lake | Greenup County | Possession or use of live shad for bait is prohibited. Bluegill and other sunfish: 15-fish daily limit. Areas marked by signage and buoys near the Jesse Stuart Lodge are periodically closed to fishing. |
| Gunpowder Creek | Boone County | All trout caught from October 1 through March 31 must be immediately released and only artificial baits shall be used during this period. |
H
Kentucky special-regulation waters, H
| Water as printed | County | Rules as printed |
|---|---|---|
| Hatchery Creek | Russell County | All licensed anglers must possess a trout permit to fish Hatchery Creek. Brook, Rainbow, Cutthroat and Brown Trout: Upper section: As designated by signs, 5-trout aggregate daily limit, no minimum size limit. Lower section: Catch and release only and only artificial baits may be used. The lower boundary of Hatchery Creek is delineated as a straight line between opposite points where Hatchery Creek meets the main stem of the Cumberland River. |
| Highsplint Lake | Harlan County | Largemouth bass: 20-inch minimum size limit; 1-fish daily limit. |
K
Kentucky special-regulation waters, K
| Water as printed | County | Rules as printed |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Lake Tailwater – see Tennessee River | ||
| Kentucky River, upstream of Lock and Dam 14, the North Fork and tributaries including Carr Fork below Carr Creek Lake along with the Middle and South Forks and all tributaries | Walleye: 2 fish daily limit; 18- to 26-inch protective slot limit. All walleye caught from 18 to 26 inches long must be immediately released. Smallmouth Bass: 15-inch minimum size limit. | |
| Kentucky, Barkley Lakes (and their connecting canal) | Crappie: 10-inch minimum size limit. Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass: 15-inch minimum size limit. |
L
Kentucky special-regulation waters, L
| Water as printed | County | Rules as printed |
|---|---|---|
| Lake Blythe | Christian County | Black Bass: includes largemouth, smallmouth and Kentucky (spotted) bass – 10 fish daily limit on black bass singly or combined. Largemouth Bass: 12- to 15-inch protective slot limit. All largemouth bass caught between 12 and 15 inches in length must be immediately released. |
| Lake Chumley | Lincoln County | Fishing during daylight hours only. |
| Lake Cumberland | The boundaries of Lake Cumberland are defined as Cumberland Falls on the Cumberland River, Devils Jump on the Big South Fork, the Narrows of Rockcastle River and Laurel River Lake Dam on Laurel River. Crappie: 10-inch minimum size limit. Lake Sturgeon: Catch and release only. Largemouth Bass: 15-inch minimum size limit. Smallmouth Bass: 18-inch minimum size limit. Striped Bass: 22-inch minimum size limit, 2-fish daily limit. | |
| Lake Jericho | Henry County | Possession or use of live shad for bait is prohibited. Largemouth Bass: 15-inch minimum size limit. |
| Lake Malone | Black Bass: includes largemouth, smallmouth and Kentucky (spotted) bass – 10 fish daily limit on black bass singly or combined. Largemouth Bass: 12- to 15-inch protective slot limit. All largemouth bass caught between 12 and 15 inches in length must be immediately released. | |
| Lake Pennyrile | Christian County | Black Bass: includes largemouth, smallmouth and Kentucky (spotted) bass – 10 fish daily limit on black bass singly or combined. Largemouth Bass: 12- to 15-inch protective slot limit. All largemouth bass caught between 12 and 15 inches in length must be immediately released. |
| Lake Reba | Madison County | Possession or use of live shad for bait is prohibited. |
| Lake Shelby | Shelby County | Largemouth Bass: 15-inch minimum size limit. Channel Catfish: 4 fish daily limit. |
| Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area | (301 KAR 1:031) Special fishing regulations are in effect for ponds and small lakes within Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area. For complete fishing information on this area, go online to landbetweenthelakes.us or call (270) 924-2000. | |
| Laurel River Lake | Largemouth Bass: 15-inch minimum size limit. Smallmouth Bass: 18-inch minimum size limit, 2 fish daily limit. Crappie: 9-inch minimum size limit, 15-fish daily limit. | |
| Levisa Fork and all tributaries upstream of Fishtrap Lake | Walleye: 2 fish daily limit; 18- to 26-inch protective slot limit. All walleye caught from 18 to 26 inches long must be immediately released. | |
| Lincoln Homestead State Park Lake | Washington County | Fishing during daylight hours only. Possession or use of live shad for bait is prohibited. Channel Catfish: 4 fish daily limit. Black Bass: includes largemouth, smallmouth and Kentucky (spotted) bass – 10 fish daily limit on black bass singly or combined. Largemouth Bass: 12- to 15-inch protective slot limit. All largemouth bass caught between 12 and 15 inches in length must be immediately released. |
M
Kentucky special-regulation waters, M
| Water as printed | County | Rules as printed |
|---|---|---|
| Mammoth Cave National Park | Special fishing regulations are in effect for ponds, streams and Green River within Mammoth Cave National Park. For complete fishing information on this area, anglers should contact: (270) 758-2180. | |
| Marion County Lake | Possession or use of live shad for bait is prohibited. | |
| Martin’S Fork Lake and all tributaries | Walleye: 2-fish daily limit; 18- to 26-inch protective slot limit. All walleye caught from 18 to 26 inches long must be immediately released. | |
| McNEELY Lake | Jefferson County | Possession or use of live shad for bait is prohibited. Black Bass: includes largemouth, smallmouth and Kentucky (spotted) bass – 10 fish daily limit on black bass singly or combined. Largemouth Bass: 12- to 15-inch protective slot limit. All largemouth bass caught between 12 and 15 inches in length must be immediately released. |
| Mill Creek Lake | Powell and Wolfe counties | Possession or use of live shad for bait is prohibited. Largemouth Bass: 15-inch minimum size limit. |
N
Kentucky special-regulation waters, N
| Water as printed | County | Rules as printed |
|---|---|---|
| New Haven Optimist Lake | Nelson County | Largemouth Bass: 15-inch minimum size limit. Channel Catfish: 4 fish daily limit. |
| Nolin River Lake | Lake upper boundary is the Wheelers Mill Road bridge in the Nolin River arm and to the KY 728 bridge in the Bacon Creek arm. Crappie: 10-inch minimum size limit. Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass: 15-inch minimum size limit. |
O
Kentucky special-regulation waters, O
| Water as printed | County | Rules as printed |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio River | White Bass, Striped Bass and their Hybrids: 30 fish daily limit, only 4 fish may be 15 inches or longer. | |
| Otter Creek | Meade County | Otter Creek inside Otter Creek Outdoor Recreation Area: Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass: 12- to 15-inch protective slot limit. All largemouth and smallmouth bass caught between 12 and 15 inches in length must be immediately released. Otter Creek inside Otter Creek Outdoor Recreation Area: All trout caught in Otter Creek Park from Oct. 1 through March 31 must be immediately released and only artificial baits shall be used during this period. Otter Creek inside Fort Knox: Anglers fishing Otter Creek within Fort Knox must check in, purchase a fishing permit and follow the fishing regulations at th |
P
Kentucky special-regulation waters, P
| Water as printed | County | Rules as printed |
|---|---|---|
| Panbowl Lake | Breathitt County | Black Bass: includes largemouth, smallmouth and Kentucky (spotted) bass – 10 fish daily limit on black bass singly or combined. Largemouth Bass: 12- to 15-inch protective slot limit. All largemouth bass caught between 12 and 15 inches in length must be immediately released. |
| Parched Corn Creek | Wolfe County | Only artificial baits with single hook shall be used. Brook trout must be immediately released. |
| Peabody WMA Lakes | In addition to a fishing license, a $15.00 user permit is required of persons age 16 and over while on Peabody WMA. Permits can be purchased where fishing licenses are sold. Fishing open March 16 – Oct. 14 on Goose, Island and South Lake, all other lakes open year-round. | |
| Pikeville City Lake | Pike County | Largemouth Bass: All largemouth bass caught must be immediately released. |
R
Kentucky special-regulation waters, R
| Water as printed | County | Rules as printed |
|---|---|---|
| Rock Creek from Tennessee state line downstream to Bell Farm bridge | McCreary County | All trout caught from October 1 through March 31 must be immediately released and only artificial baits shall be used during this period. |
| Rockcastle River and all tributaries | Walleye: 2-fish daily limit; 18- to 26-inch protective slot limit. All walleye caught from 18 to 26 inches long must be immediately released. | |
| Rockcastle River WMA | Pulaski County | All Ponds Collectively: Largemouth Bass: 15-inch minimum size limit, 1-fish daily limit. Bluegill and other Sunfish: 10-fish daily limit. Catfish: 4-fish daily limit. Crappie: 15-fish daily limit. |
| Rough River Lake | Lake upper boundary: Rough River to the KY 84 bridge. Crappie: 10-inch minimum size limit. Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass: 15-inch minimum size limit. |
S
Kentucky special-regulation waters, S
| Water as printed | County | Rules as printed |
|---|---|---|
| Shanty Hollow Lake | Warren County | Possession or use of live shad for bait is prohibited. |
| Shillalah Creek | Bell County | Outside the Cumberland Gap National Park as posted, only artificial baits with single hook shall be used. Brook trout must be immediately released. |
| Sportsman’S Lakes | Franklin County | Fishing during daylight hours only. |
| Spurlington Lake | Taylor County | Possession or use of live shad for bait is prohibited. |
| Swift Camp Creek | Clifty Wilderness, Wolfe County | All trout caught from October 1 through March 31 must be released immediately and only artificial baits shall be used during this period. |
| Sympson Lake | Nelson County | Largemouth Bass: 15-inch minimum size limit. |
T
Kentucky special-regulation waters, T
| Water as printed | County | Rules as printed |
|---|---|---|
| Taylorsville Lake | Lake upper boundary is Dry Dock Road on Salt River. Crappie: 10-inch minimum size limit, 15-fish daily limit. Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass: 15-inch minimum size limit. Blue and Channel Catfish: 15-fish aggregate daily limit, only 1 fish may be longer than 25 inches. | |
| Tennessee River from Kentucky Lake Dam downstream to confluence with Ohio River | Gigging and snagging regulations along with special regulations for the Tennessee River below Kentucky Lake can be found on page 14. | |
| Trammel Creek | Allen County | All trout caught from October 1 through March 31 must be immediately released and only artificial baits shall be used during this period. Rainbow Trout: 5-fish daily limit. |
W
Kentucky special-regulation waters, W
| Water as printed | County | Rules as printed |
|---|---|---|
| Willisburg Park Pond | Washington County | Channel Catfish: 4-fish daily limit. Largemouth Bass: 15-inch minimum size limit. Sunfish: 15-fish daily limit, no minimum size limit. |
| Wood Creek Lake | Laurel County | Black Bass: includes largemouth, smallmouth and Kentucky (spotted) bass – 10 fish daily limit on black bass singly or combined. Largemouth Bass: 12- to 15-inch protective slot limit. All largemouth bass caught between 12 and 15 inches in length must be immediately released. Walleye: 2-fish daily limit; 18- to 26-inch protective slot limit. All walleye caught from 18 to 26 inches long must be immediately released. |
Y
Kentucky special-regulation waters, Y
| Water as printed | County | Rules as printed |
|---|---|---|
| Yatesville Lake | Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass: 15-inch minimum size limit. Blue and Channel Catfish: 15-fish daily limit in aggregate, only one fish may be longer than 25 inches. |
301 KAR 1:201
Kentucky regulation exceptions in 301 KAR 1:201 Section 3
The administrative regulation behind the guide lists its water exceptions in numbered subsections. They are quoted below; where a subsection matches a water with a page here, the water is linked.
| Subsection | Water and rule | Page |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bad Branch, Letcher County. A person shall only fish with artificial bait with a single hook. | – |
| 2 | Barren River and tributaries upstream from confluence with the Green River, including Barren River Lake. Smallmouth bass size limit, fifteen (15) inches. | – |
| 3 | Barren River Lake. (a) Crappie size limit, ten (10) inches. (b) Largemouth and smallmouth bass size limit, fifteen (15) inches. (c) Blue and channel catfish aggregate daily limit of fifteen (15), only one (1) of which shall be longer than twenty-five (25) inches. (d) Barren River Lake shall extend up: 1. Barren River to the Highway 100 bridge; 2. Long Creek to the Highway 100 bridge; 3. Beaver Creek to the Highway 1297 bridge; 4. Skaggs Creek to the Mathews Mill Road bridge; and 5. Pete | Barren River Lake |
| 4 | Beaver Lake, Anderson County. (a) A person shall not possess shad or use shad as bait. (b) Largemouth bass. There shall be a slot limit between twelve (12) and fifteen (15) inches. (c) Black bass aggregate daily limit, ten (10). | Beaver Lake |
| 5 | Beech Fork Reservoir, Powell County. (a) Largemouth bass size limit, fifteen (15) inches. (b) Bluegill daily limit, fifteen (15). | – |
| 6 | Bert Combs Lake, Clay County. (a) A person shall not possess shad or use shad as bait. (b) Largemouth bass. There shall be a slot limit between twelve (12) and fifteen (15) inches. (c) Black bass aggregate daily limit, ten (10). | – |
| 7 | Beulah Lake, Jackson County. (a) Largemouth bass. There shall be a slot limit between twelve (12) and fifteen (15) inches. (b) Black bass aggregate daily limit, ten (10). | Beulah Lake |
| 8 | Boltz Lake, Grant County. (a) A person shall not possess shad or use shad as bait. (b) Largemouth bass. There shall be a slot limit between twelve (12) and fifteen (15) inches. (c) Black bass aggregate daily limit, ten (10). | Boltz Lake |
| 9 | Briggs Lake, Logan County. A person shall not possess shad or use shad as bait. | Briggs Lake |
| 10 | Buckhorn Lake. (a) Largemouth bass and smallmouth bass size limit, fifteen (15) inches. (b) Muskellunge size limit, forty (40) inches. (c) Crappie size limit, nine (9) inches. | Buckhorn Lake |
| 11 | Carnico Lake, Nicholas County. (a) Largemouth bass size limit, fifteen (15) inches. (b) Sunfish daily limit, fifteen (15). | Lake Carnico |
| 12 | Carr Creek Lake. (a) Largemouth bass and smallmouth bass size limit, fifteen (15) inches. (b) Crappie size limit, nine (9) inches. (c) Blue and channel catfish aggregate daily limit of fifteen (15), only one (1) of which shall be longer than twenty-five (25) inches. | Carr Creek Lake |
| 13 | Carter Caves State Park Lake, Carter County. (a) Fishing shall be during daylight hours only. (b) Largemouth bass. There shall be a slot limit between twelve (12) and fifteen (15) inches. (c) Black bass aggregate daily limit, ten (10). (d) A person shall not possess shad or use shad as bait. | – |
| 14 | Cave Run Lake. (a) Black bass aggregate daily limit, ten (10). (b) Largemouth bass. No more than five (5) fish in a daily limit shall be twelve (12) inches or longer. (c) Smallmouth bass size limit, eighteen (18) inches. (d) Muskellunge size limit, forty (40) inches. (e) Cave Run Lake shall extend up: 1. Scott's Creek to the Highway 801 culvert; 2. Beaver Creek to the Highway 1274 culvert; 3. North Fork Creek to the confluence of Craney Creek; 4. Licking River to the Highway 772 br | Cave Run Lake |
| 15 | Cedar Creek Lake, Lincoln County. Largemouth bass size limit, twenty (20) inches; daily limit, one (1). | Cedar Creek Lake |
| 16 | Chimney Top Creek, Wolfe County. A person shall only fish with artificial bait. | – |
| 17 | Corinth Lake, Grant County. (a) A person shall not possess shad or use shad as bait. (b) Largemouth bass. There shall be a slot limit between twelve (12) and fifteen (15) inches. (c) Black bass aggregate daily limit, ten (10). | Corinth Lake |
| 18 | Cumberland River upstream from Cumberland Falls and all tributaries. Smallmouth bass size limit, fifteen (15) inches. | – |
| 19 | Cumberland River from Wolf Creek Dam downstream to the Kentucky-Tennessee state line and tributaries, except Hatchery Creek in Russell County as established in subsections (36) and (37) of this section. (a) Brown trout size limit, twenty (20) inches; daily limit, one (1). (b) Brook trout size limit, fifteen (15) inches; daily limit, one (1). (c) Rainbow trout. There shall be a slot limit between fifteen (15) and twenty (20) inches; daily limit, five (5), which shall not include more than one | – |
| 20 | Cumberland River below Lake Barkley. Fishing shall be prohibited at the mouth of the lock chamber, as designated by signs. | – |
| 21 | Dale Hollow Lake. (a) Smallmouth bass. There shall be a slot limit between sixteen (16) and twenty-one (21) inches. The daily limits shall not include more than one (1) fish less than sixteen (16) inches long and one (1) fish greater than twenty-one (21) inches long. (b) Walleye and walleye hybrids, daily limit, five (5); size limit, sixteen (16) inches. (c) Sauger daily limit, ten (10); size limit, fourteen (14) inches. (d) Rainbow trout and brown trout, no size limit; daily limit, seven (7 | Dale Hollow Lake |
| 22 | Dewey Lake. (a) Largemouth bass and smallmouth bass size limit, fifteen (15) inches. (b) Blue and channel catfish aggregate daily limit of fifteen (15), only one (1) of which shall be longer than twenty-five (25) inches. (c) Muskellunge size limit, forty (40) inches. | Dewey Lake |
| 23 | Dix River for two (2) miles downstream from Herrington Lake Dam. A person shall only fish with artificial bait. | – |
| 24 | Doe Run Lake, Kenton County. (a) Largemouth bass size limit, fifteen (15) inches. (b) Channel catfish daily limit, four (4). (c) A person shall not possess shad or use shad as bait. | Doe Run Lake |
| 25 | Dog Fork, Wolfe County. A person shall only fish with an artificial bait with a single hook. | – |
| 26 | Elkhorn Creek, downstream from the confluence of the North and South forks to the first shoal located 3,400 feet above its confluence with the Kentucky River, as posted with signs. (a) Largemouth bass and smallmouth bass. There shall be a slot limit between twelve (12) and fifteen (15) inches. (b) Black bass aggregate daily limit, ten (10). | – |
| 27 | Elmer Davis Lake, Owen County. (a) Largemouth bass. There shall be a slot limit between twelve (12) and fifteen (15) inches. (b) Black bass aggregate daily limit, ten (10). (c) A person shall not possess shad or use shad as bait. | Elmer Davis Lake |
| 28 | Fishtrap Lake. (a) Largemouth bass and smallmouth bass size limit, fifteen (15) inches. (b) Crappie size limit, nine (9) inches. (c) Blue and channel catfish aggregate daily limit of fifteen (15), only one (1) of which shall be longer than twenty-five (25) inches. | Fishtrap Lake |
| 29 | Floyd's Fork Creek, from Highway 60 downstream to Bardstown Road in Jefferson County. Largemouth and smallmouth bass size limit, fifteen (15) inches. | – |
| 30 | Golden Pond at the Visitors' Center at Land Between the Lakes. Channel catfish daily limit, five (5); size limit, fifteen (15) inches. | – |
| 31 | General Butler State Park Lake, Carroll County. (a) Largemouth bass. There shall be a slot limit between twelve (12) and fifteen (15) inches. (b) Black bass aggregate daily limit, ten (10). (c) Channel catfish daily limit, four (4). (d) A person shall not possess shad or use shad as bait. | General Butler State Park Lake |
| 32 | Grayson Lake. (a) Largemouth bass and smallmouth bass. There shall be a slot limit between twelve (12) and fifteen (15) inches. (b) Black bass aggregate daily limit, ten (10). | Grayson Lake |
| 33 | Greenbo Lake, Greenup County. (a) A person shall not possess shad or use shad as bait. (b) Bluegill and sunfish daily limit, fifteen (15) fish. | Greenbo Lake |
| 34 | Green River from Green River Lake Dam and extending downstream to the end of the concrete wall. Fishing shall be limited to rod in hand using either: (a) An artificial bait with a single hook; or (b) Live bait attached to a single hook. | – |
| 35 | Green River Lake. (a) Crappie size limit, nine (9) inches. (b) Muskellunge size limit, forty (40) inches. (c) Green River Lake shall extend up: 1. Green River to the Snake Creek Boat Ramp; 2. Robinson Creek to the Highway 76 Bridge; and 3. Casey Creek to the Arnolds Landing Boat Ramp. | Green River Lake |
| 36 | Hatchery Creek, upper section as established by signs, Russell County. Rainbow trout, brown trout, and brook trout, no size limit; daily limit, five (5), singly or in combination. | – |
| 37 | Hatchery Creek, lower section as established by signs, Russell County. A person fishing for trout shall: (a) Only use artificial bait; and (b) Release all trout. | – |
| 38 | Highsplint Lake, Harlan County. Largemouth bass size limit, twenty (20) inches; daily limit, one (1). | Highsplint Lake |
| 39 | Jericho Lake, Henry County. (a) Largemouth bass size limit, fifteen (15) inches. (b) A person shall not possess shad or use shad as bait. | Lake Jericho |
| 40 | Kentucky Lake and the canal connecting Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley. (a) Largemouth bass and smallmouth bass size limit, fifteen (15) inches. (b) Crappie size limit, ten (10) inches. | – |
| 41 | Kentucky River upstream of Lock and Dam 14, the North Fork and tributaries including Carr Fork below Carr Creek Lake, along with the Middle and South Forks and all tributaries. Smallmouth bass size limit, fifteen (15) inches. | – |
| 42 | Lake Barkley. (a) Largemouth bass and smallmouth bass size limit, fifteen (15) inches. (b) Crappie size limit, ten (10) inches. | Lake Barkley |
| 43 | Lake Blythe, Christian County. (a) Largemouth bass. There shall be a slot limit between twelve (12) and fifteen (15) inches. (b) Black bass aggregate daily limit, ten (10). | Lake Blythe |
| 44 | Lake Cumberland. (a) 1. Largemouth bass size limit, fifteen (15) inches. 2. Smallmouth bass size limit, eighteen (18) inches. 3. Striped bass size limit, twenty-two (22) inches; daily limit, two (2). 4. Crappie size limit, ten (10) inches. (b) Cumberland Lake shall extend up: 1. The Cumberland River to Cumberland Falls; 2. The Big South Fork to Devil's Jump; 3. The Rockcastle River to The Narrows; and 4. The Laurel River to Laurel River Dam. | Lake Cumberland |
| 45 | Lake Chumley, and the department-owned property surrounding the lake, Boyle and Lincoln counties. Closed to public access from one-half (1/2) hour after sunset through one-half (1/2) hour before sunrise. | – |
| 46 | Lake Malone, Muhlenberg and Logan counties. (a) Largemouth bass. There shall be a slot limit between twelve (12) and fifteen (15) inches. (b) Black bass aggregate daily limit, ten (10). | – |
| 47 | Lake Reba, Madison County. A person shall not possess shad or use shad as bait. | Lake Reba |
| 48 | Lake Shelby, Shelby County. (a) Largemouth bass size limit, fifteen (15) inches. (b) Channel catfish daily limit, four (4). (c) A person shall not possess shad or use shad as bait. | Shelby Lake |
| 49 | Laurel River Lake. (a) Largemouth bass size limit, fifteen (15) inches. (b) Smallmouth bass size limit, eighteen (18) inches; daily limit, two (2). (c) Crappie size limit, nine (9) inches; daily limit, fifteen (15). | Laurel River Lake |
| 50 | Lincoln Homestead Lake, Washington County. (a) A person shall not fish except during daylight hours. (b) Largemouth bass. There shall be a slot limit between twelve (12) and fifteen (15) inches. (c) Black bass aggregate daily limit, ten (10). (d) Channel catfish daily limit, four (4). (e) A person shall not possess shad or use shad as bait. | Lincoln Homestead Lake |
| 51 | Marion County Lake. A person shall not possess shad or use shad as bait. | Marion County Lake |
| 52 | McNeely Lake, Jefferson County. (a) A person shall not possess shad or use shad as bait. (b) Largemouth bass. There shall be a slot limit between twelve (12) and fifteen (15) inches. (c) Black bass aggregate daily limit, ten (10). | McNeely Lake |
| 53 | Mill Creek Lake, Powell County. (a) Largemouth bass size limit, fifteen (15) inches. (b) A person shall not possess shad or use shad as bait. | Mill Creek Lake (Monroe Co.) |
| 54 | New Haven Optimist Lake, Nelson County. (a) Largemouth bass size limit, fifteen (15) inches. (b) Channel catfish daily limit, four (4). (c) A person shall not possess shad or use shad as bait. | – |
| 55 | Nolin River Lake shall extend up Bacon Creek to Highway 178 and to Wheelers Mill Road Bridge on the Nolin River. (a) Largemouth bass and smallmouth bass size limit, fifteen (15) inches. (b) Crappie size limit, ten (10) inches. | – |
| 56 | Ohio River. (a) White bass, striped bass, and any hybrid thereof, daily limit, thirty (30); no more than four (4) in the daily limit shall be fifteen (15) inches or greater. (b) The blue catfish daily limit shall be unlimited, except that no more than one (1) fish in the daily limit shall be thirty-five (35) inches or longer. (c) The channel catfish daily limit shall be unlimited, except that no more than one (1) fish in the daily limit shall be twenty-eight (28) inches or longer. (d) The fl | Ohio River (Central) |
| 57 | Panbowl Lake, Breathitt County. (a) Largemouth bass. There shall be a slot limit between twelve (12) and fifteen (15) inches. (b) Black bass aggregate daily limit, ten (10). | Pan Bowl Lake |
| 58 | Parched Corn Creek, Wolfe County. A person shall only fish with an artificial bait with a single hook. | – |
| 59 | Pennyrile Lake, Christian County. (a) Largemouth bass. There shall be a slot limit between twelve (12) and fifteen (15) inches. (b) Black bass aggregate daily limit, ten (10). | Pennyrile Lake |
| 60 | Pikeville City Lake, Pike County. A person shall release largemouth bass. | Pikeville City Lake |
| 61 | Rockcastle River WMA, all ponds collectively, Pulaski County. (a) Largemouth bass size limit, fifteen (15) inches; daily limit, one (1). (b) Bluegill and sunfish daily limit, ten (10). (c) Catfish daily limit, four (4). (d) Crappie daily limit, fifteen (15). | – |
| 62 | Rough River Lake. (a) Crappie size limit, ten (10) inches. (b) Largemouth bass and smallmouth bass size limit, fifteen (15) inches. (c) Rough River Lake shall extend up Rough River to the Highway 84 Bridge. | Rough River Lake |
| 63 | Shanty Hollow Lake, Warren County. A person shall not possess shad or use shad as bait. | Shanty Hollow Lake |
| 64 | Shillalah Creek, Bell County, outside the Cumberland Gap National Park. A person shall only fish with an artificial bait with a single hook. | Shillalah Creek |
| 65 | Spurlington Lake, Taylor County. A person shall not possess shad or use shad as bait. | Spurlington Lake |
| 66 | Sympson Lake, Nelson County. Largemouth bass size limit, fifteen (15) inches. | Sympson Lake |
| 67 | Taylorsville Lake, including the impounded waters of the lake to Dry Dock Road Bridge on the Salt River. (a) Largemouth bass and smallmouth bass size limit, fifteen (15) inches. (b) Blue and channel catfish aggregate daily limit of fifteen (15), only one (1) of which shall be longer than twenty-five (25) inches. (c) Crappie size limit, ten (10) inches; daily limit, fifteen (15). | – |
| 68 | Trammel Creek, Allen County. Rainbow trout daily limit, five (5). | – |
| 69 | Willisburg Park Pond, Washington County. (a) Largemouth bass size limit, fifteen (15) inches. (b) Catfish daily limit, four (4). (c) Sunfish daily limit, fifteen (15). | Willisburg Park Pond |
| 70 | Wood Creek Lake. (a) Largemouth and smallmouth bass. There shall be a slot limit between twelve (12) and fifteen (15) inches. (b) Black bass aggregate daily limit, ten (10). | Wood Creek Lake |
| 71 | Yatesville Lake. (a) Largemouth bass and smallmouth bass size limit, fifteen (15) inches. (b) Blue and channel catfish aggregate daily limit of fifteen (15), only one (1) of which shall be longer than twenty-five (25) inches. | Yatesville Lake |
301 KAR 1:201, last effective September 3, 2026 (Kentucky Administrative Regulations), read November 10, 2026.
Answers
Kentucky special-water questions
How many Kentucky waters carry a special-regulation entry?
92 entries in the 2026 guide, backed by 71 exceptions in 301 KAR 1:201.
Does a special entry replace the whole statewide table?
No. It changes only the species and stretch it names; every other row of the statewide table still applies.
Why are some names in capitals?
They are copied as the guide prints them.
Why are some waters not linked?
Entries such as Bark Camp Creek, Beech Fork Reservoir and Big Bone Creek have no KDFWR waterbody page, so they print as text.
Are Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley on the list?
Yes, as a shared entry for both lakes and their connecting canal.
Where do trout seasons appear?
In entries such as Bark Camp Creek and on the trout rules page.
Which text wins if the guide and the regulation differ?
The regulation, 301 KAR 1:201; the two were checked against each other for this page.
When were they read?
November 10, 2026, from the guide updated September 2026 and the regulation last effective September 3, 2026.