Muskellunge in Kentucky
Guide limits, special waters and KDFWR record entries for muskellunge.
- 1daily
- 47.00 lbsstate record
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Muskellunge across Kentucky, briefly
The 2026 guide sets muskellunge in its "Muskellunge" row at daily limit 1, possession 2, minimum size 30". Buckhorn Lake is one of 4 guide entries that set a different rule for it.
Dale Hollow Lake, Green River Lake and Cave Run Lake head the 5 water pages whose KDFWR table lists it. The KDFWR record list shows 47.00 lbs from Cave Run Lake.
2026 Kentucky Fishing & Boating Guide (Regulations Summary March 2026 to February 2027, updated September 2026, p. 5; KDFWR PDF), read November 10, 2026.
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| Row | Daily | Possession | Minimum size | Footnote |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Muskellunge | 1 | 2 | 30" | – |
Possession is twice the daily figure, and culling is allowed for every fish except trout.
2026 Kentucky Fishing & Boating Guide (Regulations Summary March 2026 to February 2027, updated September 2026, p. 5; KDFWR PDF), read November 10, 2026.
Where the muskellunge rule changes in Kentucky
| Water as printed | County | Rule lines naming it |
|---|---|---|
| Buckhorn Lake | Muskellunge: 40-inch minimum size limit. | |
| Cave Run Lake | Muskellunge: 40-inch minimum size limit. | |
| Dewey Lake | Muskellunge: 40-inch minimum size limit. | |
| Green River Lake | Muskellunge: 40-inch minimum size limit. |
2026 Kentucky Fishing & Boating Guide (Regulations Summary March 2026 to February 2027, updated September 2026, p. 7-12; KDFWR PDF), read November 10, 2026.
Kentucky record muskellunge as KDFWR lists them
| KDFWR listing | Weight | Water | Date | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Muskellunge | 47.00 lbs | Cave Run Lake | November 2, 2008 |
Kentucky state record fish as listed by KDFWR (record list), read November 10, 2026.
Choosing Kentucky water for muskellunge
A KDFWR rule row ties this fish to each water below; it is a regulation, not a stocking or catch figure.
Reservoirs listing muskellunge
- Dale Hollow Lake6,614 acres in Kentucky
- Green River Lake8,181 acres
- Cave Run Lake7,880 acres
- Buckhorn Lake1,088 acres
- Dewey Lake961 acres
KDFWR fishing waterbody list (app.fw.ky.gov), read November 10, 2026.
Photo of Dale Hollow Lake: Tim Creque, CC BY 2.0
Chasing Muskellunge across the Commonwealth, answered
Is there a Kentucky creel limit on muskellunge?
The statewide row reads daily limit 1, possession 2, minimum size 30".
Does any guide entry rewrite the muskellunge figure on one lake or stream?
4 special-regulation entries change it; Buckhorn Lake is one.
What is the Kentucky state record muskellunge?
47.00 lbs, from Cave Run Lake, dated November 2, 2008 on the KDFWR list.
Where do muskellunge turn up in KDFWR rule tables?
The 5 pages begin with Dale Hollow Lake, Green River Lake and Cave Run Lake.
Is harvest of muskellunge allowed in Kentucky?
It is not on the guide's release-only list; the statewide and special-water rules apply.
Which Kentucky license covers muskellunge?
Anglers 16 and older need a Kentucky fishing license; the 2026 guide prints $24.31 for the resident annual license and $58.14 for nonresidents.
What counts for a Kentucky muskellunge record?
The KDFWR record program takes fish caught in Kentucky by rod and reel or pole and line that weigh 0.10 pound or more.
How many muskellunge may sit in a Kentucky freezer at once?
The guide doubles the daily limit for possession; previously processed fish do not count.
Line up a weekend around muskellunge
KDFWR launches and quoted limits wait on each linked water.