We lower the lake level each fall because, historically, the majority of our heavy rain events occur in the late fall and winter. The authorized lake elevation in winter is 490′ above mean sea level (m.s.l). In spring, we begin storing excess water to bring the lake up to ‘summer pool’, which is elevation 515′ m.s.l.
Table of Contents
How do you fish at Nolin Lake?

Are there GAR in Nolin Lake?
Nolin River Lake Fish – Alligator Gar.
Where is the best bass fishing in Kentucky?
A few of the best lakes for catching trophy bass in spring are Lake Barkley, Kentucky Lake, and Lake Malone in western Kentucky along with Cedar Creek, Kincaid, and Guist Creek lakes in central Kentucky.
What is the deepest part of Nolin lake?
The lake is 39 miles long with 172 miles of shoreline at summer pool, with an elevation of 515 feet above sea level. The winter pool level is 490 feet above sea level, reducing the lake’s acreage to 2,890. Its maximum depth is about 100 feet at the dam; the average depth ranges from 30-40 feet.
How many fishing poles can you use in KY?
There is no limit on the number of fishing poles (or fishing rods) an angler may use at one time.
How many bluegill can you keep in Kentucky?
(a) Largemouth bass size limit, fifteen (15) inches; daily creel limit, one (1). (b) Bluegill and sunfish daily creel limit, ten (10).
What is a keeper size crappie?
Around 9″ for crappie.
Are there alligator in Kentucky?
American alligators are typically found in the Southeast, particularly Florida, and range as far north as North Carolina and as far west as eastern Texas. They are rare in Kentucky. In 2018 a family came upon a 3-foot dwarf caiman while walking their dog in Lexington.
Will an alligator gar bite you?
Danger to Humans Due to its large size and sharp teeth, the alligator gar is capable of delivering a serious bite wound to fisherman or swimmers. However, there is no documentation of attacks on man by alligator gars. The eggs are poisonous, causing illness if consumed by humans.
Are there wild alligators in Kentucky?
The Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources has a long list of reptiles that are common in Kentucky, and alligators are not among them.
Where is the best crappie fishing on Kentucky Lake?
The top two areas on Kentucky Lake for springtime crappie anglers are the Blood River and Jonathan Creek embayments. Both have oodles of submerged habitat, which can be located with a depthfinder without too much trouble. Fish generally start out on the flats at 10 to 15 feet.
What is the best time of year to fish Kentucky Lake?
Visiting anglers wanting to catch trophy bass should plan their Kentucky Lake trip for the full moon period of late March and early April. Menendez rates that period as the best time to catch smallmouth in the 6-pound range and largemouth up to 8 pounds.
Where is the best fishing in Kentucky?
- Kentucky Lake/Lake Barkley: These two are arguably the most popular and the best fishing spots in all of Kentucky.
- Cave Run Lake: One of the best places for big Muskellunge (muskie) fishing in Kentucky.
- Lake Cumberland: Bass, walleye, and crappie are plentiful here, but it’s probably best known for the stripers.
Can you use live bait in Kentucky?
It is illegal to take these fish species and utilize them for any purpose including as live bait for fishing. No live fish, live minnow, or live bait organisms not native or established in Kentucky shall be bought, sold, possessed, imported, or in any way used or released into Kentucky waters.
Do you need a fishing license on private property in Kentucky?
A property owner and spouse do not need to buy a fishing license to fish ponds on land they own as long as they are residents of Kentucky. Neither do their dependent children or tenants on farmlands where they live and work. Guests, however, must possess a valid fishing license, even blood relatives.
Is jug fishing legal in Kentucky?
One person may use no more than two sport fishing trotlines or 50 jug lines or 25 set lines at any one time. Each boat may not use more than 50 jug lines, but each occupant may use two sportfishing trotlines or 25 set lines.
What is the prettiest lake in Kentucky?
Known for its clear and deep waters, Laurel River Lake located in London was recognized as Kentucky’s prettiest lake in the Reader’s Digest nationwide list.
What are the 3 natural lakes in Kentucky?
- Kentucky Lake.
- Lake Barkley.
- Lake Cumberland.
- Barren River Lake.
Can you use goldfish as bait in Kentucky?
This is taken straight from the Kentucky Sport Fishing and Boating Guide – 2007 in the section Live Bait. Since there is a chance a goldfish can come off the hook and populate the waters, they are illegal.
Are umbrella rigs legal in Kentucky?
Some organizations such as Bass Anglers Sportsmen Society have outlawed the use of the rig in its Elite Series tournaments. Other regional organizations have restricted the use to just three hooks on events held on Kentucky Lake, although the state of Kentucky allows five hooks.
What happens if you get caught fishing without a license in Kentucky?
Penalties for poaching in Kentucky You could be fined up to $1,000 and/or sentenced to up to a year in jail if you are convicted. You could also be assessed civil penalties and restitution costs.
What is the most common fish in Kentucky?
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.
How many catfish can you keep in KY?
Trophy catfish regulations in effect: anglers may only keep one trophy catfish per species per day, whether using traditional or non-traditional fishing methods (see Trophy catfish definition for more details).
Where can I catch big bluegills in Kentucky?
If one has access to a boat, Kentucky Lake is arguably the best bluegill lake in Kentucky. The lake holds fantastic numbers of 6- to 8-inch fish with many larger specimens in the population. Target the back reaches of coves in May on Kentucky Lake.