Best Boating and Fishing Lakes Near Cadiz, KY

Best Boating and Fishing Lakes Near Cadiz, KY

When you want to spend a picturesque, serene day on the lake, Kentucky offers the perfect options. You will find some of the best boating destinations in the country, as well as great locations for fishing. If you love fishing or just being out on the water, a trip to Kentucky might be the perfect vacation for you.

Here is a look at some of the best places for boating and fishing in Kentucky, which types of fish you can expect to find, top tips for fishing for bass in the Bluegrass State and how to get your Kentucky fishing license. 

4 Best Lakes to Boat and Fish in Kentucky

If you plan on boating during your Kentucky trip, you will want to pick the top spots for fishing and scenic views. Check out the four lakes below to discover the best places to boat and fish in Kentucky.

1. Lake Barkley

Located in Cadiz, KY, Lake Barkley is a gorgeous manmade lake right across from Kentucky Lake — and only the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area separates them. With a thriving population of largemouth bass, white bass, bluegill, sauger, crappie, catfish and more, fishing at Lake Barkley is an angler's dream.

Boating on Lake Barkley is easy, thanks to the Kampgrounds of America Prizer Point Marina, which offers boat rentals and a comfortable place to camp. When you stay at Kentucky Lakes / Prizer Point KOA, you will find exciting attractions around every corner, including waterpark activities, zip lines and movies under the stars. After enjoying a fun-filled day, you can relax with plenty of comfortable accommodations and amenities.

2. Kentucky Lake

As Lake Barkley's sister lake, Kentucky Lake is easy to visit if you are already staying near Lake Barkley. Boating on Kentucky Lake is a sublime experience, and the lake's natural beauty and sheer size draw millions of visitors every year.

Kentucky Lakes / Prizer Point KOA's convenient location allows you to enjoy both Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake. You can rent your boat from the Prizer Point Marina and enjoy a peaceful day on the water. 

Need a break from the water? There are also several other local recreation options such as: 

  • Horseback riding: Take in the scenic beauty of Kentucky Lake from horseback. Enjoy traveling around the lake for a different viewpoint. 
  • Bike riding: Whether you prefer road biking or mountain biking, there are miles of trails to explore around Kentucky Lake. 
  • Hiking: You'll find many hiking trails of various lengths and for all skill levels in the Land Between the Lakes Recreation Area.

Once you are done, you can head back to Kentucky Lakes / Prizer Point KOA and get the full resort experience.

3. Honker Lake

Honker Lake is a popular destination for anyone who loves to kayak, canoe or fish. Paddlers will enjoy the lake's calm waters and shallow depth, allowing them to spend a relaxing day on the water. Located in Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, Honker Lake is also an excellent spot for viewing wildlife as you cruise across the water.

If you prefer to fish, Honker Lake is known for its abundance of largemouth bass and redear sunfish. However, the lake is home to other species of fish as well. Anglers will have a blast reeling in a variety of bass, trout, minnows and more. If you want to score a big catch at Honker Lake, make sure you get your rest at Kentucky Lakes / Prizer Point KOA so you can wake up early when the fish are most active.

4. Energy Lake

Energy Lake provides another ideal option to spend the day on the water since it's only about a 30-minute drive from Cadiz. This 370-acre Lake Barkley sub-impoundment is separated from Lake Barkley by an earthen dam. Its glistening waters are ideal for swimming, canoeing and kayaking. If you are traveling with kids, you can also find a playground and plenty of hiking trails. 

You can enjoy Energy Lake fishing as well, but if you end up using a motor boat, keep in mind that it is a no-wake zone. 

Close up view of a fish jumping out of the water at Lake Barkley

Types of Fish in Kentucky

Fishing at Kentucky Lake, Lake Barkley, Honker Lake and Energy Lake is a great experience because there are so many different kinds of fish you can catch. You never know what might end up on your hook, from lengthy bass to whiskery catfish. The most common types of fish found in these lakes include:

  • Largemouth bass.
  • Smallmouth bass.
  • Spotted bass. 
  • Striped bass. 
  • White bass.
  • Black crappie. 
  • White crappie.
  • Redear sunfish. 
  • Bluegill.
  • Yellow perch. 
  • Blue catfish. 
  • Flathead catfish.
  • Channel catfish. 
  • Sauger.

Kentucky Fishing Regulations

If you want to fish in Kentucky legally, you will need to get your Kentucky fishing license. You can acquire a Kentucky fishing license in a variety of ways, including online, in-person and by phone. For the easiest and most convenient option, you can purchase any fishing license or permit you would like through the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Online License Sales site.

Once you have your fishing license, make sure you follow the rules and regulations set out in the Kentucky Fishing and Boating Guide. These guidelines supply you with helpful information like license requirements, various fishing methods, species identification, possession and size and creel limits. As long as you stay within these recommendations, you can go ahead and fish to your heart's content.

Stay at Kentucky Lakes / Prizer Point KOA During Your Next Fishing Trip

Now that you know what types of fish you can catch, which lakes to be sure to visit and how to get your license, you are ready to hit the water. Make planning your trip as simple as possible by staying at Kentucky Lakes / Prizer Point KOA. Here, you will get everything you could need at one convenient location. With its own marina for boat rentals, a variety of lodging options, unique amenities and more, staying at Kentucky Lakes / Prizer Point KOA can help make your Kentucky fishing trip one to remember. 

Get one step closer to your dream Kentucky getaway by booking your stay at Kentucky Lakes / Prizer Point KOA online or giving us a call today.

Fishing rod sitting on top of a wood table facing the Kentucky Lakes

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