UTERSmallmouth bass fishing in Kentucky freshwater
In Kentucky freshwater, smallmouth bass peak April–May and July–October and are around year-round, spawning in May, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. July: Wading the Green and the Elkhorn.
No note for October — see the months around it.
Smallmouth bass in Kentucky freshwater, month by month
- JanuaryAround
- FebruaryAround
- MarchArrivingCumberland and Dale Hollow (KY side) pre-spawn.
- AprilPeak
- MaySpawning
- JuneAround
- JulyPeakWading the Green and the Elkhorn.
- AugustPeak
- SeptemberPeak
- OctoberPeak
- NovemberAround
- DecemberAround
Where to fish smallmouth bass near Kentucky Lake, Lake Barkley, Lake Cumberland
Kentucky and Barkley lakes for crappie and ledge bass, Cumberland's stripers and walleye, Dale Hollow's smallmouth, Cave Run's muskie, and wading rivers for smallmouth.
What to use for smallmouth bass
- CrayfishHooked through the tail on a #2 to 2/0 hook and dragged slowly along rock and gravel — the smallmouth bait, and good for catfish and walleye.
- Minnows (fatheads, shiners)Hooked lightly through the lips or behind the dorsal on a #6 to #2 hook under a slip bobber for crappie, perch and walleye; a big golden shiner on a 2/0 to 4/0 for largemouth, pike and stripers.
- LeechesHooked once through the sucker end on a #8 to #4 hook under a slip bobber or on a live-bait rig — walleye and smallmouth can't leave them alone.
- NightcrawlersWhole on a #6 to #2 hook under a bobber or on a bottom rig; threaded on a spinner harness drifted for walleye. The bait that catches everything in fresh water.
- Leader10–20 lb fluorocarbon
- Hook#2–3/0
- Jig head1/8–1/2 oz
- Braid10–30 lb
Feeds in 45–82°F water, best at 60–74°F.
Questions anglers ask
When is the best time to catch smallmouth bass in Kentucky freshwater?
Peak season is April–May and July–October, with fish spawning in May (often a closed or catch-and-release window — check the rule). Smallmouth bass are here year-round. July: Wading the Green and the Elkhorn.
Where do smallmouth bass hold in Kentucky freshwater?
Look on river, creek / stream, lake, reservoir, bridge, dock / pilings — around Kentucky Lake, Lake Barkley, Lake Cumberland, Dale Hollow, Cave Run Lake, Green River.
What is the best bait for smallmouth bass in Kentucky freshwater?
Live bait: crayfish, minnows (fatheads, shiners), leeches, nightcrawlers. Crayfish: Hooked through the tail on a #2 to 2/0 hook and dragged slowly along rock and gravel — the smallmouth bait, and good for catfish and walleye. Tackle: leader 10–20 lb fluorocarbon, hook #2–3/0, jig head 1/8–1/2 oz, braid 10–30 lb.
What are the rules for smallmouth bass in Kentucky freshwater?
Size and bag limits and closed seasons are set by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR) and change — read the current rule at https://fw.ky.gov/FishBoatGuide/Pages/default.aspx before you keep a fish. A licence is sold at https://fw.ky.gov/Licenses.
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All about smallmouth bass · Kentucky fresh water, the whole year