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KDFWR Releases 2018 Fishing Forecast

February 21, 2018 | Staff Report

The Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources recently released their 2018 fishing forecast for all species of fish in all of Kentucky's lakes and waterways.

For Lake Barkley, the best bite is forecast to come from channel catfish, largemouth bass, redear, and yellow bass. Yellow bass are often overlooked, but are easy to catch (sometimes too easy) and there are plenty of them in both Kentucky and Barkley Lakes. Largemouth are always excellent on Barkley as well as channel catfish. Good numbers of 9-11 inch redear and trophies up to 12 are forecast for Lake Barkley.

Other species that are rated "Good" to "Excellent" include crappie, white bass, bluegill and blue catfish. Smallmouth and stripes are rated as "Fair". Sauger is rated as "Poor", but your best bet to catch them is below the dam.

Kentucky Lake's forecast is unsurprisingly similar to Lake Barkley, but there are some differences. The KDFWR forecast suggests the better bite in Kentucky will be for bluegill, blue cats, and smallmouth. Sauger may be a bit better in Kentucky Lake as well, coming in with a "Fair" forecast rating.

Redear, white bass, striped bass and smallmouth are forecast with a "Good" rating for Kentucky Lake. Barkley may be a better bet for those seeking redear and white bass.

Sauger is rated as "Fair" with the best chances of catching these fish in the late fall or winter months in the main channel or below the dam.

Most anglers seek out largemouth and crappie. The forecast looks "Good" to "Excellent" for both species on both lakes. This year Lake Barkley may have the edge on crappie, however. Additionally, the lake may be a better fit for crappie fishing, if an angler must choose, since it is less congested with boats.

You can download and read the entire 2018 Fishing Forecast here. It's well worth the read.

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