Spring Fishing on Lake Cumberland

Written by: Danielle Wilson

Spring is in the air, crisp mornings and beautiful sunny days can only mean one thing here at Lake Cumberland and that is Spring Fishing! As anglers gear up for the season they are having to consider al the  factors at play this time of year. That could be where to fish? How deep to fish? What to fish for, and also what lures or bait to use?  Some species of the fish in Lake Cumberland are starting to spawn this time of year and that means that they are bedding and in shallow waters. Water temps are averaging 46 degrees to 52 degrees in late March through April and with that warmer water coming the fish are moving up the creeks following that warmer water pattern. With plenty of things to consider when preparing for you trip, take a listen to the advice of anglers here on Lake Cumberland to help you get it all right.

No matter what you are fishing for in Lake Cumberland, you are bound to catch something with the season change.  There are several species of fish here that spread over our 63,000 acres of water. Some of those include Crappie, Walleye, Catfish, Largemouth, Smallmouth and Kentucky’s as well as out infamous Striper. The waters of Lake Cumberland are rapidly gaining attention for being the top Striped Bass fishing lake in the country. If you are planning your Spring or Summer vacation here to visit us, take a look at the awesome Lake Cumberland Fishing Charters that we have. These folks can take you out on the lake and make sure you bring home that giant that you are dreaming of.

Some newbie anglers may feel like they have no idea what they are doing or even how to catch a fish, but I am here to tell you that right now on these waters is your best chance all year to catch a fish. Bass are creatures of habit and will usually follow the same patterns as years before. When you are out, start deep in the main lake using a spinnerbait. This is a universally successful lure to start with and have high expectations for early spring all the way into summer. Swimbait, Jerkbait, crankbaits and even some good ole’ fashioned night crawlers will also catch you that trophy.

After fishing the main lake, move into more shallow waters. This is where the bass will be bedding and you know when you see a small male, those big females are not far behind.

Not a bass angler? Head on over to Wolf Creek Dam and you can catch some of the best Trout in the Cumberland River. You can stop by Lake Country Outdoors and ask one of the local bait dealers which bait is best for trout this time of year. If you are planning to stay a while, Kendall Park Campground is right on the river so you can stay cozy and be close to the river all at the same time. Trout fishing in Kentucky is some of the best below Wolf Creek Dam and lot of angers prefer Fly Fishing over a rod and reel any day. This is a wide spread hobby that people come from all around to do here in the Cumberland River.

While you are enjoying your vacation, stop by the Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery where you can view all of the trout to fingerlings to fully grown and ready to release. Russell County is not only the home of Lake Cumberland but also the home of the only trout hatchery that repopulates, grows and releases their own trout back into the river. How awesome is that?

Russell County is full of all sorts of outdoor adventure, but fishing on Lake Cumberland is takes the cake because fishing season is every season and the fish are always biting.