Kentucky Lake

Kentucky Dam creates the largest manmade lake in the eastern United States. It backs up the Tennessee River for 184 miles and creates a lake that stretches south across the western tip of Kentucky and nearly the entire width of Tennessee. At maximum normal operating level, Kentucky Lake covers 160,300 acres.

 
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Lake front home - 3 BR, 2 1/2 BA, $150,000 - MORE INFO

Kentucky Lake is a magnet for vacationers and fishermen from a wide area of mid-America, with recreation use amounting to some 17 million visits each year. Along its nearly 2400 miles of cove-studded shoreline are many boat docks and resorts, 4 state parks, the Tennessee National Wildlife refuge, 48 public access areas, 2 county parks, 5 municipal parks, 2 state wildlife management areas, 10 group camps and clubs, 92 commercial recreation areas, and 3 small wildlife areas.

Murray, Kentucky is the county seat of Calloway County, located in Southwest Kentucky. Murray is home to Murray State University and the National Boy Scout Museum

www.kentuckylake.com

Miller Memorial Golf Course, 270-762-2238, 2814 Pottertown Rd, Murray, KY

Wildcat Creek Recreation Area, 270-436-5628, 28 Wildcat Beach Rd, Murray, KY

Kerry Landing Golf Course, 270-354-5050, 2400 Big Bear Hwy, Benton, KY

The lowermost impoundment of the Tennessee River chain, Kentucky Lake is the home of lunker large mouth, spots and the highly regarded small mouth. Known, for years, as the "Crappie Capital" of the world, two pounders are not uncommon. Other fish such as catfish, bluegill, red ear, stripers and sauger gives you a mixed bag of excellent fishing.

 One of the largest man-made lakes in the U.S., Kentucky Lake starts at the dam and travels south to Pickwick Lake Dam, some 180 miles and 2400 miles of shoreline from head to tail water. If you are a bass fisherman, you will be in "Hawg Heaven", (no pun intended). Spring begins with the spawn which gets under way in early April and usually runs through mid May. This brings about some of the best flipping in the country for the fishermen who like shallow water. The summer months (June thru August) is time to move out to the ledges where most post spawn fish migrate. Fishing in ten to twenty five feet of water can produce bass that, guides say, can break your arm. Believe it, three to seven pounders are not uncommon. Fall makes for some the most exciting top water fishing in the world. Baits such as Zara Spook, Pop R's, prop baits and buzz baits will keep you wondering if the next strike might be a world record.

Crappie fishing begins in March and usually remains hot through May. Using minnows and jigs, fish deep brushpiles (18' to 20') until they begin their move toward shallow water for spawn. This takes place around the first of April through mid May. With plenty of shallow structure all along the shore line, it should make for some of the largest stringers you've ever caught and the best fish you've ever tasted.

For the pan fisherman, bluegill fishing begins in May and lasts all summer long. This fish will make the fly fisherman think he's in paradise. The brim is also a perfect way to get the young angler started.

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Baits N Bullets, 270-354-8886, 15663 US Highway 68 E, Hardin, KY 42048-9321

4-WAY Bait Shop, 270-437-4596, 102 Aurora Hwy, Hardin, KY

Hoagland Marine, 270-474-2209, 16843 US Highway 68 E, Hardin, KY 42048-9333

Lakeside Campground & Marina, 270-354-8157, 12363 US Highway 68 E, Benton, KY 42025-6427

Sportsman's Anchor Marina, 270-354-6568, 12800 US Highway 68 E, Benton, KY 42025-6427

Irvin Cobb Marina, 270-436-2525, 159 Resort Rd, Murray, KY

Aurora Oaks Campground, 270-474-2778, 55 Koa Ln, Hardin, KY 42048-9317

Camp Currie, 270-354-6497, 295 Camp Currie Rd, Benton, KY

Blood River Campground, 270-436-5321, 207 Tacklebox Ln, Murray, KY

Birmingham Point RV Park, 270-354-8482, 5295 Barge Island Rd, Benton, KY

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