With approximately 2,400 miles of shoreline and 184 miles in total length, this is one huge body of premier bass habitat available to anglers to explore in the extreme western end of Kentucky.

Kentucky Lake was formed when a dam was built on the Kentucky side of the Tennessee River. And since there is no reciprocal agreement between Kentucky and Tennessee, your Kentucky fishing license is good only on the Kentucky side of the lake.

The lake has a maximum depth of approximately 120 feet and an average depth of around 15 feet. The size limit for both largemouths and smallmouths is 15 inches.

Kentucky Lake forms the western boundary of the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, with Lake Barkley forming the eastern boundary. Directions to Kentucky Lake are the same as for Barkley: follow the Western Kentucky Parkway across the state from urban regions such as Louisville and Lexington. Approaching from the southern regions of the state, follow U. S. Route 68.

Kentucky Lake also provides numerous boat ramp accesses. These include Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park, Kentucky Dam Marina, Little Bear Access Area, Birmingham Ferry Recreational Area, Big Bear Resort and Marina, Barge Island Recreation Area, Sugar Bay Access Area, Kenlake State Resort Park and Kentucky Beach Resort -- to name just a few.

Reports of trophy bass have come from all sections of Kentucky Lake. Some recommended places include Smith Bay, Olive Branch Creek, Rushing Creek and Shannon Creek.

As all bass anglers know, the vicinity of nearly any feeder stream, point, stumpfield or brushy area has the potential of holding trophy bass. A good detailed map of Kentucky Lake will provide focus points for quality bass habitat.

The 2008 outlook for Kentucky bass fishermen looks to be better than ever. Weather conditions will dictate fishing conditions, and no one knows for sure what Mother Nature has in store. But at nearly any time during the fishing season, early morning and late evening are almost always sure bets for the best bass action.

When boat-fishing unfamiliar waters, anglers are advised to obtain a map of the lake they plan to fish and become familiar with the waterway. Reservoirs are notorious for hidden stumps and trees. During times of dry weather, obstacles ordinarily under several feet of water could become hazards due to lower water levels.

As for fishing presentations, ask a dozen anglers what their most productive lure is, and usually you’ll get nearly a dozen different viewpoints. Then, taking into account that most successful bass anglers are reluctant to share their secrets, what you’re told may or may not be a trustworthy approach in any specific locale.

So the best overall approach to bass presentation is trial and error. What the big boys will hit one day, they may pass by the next. But this, of course, is one of the most enjoyable aspects of the sport. When you are on the right lake at the right time and it results in a severely bowed rod, you become just as hooked as the big fish on the other end of the line.