FAGAN BRANCH LAKE
The smallest lake of our five picks is only 140 acres in size. Located in Marion County, Fagan Branch Lake has a good rating for largemouths and has good numbers of bass in the 13- to 15-inch range. This is partially due to a protective slot limit imposed on the lake. No fish from 12 to 15 inches may be harvested at Fagan Branch.

The slot limit was imposed to help protect some of the larger fish and allow them to utilize available food sources. Fagan Branch is nutrient poor. So it is not very fertile. Fagan Branch is a water-supply lake on high ground and does not receive a lot of run-off.

The lake does not have a large population of largemouths and usually sees low reproduction rates. It can incur population swings due to recruitment issues and water level. Bass grow much slower at Fagan Branch compared to many other state lakes, but the fish enjoy good longevity and do reach decent size over time.

Fishing at Fagan Branch Lake can be challenging during the summer. The lake level and water condition can vary according to water usage. Anglers must adapt to changes in the water level and the effects it has on bass to be successful.

There is not much structure at the lake. There are a few fallen trees, but artificial fish attractors and supplemental woody structure, such as Christmas trees, are not placed in the lake. Because it is a water-supply lake, anything foreign that might be drawn into the water inlets is unwanted.

There is a creek channel, but it is poorly defined. With diligence, anglers can find some dropoffs along the old channel. Bass will often relate to these subtle changes in depth.

There is a lot of submerged vegetation in the lake. Growth and development of the vegetation increases throughout the summer, which makes it difficult to fish near the bottom. However, anglers can find good success by fishing just above the top of the submerged weedbeds. Crankbaits run just above the tops of these sunken beds can be highly productive at times. Topwater lures are also often good choices during early-morning hours and again just before dark.

If one were standing on the dam and facing the lake, the side of the lake on the right is the deepest. During the heat of summer, bass will seek out deeper water to find not only cooler temperatures, but also to escape the sun’s rays. Good electronics can really be helpful to locate deeper drops near prime feeding areas.

The lake also has some decent smallmouth fishing, but they suffer from some of the same problems as the largemouths. Most smallmouths are confined to the lower end near the dam and the few fingers nearby. Smallmouths caught will usually average between 12 and 18 inches. Not bad for a lake not known for these scrappy game fish!

FINAL NOTES
The trick is not to underestimate a lake just because of its size. These lakes and others across the state have good bass populations and are managed to provide the most fishing opportunities possible. Many record-sized fish are pulled from farm ponds, so don’t overlook a potential bass hotspot just because it’s small.

Remember that many of our smaller lakes have special regulations to help protect and enhance the fisheries. Anglers should always obtain the most current regulations before fishing. Most of this information is available in the annual Sport Fishing and Boating Guide. Other information can be obtained by contacting the KDFWR or the individual biologists directly. Call the toll-free information line at (800) 858-1549 or visit the Web site at www.kdfwr.state.ky.us.