According to the 2006 Kentucky Fishing Forecast, the outlook for hybrid striped bass at Barren River Lake is “excellent.” According to the forecast, “Overall numbers are good with large fish (20-inch plus) available. Adults will move into the headwater areas in the spring. Target the main lake areas in the summer and fall as schools appear throughout the lake. Trolling and casting during the early morning periods are most productive over flats and long points. Some fish are taken during the winter months in scattered areas throughout the lake.”

Lake is in south-central Kentucky near the cities of Glasgow and Bowling Green. It also borders with Tennessee. Barren River State Park is on the east side of the lake, about halfway down the impoundment. At normal water levels, depths range from about 80 feet on the north end near the dam to 10 feet on the south end.

Besides fishing, the lake offers recreational activities that include swimming, hiking, camping and boating. The surrounding areas are also regulated for wildlife protection.

Access points include Barren River Lake Tailwater Access Area. This year-round, 24-hour boat ramp is free of charge. It is a single-launch, “B” rated paved ramp that can handle any light trailerable recreation boat. This access point has a fairly sizable parking lot with nearby picnic, camping and restroom facilities.

The Peninsula Marina Access Area is a year-round, 24-hour launch ramp that requires a fee. It is a “B” rated ramp with a courtesy dock and a large paved parking lot. Restrooms are available at this launch site.

Beaver Creek Access Area is a seasonal launch site that also charges a fee for launching. Seasonal shoreline fishing is available, as are picnic, camping and restroom facilities.

The Barren River Lake State Resort Park Access Area is a year-round free launch site, offering multiple ramp lanes. Shoreline fishing is available year-round along with picnic, camping and restroom facilities. A courtesy dock is available, as is a marina.

At the Walnut Creek Access Area, a free seasonal launch site with a multiple-lane launch ramp is available to hybrid anglers. Shoreline fishing is available. A picnic area, parking lot and restrooms facilities are at this location.

For additional information on Barren River Lake, call (270) 646-2055. For fishing information, call (270) 646-2122.

HERRINGTON LAKE
Herrington Lake is a top hybrid water. Covering well over 1,800 acres in portions of Mercer, Boyle and Garrard counties, this medium-sized lake provides quality habitat for the hybrid population found here. Excellent habitat and a consistent management program have helped hybrid bass thrive in this lake’s waters.

Herrington is a deep, narrow, winding lake. In places, the maximum depth is nearly 250 feet. This lake is Kentucky’s oldest major reservoir, having been built in 1926 by Kentucky Utilities. It is used for flood control as well as for generating hydroelectric power. Water level fluctuations can be substantial even during the summer months, so anglers need to be prepared.

Herrington has good populations of gizzard and threadfin shad, excellent forage for hybrid striped bass. Creel surveys have brought up large numbers of hybrids that weighed 3 pounds and up. Many fish over 8 pounds were also reported.