During the warm days of summer, hybrid locations can vary widely. Some reservoirs have wide expanses of shallow water that warm too quickly for these fish. In this case, the deeper channels offer you the best opportunity for finding cooler water and hybrids. In hot weather, depending upon the water coloration, hybrids can be taken from 15 feet depths when the water is murky, and down around 25 when the water is clear.

In summer, look for deep sections of creek channels and the main channel of the reservoir you’re fishing on. Cliffs, points, brushy flats and outside bends are also good hybrid locations. In hot weather, hybrids will often feed off points near creek channels, and then head for deeper water after feeding.

As for equipment, your basic bass- fishing rigs will perform well when going after the hybrid striped bass. Obtaining a map of the reservoir will eliminate much of the time spent in exploration. Before launching, knowing where the creek channels are and a lake’s average depths will allow you more time fishing and less time moving around on the lake.

To learn more about the hybrid fishing available in the Bluegrass State, contact the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife, 1 Sportsman’s Lane, Frankfort, KY 40601. You can also use their e-mail address, info.center@KY.gov, or call 1-800-858-1549.