LAKE BESHEAR
Fisheries sampling has shown some excellent results from Lake Beshear in Caldwell and Christian counties. There are good numbers of bass, and the size distribution is good, too. The numbers of bass in the 15- to 18-inch range has increased in recent samples. Over the past two decades, the lake has consistently had good numbers of bass in excess of 15 inches.

Big fish come out of Lake Beshear fairly regularly, and stories of 10- to 12-pound fish surface every year. While electro-shocking, fisheries biologists have consistently sampled fish in the 7- to 8-pound range. Lots of bass at Beshear are in the 3- to 5-pound range.

Many anglers believe Lake Beshear has more large bass because of the effects of the reservoir's clear water. But that water clarity can sometimes make fishing success difficult. Therefore, some believe that because the bass are not caught as frequently, they remain in the lake long enough to reach trophy size.

Another reason may be the ample amount of forage in the lake and the fact that largemouth bass are the lake's top predators. A good catfish population preys on forage fish as well, but there are no smallmouths, spotted bass, or other large predator fish.

CEDAR CREEK LAKE
The 784-acre Cedar Creek Lake in Lincoln County is unlike any other water in the state. After all, from the very start, this lake was impounded with the intention of producing a trophy bass fishery. The lake is being managed as such, and the results are really going to pay some huge dividends in the near future.

Cedar Creek Lake has regulations in place to protect bass and allow them to reach quality size. Anglers may not keep any bass less than 20 inches and even then must observe a one-fish daily creel. The lake was impounded and stocked in 2002, so the 20-inch length limit has virtually made this reservoir a catch-and-release lake so far.

Bass numbers continue on an upward swing, and the quality of these fish is starting to become really impressive. There is very good density of bass between 16 and 19 inches. The numbers of bass over 12 inches are also up.

Biologist John Williams believes 2007 will be a good year at the lake. Some of the larger bass may reach 7 to 8 pounds. He believes that Cedar Creek is the best bass lake in his area right now and offers the best chance to tie into a nice-sized largemouth this summer.

DEWEY LAKE
Largemouth bass have been doing exceptionally well at Dewey Lake for the last several years, according to fisheries biologist Kevin Frey. Assessments have been showing a real improvement. And that has led to the "excellent" rating the lake received for 2007. Anglers have a lot to look forward to at Dewey Lake this year.

There has been good size distribution of bass at the lake for several years in a row, with good numbers of bass throughout the size distribution. The lake has consistently produced excellent numbers of bass in the 15- to 21-inch range. The upper end of the distribution has been slowly climbing as well, and sampling has shown fish up to around 23 inches.

There are some really nice fish taken at Dewey Lake each ear. Anglers consistently catch plenty of bass in the 3- to 5-pound range. Bass up around 7 to 8 pounds are not all that uncommon and occasionally, a lucky angler will even land a fish around 10 pounds.

The lake has an infestation of zebra mussels, which has been increasing the water clarity. This has led to an increase of aquatic weeds, which in turn has helped increase habitat for young fish. Weeds help small fish find protection, food, and give them a chance to grow. The fishery has definitely benefited from the increased fry survival.

KENTUCKY LAKE
One of our premier largemouth lakes is obviously Kentucky Lake. This western Kentucky reservoir has long been a favorite of bigmouth anglers. The Kentucky Lake largemouth fishery has gone through some down years, but it is currently on an upswing, and things are looking tremendous for this year.

Biologist Paul Rister expects the bass fishery to improve by leaps and bounds. He says the bass population looks great now, and all indicators point toward banner catches over the next few years.

One of the main reasons for the improvement is the return of aquatic vegetation to the lake. Not only has coontail and naiad growth improved, but also last year saw a strong increase in the amount of Eurasian water milfoil. The latter plant is a huge benefit to the survival of bass fry.