Drift-fishing is one recommended approach at Barren River Lake. This technique lets you cover more water so as to determine the movement of the catfish at any particular time of year. During June, drift-fishing can be highly productive once you determine the speed that catfish favor.

Access points are well located on Barren River Lake. The Barren River Lake tailwater access area is near the dam, just off SR 252. This is a single-lane ramp with picnic area, restroom and camping available. This launch site is free of charge.

The Peninsula Marina Access Area is just off Peninsula Road on the northwestern side of the lake. This multiple-lane launch site has parking available, as well as a courtesy dock. This launch site charges a ramp fee.

On the south side of Barren River Lake, just off Bailey Point Road, is Bailey's Point access, a multiple-launch ramp with parking, picnic facilities, restrooms and camping available. This launch site also charges a fee.

On the southeastern section of the lake, Barren River Lake Resort Park access provides a free multiple-lane launch site just off Scottsville Road. This ramp area provides a spacious parking lot with a nearby courtesy dock. Camping is available at this location, as are a picnic area and restroom facilities.

The Walnut Creek access area is on the southwestern side of the lake, just off Walnut Creek Road, is a free multiple-lane ramp with picnic and restroom facilities.

Catfish anglers are a dedicated bunch. Many of them have turned catfishing into a way of life and spend every available moment pursuing the big cats of the deep water. A day spent fishing with an angler obsessed with catfish is a unique experience. From the type of bait used to the equipment and presentation, catfish angling has its own style.

As for equipment, most anglers prefer long rods over 7 feet long. Short rods have their place, but the odds of landing a trophy catfish increase with the longer rods. They cast greater distances and have more reach when dealing with a large, feisty catfish.

Baitcasting reels are the most popular reels. They provide more power for bringing in the big fish. Their solid frames with tough gears help bring the big cats to shore. As one old catfish angler said, "I prefer winching the cats in, as opposed to playing them." The baitcasting reel is definitely made for winching.

For those who prefer trotlining, a main line of 600-pound-test nylon cord with trots (drop lines) made of 100- to 200-pound-test nylon cord will do the job. And jug-fishermen often use empty milk or soda jugs in 1- or 2-liter sizes with 50- to 100- pound-test Dacron line.

And for bank anglers, of course, one of the primary attractions is a campfire overlooking peaceful night waters. Such scenes are ageless. Whether the angler is seven or 70, the enjoyment is still the same.

For additional information on catfishing opportunities around the Bluegrass State, contact the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife, #1 Game Farm Road, Frankfort, KY 40601, or call 1-800-858-1549.