The lake has the potential to produce some real quality catfish. Creel surveys indicate the fishery has dramatically improved since the early 1990s. A 12-inch minimum-size regulation for harvest has helped to protect some of the fish, and there's now an abundance of channel cats in the 12- to 15-inch range.

Catfish are numerous and can be found in most areas of the lake, so if anglers don't get a bite within a short time, they should move to another location. Flats, points, channel edges, and other contour features are good locations to target. Catfish will often come shallow at night to feed heavily, so anglers who brave the dark can find some terrific action.

Lake Beshear is located in the center of the Pennyrile Forest State Park, approximately four miles south of Dawson Springs off state Route (SR) 672. Boat launching is accessible at Reddens Boat Ramp, also located on SR 672. A small daily fee is charged for launching.

GREEN RIVER LAKE
Channel Catfish
Recent creel surveys show the channel catfish population to be in great shape at Green River Lake in Taylor and Adair counties.

Summer rains that muddy the water can trigger heavy feeding.

During these times, channel cats can be taken with a variety of methods and baits.

In fact, says biologist Eric Cummings, "People are catching all they care to catch."

The KDFWR fishing forecast gives this 8,210-acre lake an excellent rating for channel catfish.

The KDFWR doesn't do a lot of sampling for catfish specifically, but while sampling other species of fish, they do pick up a few cats. Creel surveys and angler feedback also offer a picture of the fishery's status. All indicators point toward a healthy population.

Cummings says there are good numbers of channel cats, especially ones of "eating size." In creel surveys, the predominant size range seen is 15 to 20 inches, although larger fish are available. Channel cats at Green River Lake are self-sustaining, and the lake receives no supplemental stocking.

June is spawning time at Green River Lake and a prime time for tickling and noodling. Channel cats are cavity spawners and can be located in holes, root balls, and crevices created in transition areas between bluffs and other types of bank. Success with more traditional angling methods improves when the female catfish begin coming off their nests -- and will continue to improve throughout July.

Summer rains that muddy the water can trigger heavy feeding. During these times, channel cats can be taken with a variety of methods and baits. Another great time to target catfish is after significant discharge from the dam. Fishing the tailwaters in the first quarter- to half-mile below the dam can be tremendous.

Fishing at night usually produces the most success, but anglers can also find good luck during the day at times, especially on overcast days.

Access is easy for both Green River Lake and its tailwaters. There are about a dozen boat-launching ramps that can accommodate almost all types of watercraft. Some are free, while others charge a fee. Bank access and ADA facilities are available at the Corps of Engineers' office located off SR 55, approximately 4 1/2 miles south of Campbellsville.

Other good access is available through the Green River Lake State Park, also located on SR 55. To obtain more information, call the state park at (270) 465-8255, or visit GreenRiver@ky.gov.