Stocked for the first time in March 2019, Cutthroat Trout are the most recent addition to the state. The four remaining species (detailed below) are popular sport fish and may be found in suitable waters that are stocked. The agency recovers and conserves endangered or threatened species. Common names: Widely known as shellcracker because of its fondness for snails. This link will immediately take you to the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources' listing of common fish found in Kentucky. Bass, Rock. The Amblyopsidae are a fish family commonly referred to as cavefish, blindfish, or swampfish.They are small freshwater fish found in the dark environments of caves (underground lakes, pools, rivers and streams), springs and swamps in the eastern half of the United States. These delicious-tasting fish reside in the spring in shallow waters of bays and in brush piles. FAQs. The largest portion of this family is represented by the small-sized, secretive species called madtoms. Bass, Smallmouth. All State Fish. In April, crappie are legendary on Kentucky Lake. The Freshwater Drum, sometimes called “sheepshead” or “white perch” reaches a large adult size and has some value in sport and commercial fisheries of large rivers and reservoirs. Walleye and Sauger form a popular sport fishery in the state. Members of this family are largely marine or brackish water fishes. The largest proportion of Kentucky’s fish fauna (80%) includes darters, minnows, suckers, madtoms, smaller sunfishes, and other groups (e.g., lam- preys) that are rarely seen by most people. They also possess stout spines in the dorsal and pectoral fins, which can inflict a painful wound if handled carelessly. Members of this family range from the small, but extremely diverse and variable darters to the large Walleye and Sauger. Eight of the most common members of the perch family in Kentucky are presented below. The common name “drum” refers to the deep sounds that resonate from special muscles vibrating against the swim bladder. These lakes produce some of the best bass fishing in the United States. Young black crappie prey on insects, plankton and larval fishes. Kentucky Fish Species List. Populations of catfish (three species), largemouth bass, muskellunge, sunfish (two species), crappie and white bass are present in the lake. Adult black crappie eat mainly fish, but they will also eat aquatic organisms and terrestrial insects. The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife is reporting that a large numbers of pine siskins are arriving in Kentucky this year. Many darter species are intolerant of pollution and other forms of stream degradation, making them valuable ecological indicators of stream health and water quality. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is a federal agency responsible for the Endangered Species Act. In general species that grow to larger sizes such as Barbicamburs cornutus and Cambarus cumberlandensis may live for five or six years while smaller species, such as those in the genus Cambarellus, may live only one year.Evidence suggests that some populations of cave-dwelling species in the genus Orconectes may … Bluegill are typically active along the banks during May. Events Calendar, Home // Fishing // Species Catfishes have sharp senses, particularly taste and smell, which enables them to be active at night and in muddy water conditions. Five species of trout occur or have been reported from Kentucky waters. Largemouth Bass. White Bass, Striped Bass, and their hatchery-produced hybrids are highly esteemed sport fish and are routinely stocked in rivers and large reservoirs. Click on each fish family to see images of sportfish in that family and for detail on each fish.Scroll down further on this page for a description of each fish family. The dam is about 4 miles northeast of Prestonsburg, off Ky. 3. Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Information Systems Bird species information database. Sign up for our email newsletter, The Kentucky Lake Explorer. Kentucky has 18 species, including the White Catfish, which has been introduced. Fish species found at the lake include: Largemouth Bass - also known as black bass, Florida bass, Florida largemouth, southern largemouth, green bass, bigmouth, bucketmouth Smallmouth Bass - also known as black bass, brown bass, bronzeback While most are native species, several notable desirable non-native species have been introduced into our woods and waters. Reports | Kentucky Record: 14 lbs. Common names: Kentucky bass, Kentucky spotted bass, northern spotted bass, Alabama spotted bass, Wichita... White Bass. Guides | This family is represented by four species in Kentucky, one of which, the Northern Pike, has been introduced. Common names: raccoon perch, redfin perch, ringed perch, lake perch, Common names: channel cat, hump-back blue, forktail cat, great blue cat, silver cat, chucklehead cat, blue fulton, Common names: spotted cat, blue channel cat, river catfish, Fiddler, willow cat, Common names: yellow cat, mud cat, shovelhead cat, johnnie cat, goujon, appaluchion, opelousas. Catfishes are easily recognized by their barbels or “whiskers” around the mouth and scaleless bodies. Six of the most commonly encountered species are presented below. During late spring and into the summer, breeding males of several sunfish species become quite colorful and will aggressively defend their nests, which are saucer-shaped pits on the bottom near the margins of streams and lakes. Juveniles have a series of vertical oval-shaped dark bars along the side called parr marks. Stay up to date on the latest events, news and special deals happening at Kentucky Lake, Lake Barkley and Land Between The Lakes. In certain parts of Kentucky, the Muskellunge is a popular sport fish because of its large size and willingness to take artificial lures. The following list features the most common Lake Barkley & Kentucky Lake fish species. The bullheads and larger catfishes are important to anglers and commercial fishers. Common names: speckled perch, specks, papermouth, bachelor perch, calico bass, strawberry bass, or white perch, Common names: bream, blue bream, sun perch, blue sunfish, copperhead, copperbelly, roach. The Northern Pike and Chain Pickerel, while popular as sport fish in other states, are rare in Kentucky. Kentucky is home to 19 species of sunfish, two of which have been introduced (Redbreast Sunfish and Redeye Bass). American Salmon. Search for Kentucky fish spots and see catch photos, maps, fish species, and gear that works. Below are six common native species most likely seen by people, as well as four of the well-known exotic species, including the highly invasive Asian carps. Adults feed heavily on shad, silversides, and other forage fish. All trout in Kentucky have a streamlined body with small scales, a large mouth, and an adipose fin. Apache Trout. Spring, summer and through the autumn, fishermen enjoy the vast waters and serene setting of Kentucky Lake. The Freshwater Drum is the only species in North America that occurs strictly in freshwater habitats, including rivers, lakes, and reservoirs in Kentucky. Common Fish of Kentucky Photo Gallery. Join Kentucky Afield TV host Tim Farmer and see. Common Fish of Kentucky Photo Gallery To see additional pictures and descriptions of the common species of fish listed above, click here . Bowfishing | < Go Back to Species Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout occasionally reproduce in the wild and there are a few small naturally reproducing populations of Brook Trout in the eastern half of the state. Provides selected Kentucky resources from agencies and organizations with an interest in the prevention, control, or eradication of invasive species. They are important as forage for larger sport fishes and are valuable ecological indicators of water quality. Populations of catfish (three species), largemouth bass, muskellunge, sunfish (two species), crappie and white bass are present in the lake. The main forage fish is the gizzard shad. Eleven of the largest and most common members of the sunfish family in Kentucky are presented below. © 2014 Commonwealth of Kentucky All rights reserved. Common names: black bass, Florida bass, Florida (or southern) largemouth, green bass, bigmouth, bucketmouth, Common names: Black bass, brown bass, bronzeback. Three species of catfish are present and there are good numbers of quality fish. Species | Pikes are easily recognized by their long, slender bodies, “duckbill-like” snout, and jaws with many large, sharp teeth. Also called bream, yellow bream. Kentucky FishKENTUCKY FISH Artwork by Rick Hill, Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources © 2006 Bluegill Green Sunfish Redear Sunfish Longear Sunfish The sunfish family includes some of the most popular and sought-after sport fishes in the state, such as Bluegill, Large- and Smallmouth basses, the crappies, and several other smaller species regarded as panfish. Bait/Tackle | Minnows are extremely diverse, occur in a wide range of habitats, and usually are more numerous than all other fishes combined. Kentucky has 18 species, including the White Catfish, which has been introduced. Lake Cams | Lake Levels | Common names: striper, rockfish, rock, linesides. But not all exotic fish species are welcome in Kentucky public waters, as many introductions, intentional or otherwise, have proven to be detrimental to native fish populations. The perches represent one of the largest families of fishes in North America and the most diverse family in Kentucky. All are predators feeding on other fish using ambush or “lie-in-wait” tactics. You'll find these common fish in the waters of Kentucky & Barkley Lakes. Provides the Life History of each species and observations by county/quad. Ramps | Common names: Kentucky bass, Kentucky spotted bass, northern spotted bass, Alabama spotted bass, Wichita spotted bass, smallmouth bass. The main forage fish is the gizzard shad. The U.S. A wide variety of fish and wildlife species are found throughout Kentucky. If you're new to Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley, take a look at our Fishing Overview and discover how fun and exciting fishing these big lakes can be! American Shad. 9.5 oz. These species were not included (counted) in our total of Threatened and Endangered species listed above. Kentucky Lake & Lake Barkley Fishing. Dewey Lake is in eastern Kentucky’s Floyd County. American Eel. The state fish is the Kentucky Spotted Bass, (Micropterus punctulatus.) The bass was adopted by the state on February 27, 1956. Three species of temperate basses occur in Kentucky, including the Striped Bass, which has been introduced as a sport fish. One species, the Lake Trout, has been stocked in Dale Hollow Lake and Lake Cumberland, but its continued existence in these reservoirs is uncertain. Many are obscure minnows and darters, which are not commonly seen by anglers. Mission: To publicize information about the fisheries of Kentucky and Barkley lakes, while allowing anglers the ability to communicate with us with their success stories while fishing at these lakes, or concerns of the fisheries, such as Asian carp. Search by ranking, location or by keywords and find your KY fishing spot! About Life History & County/Quad list - Search by Species Group. Three species, referred to as the black basses, have longer bodies and are more elliptical in shape. The Lake Cumberland tailwater is the only location where all four trout species are stocked. A biologist with the Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources recently discovered a new species of crayfish, and now the department is looking for someone to name it. Kentucky spotted bass (Micropterus punctulatus) was designated as the official state fish of Kentucky in 1956 (also called just "Kentucky bass," though it is one of four species of black bass swimming in Kentucky waters). Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, Fisheries Editor’s Note: This is the eighth article in a series about Kentucky’s major reservoirs. Types of Fish in Kentucky Lake & Lake Barkley Largemouth Bass. Micropterus salmoides floridanus . How many species of fish can you catch in western Kentucky in one day? Common names: stripe, silver bass, striper, sand bass, barfish. Kentucky is looking for a way to turn this problem into economic opportunity by creating demand and finding alternative uses for the fish such as inclusion in fertilizers and pet food. Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources Wildlife education center details hunting seasons, scheduled hunts, regulations, and licensing requirements. Wrens Rock wren, Salpinctes obsoletus (A) House wren, Troglodytes aedon Winter wren, Troglodytes hiemalis Sedge wren, Cistothorus platensis Marsh wren, Cistothorus palustris Carolina wren, Thryothorus ludovicianus Bewick's wren, Thryomanes bewickii (A) Alligator Gar. The species is not native to the United States and poses a threat to the native species by feeding on the same food sources. General fish and wildlife questions and requests for information should be directed to our Information Center in Frankfort at 1-800-858-1549. Seventy-seven species have been recorded within the state. Species names will be listed that contain that word. The bullheads and larger catfishes are important to anglers and commercial fishers. Bass, Kentucky (Spotted) Bass, Largemouth. Nevertheless, these nongame species have important roles in stream and river ecosystems. Spotted Bass. © 1996 - 2020 Explore Kentucky Lake / Explorations Media Group, LLC / Murray, Kentucky / All Rights Reserved. The Kentucky Bass is acclaimed for its gameness and fighting qualities. Black crappie thrive in clear ponds, natural lakes and reservoirs with moderate vegetation. One of four black bass species found in Kentucky waters, the Kentucky bass is primarily a stream fish. Striped Bass. Smallmouth Bass. Drums are bottom-oriented and feed heavily on mollusks, crustaceans, and other small invertebrates. Bass are strong swimmers that actively pursue fast prey (e.g., forage fish), which they engulf with their large mouths. Catfish For Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Resources latest COVID-19 updates, Trophy Fish Program - Master Angler Award, Restricted entanglement fishing gear zones on the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers, Navigation Information for Commercial Fishing on the Ohio River, Lower Mississippi River Conservation Committee, Commemorate Your Catch With Free Certificates, Explore Kentucky's Waters with a Canoe or Kayak, Wading is an excellent and inexpensive way to fish streams, Three things to consider for spring fishing, Finding the best kayak for flatwater fishing, Tips to encourage your young angler’s interest this summer, June a transitional month for bass fishing, Channel catfish spawn brings hot fishing for bank anglers, Two good state resort parks for early summer fishing, Wade the Lake Cumberland tailwater to beat the heat and catch fish, Adjusting to Fishing Situations in the Fall Months, Three State Resort Parks For Great Fall Fishing, Largemouth bass active on smaller lakes across Kentucky, Five things to consider for reservoir smallmouth bass season, Enjoy seasonal catch and release trout streams this winter. Bass, Hybrid Striped. + Federally listed species that is possibly extirpated from Kentucky (species has not been observed in Kentucky for over 20 years; however, habitat for the species is present and exhaustive searches to document its status are incomplete). All species are deep-bodied and have two dorsal fins; the 1st has sharp spines and the 2nd has a single spine followed by soft rays. You then can choose the information on life history or species observations by county/quad from the species list. It is estimated that most Kentucky crayfishes live from two to three years. None of these fish are native to the state and optimal environmental conditions for their survival are marginal. Dewey Lake is one of the top catfish lakes in eastern Kentucky. Arctic Char. You can also check out Fishing 101 to learn about our species and seasonal patterns. Information about the species of fish local to Kentucky Lake ... Kentucky Lake, Kentucky, US Fish Identification Chart. Sunfish have a deep body that is thin from side to side and two broadly joined dorsal fins; the 1st has sharp spines and the 2nd has soft rays. The two most common species, the Grass Pickerel and Muskellunge, are presented below. Kentucky has a rich assemblage of minnows, with 62 native species. Five additional species are exotic and have been introduced for biological control of vegetation and water quality in aquaculture ponds (Grass, Silver, and Bighead carps), food, or as ornamentals (Common Carp and Goldfish). Alewife. Kentucky has a total of 242 species of fish, which represents one of the most diverse assemblages in North America. Common names: stripe, silver bass, striper, sand bass, barfish. April 19, 2019 Highsplint Lake Caught by Mark Ward They are schooling predators inhabiting large bodies of water such as rivers and impoundments. Common Fish Species Found at Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley. The largest portion of this family is represented by the small-sized, secretive species called madtoms. For a complete guide to fishes in Kentucky, view a PDF of the Kentucky Fishes book here: Kentucky Fishes, Temperate Bass Family(includes White Bass, Yellow Bass, Striped Bass, and Hybrid Striped Bass), Sunfish Family(includes Rock Bass, Green Sunfish, Warmouth, Bluegill, Longear Sunfish, Redear Sunfish, Smallmouth Bass, Spotted Bass, Largemouth Bass, White Crappie, and Black Crappie), Carp Family(includes Grass Carp, Common Carp, Silver Carp, and Bighead Carp), Catfish Family(includes Yellow Bullhead, Blue Catfish, Channel Catfish, Stonecat, Brindled Madtom, and Flathead Catfish), Drum Family(includes the Freshwater Drum), Perch Family(includes Sauger and Walleye), Pike Family(includes Grass Pickerel and Muskellunge), Trout Family(includes Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Brown Trout and Brook Trout). Catfish. Rules & Regs | Atlantic Salmon. 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