2001-2023 Explorations Media Group, LLC. All rights reserved. Ideal conditions are clear and stable water levels. The statewide season for gigging and/or snagging rough fish is from February 1 through May 10. Fish are shot with a barbed arrow that is attached with special line to a reel mounted on the bow. This action is littering and subject to a fine. Think of that sizethat fish is taller than my girlfriend! We would say that the best time to bowfish the Kentucky Dam would be around spring to early summer from early March to early June. Courtesy photo, David Whitmire Tags Ichthyology Fishing Zoology Biology Food Ecology Hydrography Anatomy History The Economy Politics Trade Weapons Medicine Trending Video Recommended for you Bowfishing season & shooting times. Kentucky' state record paddlefish weighed 106 pounds and was taken from the Ohio River by William Chumbler, of Calvert City, on . Bowfishing in Kentucky, like some of the other states, has a broad appeal due to the common outdoor lifestyle of many in the state. Reports | We can provide all gear necessary for a bowfishing trip, ask for details. They have attempted to bring the alligator gar back to the state, and they were naturally occurring there and common throughout western Kentucky. The target species are rough fish and they are abundant, so opportunities abound. creel limit of 5 (in aggregate) and paddlefish have a daily creel limit of 2. For some of the people in this state, bowfishing has become a way of life and over the summer months, you will find them out there four to five days out of the week going bowfishing. Bowfishing has been CT's obsession for over 12 years. There is some travel time to get to a few spots, but we can carpool to get there. Snagged fish must not be disposed on the bank. Please register to post on the forum, view photos and more! In addition to the cost of a boat, bowfishing equipment can also be a great expense. When you shoot the fish, take them with you. kentucky state bowfishing records $250 deposit due by March 1st $335.50 due by April 15th. Bighead Carp, 81 pounds 12 ounces, Randall Padgett, Ohio River, February 2, 2012. Blue Catfish, 62 pounds 9 ounces, Joseph Ewing, Tennessee River, May 26, 2006. Sport fish may not be taken with this gear. The home features charming exposed brick walls in the kitchen, living room and both bedrooms. Koi, 18 pounds 11 ounces, David Kohl, Jefferson County farm pond, September 17, 2007. You can learn more about the cost of the licenses here. FORAGE FISH means freshwater drum (in the Lake Erie fishing district only), carp, quillback, suckers, bowfin, gar, buffalo, gizzard shad, and goldfish. Spotted Gar, 10 pounds 15 ounces, Warren Blake, Lake Barkley, April 21, 2007. Please be sure you accept the invitation to be in this group. THANK YOU FOR WATCHING!! Barkley and Kentucky Dam Bowfishing for Silver Carp & Spoonbill - YouTube 0:00 / 1:24 Barkley and Kentucky Dam Bowfishing for Silver Carp & Spoonbill ksptrooper862 22 subscribers. Kentucky Bowfishing Guide Service Licensed and Insured Specializing in Paddlefish The Obsession Outdoors Bowfishing Guide Species | It was really interesting to watch these fellows snag these fish. Bow fishing is prohibited in the Lake Cumberland tailwaters below Wolf Creek Dam downstream to the Tennessee line, including Hatchery Creek and all tributaries for 12 mile upstream of their confluence with the Cumberland River. It goes to show you that Kentucky is full of great bowfishing opportunities. Sign up today! You might also check out the places to bowfish in the neighboring state of Ohio. We are able to offer a partial refund only if we fill your spot with a member on the waiting list. You can take in as many as 15 catfish per day or two paddlefish (also called spoonbill catfish) per day. For business travelers, it's also convenient to New Circle Road and local industry. Bluegill (sunfish), 1 pound 1ounce, Darnell Hatfield, Kentucky Lake, May 1, 2003. A hit to the belly usually results in the arrow pulling out before the fish is landed. Water and snacks will be provided. In Kentucky, the only legal game fish that bow fisherman can shoot is catfish. Fishing How-to's Learn to Fish Recycle Your Fishing Line and Tackle Three Things to Consider for Spring Fishing Finding a Place to Fish Explore Kentucky's Waters with a Canoe or Kayak Best Kayaks for Flatwater Fishing Finding the Best Kayak for Flatwater Fishing Choosing the right kayak for fishing and safety Wading is an Excellent and Inexpensive Way to Fish Streams Tips to Encourage Your . All of our trips can be planned to be educational in nature. From June 1 through December 31, the area is open to snagging from sunset to sunrise. FRANKFORT, Ky. Modifications on regulations concerning gigging and snagging, bow fishing and hand grabbing were among the recommendations made by the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Commission at its quarterly meeting held April 22. While bowfishing does not require a boat, it is generally better to fish from an aluminum boat outfitted with a bowfishing deck and lights. Some bowfishing guides will provide you with equipment but others wont provide the bowfishing equipment. Much like other forms of fishing, bowfishing is generally most productive in the spring and summer months. Theyre both making the lakes and rivers less pleasant for everyone, so we would implore people to act responsibly. Well have the option to grab a drink, a bite to eat at a local restaurant, and explore the town before going out on our second night of bowfishing. Bowfishing Guide: How to Bowfish in Washington. Carp, the most targeted species, are often found up shallow, especially in the spring when they spawn. HOWEVER IF THERE IS NO COMMUNICATION WE WILL ASSUME YOU ARE FORFEITING YOUR SPOT AND ANY PAYMENTS MADE WILL NOT BE REFUNDED. So to catch paddlefish and sturgeon, fishermen must build nets that fit state regulations and then. Our Bowfishing trips run 4-6-8 hours. In Kentucky, many of the tournaments appear to be funded by regular individuals rather than the association. The carp dont have limits since they consider them an invasive species. Note: The area from Kentucky Dam to the new U.S. 62 bridge will be open to snagging 24 hours per day from January 1 through May 31. No Result Snagging must cease if any sport fish creel limit is attained. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'bowfishingforfun_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_6',110,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-bowfishingforfun_com-large-leaderboard-2-0'); It stinks up the area and makes it unusable for other people and giving bowfishermen a bad reputation. He was one of the first to design bow fishing gear in 1958. Dont forget: Kentucky is known for horses and great bourbon. Our guide will provide all that's needed to harvest this once in a lifetime fish. There are a limited number of places in the United States where bow fishermen may retrieve the prehistoric spoonbill catfish. Shooters can choose to alternate, so everyone gets in on the action. All top notch equipment is included with an instructional session before the night begins. This trip is going to be an action-packed weekend chasing trophy paddlefish in the waters of Kentucky, and we hope youll join us! Grass Carp (White Amur), 72 pounds, Jeff Moryl, Kentucky Lake, May 4, 2009. You could argue that people throw trash around and this pollutes the area as wellyou shouldnt do that either. The Paddlefish also has the name Spoonbill Catfish. Plan to arrive in Lexington on Friday afternoon. Persons using a bow and arrow for fishing must have the appropriate fishing license and may take rough fish from bank or boat. I enjoy bowfishing, but I also like to do archery and other types of hunting. A second boat may be available if needed. Most people will express gratitude when you give them fish. Information May 5, 2022. IF PAYMENTS ARE LATE WE WILL ALWAYS WORK WITH YOU. Capt. They only have a couple of states in the entire nation where you can go after the paddlefish with a bow with Kentucky being one of them. Our place is great for couples, solo travelers, families with kids, and anyone who likes organic cotton sheets, exposed brick and the gentle rumble of passing trains. Bowfishing guides can be helpful resources for those new to bowfishing, as well as for those seeking to hone their skills. The current Kentucky bow fishing records include: Bowfin, 15 pounds 10 ounces, Don Bellamy, Lake Barkley, April 9, 2006. Shooting fish with bows and arrows is most popular in late spring and summer after water conditions stabilize, and surface temperatures rise above 70 degrees. While on Kentucky Lake, you might think about hiring a bowfishing guide who understands the lake to help you find the fish better. KentuckyLake.com is a part of the Explore Kentucky Lake family of websites. 1996 - 2023 Explorations Media Group, LLC. Bowfishing has significant start-up costs to those who do not already own some form of an aluminum boat. The whole state of Kentucky offers its share of bowfishing opportunities. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data. Gigging and snagging is not legal from a platform, except that gigging is legal from a boat on lakes 500 surface acres or larger and only during daylight hours. White Sucker, 6 ounces, Aaron Pryor, Rough River Lake, April 29, 2003. US Coast Guard Lic. Bow fisherman may fish within 200 yards of a dam, except by boat in boat restricted areas. ExploreKentuckyLake.com | LandBetweenTheLakes.com | KentuckyLakeRentals.com | LakeBarkleyRentals.com. Fish taken by bow must not be discarded on the bank. Some of the best places to check for fish would be in the back coves and the tailwaters. FAQs. Heres a brief summary of bow fishing regulations in Kentucky. The cost of this trip will cover two nights of bowfishing, two nights stay in an Airbnb, all equipment needed to bowfish, and a generous tip to our guide who will also clean our harvest for us. Bowfishing has become a popular sport for visitors to Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley. CHECK OUT OUR MERCH!. Regardless of condition, all sport fish taken by gigging and snagging must be immediately returned to the water. Montana bowfisherman Steve Harris, Jr. shot and reeled in a world-record paddlefish earlier this month. 2. We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. To go bowfishing in the Bluegrass State, you just need a regular fishing license. We are off to Lexington, Kentucky to bowfish a trophy species that "the average joe" doesn't normally target with a bow: paddlefish, or spoonbill, a fish that existed before the dinosaurs. It weighed a mind-blowing 41.4 pounds. Missouri Chapter is hosting the April 28th and 29th Bowfishing for Spoonbill again in Lexington Kentucky!! You'll find various species of fish in the backs of coves and in the tailwaters of Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley. Late March through June is best and when rough fish are found shallow during morning and evening hours and fall easy to stalking them. Since we will be hitting the water in early May, keep in mind that the temperatures will be on the cooler side. There is now a daily creel limit of 8 fish in aggregate and shall not exceed the daily creel limit for any sport fish in which the creel limit is under 8 fish per day. Bowfishing requires a bow and arrow and retrieval kit. Hotel is at Days Inn and Suites by Wyndham Lexington in Lexington Kentucky. Paddlefish and catfish taken by bow and arrow must be taken into immediate possession and cannot be culled. Get news and updates from the Kentucky Lakes Area with our e-mail newsletter, The Kentucky Lake Explorer. Bowfishing on Kentucky Lake is a popular activity at night. It is illegal to possess a gig on a stream or lake or in a boat from November 1 through January 31. The captain guarantees you'll catch at least one Paddlefish on our trip. Fruitful tailwaters of Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley are located near the dam and a number of bow fishermen will shoot from these shores. Bowfishing Spoonbill Off The Side of A Kentucky Dam! I can accommodate up to four people in the boat but usually only allow two shooters on the deck at a time, unless I feel safe with a third (based on age and experience). Plenty of camping is available on surrounding public lands. Built in the 1960s, Five Squared is a two-story townhouse that was updated in late 2016 after being completely refurbished top to bottom in 2005. Book your Kentucky bowfishing adventure today! Western Kentucky and Middle and Western Tennessee are filled with lake waters teeming with fish that bow fishermen seek, including various types ofcarpand gar. Art Landers Outdoors: Late spring, summer is prime time for bow fishing on Kentuckys lakes and rivers, Kentucky Center for Public Service Journalism. Especially as the spring and early summer temperatures heat up the waters, Kentucky Lake comes alive for bowfishing. Archers shoot from boats, using lights to illuminate fish suspended just below the surface. The whopper fish weighed 92-pounds, was 67 inches long, and had a girth of 37 inches. and Booking: 812-598-1193 Randi, this trips coordinator, has graciously offered to pick up trip attendees if everyone flies into the same airport. Tennessee River, below Kentucky Dam from the new U.S. 62 bridge to I-24 bridge. "If you're serious about getting into bowfishing, then you'll want to consider having one built. Once the daily limit of paddlefish has been reached, all snagging shall cease. There you can discuss packing lists, travel plans, and more. All furniture, furnishings and linens are new, as are most of the appliances. The living room and master bedroom are quite spacious. No sport fishing trotlines are allowed within 700 yards below Kentucky Dam, the area between Barkley Dam and U.S. 62 bridge, or below the following Ohio River dams from the face of the dam to the end of the outer lock wall: Smithland, Newburgh, Cannelton, Markland, Meldahl and Greenup; McAlpine downstream to the K&I railroad bridge; J.T. If you choose the crossbow, be aware of the specific laws for using them with bowfishing. Many times, people will shoot them and leave them near the boat launch or up on the shore at the dam. Bow fisherman may fish within 200 yards of a dam, except by boat in boat restricted areas. Therefore, a fishing trip to Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley is a unique and rewarding experience. Stay up to date on the latest events, news and special deals happening at Kentucky Lake, Lake Barkley and Land Between The Lakes. If you enjoyed this article and would like to plan a bowfishing trip out of state, we might recommend going bowfishing in Florida. Snagging anglers must cease gigging or snagging once they attain the 2 paddlefish daily creel limit. 2023 Commonwealth of Kentucky All Rights Reserved. Sport fishing trotlines, jug lines or set lines are not allowed in Department owned/managed lakes having less than 500 surface acres, except those located on Ballard and Boatwright WMAs. If you want to participate in bowfishing tournaments, check out Kentucky Lake since the 160,000-acre lake hosts many bowfishing tournaments in the state. It easily topped the previous record, an 89-pounder caught on the Missouri River in Nebraska in 2019. . While daytime fishing can be fruitful with a pair of polarized sunglasses, nighttime fishing offers a unique opportunity to find fish on the surface and in shallow waters. We wrote a guide about the experience of that here. Creek inlets also make nice locations for fish to spawn in the warmer months of the year. Bowfishing (Photo courtesy of Fish and Game publications). It makes no sense to me. A slight rise in water levels can create good opportunities because fish move up to the banks. Book your Kentucky bowfishing adventure . At that time we may be able to refund any additional payments made outside of your deposit. It makes bowfishing even more exciting as a sport when they jump right into the boat: The one thing that we must emphasize as bowfishermen is responsible sportsmen practices. Meyers (Uniontown) to the end of the outer lock wall and that portion of the split channel around the southern part of Wabash Island from the fixed weir dam to the first dike. In the Tennessee River below Kentucky Dam, gigging prohibited year-round. All fish snagged, except shad or herring, must be kept and counted toward the daily creel limit. WesternKentuckyOutdoors. Caption CT Meyer with The Obsession Outdoors has twelve years of experience bowfishing and will put us on some great fish. Bowfishing is open statewide, with exceptions. "I can pretty much take someone out during the warm months and get 'em some fish," Fowland Outdoors bowfishing guide Zac Crutcher says. All Rights Reserved. Most bow fishing is done at night. While both experts and beginners will be guided on the trip of a lifetime, there is no experience necessary to bowfish with The Obsession Outdoors. Bow fishing is prohibited on the Cumberland River below Wolf Creek Dam downstream to the Tennessee line, including Hatchery Creek and all tributaries for 1/2 mile upstream of their confluence with the Cumberland River Persons using a bow and arrow for fishing must have the appropriate fishing license and may take rough fish from bank or boat. All of our trips can be planned to be educational in nature. There are loads of resources for guide services, equipment and boat rentals in the region, so be sure to take advantage of all the Lakes region has to offer and enjoy a fishing trip that you won't experience anywhere else in the country. Rough fish (except alligator gar) may be taken year-round by longbow, crossbow, compound bow, recurve bow or pneumatic air arrow launching device. Fishing with a bow is usually fast paced and action packed which makes it a great way to introduce anyone to the sport. A second boat may be available if needed. Your deposit is NOT refundable. Your email address will not be published. Please feel free to email questions@herwilderness.co with any questions about this trip! We can introduce you to bowfishing, the methods involved, the different types of gear and rigging and ultimately how and when to find the fish. Within 200 yards of a dam, except below Kentucky Dam. We recommend waiting to book your flights to be in sync with the other women attending to make traveling from the airport to the Airbnb easier. Bowfishing guide services, such as those offered by Crutcher are available at Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley. Tourney Prep Trips. Bowfishing | "Experienced guides spend a lot of time out on the water and know where to find fish in the conditions at that time.". The area from the I-24 bridge to the confluence with the Ohio River is open to snagging year round. As far as bowfishing regulations go, they remain pretty relaxed. Game fish may not be taken. Guide Contact: Nativ Bowfishing Bowfishing doesnt have a season in the state of Kentucky, and you can bowfish year-round. CT is a US Coast Guard Licensed captain, a Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources licensed fishing guide, & is fully insured. See the Gigging and Snagging section for more information. They will also provide a boat that lets you get out on the lake without the need to fish from shore. The deck gives you more room to walk around on the front of the boat and it elevates you enough to provide better shooting angles. Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources, Tennessee River from Kentucky Lake Dam downstream to confluence with Ohio River, Fishing Tournaments Scheduled for this Waterbody, Must be 14 inches or over, Limit 6 per angler. The program was started in 2002 by the United Bowhunters of Kentucky. Goldfish, 7 pound 4 ounces, Devin Hardy, Meade County farm pond, April 28, 2007. 3. Heres the thingit requires little effort to take the fish home and dispose of them properly. Experienced guides know the ins and outs of the lakes. Auctions ends in . Special Fishing Regulations for Kentucky Lake tailwater Miscellaneous life jackets provided. With as big and beautiful of a lake as Kentucky Lake is, it would be a shame if you only saw it from shore. Non-Game Fish: Year-Round; 24 hours a day For example, you cant bowfish in the tailwaters of Lake Cumberland, and you cant do it on the tributaries for half of a mile upstream. Some of the best places to check for fish would be in the back coves and the tailwaters. Shortnose Gar, 12 pounds 4 ounces, Kevin Capps, Lake Barkley, May 6, 2005. ET, on Friday and depart in the afternoon, around 2 P.M. The floors upstairs are original hardwood that was refinished in late 2016. Required fields are marked *. Heavy rains and flooding can produce muddy waters which can make it difficult to see fish. Persons using a bow and arrow for fishing must have the appropriate fishing license. MI: Defensive Shooting Fundamentals Course. Basic equipment generally costs a minimum of $350 and goes up from there, says Crutcher. All you need to bring is a cooler for your harvest and drinks, snacks, waterproof boots, warm/waterproof clothing, and your Kentucky fishing license. The area of the Tennessee River from the new U.S. 62 bridge to the I-24 bridge is closed to snagging year round. You want to be aware of this in advance to know if you need to bring your own equipment. We offer trips for paddlefish (spoonbill), carp, buffalo, and gar.
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