Fishing in Kentucky
Discover 32 state parks offering fishing in Kentucky
🐟 Kentucky Fishing License at a Glance
Anglers 16 and older need a Kentucky fishing license, also inside state parks. Licenses run March 1 to the end of February. Residents can also buy a 3-year fishing license ($58.14) or a joint married-couple license ($44.38). Prices are from the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources fee page (copy of July 2026).
Checked against the official agency, June 2026 (archived copy). Fees and dates change yearly — always confirm current rates and free-fishing dates via the official link above before purchasing.
Kentucky State Parks with Fishing
Barren River Lake State Resort Park
Big Bone Lick State Historic Site
Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park
Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park
Carr Creek State Park
Carter Caves State Resort Park
Columbus-Belmont State Park
Cumberland Falls State Resort Park
Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park
Fort Boonesborough State Park
General Burnside Island State Park
General Butler State Park
Grayson Lake State Park
Green River Lake State Park
Greenbo Lake State Resort Park
Jenny Wiley State Resort Park
Kenlake State Resort Park
Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park
Kincaid Lake State Park
Kingdom Come State Park
Lake Barkley State Resort Park
Lake Cumberland State Resort Park
Lake Malone State Park
Lincoln Homestead State Park
Mineral Mound State Park
Nolin Lake State Park
Paintsville Lake State Park
Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park
Pine Mountain State Resort Park
Rough River Dam State Resort Park
Taylorsville Lake State Park
Yatesville Lake State Park
Other Places with Fishing in Kentucky (Not State Parks)
These places are run by a county, city, federal agency, another state agency, a tribe or a private owner, not by Kentucky’s state park system. State park passes, rules and reservations may not apply, so check with the operator before you go.
❓ Fishing in Kentucky — FAQ
Do you need a fishing license in Kentucky state parks?
Yes. Kentucky State Parks: "Kentucky law requires anyone 16 or older to have a fishing license." Buy it from the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources before your trip. (Kentucky State Parks, as of September 2026)
Are there free fishing days in Kentucky?
Yes — June 6-7, 2026. On free fishing days no license is required; confirm the dates with the official Kentucky agency before your trip.