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  4. Catfish fishing in Kentucky

Catfish fishing in Kentucky

Kentucky provides strong freshwater fishing opportunities for catfish. Lakes, rivers, and reservoirs across the state offer reliable action for anglers.

Best baits and lures for Catfish in Kentucky

According to catch data from over 20 million anglers on Fishbrain, these are the best baits used to catch Catfish.

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Biggest Catfish catches

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Latest Catfish fishing reports in Kentucky

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Channel catfish

Waymond Morris Park

length · weight

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Channel catfish

Ohio River (Lawrenceburg - Cairo)

30 in · 10 lb

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Flathead catfish

Ohio River (Lawrenceburg - Cairo)

27 in · 8 lb 4 oz

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Channel catfish

Ohio River (Lawrenceburg - Cairo)

length · weight

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Channel catfish

Waymond Morris Park

length · weight

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Channel catfish

Rock Creek

length · weight

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Blue catfish

Rock Creek

length · weight

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Channel catfish

Carey Branch

20 in · 2 lb

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Blue catfish

Licking River

24 in · 4 lb

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Channel catfish

Ohio River (Lawrenceburg - Cairo)

length · weight

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Regulations for Catfish in Kentucky

Disclaimer: Always check local fishing regulations, water access rights and land ownership before fishing, regardless of any catches logged in that area by the Fishbrain community. Fishbrain has mapped millions of acres of government-owned land across the USA to help you identify potential fishing access, but you are responsible for ensuring compliance with all legal requirements.

Fishing regulations in Kentucky can change throughout the year. Make sure to check this page before fishing for the most up to date rules and regulations for the current season. Local regulations govern when you can fish, the max size of the fish you can keep, how many fish you can keep, and more.

Below you will see fishing regulations for catching Channel catfish as of May 17th, 2026. To view regulations for a different fish species, please click on your preferred species in the drop-down.

Channel catfish

Seasons

Open

Memorable

1 > 28

Measurement

Total Length

No bag limit on channel catfish less than 28-inches total length. Possession limit no more than 2 channel catfish over 28-inches total length.

Check the "Special Regula​tions​​" section of the fishing and boating guide for site specific regulations.

Ictalurus punctatus

Regulations for

37°49′19.4″N 85°46′9.7″W
Regulations in the map
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FAQ

Anglers in Kentucky commonly catch several Catfish species, including Channel catfish, Blue catfish, and Flathead catfish, according to reports from Fishbrain members.

These species can be found in many rivers and streams, lakes throughout the area. If you are targeting a specific species, you can use the to filter catches by species and see where anglers are catching them and which baits they are using.
Catfish are caught in rivers and streams, lakes throughout Kentucky. Popular fishing waters reported by Fishbrain members include South Fork Licking River, Ohio River (Lawrenceburg - Cairo), and Lake Cumberland.

The allows anglers to see exact catch locations shared by other members, helping you discover productive fishing spots where Catfish have recently been caught.