Kentucky fishing seasons

17 species profiles in our database list Kentucky waters among their fisheries — including White Bass, Black Crappie, White Crappie, Sauger. Below: what's in season month by month, where to fish, and the licence source you need. Seasons shift year to year; the official agency has the final word.

Best months to fish in Kentucky

Months when the largest share of Kentucky's profiled species are in season, from our database. Full calendar: What's Biting.

Kentucky fishing calendar, month by month

Each month links to the species in season then, from our season windows. A month is charted when at least 3 species are in season.

Freshwater species in Kentucky

Species	Season
American Paddlefish	Varies by watershed and local regulation
Black Crappie	Mar–Apr–May–Jun–Jul–Aug–Sep–Oct–Nov
Blue Catfish	Mar–Apr–May–Jun–Jul–Aug–Sep–Oct–Nov
Emerald Shiner	Varies by watershed and local regulation
Fantail Darter	Often most active in warm months; check local rules
Flathead Catfish	Mar–Apr–May–Jun–Jul–Aug–Sep–Oct–Nov
Freshwater Drum	Mar–Apr–May–Jun–Jul–Aug–Sep–Oct–Nov
Gizzard Shad	Varies by watershed and local regulation
Greenside Darter	Often most active in warm months; check local rules
Mooneye	Varies by watershed and local regulation
Quillback	Varies by watershed and local regulation
Rainbow Darter	Often most active in warm months; check local rules
Rosyface Shiner	Often most active in warm months; check local rules
Sauger	Mar–Apr–May–Jun–Jul–Aug–Sep–Oct–Nov
Skipjack Herring	Varies by watershed and local regulation
White Bass	Mar–Apr–May–Jun–Jul–Aug–Sep–Oct–Nov
White Crappie	Mar–Apr–May–Jun–Jul–Aug–Sep–Oct–Nov

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