Lake Barkley is a 58,000-acre reservoir in Kentucky, formed by the damming of the Cumberland River in 1966. The lake covers areas of Livingston County, Lyon County, and Trigg County, and is connected to Kentucky Lake by the Barkley Canal.
The lake has a maximum depth of 21 m (69 ft), with the average depth being just 4.6 m (15 ft), and much of the area is comprised of mudflats. There is comparatively little aquatic vegetation and few submerged structures, limiting some fish species that may rely on these features for foraging or reproduction.
The Lake Barkley habitat improvement project is an endeavor aiming to reduce siltation, increase the spawning success of centrarchids, improve shoreline spawning habitat, and increase the abundance of sportfish. This is in response to declines noted by anglers over recent years.
Fish Species in Lake Barkley
1) White crappie (Pomoxis annularis)
The white crappie can attain a maximum length of 53 cm (1 ft 7 in), although is more commonly found at lengths of 25 cm (9.8 in). White crappies have a compressed body with a humped back and are silver in color, with green or brown along the back and multiple dark bars running vertically down the sides, fading to a white belly.
Often confused with black crappie, white crappie are more abundant in warmer, more turbid waters, and often seek refuge among sunken debris. The diet of adult white crappie consists of forage fishes, whereas juveniles tend to consume microcrustaceans and insects, and the smallest individuals consume zooplankton. This species feeds diurnally.
Ideal locations to fish for white crappie include around sunken trees and mudflats, although they tend to move to deeper water during the summer, often found just above the thermocline. There are regulations in place in Lake Barkley for fishing white crappie; individuals must be 10 inches or above (or must be returned to the water), and there is a maximum of twenty crappies per angler.
2) Black crappie (Pomoxis nigromaculatus)
Black crappie are very similar in appearance to white crappie, although do not grow quite as large – reaching a maximum length of 49 cm (1 ft 6 in), with common lengths of 27.5 cm (10.8 in). This species can be distinguished from the white crappie by its deeper chest, and the lack of vertical bars on the sides, replaced instead by an irregular series of dark spots.
The diet of black crappie changes as individuals mature; the smallest individuals consume planktonic crustaceans, progressing to insect larvae and fish as they grow in size, although adult black crappie consume less fish overall than white crappie. The fishing regulations for black crappie in Lake Barkley are the same as those for white crappie: no fish under 10 inches can be taken, and there is a limit of 20 crappies per day.
During spawning, males construct the nest by digging in sand, mud, or gravel. Females may spawn with multiple males, whereas the males remain with their nests to guard the eggs for around five days. Black crappie frequently hybridize with white crappie; interestingly, female black crappie crossed with male white crappie hybrids have higher growth, survival, and reproduction rates than male black crappie crossed with female white crappie hybrids.
3) Largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides)
A popular gamefish, the largemouth bass reaches lengths of up to 97 cm (3 ft 2 in) and is pale green, with dark green along the back and a paler belly. It can be distinguished from similar species by the length of the mouth: largemouth bass have a mouth that extends to or beyond the back of the eye.
Largemouth bass have been found to alter their hunting strategy depending on the type of prey they are pursuing. For example, when capturing crayfish, individuals position themselves behind the crayfish and grip the tail, preventing themselves from being caught by the pincers, and also preventing the escape of the crayfish. In addition to crayfish, adults feed on frogs and fish, while juveniles consume crustaceans and insects.
During spawning, the male becomes highly territorial and constructs a nest in muddy substrate. While the female may spawn with multiple males, the males remain with their nests and provide parental care for around a month, guarding and fanning the eggs. There are fishing regulations for largemouth bass in Lake Barkley; only individuals 15 inches or over may be taken.
4) Smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu)
Smallmouth bass can attain lengths of up to 69 cm (2ft 3in) and can be distinguished from largemouth bass by the shorter mouth (not extending to or beyond the back of the eye) and its more laterally compressed body shape. The sides are olive green and have vertical dark bars running down them, while the ventral region is white.
This species prefers clear water with rocky or gravelly substrate, where juveniles consume a diet of plankton and immature aquatic insects, and adults feed on crayfish and fishes, occasionally being cannibalistic. Research has found that cannibalism may arise due to increased competition within a population, and that cannibalistic individuals show improved growth.
Spring is the best time to seek big smallmouth bass in Lake Barkley – they are often more active and can be found in abundance when there is greater current (particularly during heavy rainfall in spring). As with the largemouth bass, individuals must be 15 inches or over, or must be returned to the lake.
5) Striped bass (Morone saxatilis)
Striped bass can reach lengths of up to 200 cm (6 ft 6 in), although they are more commonly found at lengths of 120 cm (4 ft). This species has silvery sides with seven or eight vertical black stripes, transitioning to olive or blue-gray on the back and white on the underside.
Habitat preferences of this species include clear, open water, although it has been widely introduced and shows great adaptability. These fish are typically anadromous, however there are some land-locked populations. The diet changes as the fish mature, with larvae consuming zooplankton, juveniles transitioning to small crustaceans and annelid worms, and adults being piscivorous.
Juvenile striped bass show rapid growth, sometimes reaching 10 – 12 inches within their first year. Good baits for catching large striped bass include eels and shad; in Kentucky, individuals under 15 inches in length must be returned to the water and there is a daily limit of five fish.
6) White bass (Morone chrysops)
White bass are silver, fading to a pale ventral region and a dark dorsal region, and horizontal stripes running along the sides. They are much smaller than striped bass, reaching a maximum of just 45 cm (1 ft 6 in), and because of this they are often mistaken for juvenile striped bass. The best way to discriminate between the two is to examine the opercula: white bass have one sharp point on each, whereas striped bass have two sharp points.
This species tends to prefer deeper water, rarely venturing into the shallows. They are often found in clear waters with low turbidity and slow current, especially over sand or gravel, where juveniles feed on cladocerans, copepods, and midge larvae, while adults are piscivorous.
White bass are relatively easy to catch in Lake Barkley – they tend to school and can be quite aggressive, striking the lure and fighting fiercely. The best time to fish for this species is in the evening, when it schools to feed, and minnows are considered the best bait.
7) Yellow bass (Morone mississippiensis)
Yellow bass are considered by some to be an underappreciated gamefish – they are reportedly delicious, with a mild, sweet flavor, but are often overlooked in favor of other species. This species has a maximum length of 46 cm (1 ft 6 in), and has yellow sides with multiple dark horizontal stripes running along them, fading to a pale belly.
The yellow bass prefers habitat with plenty of structure, tending to be found in shallow water with rocky, sandy, or gravelly substrate. They are bottom feeders, with juveniles consuming a diet of microcrustaceans and midge larvae, while adults feed on a variety of fishes, although research has found that they will eat a variety of other items including fish eggs and benthic insects.
It is recommended to use live bait to fish for yellow bass – minnows are reportedly best in the spring, while during summer nightcrawlers are a good choice. Lures should be positioned fairly near the bottom, but anglers should be careful to avoid them tangling in vegetation.
8) Channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus)
Channel catfish are large, reaching lengths of up to 132 cm (4 ft 4 in), and are typically blue-gray or black across their dorsal region, with a pale belly. They may display dark spots along the sides, and have a deeply forked tail. The barbels adorning the snout aid them in foraging along the bottom of the lake, especially at night.
This species feeds on fishes, crustaceans, clams, and snails, with larger individuals tending to be more piscivorous. Research has shown that channel catfish will also consume algae, detritus, and even small mammals such as mice. Channel catfish are occasionally predated by flathead catfish, and also play host to various parasitic larval mollusks.
Ideal baits for channel catfish include chicken liver, dried chicken blood, or nightcrawlers. They are easiest to catch between sunset and midnight, the time when they are most active – April, May, September, and October are the best months to fish for this species.
9) Flathead catfish (Pylodictis olivaris)
Flathead catfish can reach lengths of up to 155 cm (5 ft 1 in), and are characterized by their flattened head, with a protruding lower jaw and multiple barbels. The back is yellow or brown in color, fading to a paler belly. This species occupies areas with plenty of sunken debris among which individuals can hide and ambush their prey.
The diet of the flathead catfish includes crayfish, clams, macroinvertebrates, and various fish, such as sunfish and bass. Interestingly, a study into gape size in flathead catfish found that this species is not inhibited by this feature, and will tackle largemouth bass and bluegill that have body depths much greater than the catfish’s gape size. The voracity with which it will tackle sunfish is cause for concern in areas where it has been introduced.
During spawning, both parents construct the nest near submerged objects, however only the male remains to guard it and fan the eggs. The fry school immediately after hatching, but it isn’t long before they disperse. The solitary nature of flathead catfish makes them difficult to catch – fresh fish are recommended as bait, although anglers should be aware this species will put up a good fight!
10) Blue catfish (Ictalurus furcatus)
The blue catfish is the largest species of catfish in North America, reaching lengths of up to 165 cm (5 ft 5 in). As their name suggests, their dorsal region is silvery blue in color, with a paler ventral region – these fish do not have scales, instead being covered in smooth skin, and also have the forked tail and barbels on the snout that are characteristic of Ictalurus.
This species tends to be found in open waters over muddy, sandy, or gravelly substrate, remaining close to the lake bottom during the day, and traveling up at night to forage on clams and fishes. Although the blue catfish maintains a varied diet throughout its life, it begins eating fish at a much younger age than many other species – with individuals as small as four inches having been observed doing this.
Blue catfish have been artificially hybridized with channel catfish, producing faster-growing individuals that may be of benefit to fisheries. Angling for this species should be done with live fish or nightcrawlers as bait – individuals are usually caught near the bottom and are strong fighters. Catfish less than twelve inches in length must be returned to the water in Lake Barkley.
11) Bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus)
Bluegills reach up to 41 cm in length (1 ft 4 in) and are popular gamefish on Lake Barkley. The name of their genus, ‘Lepomis’, means ‘scaled gill cover’, and this species is deep-bodied, with orange or brown sides, transitioning to dark olive green across the back and paler yellow on the belly. A key feature to look out for when trying to identify this species is the presence of a dark blotch at the back of the dorsal fin.
These fish prefer areas with plenty of aquatic vegetation, where they are usually most active at dusk and dawn, feeding on snails, crayfish, worms, and small fishes. Research has indicated that bluegills alter their feeding strategies depending on abundance of prey: when prey is harder to find, they are indiscriminate in their selection, whereas in times of plenty they are more discerning about the size of prey they will tackle.
Bluegills construct nests very close together, a strategy that aids in preventing predators from taking the eggs, as males remain for around seven days after spawning to guard them, and the fry, once hatched. Spawning can occur any time between April and October, although most commonly takes place in May and June.
12) Redear sunfish (Lepomis microlophus)
Often confused with the bluegill due to being similar in appearance, the redear sunfish lacks the dark spot on the dorsal fin and has a red outline on the operculum – key features used in distinguishing between the two species. Redear sunfish have a maximum length of 43.2 cm (1 ft 5 in), although are more commonly found at just 19.5 cm (7.7 in).
This species is molluscivorous, and research has found that it has a very particular taste: preferring ramshorn snails to zebra mussels! Crushing of the exoskeletons of these organisms is achieved by the presence of hard plates in the throat: smaller redear sunfish may be inhibited by lack of crushing strength, although as they grow in size this becomes a lesser problem.
Redear sunfish prefer natural baits such as worms, crickets, and grubs, and are easiest to fish for during spawning (in spring and summer). Throughout the rest of the year they move to much deeper water and thus are much harder to locate. There is a daily limit of twenty redear sunfish on Lake Barkley.
13) Sauger (Sander canadensis)
Saugers are elongated and cylindrical in shape and can reach lengths of up to 76 cm (2 ft 6 in). The sides are brassy-colored, fading to a paler belly and a darker back, the tail is forked, and there is a dark spot at the base of the pectoral fin, which can aid in identification.
This species tends to be located in cool, turbid waters over sandy or muddy substrate, and is well adapted for low-light conditions; for example, the tapetum lucidum, a layer of material in the eye that reflects light, increases the sensitivity of the retina. Larger individuals are usually associated with deeper waters.
Saugers spawn over rocks or gravel, usually in areas with slightly faster-flowing water. The eggs are initially adhesive, although this does not appear to last very long, and there is no parental care. Eggs are sometimes lost due to fluctuating water levels leaving them stranded. On Lake Barkley, sauger under fourteen inches must be returned to the water, and there is a creel limit of six fish per angler.
14) Walleye (Sander vitreus)
Walleyes are large, reaching lengths of up to 107 cm (3 ft 6 in), and have thin bodies. They are typically olive or gold in color, with a white underside, and there are several black bands over the back. This species is well equipped for hunting in dark conditions, with adaptations to maximize light entering the eye – an essential feature for its nocturnal habits.
This species is highly adaptable and will occupy a wide range of habitats, although they do show a preference for cooler, well-oxygenated waters, and populations are generally more successful in larger systems. The diet of walleyes consists predominantly of insects and fishes, although the specific species targeted vary depending on the season.
Lake Barkley is a great spot to fish for walleyes, although they aren’t the easiest species to catch. Live bait is recommended, particularly leeches, nightcrawlers, and minnows, and the focus should be around submerged structures or sand bars. The best time to fish for walleyes is early morning or late evening.
15) Warmouth (Lepomis gulosus)
The warmouth is a member of the sunfish family and can attain a maximum length of 31 cm (1 ft). It has a thick body and is brown in color, with prominent stripes extending from the eye across the side of the head, and the mouth is large, with the upper jaw extending to the middle of the eye or beyond.
In terms of habitat, this species tends to reside in areas with little current, clear water, muddy substrate, and plenty of vegetation. Warmouth will consume a great variety of prey, including cladocerans, copepods, isopods, and collembolans, as well as mollusks and small fishes. These fish are rather secretive and spend much of their time hiding in shady areas, preferring to avoid bright light.
In Lake Barkley, this species has a catch rate of 8.82% and can be caught using crankbaits, flies, or spinnerbaits. Although the warmouth is fairly abundant in Kentucky, populations may be negatively impacted by siltation and drainage of habitat – however, in other areas, global warming may be contributing to an expansion of its range.
16) Common carp (Cyprinus carpio)
Common carp are widely introduced across the world and are considered highly invasive; they have a negative impact on water quality and can disrupt habitat that is essential for other animals, particularly waterfowl. This species has no natural predators in Lake Barkley and is difficult to remove from the lake, as it cannot be caught by hook and line, and netting has proven unsuccessful.
These fish can reach lengths of up to 120 cm (3 ft 11 in), although are more commonly caught at lengths of just 30 cm (1 ft). Individuals have large scales that are yellow or gold in color and may display red or bright gold coloration on the anal fin and tail, while the belly tends to be paler yellow.
Common carp are well adapted for their diet of benthic organisms and plant material – their downward-facing mouth with a barbel on either side enables this pattern of feeding. Habitat preferences for this species include soft-bottomed sediment, an abundance of vegetation, and warm, still waters.
17) Paddlefish (Polyodon spathula)
Paddlefish are incredibly striking and hard to mistake for any other species: with a maximum length of 221 cm (7 ft 3 in), they have a grey body and a fanned body. This species’ most prominent feature is its snout, which comprises around a third of its total length and is flat and paddle-shaped.
The snout aids the paddlefish in filter-feeding on plankton; it has been suggested that these fish use their ‘paddle’ to create a side-to-side movement among the mud and aquatic vegetation, dislodging the organisms that they feed on as they do so. The paddle is also equipped with sensory receptors, which have been suggested to help the fish locate food.
The best places to search for paddlefish include drop-offs, rocky areas, and near inlets and outlets. This species can be difficult to catch, but recommended baits include eels, flies, and clams or mussels, although bowfishing is perhaps a more successful method of capture. There is a limit on Lake Barkley of two paddlefish per day.
