Fishing Licenses & State Regs

Fishing Licenses, Regulations & State Info

Fishing licenses can be purchased online from both Kentucky and Tennessee. Kentucky and Tennessee have a "Reciprocal Agreement" on Kentucky Lake. Anglers can fish, with either a Kentucky or Tennessee fishing license, from Eggner's Ferry Bridge (U.S. Hwy 68/80 in Kentucky) south to the Gov. Ned McWherter Bridge (U.S. Hwy 79 in Tennessee) including all embayments except Blood River in Kentucky. Anglers must abide by each state's size and creel limits when fishing waters in that state.

Kentucky Lake Fishing License:

• Purchase Online
• Vendor Locations

Tennessee Fishing License:

• Purchase Online

Fishing Limits, Rules & Regulations

• Kentucky Statewide Size & Creel Limits - Lake-Specific Limits (important for Kentucky/Barkley Lakes)
• Kentucky Fish Consumption Advisories
• Tennessee General Fishing Information

State Fishing & Boating Publications

• Kentucky Boating & Fishing Guide
• Tennessee Boating Guide
• Tennessee Fishing Guide

2023 Fishing Forecasts

Fishing Forecast for all types of Kentucky Lake & Lake Barkley fish (pdf), released by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife.

State Fishing Records

• Kentucky State Records
• Tennessee State Records