Paducah area

Hi, I've never been to KY before but it sounds like a nice state to visit. My wife and I have planned a vacation to Paducah, late summer. However, one thing I definitely want to try my hand at is smallie fishing. I catch plenty of largemouths in MN but I understand KY is practically famous for smallmouth. I wouldn't mind a few of your famous crappie either. ;) I realize a couple awesome lakes aren't too far away but do not want to pull my boat that distance and boat rentals are quite high. I'd like to do some stream or river fishing. Is there anything worth pursueing in this part of the state? I realize the eastern half has more of the designated bass streams but there must be something in the western half. How about Clark's River? I can't find a lot of info on this river. Is the Ohio river fishable from shore? How about the TN River?

Any help, tips and advice will be more than appreciated.

Thanks,
Mike from MN

Clarks river is an oversized stream, lol, I have tried to bass fish it in a boat 3 or 4 different times and the only luck I've had was at the mouth of the TN. Ohio is different maybe someone could tell you better about the bank fishing there. When your here be sure to check out Pattis 1800' settlement in Grand Rivers for some good food. You may need to just get a guide to take you out even for a half day to reap any benifits, I think Mike Wells does the rivers around Paducah or maybe Dave Stewart can point you in good directions.

Spend the money on a guide Ky Lake is fabulous but only if you can locate the fish get the guide....

Dave Stewart is a great guide here. He knows a thing or two about smallies.

Some places in the Clarks river are fishable, Ive fish it for Bas for 25 yrs. Parts of it is a national refuge now and that lets you have more access to more of the river. Alot of the river in Marshall co is shallow with some deeper pools, Ive caught alot of really nice Spotted Bass in some of the gravel areas and Lm in some of the slower muddier areas.

Other than what Mickey is saying here about the Clark's river there really isn't much in the way of stream fishing in this area. Fact is, if you are wanting to catch SM and Crappie, you are coming to this area the wrong time of year for fishing those species. Not that they can't be caught but your odds are not good unless you are night fishing. Your prime targets here on the big lakes that time of year is Largemouth and White Bass.