Best bass fishing area on Barren?

[RICHYD4U]

Hey guys, I live just 40 min from Barren River and have never really given it much a chance for catching LM. I have heard so many stories that they call it "Barren" for a reason, and so on, so we never really went there. However, every now and then I come across somebody who swears that Barren is an awesome LM fishery? Does anybody on here know if this is true, and if so what part of the lake is the best and what do you catch them on? Also, what time of the year? Any info would be appreciated, thanks.

[ekubassfsher]

2nd best lake in the state if you ask me. Behind Ky lake of course.

[12VoltMan]

As an EKU Alum (1995), I have to agree with ekubassfisher, Barren is the second best lake in the state. However, my first choice is on the other side of the canal, I prefer Barkley.

[12VoltMan]

ekubassfisher, check your PM

[pastorbass]

As a wku alum I will unfortunately have to agree with the previous two posters I lived in Bowling Green 7 years and had a boat my last three years there. I fished Barren regularly and hated it. I would go and get skunked or catch a dink or two. Then my last year there I managed to catch fish and some good fish. Barren is a great fishery, but I don't think its one where you can just go in blind and catch fish. If I were you, being so close to it, spend some time on the lake and eventually you'll love it. There are plenty of 5 pounders in there to go around!

As far as spots go the whole lake is good at different times. You'll usually find me in Peter Creek or Beaver Creek. I only have a hadnful of spots on the mainlake I fish and I don't know the river well enough to risk my lower unit so I don't go past Browns Ford. It might be worth a trip out with Jesse Duncan. Fishers of Men will be returning to Barren in April, come see us at the weigh in and you'll be a believer. Also, you're more than welcome to go out with me that day. I usually fish a little while after blast off and then come in around noon to get things ready for weigh in (but just a note - no guarantees with me, there is a reason I run a tournament rather than fish one

[kygitzet1]

As an EKU Alum (1995), I have to agree with ekubassfisher, Barren is the second best lake in the state. However, my first choice is on the other side of the canal, I prefer Barkley.

i agree but you and mike h better stay out ogf barkley ha ha
the other mike h

[kygitzet1]

barren is a great fishery behind ky lake and barkley but 12 volt you need to stay on ky lake lake ha ha going to have to watch you and mike h

the other mike h

[elnutsmalljaws]

I don't fish Barren regularly, but from what I know about the lake from others, you need to do your scouting NOW. Pretty much Barren is lowered in the winter to basically the river channel. By going out now, you can see visibly the backs of the pockets and just off the main channel and find the cover both natural and manmade. Take a lot of pictures and mark your map well. Just my opinion

[Fishin_4_Fun]

agree with elnut, except the lake's too high for that now.

I walked 8 miles of the lake bed before the weather hit on Monday, marking 30 more waypoints with pics. I've marked over 400 waypoints with pics since last year. I feel like I know every brush pile by name.

[RICHYD4U]

Thanks for all the responses guys, I feel motivated to give Barren a try this year. Can't wait for some warmer weather! Thanks again. One more thing, what do you all catch them on the best there. Thanks.

-Rich

[12VoltMan]

December is my favorite time of the year on Barren.

To the other Mike H, there's plenty of room for you, "Huddy" and me on Barkley as long as Huddy hasn't tole you our spots!!

[harryprocraft]

i agree with the other posts lm are great and i have caught some good smallies all so but get a good map if you go when the water is down mark it or gps good luck