Barren River Lake vs. Herrington Lake

[babygotbass]

Planning to visit Kentucky on vacation this summer (first time). Want some good fishing action--largemouth, hybrids, smallmouth, etc. Any opinions on which would be the better lake to visit? I also don't want to have to deal with over-crowded situations.

Thanks everyone.

[davidsa]

Barren is by far the more productive lake. Note these lakes are at least 2 hours away from each other if not more.

Best lakes in KY are Kentucky, Barkley, Barren, Dale for day in day out fishing. Dale being the ticket in winter but hard to fish in summer.

If you end up fishing herrington think night fishing.

[sglass]

Herrington is a night lake unless you go further down around the river. The dix river is very good for flathead and channel cats and drums. Bass fishing in the hot summer months is hit or miss. One night you will do great only to return the next night and all the fish have lockjaw. I have never fished Barren but i would go there. I have heard nothing but good things about this lake Largemouth and Smallies. Also to note Herrington has lots of traffic on it in the summer weekends and with the cliff walls she gets pretty choppy.

Shawn

[fishincreek]

Barren is so far ahead in comparison that Herrington really shouldn't be in the conversation.

[12VoltMan]

I fish both Herrington and Barren quite a bit and my choice for largemouth and smallmouth is always going to be Barren; however, Barkley is the best. Herrington is great for bluegill and is much better at night this time of year. One more thought, which isn't necessarily a deal maker or breaker, but Herrington charges more to launch your boat.

[bassin bruce]

Planning to visit Kentucky on vacation this summer (first time). Want some good fishing action--largemouth, hybrids, smallmouth, etc. Any opinions on which would be the better lake to visit? I also don't want to have to deal with over-crowded situations.

Thanks everyone.

Don't waste your time or money in Kentucky. Overall the fishing in this state is very over rated and over crowded. Ky- Barkley, Dale Hollow are the exceptions. My advice to you is to go to northern Alabama. You can find great fishing for all species of black bass there. I can't wait til I retire, so I can leave Ky and move there!

[walkeraviator]

Well since you mentioned it keep on going south.. Seems to me Florida and Texas are the best places in teh US to fish for Bass, and Mexico has beat all together...

[electribass]

there really is no comparison...barren hands down.

but i do agree with the above poster, north alabama is awsome

[Shimano4Life]

Herrington is trashed beyond belief right now as well due to the recent flood and flood stage waters.

[smashdn]

Only one ramp is open on Barren at the moment. Come later in the summer and hope for dry weather between now and when you come so that the level will drop.

People are out skiing and tubing on the lake now though. It is time for the corps to open up the ramps. The State park ramp is launchable but parking is slim. I have heard from folks who have seen it that Walnut creek is fine to launch.

[smashdn]

More ramps open now I am hearing.