Pay Lakes for Children

[Christeena123]

Can anyone tell me of good pay lakes, to take my two children to, near Louisville, KY? Looking for catfish or bluegill. Also, I've never been to a pay lake. Can you tell me how they work? About how much per person? Do you have to pay for the fish when you leave? Do you have to clean them while you are there?

We've tried Fisherman's Park and other places, but being that my kids are 2 and 4, their attention span just isn't there very long. Hoping to get them excited about fishing and take them out when my husband cannot go with us.

Thanks, in advance!

[fishinfreak]

honestly if i were you i wouldn't go to a pay lake with kids that young. the people that fish there can be extremely rude sometimes and it is usually around 15 per person. plus alot of paylakes close this time of year.

[coombro]

I agree take them somewhere to like a stream where they can throw rocks and play. Regardless if they catch fish or not they'll have fun. Their not gonna take the time and put out the effort to catch a fish like you will. Freeman lake in E-town would be a good spot as they are keeping the lake lower than normal for some kinda work. banks aren't grown up and lots of exploring for them on the banks. plenty of ducks too. If you want them to fish that young fun is where it's at. Pay lakes can get awful boring to a young child.

[transamz9]

Take them to the Game Farm in Frankfort. They can then take a tour of some really good wildlife exhibits too! Gest Creek in Shelbyville also has a great place that you can pull off the side of the road and walk down to a nice fishing beach. That lake has some good cat fishing in it. These places are free also.

Go to this link and look around. You will find some places to go.http://fw.ky.gov/navigation.aspx?cid=110

[Col Forbin]

Take them to the Game Farm in Frankfort. They can then take a tour of some really good wildlife exhibits too! Gest Creek in Shelbyville also has a great place that you can pull off the side of the road and walk down to a nice fishing beach. That lake has some good cat fishing in it. These places are free also.

Go to this link and look around. You will find some places to go.http://fw.ky.gov/navigation.aspx?cid=110

I would look into the game farm as well. Not too far of a drive - but plenty of stuff to do and see besides fish, if they get tired of that.

They have two stocked pond/lakes, and one is for children only. It is stocked with a variety of fish.

[ThreeLions]

They have two stocked pond/lakes, and one is for children only. It is stocked with a variety of fish.

I don't believe either lake at the KF&W Headquarters are for children only although I will agree that the Upper Sportsman's lake is aimed at children taking up the sport.

Salato Wildlife Centre is just to the rear of the lakes so this would be a great way to introduce the kids to both fishing and the interesting wildlife of Kentucky. Salato is home to bald eagles, wildcats, elk, turkey, bears, buffalo and much more. The great thing is that it all free to do. Just be sure that the adults have a fishing licence seeing as you'll be in KF&W's back yard.

Enjoy!

DAVE

[RoadToad]

When was it you tried Fisherman's last? Reason I ask is, it was just stocked with trout on 10/18, and right now it should be easy to catch those. Corn would probably be your best bet as far as bait. I use lures or minnows, but wouldn't expect kids that little to be able to manage either of those. They also stocked Miles Park Lake #4, and Tom Wallace Lake. Tom Wallace would be great, if you can get on the fishing pier, since you don't have to cast far out to catch fish, at least most of the time. The trout they stock aren't big as rainbow trout go, but for a little kid, it would be a great fight! Plus they're beautiful to look at.

I might just have to slip on over to Miles myself this afternoon!

[fishinfreak]

if they like to feed ducks take them to mcneeley lake

[RoadToad]

if they like to feed ducks take them to mcneeley lake

Or Long Run Park.

[artcarney_agr]

We've tried Fisherman's Park and other places, but being that my kids are 2 and 4, their attention span just isn't there very long.

Don't worry so much about them getting into fishing just yet, it will come with time. Whether they fish or not, just taking them to the pond to throw rocks, look for critters, and get a love for the outdoors is the most important thing for now....the fishing will come with time.

I know when I was really little, I think I had just as much fun throwing a casting plug trying to hit a floating bottle more than anything. At home I even set up targets in the yard and practiced casting at them. Granddad took me fishing one time, and got mad that I wouldn't hardly leave my bobber and worm in the water because I kept wanting to make casts instead trying to catch a fish. Kids like fast action, so keep that in mind.

[kyfanatic]

In the long run it would be cheaper for you to buy yourself a fishing license,the kids are free at that age and go to small public lakes or some creeks where you can catch bluegills easy and do like others said,let the kids throw rocks and explore.
I took my kids along from the time they were young babies and patience is the key,understanding that a kid has a shorter attention span and likes to keep busy.


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[Big T @ E.C.]

I congratulate you for wanting to get your kids intrested in the outdoors. One idea is get some cheap rod/reels, put casting plugs, sinkers, or anything. I.e. Washers, small bolts/nuts, anything. Make targets like buckets, old towles, whatever, and play with them in the yard. If you live in an apartment, go to the park, most kids love a contest. That will get them used to casting. You all will have a ball... Tr