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Title 301 | Chapter 001 | Regulation 201REG

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TOURISM, ARTS AND HERITAGE CABINET
Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources
(Amendment)

301 KAR 1:201.Taking of fish by traditional fishing methods.

RELATES TO:

KRS 150.010, 150.170, 150.175, 150.340, 150.620, 150.990

STATUTORY AUTHORITY:

KRS 150.025(1), 150.470

CERTIFICATION STATEMENT:

The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, pursuant to statutory authority to promulgate administrative regulations to carry out the provisions of KRS Chapter 150 as established in KRS 150.025 and as an independent department of state government within the meaning of KRS Chapter 12 as established in KRS 150.021(1), promulgated by the Commissioner with approval of the Commission in accordance with KRS 150.010(1), does hereby certify this administrative regulation is promulgated in compliance with Section 8 of 2025 RS HB6.

NECESSITY, FUNCTION, AND CONFORMITY:

KRS 150.025(1) authorizes the Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources to promulgate administrative regulations regarding the buying, selling and transporting of fish and wildlife, the restriction of places where taking is permitted, and the application of administrative regulations to a limited area or to the entire state. KRS 150.470(1) authorizes the department to promulgate administrative regulations regarding daily limits, and size limits for fish. This administrative regulation establishes fish size limits, daily limits, and possession limits for fishing.

Section 1.

Statewide Limits and Requirements.

(1)

A person taking fish from public or private waters using traditional fishing methods shall observe the daily limits and size limits established in paragraphs (a) through (n)(l) of this subsection, except as established in Sections 2 through 6 of this administrative regulation or pursuant to 301 KAR 1:180:

(a)

Black bass daily limit, six (6).

1.

Largemouth bass and smallmouth bass size limit, twelve (12) inches.

2.

Kentucky bass and Coosa bass, no size limit;

(b)

Rock bass daily limit, fifteen (15); no size limit;

(c)

Sauger, walleye, and any hybrid thereof daily limit, singly or in combination, six (6); size limit, fourteen (14) inches;

(d)

Muskellunge daily limit, one (1); size limit, thirty (30) inches;

(e)

Chain pickerel daily limit, five (5); no size limit;

(f)

White bass and hybrid striped bass daily limit, singly or in combination, fifteen (15); size limit, no more than five (5) fish in a daily limit or ten (10) fish in a possession limit shall be fifteen (15) inches or longer;

(g)

Striped bass daily limit, five (5); size limit, fifteen (15) inches;

(h)

Crappie daily limit, twenty (20); no size limit;

(i)

Trout.

1.

No culling statewide.

2.

Rainbow trout daily limit, eight (8); no size limit.

3.

Brown trout daily limit, one (1); size limit, sixteen (16) inches.

4.

Brook trout, catch and release only.

5.

Cutthroat trout daily limit, one (1); size limit, twenty (20) inches;

(j)

Redear sunfish daily limit, twenty (20); no size limit;

(k)

Paddlefish daily limit, two (2); no size limit; and

(l)

Catfish daily limit is unlimited; no size limit, except that only one (1) trophy catfish of each species may be harvested daily;.

(m)

Shovelnose sturgeon daily limit, two (2); no size limit, except that shovelnose sturgeon caught from the Mississippi River must be immediately released; and

(n)

Skipjack herring daily limit, 100; no size limit.

(2)

The possession limit shall be two (2) times the daily limit, except as established in Section 2 of this administrative regulation.

(3)

A person shall release grass carp caught from a lake owned or managed by the department.

(4)

A person shall release any:

(a)

Lake sturgeon; or

(b)

Alligator gar.

(5)

A person shall release fish:

(a)

Below the minimum size limits established by this administrative regulation;

(b)

Within a protected slot limit established by this administrative regulation; or

(c)

Of a particular species if a person already possesses the daily limit for that species.

(6)

A person shall not possess more than one (1) daily limit of processed or unprocessed fish while:

(a)

Fishing;

(b)

On the shoreline; or

(c)

On the water.

(7)

A fishing tournament organizer or representative, excluding a tournament angler, may possess more than the daily limit of tournament caught fish:

(a)

At the weigh-in site;

(b)

At the release site; or

(c)

While transporting live fish from a remote weigh-in site back to the water body of origin for release.

(8)

A fishing tournament organizer or representative, excluding a tournament angler, may possess more than the daily limit of unprocessed tournament caught fish that expired at the sites established in subsection (7) of this section for subsequent disposal by one (1) of the methods established in paragraphs (a) through (c) of this subsection:

(a)

Bagged, sealed, and placed in a garbage dump;

(b)

Donated to a charity for the purpose of human consumption; or

(c)

Transferred to a conservation officer or another agent of the department.

(9)

A person shall not remove the head or tail of any fish for which a size limit or daily limit exists while:

(a)

Fishing;

(b)

On the shoreline; or

(c)

On the water.

(10)

A person may possess sport fish below the size limit or beyond the possession limit if the person:

(a)

Obtains the fish from a licensed fish propagator or other legal source; and

(b)

Retains a receipt or other written proof that the fish were legally acquired.

(11)

A person shall release all caught trout unless the person:

(a)

Has a valid trout permit;

(b)

Is exempted from trout permit requirements pursuant to KRS 150.170(2); or

(c)

Is fishing in a licensed pay lake stocked with trout by the lake operator.

(12)

A person fishing in an artificial bait-only area shall not attach any of the items established in paragraphs (a) through (h) of this subsection to the artificial bait:

(a)

An insect;

(b)

Minnow;

(c)

Fish egg;

(d)

A worm;

(e)

Corn;

(f)

Cheese;

(g)

Cut bait; or

(h)

A similar organic bait substance including dough bait and putty or paste-type bait designed to attract fish by taste or smell.

(13)

The fishing season shall be open year-round.

Section 2.

Exceptions. All other provisions of this administrative regulation shall apply to the bodies of water listed in this section, with the exceptions established in subsections (1) through (71)(72) of this section.

(1)

Bad Branch, Letcher County. A person shall only fish with artificial bait with a single hook;

(2)

Barren River and tributaries upstream from confluence with the Green River, including Barren River Lake. Smallmouth bass size limit, fifteen (15) inches;

(3)

Barren River Lake.

(a)

Crappie size limit, ten (10) inches.

(b)

Largemouth and smallmouth bass size limit, fifteen (15) inches.

(c)

Blue and channel catfish aggregate daily limit of fifteen (15), only one (1) of which shall be longer than twenty-five (25) inches.

(d)

Barren River Lake shall extend up:

1.

Barren River to the Highway 100 bridge;

2.

Long Creek to the Highway 100 bridge;

3.

Beaver Creek to the Highway 1297 bridge;

4.

Skaggs Creek to the Mathews Mill Road bridge; and

5.

Peter Creek to the Peter Creek Road bridge;

(4)

Beaver Lake, Anderson County.

(a)

A person shall not possess shad or use shad as bait.

(b)

Largemouth bass. There shall be a slot limit between twelve (12) and fifteen (15) inches.;

(c)

Black bass aggregate daily limit, ten (10);

(5)

Beech Fork Reservoir, Powell County.

(a)

Largemouth bass size limit, fifteen (15) inches.

(b)

Bluegill daily limit, fifteen (15);

(6)

Bert Combs Lake, Clay County.

(a)

A person shall not possess shad or use shad as bait.

(b)

Largemouth bass. There shall be a slot limit between twelve (12) and fifteen (15) inches.;

(c)

Black bass aggregate daily limit, ten (10);

(7)

Beulah Lake, Jackson County.

(a)

Largemouth bass. There shall be a slot limit between twelve (12) and fifteen (15) inches.;

(b)

Black bass aggregate daily limit, ten (10);

(8)

Boltz Lake, Grant County.

(a)

A person shall not possess shad or use shad as bait.

(b)

Largemouth bass. There shall be a slot limit between twelve (12) and fifteen (15) inches.;

(c)

Black bass aggregate daily limit, ten (10);

(9)

Briggs Lake, Logan County. A person shall not possess shad or use shad as bait;

(10)

Buckhorn Lake.

(a)

Largemouth bass and smallmouth bass size limit, fifteen (15) inches.

(b)

Muskellunge size limit, forty (40) inches.

(c)

Crappie size limit, nine (9) inches;

(11)

Carnico Lake, Nicholas County.

(a)

Largemouth bass size limit, fifteen (15) inches.

(b)

Sunfish daily limit, fifteen (15);

(12)

Carr Creek Lake.

(a)

Largemouth bass and smallmouth bass size limit, fifteen (15) inches.

(b)

Crappie size limit, nine (9) inches.

(c)

Blue and channel catfish aggregate daily limit of fifteen (15), only one (1) of which shall be longer than twenty-five (25) inches;

(13)

Carter Caves State Park Lake, Carter County.

(a)

Fishing shall be during daylight hours only.

(b)

Largemouth bass. There shall be a slot limit between twelve (12) and fifteen (15) inches.

(c)

Black bass aggregate daily limit, ten (10).

(d)

A person shall not possess shad or use shad as bait;

(14)

Cave Run Lake.

(a)

Black bass aggregate daily limit, ten (10).Largemouth bass. There shall be a slot limit between twelve (12) and fifteen (15) inches.

(b)

Largemouth bass. No more than five (5) fish in a daily limit shall be twelve (12) inches or longer.

(c)

Smallmouth bass size limit, eighteen (18) inches.

(d)(c)

Muskellunge size limit, forty (40) inches.

(e)(d)

Cave Run Lake shall extend up:

1.

Scott's Creek to the Highway 801 culvert;

2.

Beaver Creek to the Highway 1274 culvert;

3.

North Fork Creek to the confluence of Craney Creek;

4.

Licking River to the Highway 772 bridge; and

5.

Ramey Creek to include the pool of water north of Highway 801;

(15)

Cedar Creek Lake, Lincoln County. Largemouth bass size limit, twenty (20) inches; daily limit, one (1);

(16)

Chimney Top Creek, Wolfe County. A person shall only fish with artificial bait;

(17)

Corinth Lake, Grant County.

(a)

A person shall not possess shad or use shad as bait.

(b)

Largemouth bass. There shall be a slot limit between twelve (12) and fifteen (15) inches.;

(c)

Black bass aggregate daily limit, ten (10);

(18)

Cumberland River upstream from Cumberland Falls and all tributaries. Smallmouth bass size limit, fifteen (15) inches;

(19)

Cumberland River from Wolf Creek Dam downstream to the Kentucky-Tennessee state line and tributaries, except Hatchery Creek in Russell County as established in subsections (36) and (37) of this section.

(a)

Brown trout size limit, twenty (20) inches; daily limit, one (1).

(b)

Brook trout size limit, fifteen (15) inches; daily limit, one (1).

(c)

Rainbow trout. There shall be a slot limit between fifteen (15) and twenty (20) inches; daily limit, five (5), which shall not include more than one (1) fish greater than twenty (20) inches.

(d)

A trout permit shall be required in order to fish the Cumberland River below Wolf Creek Dam to the Tennessee state line including the Hatchery Creek and all other tributaries upstream to the first riffle.

(e)

Chumming shall not be permitted in the Cumberland River below Wolf Creek Dam to the Tennessee state line, including the Hatchery Creek and all other tributaries upstream to the first riffle;

(20)

Cumberland River below Lake Barkley. Fishing is prohibited at the mouth of the lock chamber, as designated by signs;

(21)

Dale Hollow Lake.

(a)

Smallmouth bass. There shall be a slot limit between sixteen (16) and twenty-one (21) inches. The daily limits shall not include more than one (1) fish less than sixteen (16) inches long and one (1) fish greater than twenty-one (21) inches long.

(b)

Walleye and walleye hybrids, daily limit, five (5); size limit, sixteen (16) inches.

(c)

Sauger daily limit, ten (10); size limit, fourteen (14) inches.

(d)

Rainbow trout and brown trout, no size limit; daily limit, seven (7), singly or in combination.

(e)

Largemouth bass size limit, fifteen (15) inches.

(f)

Black bass aggregate daily limit, five (5), no more than two (2) of which shall be smallmouth bass.

(g)

Crappie size limit, ten (10) inches; daily limit, fifteen (15);

(22)

Dewey Lake.

(a)

Largemouth bass and smallmouth bass size limit, fifteen (15) inches.

(b)

Blue and channel catfish aggregate daily limit of fifteen (15), only one (1) of which shall be longer than twenty-five (25) inches.

(c)

Muskellunge size limit, forty (40) inches;

(23)

Dix River for two (2) miles downstream from Herrington Lake Dam. A person shall only fish with artificial bait;

(24)

Doe Run Lake, Kenton County.

(a)

Largemouth bass size limit, fifteen (15) inches.

(b)

Channel catfish daily limit, four (4).

(c)

A person shall not possess shad or use shad as bait;

(25)

Dog Fork, Wolfe County. A person shall only fish with an artificial bait with a single hook;

(26)

Elkhorn Creek, downstream from the confluence of the North and South forks to the first shoal located 3,400 feet above its confluence with the Kentucky River, as posted with signs.

(a)

Largemouth bass and smallmouth bass. There shall be a slot limit between twelve (12) and fifteen (15) inches.;

(b)

Black bass aggregate daily limit, ten (10);

(27)

Elmer Davis Lake, Owen County.

(a)

Largemouth bass. There shall be a slot limit between twelve (12) and fifteen (15) inches.

(b)

Black bass aggregate daily limit, ten (10).

(c)

A person shall not possess shad or use shad as bait;

(28)

Fishtrap Lake.

(a)

Largemouth bass and smallmouth bass size limit, fifteen (15) inches.

(b)

Crappie size limit, nine (9) inches.

(c)

Blue and channel catfish aggregate daily limit of fifteen (15), only one (1) of which shall be longer than twenty-five (25) inches;

(29)

Floyd's Fork Creek, from Highway 60 downstream to Bardstown Road in Jefferson County. Largemouth and smallmouth bass size limit, fifteen (15) inches;

(30)

Golden Pond at the Visitors' Center at Land Between the Lakes. Channel catfish daily limit, five (5); size limit, fifteen (15) inches;

(31)

General Butler State Park Lake, Carroll County.

(a)

Largemouth bass. There shall be a slot limit between twelve (12) and fifteen (15) inches.

(b)

Black bass aggregate daily limit, ten (10).

(c)

Channel catfish daily limit, four (4).

(d)(c)

A person shall not possess shad or use shad as bait;

(32)

Grayson Lake.

(a)

Largemouth bass and smallmouth bass. There shall be a slot limit between twelve (12) and fifteen (15) inches.;

(b)

Black bass aggregate daily limit, ten (10);

(33)

Greenbo Lake, Greenup County.

(a)

A person shall not possess shad or use shad as bait.

(b)

Bluegill and sunfish daily limit, fifteen (15) fish;

(34)

Green River from Green River Lake Dam and extending downstream to the end of the concrete wall. Fishing shall be limited to rod in hand using either:

(a)

An artificial bait with a single hook; or

(b)

Live bait attached to a single hook;

(35)

Green River Lake.

(a)

Crappie size limit, nine (9) inches.

(b)

Muskellunge size limit, forty (40) inches.

(c)

Green River Lake shall extend up:

1.

Green River to the Snake Creek Boat Ramp;

2.

Robinson Creek to the Highway 76 Bridge; and

3.

Casey Creek to the Arnolds Landing Boat Ramp.

(36)

Hatchery Creek, upper section as established by signs, Russell County. Rainbow trout, brown trout, and brook trout, no size limit; daily limit, five (5), singly or in combination;

(37)

Hatchery Creek, lower section as established by signs, Russell County. A person fishing for trout shall:

(a)

Only use artificial bait; and

(b)

Release all trout;

(38)

Highsplint Lake, Harlan County. Largemouth bass size limit, twenty (20) inches; daily limit, one (1);

(39)

Jericho Lake, Henry County.

(a)

Largemouth bass size limit, fifteen (15) inches.

(b)

A person shall not possess shad or use shad as bait;

(40)

Kentucky Lake and the canal connecting Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley.

(a)

Largemouth bass and smallmouth bass size limit, fifteen (15) inches.

(b)

Crappie size limit, ten (10) inches;

(41)

Kentucky River upstream of Lock and Dam 14, the North Fork and tributaries including Carr Fork below Carr Creek Lake, along with the Middle and South Forks and all tributaries. Smallmouth bass size limit, fifteen (15) inches;

(42)

Lake Barkley.

(a)

Largemouth bass and smallmouth bass size limit, fifteen (15) inches.

(b)

Crappie size limit, ten (10) inches;

(43)

Lake Blythe, Christian County.

(a)

Largemouth bass. There shall be a slot limit between twelve (12) and fifteen (15) inches.;

(b)

Black bass aggregate daily limit, ten (10);

(44)

Lake Cumberland.

(a)

 

1.

Largemouth bass size limit, fifteen (15) inches.

2.

Smallmouth bass size limit, eighteen (18) inches.

3.

Striped bass size limit, twenty-two (22) inches; daily limit, two (2).

4.

Crappie size limit, ten (10) inches.

(b)

Cumberland Lake shall extend up:

1.

The Cumberland River to Cumberland Falls;

2.

The Big South Fork to Devil's Jump;

3.

The Rockcastle River to The Narrows; and

4.

The Laurel River to Laurel River Dam;

(45)

Lake Chumley, and the department-owned property surrounding the lake, Boyle and Lincoln counties. Closed to public access from one-half (1/2) hour after sunset through one-half (1/2) hour before sunrise;

(46)

Lake Malone, Muhlenberg and Logan counties.

(a)

Largemouth bass. There shall be a slot limit between twelve (12) and fifteen (15) inches.;

(b)

Black bass aggregate daily limit, ten (10);

(47)

Lake Reba, Madison County. A person shall not possess shad or use shad as bait;

(48)

Lake Shelby, Shelby County.

(a)

Largemouth bass size limit, fifteen (15) inches.

(b)

Channel catfish daily limit, four (4).

(c)

A person shall not possess shad or use shad as bait;

(49)

Laurel River Lake.

(a)

Largemouth bass size limit, fifteen (15) inches.

(b)

Smallmouth bass size limit, eighteen (18) inches; daily limit, two (2).

(c)

Crappie size limit, nine (9) inches; daily limit, fifteen (15);

(50)

Lincoln Homestead Lake, Washington County.

(a)

A person shall not fish except during daylight hours.

(b)

Largemouth bass. There shall be a slot limit between twelve (12) and fifteen (15) inches.

(c)

Black bass aggregate daily limit, ten (10).

(d)

Channel catfish daily limit, four (4).

(e)(d)

A person shall not possess shad or use shad as bait;

(51)

Marion County Lake. A person shall not possess shad or use shad as bait;

(52)

McNeely Lake, Jefferson County.

(a)

A person shall not possess shad or use shad as bait.

(b)

Largemouth bass. There shall be a slot limit between twelve (12) and fifteen (15) inches.;

(c)

Black bass aggregate daily limit, ten (10);

(53)

Mill Creek Lake, Powell County.

(a)

Largemouth bass size limit, fifteen (15) inches.

(b)

A person shall not possess shad or use shad as bait;

(54)

New Haven Optimist Lake, Nelson County.

(a)

Largemouth bass size limit, fifteen (15) inches.

(b)

Channel catfish daily limit, four (4).

(c)

A person shall not possess shad or use shad as bait;

(55)

Nolin River Lake shall extend up Bacon Creek to Highway 178 and to Wheelers Mill Road Bridge on the Nolin River.

(a)

Largemouth bass and smallmouth bass size limit, fifteen (15) inches.

(b)

Crappie size limit, ten (10) inches;

(56)

Ohio River.

(a)

White bass, striped bass, and any hybrid thereof, daily limit, thirty (30); no more than four (4) in the daily limit shall be fifteen (15) inches or greater.

(b)

The blue catfish daily limit shall be unlimited, except that no more than one (1) fish in the daily limit shall be thirty-five (35) inches or longer.

(c)

The channel catfish daily limit shall be unlimited, except that no more than one (1) fish in the daily limit shall be twenty-eight (28) inches or longer.

(d)

The flathead catfish daily limit shall be unlimited, except that no more than one (1) fish in the daily limit shall be thirty-five (35) inches or longer;

(57)

Otter Creek, Meade County. Smallmouth and largemouth bass. There shall be a slot limit between twelve (12) and fifteen (15) inches;

(58)

Panbowl Lake, Breathitt County.

(a)

Largemouth bass. There shall be a slot limit between twelve (12) and fifteen (15) inches.;

(b)

Black bass aggregate daily limit, ten (10);

(58)(59)

Parched Corn Creek, Wolfe County. A person shall only fish with an artificial bait with a single hook;

(59)(60)

Pennyrile Lake, Christian County.

(a)

Largemouth bass. There shall be a slot limit between twelve (12) and fifteen (15) inches.;

(b)

Black bass aggregate daily limit, ten (10);

(60)(61)

Pikeville City Lake, Pike County. A person shall release largemouth bass;

(61)(62)

Rockcastle River WMA, all ponds collectively, Pulaski County.

(a)

Largemouth bass size limit, fifteen (15) inches; daily limit, one (1).

(b)

Bluegill and sunfish daily limit, ten (10).

(c)

Catfish daily limit, four (4).

(d)

Crappie daily limit, fifteen (15);

(62)(63)

Rough River Lake.

(a)

Crappie size limit, ten (10) inches.

(b)

Largemouth bass and smallmouth bass size limit, fifteen (15) inches.

(c)

Rough River Lake shall extend up Rough River to the Highway 84 Bridge;

(63)(64)

Shanty Hollow Lake, Warren County. A person shall not possess shad or use shad as bait;

(64)(65)

Shillalah Creek, Bell County, outside the Cumberland Gap National Park. A person shall only fish with an artificial bait with a single hook;

(65)(66)

Spurlington Lake, Taylor County. A person shall not possess shad or use shad as bait;

(66)(67)

Sympson Lake, Nelson County. Largemouth bass size limit, fifteen (15) inches;

(67)(68)

Taylorsville Lake, including the impounded waters of the lake to Dry Dock Road Bridge on the Salt River.

(a)

Largemouth bass and smallmouth bass size limit, fifteen (15) inches.

(b)

Blue and channel catfish aggregate daily limit of fifteen (15), only one (1) of which shall be longer than twenty-five (25) inches.

(c)

Crappie size limit, ten (10) inches; daily limit, fifteen (15);

(68)(69)

Trammel Creek, Allen County. Rainbow trout daily limit, five (5);

(69)(70)

Willisburg Park Pond, Washington County.

(a)

Largemouth bass size limit, fifteen (15) inches.

(b)

Catfish daily limit, four (4).

(c)

Sunfish daily limit, fifteen (15);

(70)(71)

Wood Creek Lake.

(a)

Largemouth and smallmouth bass. There shall be a slot limit between twelve (12) and fifteen (15) inches.; and

(b)

Black bass aggregate daily limit, ten (10); and

(71)(72)

Yatesville Lake.

(a)

Largemouth bass and smallmouth bass size limit, fifteen (15) inches.

(b)

Blue and channel catfish aggregate daily limit of fifteen (15), only one (1) of which shall be longer than twenty-five (25) inches.

Section 3.

Daily Limits and Size Limits for Waters Containing Rockcastle Strain Walleye.

(1)

Rockcastle Strain Walleye Waters.

(a)

Barren River and tributaries upstream from confluence with the Green River, including Barren River Lake;

(b)

Cumberland River and tributaries above Cumberland Falls;

(c)

Kentucky River and tributaries upstream from Lock and Dam 14;

(d)

Middle Fork Kentucky River and tributaries;

(e)

North Fork Kentucky River and tributaries, including Carr Fork below Carr Creek Lake;

(f)

South Fork Kentucky River and tributaries;

(g)

Levisa Fork River and tributaries upstream from Fishtrap Lake, including Fishtrap Lake;

(h)

Martins Fork Lake;

(i)

Rockcastle River and tributaries; and

(j)

Wood Creek Lake.

(2)

There shall be a slot limit between eighteen (18) and twenty-six (26) inches and a daily limit of two (2) for walleye in the waters established in subsection (1) of this section.

Section 4.

Seasonal Catch and Release for Trout.

(1)

There shall be a catch and release trout season from October 1 through March 31 for the bodies of water established in subsection (3) of this section.

(2)

A person shall:

(a)

Only use artificial bait; and

(b)

Release all trout.

(3)

The streams established in paragraphs (a) through (o) of this subsection shall be open for the catch and release trout season:

(a)

Bark Camp Creek in Whitley County;

(b)

Beaver Creek from Highway 90 Bridge upstream to Highway 200 Bridge in Wayne County;

(c)

Big Bone Creek within Big Bone Lick State Park in Boone County;

(d)

Cane Creek in Laurel County;

(e)

Casey Creek in Trigg County;

(f)

Clear Creek from mouth upstream to 190 Bridge in Bell County;

(g)

East Fork of Indian Creek in Menifee County;

(h)

Elk Spring Creek in Wayne County;

(i)

Floyd's Fork Creek in Jefferson County from Highway 60 downstream to Bardstown Road;

(j)

Gunpowder Creek in Boone County;

(k)

Left Fork of Beaver Creek in Floyd County from Highway 122 Bridge upstream to the headwater;

(l)

Otter Creek in Meade County on the Fort Knox Reservation and Otter Creek Park;

(m)

Rock Creek from the Bell Farm Bridge to the Tennessee state line in McCreary County;

(n)

Trammel Creek in Allen County; and

(o)

Swift Camp Creek in Wolfe County.

Section 5.

Special Limits for Fishing Events.

(1)

The commissioner may establish special limits for fishing events including:

(a)

Size limits for selected species;

(b)

Daily limits for selected species;

(c)

Eligible participants; and

(d)

Dates and times of special limits.

(2)

An event sponsor shall post signs informing anglers of any special limits for a minimum of twenty-four (24) hours before the event.

Section 6.

Daily Limits and Size Limits for Special Lakes and Ponds. The requirements established in subsections (1) through (5) of this section shall apply to all bodies of water established in the List of Special Lakes and Ponds:

(1)

Largemouth bass size limit, fifteen (15) inches; daily limit, one (1);

(2)

Catfish daily limit, four (4);

(3)

Sunfish or bream daily limit, fifteen (15);

(4)

Rainbow trout daily limit, five (5); and

(5)

A person shall not possess shad or use shad as bait.

Section 7.

Incorporation by Reference.

(1)

"List of Special Lakes and Ponds", 20262024 Edition is incorporated by reference.

(2)

This material may be inspected, copied, or obtained, subject to applicable copyright law, at the Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, #1 Sportsman's Lane, Frankfort, Kentucky 40601, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
APPROVED by the Fish and Wildlife Commission
RICH STORM, Commissioner
APPROVED BY AGENCY: April 14, 2026
FILED WITH LRC: April 15, 2026 at 9:45 a.m.
PUBLIC HEARING AND COMMENT PERIOD: A public hearing on this administrative regulation shall be held on June 30, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., at KDFWR Administration Building, 1 Sportsman’s Lane, Frankfort, Kentucky 40601. Individuals interested in being heard at this hearing shall notify this agency in writing by five workdays prior to the hearing, of their intent to attend. If no notification of intent to attend the hearing was received by that date, the hearing may be cancelled. A transcript of the public hearing will not be made unless a written request for a transcript is made. If you do not wish to be heard at the public hearing, you may submit written comments on the proposed administrative regulation. Written comments shall be accepted through June 30, 2026. Send written notification of intent to be heard at the public hearing or written comments on the proposed administrative regulation to the contact person.
CONTACT PERSON: Jenny Gilbert, Legislative Liaison, Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, 1 Sportsman’s Lane, (502) 564-3400, fax: (502) 564-0506, email: fwpubliccomments@ky.gov
REGULATORY IMPACT ANALYSIS AND TIERING STATEMENT
Contact Person:
Jenny Gilbert
Subject Headings:
Fishing, Fish and Wildlife, Conservation
(1) Provide a brief summary of:
(a) What this administrative regulation does:
This administrative regulation establishes size limits, daily limits, and possession limits for sport fish that may be taken from Kentucky waters.
(b) The necessity of this administrative regulation:
This administrative regulation is necessary to properly manage the sport fish populations of Kentucky.
(c) How this administrative regulation conforms to the content of the authorizing statutes:
KRS 150.025(1) authorizes the Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources to promulgate administrative regulations regarding the buying, selling and transporting of fish and wildlife, the restriction of places where taking is permitted, and the application of administrative regulations to a limited area or to the entire state. KRS 150.470(1) authorizes the department to promulgate administrative regulations regarding daily limits, and size limits for fish.
(d) How this administrative regulation currently assists or will assist in the effective administration of the statutes:
This administrative regulation will assist in the effective administration of the statutes by limiting the number and size of fish that may be taken from Kentucky’s waters. This will ensure that Kentucky’s valuable sport fish populations are maintained at high levels.
(2) If this is an amendment to an existing administrative regulation, provide a brief summary of:
(a) How the amendment will change this existing administrative regulation:
This amendment increases the number of fish anglers can keep on all lakes in Kentucky that have a slot limit regulation. In addition, it adjusts the number of largemouth bass larger than 12 inches that anglers can keep when fishing Cave Run Lake and removes the special slot limit regulation for largemouth and smallmouth bass on Otter Creek. This amendment also sets a statewide daily limit of 2 fish for shovelnose sturgeon, except on the Mississippi River, and a statewide daily limit of 100 fish for skipjack herring. Finally, this amendment adds two new lakes to our Fishing in Neighborhoods (FINs) program which fall under Section 6 of this regulation and are incorporated by reference.
(b) The necessity of the amendment to this administrative regulation:
The increase in the daily limit for black bass on our slot limit lakes will allow anglers to harvest more bass, with emphasis on small bass. This will help with overcrowding and slow growth in these lakes. The removal of the slot limit on Otter Creek was done to simplify regulations, and the existing regulation was not needed any more. The 2-fish statewide daily limit on shovelnose sturgeon was added to provide more protection of that species since it did not have a daily limit. The 100-fish daily limit on skipjack herring was implemented to protect that species due to their popularity for use as bait. Harvest rates have been very high and some illegal selling in other states has occurred. Finally, the two new Fishing in Neighborhoods (FINs) lakes were added to provide additional fishing opportunities for those who don’t have the ability to travel long distances to fish. These lakes are stocked throughout the year and are in areas of higher population density.
(c) How the amendment conforms to the content of the authorizing statutes:
See 1(c) above.
(d) How the amendment will assist in the effective administration of the statutes:
See 1(d) above.
(3) Does this administrative regulation or amendment implement legislation from the previous five years?
No, this amendment does not implement legislation from the previous five years.
(4) List the type and number of individuals, businesses, organizations, or state and local governments affected by this administrative regulation:
All anglers fishing at the water bodies and for the species referenced in (2)(a) above will be affected.
(5) Provide an analysis of how the entities identified in question (4) will be impacted by either the implementation of this administrative regulation, if new, or by the change, if it is an amendment, including:
(a) List the actions that each of the regulated entities identified in question (4) will have to take to comply with this administrative regulation or amendment:
All anglers fishing at the water bodies and for the species identified in 2(a) above will have to follow the new regulations. The addition of the two new Fishing in Neighborhoods (FINs) lakes will allow those entities more fishing opportunities.
(b) In complying with this administrative regulation or amendment, how much will it cost each of the entities identified in question (4):
There will be no cost incurred by the anglers identified.
(c) As a result of compliance, what benefits will accrue to the entities identified in question (4):
On all slot limit lakes in the state, anglers will now be able to harvest more bass and in doing so, should also see an increase in bass growth, and ultimately larger-size bass in those lakes. Anglers fishing Otter Creek will now have simpler regulations to follow for largemouth and smallmouth bass. For anglers fishing for shovelnose sturgeon and skipjack herring, providing some protection of those species will allow for a strong, sustaining fishery, allowing anglers to enjoy those fisheries in the future. The addition of the two new Fishing in Neighborhoods (FINs) lakes will provide those entities identified in question (4) more fishing opportunities.
(6) Provide an estimate of how much it will cost the administrative body to implement this administrative regulation:
(a) Initially:
There will be no initial cost to implement this administrative regulation.
(b) On a continuing basis:
There will be no additional cost on a continuing basis.
(7) What is the source of the funding to be used for the implementation and enforcement of this administrative regulation or this amendment:
The source of funding is the State Game and Fish Fund.
(8) Provide an assessment of whether an increase in fees or funding will be necessary to implement this administrative regulation, if new, or by the change if it is an amendment:
It will not be necessary to increase fees or funding to implement this administrative regulation.
(9) State whether or not this administrative regulation establishes any fees or directly or indirectly increases any fees:
This administrative regulation does not establish any fees, nor does it indirectly increase any fees.
(10) TIERING: Is tiering applied?
Tiering was not applied because all individuals fishing in Kentucky must abide by the same requirements.
FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT
(1) Identify each state statute, federal statute, or federal regulation that requires or authorizes the action taken by the administrative regulation:
KRS 150.025(1) authorizes the Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources to promulgate administrative regulations regarding the buying, selling and transporting of fish and wildlife, the restriction of places where taking is permitted, and the application of administrative regulations to a limited area or to the entire state. KRS 150.470(1) authorizes the department to promulgate administrative regulations regarding daily limits, and size limits for fish.
(2) State whether this administrative regulation is expressly authorized by an act of the General Assembly, and if so, identify the act:
This amendment is not expressly authorized by an act of the General Assembly.
(3)(a) Identify the promulgating agency and any other affected state units, parts, or divisions:
The promulgating agency is the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. No other state agencies are affected.
(b) Estimate the following for each affected state unit, part, or division identified in (3)(a):
1. Expenditures:
For the first year:
These amendments will not result in any additional expenditures for the department in the first year.
For subsequent years:
These amendments will not result in any additional expenditures for the department in subsequent years.
2. Revenues:
For the first year:
These amendments will not result in any change in revenues for the department in the first year.
For subsequent years:
These amendments will not result in any change in revenues for the department in subsequent years.
3. Cost Savings:
For the first year:
These amendments will not result in any cost savings for the department in the first year.
For subsequent years:
These amendments will not result in any cost savings for the department in subsequent years.
(4)(a) Identify affected local entities (for example: cities, counties, fire departments, school districts):
No local entities should be affected by these amendments.
(b) Estimate the following for each affected local entity identified in (4)(a):
1. Expenditures:
For the first year:
N/A
For subsequent years:
N/A
2. Revenues:
For the first year:
N/A
For subsequent years:
N/A
3. Cost Savings:
For the first year:
N/A
For subsequent years:
N/A
(5)(a) Identify any affected regulated entities not listed in (3)(a) or (4)(a):
No other entities should be affected by these amendments.
(b) Estimate the following for each regulated entity identified in (5)(a):
1. Expenditures:
For the first year:
N/A
For subsequent years:
N/A
2. Revenues:
For the first year:
N/A
For subsequent years:
N/A
3. Cost Savings:
For the first year:
N/A
For subsequent years:
N/A
(6) Provide a narrative to explain the following for each entity identified in (3)(a), (4)(a), and (5)(a)
(a) Fiscal impact of this administrative regulation:
This amendment will not have any significant fiscal impact.
(b) Methodology and resources used to reach this conclusion:
This amendment does not modify any fees or require affected entities to expend funds to comply with the amendments beyond those incidental to normal operations.
(7) Explain, as it relates to the entities identified in (3)(a), (4)(a), and (5)(a):
(a) Whether this administrative regulation will have a "major economic impact", as defined by KRS 13A.010(14):
This amendment will not have a major economic impact.
(b) The methodology and resources used to reach this conclusion:
This amendment does not increase any fees or otherwise create a financial burden to state or local government agencies or to regulated entities.

7-Year Expiration: 6/18/2032

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