A Guide to Fishing Nolin Lake and Mammoth Cave

A guide to fishing Nolin Lake and Mammoth Cave National Park

Fishing at Nolin Lake

Nolin Lake is a popular destination for anglers, known for its diverse fish population.

Nolin Lake Fishing report

Key Species to Target:

Largemouth Bass: A top target, often found around submerged structures, points, and coves.
Smallmouth Bass: Present, especially in rocky areas.
Bluegill: Abundant and a great option for family fishing.
Channel Catfish: Can be caught throughout the lake.
Crappie (Black and White): Found around brush piles and timber.
White Bass: Known for schooling and providing fast action.
Walleye: Though less common, they are present.

Fishing Tips for Nolin Lake:

Spring (Post-Spawn): Look for bass in shallower areas using shakey heads or early morning topwater lures around stumps.
Summer: Deep diving crankbaits (13’+) around main lake rocky points can be effective for bass.
Bait: Live bait like minnows and worms are generally effective for various species. Crickets are good for bluegill.
Locations: Check areas like Lick Run, Rock Creek, Dog Creek, and Moutardier for good fishing spots.

Nolin Lake Fishing Regulations:

Kentucky Fishing License: A valid Kentucky fishing license is required for all residents and non-residents aged 16 and older.
Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass: Minimum length limit is 15 inches. You may only keep one fish less than 15 inches.
Crappie: Minimum length limit is 9 inches.
Daily Creel Limits:
- Black Bass (Largemouth, Smallmouth, Spotted, Coosa): 6 (singly or combined).
- Crappie (Black & White): 20 (singly or combined).
- Channel Catfish (below 28″): No limit. Trophy Channel Catfish (28″ and above): 1.
Trotlines, Jug Lines, and Set Lines: Specific regulations apply regarding the number of hooks, spacing, and labeling. They must be checked and fish removed at least once every 24 hours.
Clean, Drain, Dry: Always clean your boat and equipment to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.

It is always recommended to refer to the current Kentucky Sport Fishing & Boating Guide for the most up-to-date regulations, which can be obtained where fishing licenses are sold or on the Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife website (fw.ky.gov).

Nolin Lake Fishing Guides:

Hiring a local fishing guide can significantly enhance your experience, especially if you’re new to the lake. They possess invaluable knowledge of the best spots, techniques, and current conditions.

Boating Adventures with Captain Chris: Offers Nolin Lake fishing trips, including 6-hour charter trips for individuals and family/group fishing charters. Captain Chris has tournament fishing experience and can guide on techniques like bait casting, trolling, jigging, and heavy tackle. They target Crappie, Largemouth Bass, Striped Bass, and White Bass.

Fishing at Mammoth Cave National Park (Green River)

Mammoth Cave National Park offers a unique fishing experience along the Green River, which flows through the park.

Key Species to Target:

Black Bass (Largemouth, Smallmouth, Spotted): Found in various sections of the river. Smallmouth bass prefer shoals and riffles.
Sunfish: Common throughout the river.
Catfish: Present in the deeper, slower-moving sections.
Muskellunge: This stretch of the Green River has a history of producing state record muskies.

Fishing Tips for Green River (Mammoth Cave National Park):

Muskellunge: Try medium-running crankbaits in fire tiger, gold, or chrome, or large white double-bladed spinnerbaits worked near stumps, logs, and sunken treetops.
Smallmouth Bass: Look for them in shoals and gentle riffles. A 1/8-ounce tube jig in green pumpkin or a crawfish-colored medium-running crankbait retrieved along the bottom can be effective.
Spotted and Largemouth Bass: Target woody cover in slower-moving sections. Four-inch black finesse worms rigged on 1/8-ounce leadheads can draw strikes.
Access: Consider floating sections of the Green River (e.g., Dennison Ferry to Green River Ferry) by canoe or kayak to access secluded fishing spots. There are wooden slides on the stairs at Dennison Ferry for canoes and kayaks.

Mammoth Cave National Park Fishing Regulations:

No Fishing License Required within Park Boundaries: Uniquely, no fishing license or permit is required to fish within the boundary of Mammoth Cave National Park.
Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Regulations Apply: While no park license is needed, all Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife regulations regarding fish size and possession limits apply to fish caught within the park. Refer to the current Kentucky Sport Fishing & Boating Guide.
Trotlines: Must have hooks at least 30 inches apart and be set at least three feet below the water’s surface. One person may use no more than two trotlines. They must be labeled with the user’s name and address, and checked/fish removed at least once every 24 hours.
Seines: Permitted only in specific creeks and runs (Bylew, First, Second, Pine, Big Hollow, Buffalo, Ugly, Cub, Blowing Spring, Floating Mill Branch, Dry Branch, and Mill Branch) for catching minnows and crawfish for bait. Seines shall not exceed 4’x6′ with mesh no larger than 1/4”.
Live Bait: Worms are the only live bait allowed in Sloans Crossing Pond, Green Pond, Doyle Pond, and First Creek Lake. Live minnows and worms may be used in all other park waters.
Prohibited Methods: Jugging and Set Line (Limb Line) fishing are not permitted in the park.
Mussel Protection: The Green River is home to numerous freshwater mussel species, including endangered ones. Do not touch, pick up, or collect live mussels or their shells. Possession is strictly prohibited.
Fish Consumption Advisories: Be aware that all Kentucky waters are under a consumption advisory for mercury. Consult the Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources for more information on advisories.
River Levels: The National Park Service advises paddlers not to float the Green River when levels are at 10 feet or higher (check river levels at (270)-758-2166). River use is prohibited when levels are at or exceed 20 feet.

Fishing Guides and Rentals near Mammoth Cave National Park:

While dedicated fishing guides specifically for the Green River within Mammoth Cave National Park are less commonly advertised than for Nolin Lake, several local businesses offer canoe and kayak rentals, which are excellent for accessing fishing spots.

Caveland Kayak and Canoe, LLC.
Green River Canoeing, Inc.
Mammoth Cave Canoe and Kayak.
Adventures of Mammoth Cave: Offers kayak rentals for exploring the Green River.

General Considerations for Fishing in Kentucky:

Fishing License: As mentioned, a valid Kentucky fishing license is generally required (except within Mammoth Cave National Park). You can purchase these online through the Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife, or at many sporting goods stores and bait shops.
Boating Regulations: If you plan to use a boat, be aware of Kentucky’s boating regulations, including required safety equipment and registration.
Weather: Check the weather forecast before your trip and be prepared for changing conditions.
Leave No Trace: Always practice Leave No Trace principles, especially in natural areas like Mammoth Cave National Park. Pack out all trash, dispose of bait properly, and respect wildlife.

Enjoy your fishing adventures at Nolin Lake and Mammoth Cave!