Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Expands Fishing Program

News Summary

The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR) has announced an expansion of its Fishing in Neighborhoods (FINs) program, now offering anglers more opportunities to fish in 45 lakes across the state. This initiative, launched in 2006, provides local fishing experiences with special regulations to enhance sustainable fishing. The program includes regular stocking of rainbow trout, channel catfish, and sunfish, ensuring a lively fishing environment, particularly in urban areas. Anglers can look forward to significant trout stockings in 2025, enhancing local fishing enjoyment.

Exciting News for Anglers in Kentucky: Fishing in Neighborhoods Program Expands!

Hello, Kentucky! If you’re a fishing enthusiast or looking for a perfect way to enjoy the outdoors, this is exciting news you won’t want to miss. The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR) is expanding its Fishing in Neighborhoods (FINs) program, promising to put the thrill of fishing right in your backyard. Launched back in 2006, this initiative has grown to include a whopping 45 lakes across the state, giving residents plenty of spots to drop a line and catch some fish.

Fishing Fun Just a Stone’s Throw Away

The FINs program is designed to offer quality fishing opportunities close to cities, making it easier for folks to enjoy this popular pastime without having to travel long distances. Most of the FINs lakes are specially stocked with colorful rainbow trout during the chillier months, ensuring that there are always fish ready to be caught.

Know the Rules for Catching Rainbow Trout

five rainbow trout per day, and you’re not allowed to cull. This means you need to stick with the first fish you catch until you reach your limit. The friendly folks at KDFWR manage these lakes intensively, with regular stockings of both channel catfish and rainbow trout to keep the fishing experience lively.

Additionally, they regularly check the populations of sunfish (both bluegill and redear sunfish) and largemouth bass to ensure there’s enough natural reproduction happening to meet the needs of all anglers. If it turns out that there aren’t enough fish in some lakes, the KDFWR is prepared to do supplemental stockings, ensuring that everyone has the chance to reel in their catch.

Better Regulations for a Better Experience

KDFWR wants to make sure that fishing is enjoyable for everyone, so the regulations at FINs lakes are a bit stricter than what’s standard in the rest of the state. This helps spread out the fish harvest over time, giving fish the chance to thrive and grow. Keep in mind that using shad for bait is a no-go at FINs lakes, and any grass caught will need to be released back into the water.

Upcoming Stockings to Look Forward To

Jacobson Park Lake in Fayette County will see a total of 3,000 rainbow trout in October, February, and March.

Kentucky Horse Park Rolex Lake will receive 1,500 rainbow trout in November and February.

Lusby Lake and Scott County Park Lake will each be getting 500 rainbow trout in November, February, and March.

Finally, Whitehall Park Lake in Madison County will be stocked with 1,500 rainbow trout at the same intervals.

Where to Find These Awesome Fishing Spots

If you’re wondering where to find these inviting lakes, here’s a quick guide:

• Jacobson Park Lake spans 46.3 acres and is located just four miles south of Lexington. It features a fishing pier and a paved boat ramp (though no gasoline motors are allowed).
• Kentucky Horse Park Rolex Lake is a cozy 5.6 acres, with bank access available year-round from 9:00 AM to dusk.
• Both Lusby Lake and Scott County Park Lake are under 3 acres, allowing for fishing year-round but with no boating permitted.
• Whitehall Park Lake, similar to the others, is 5.6 acres with bank access only and has limited hours.

A Brighter Fishing Future is Here!

The expansion of the FINs program perfectly aligns with KDFWR’s mission to enhance local fishing experiences. Kentuckians now have even more reasons to gather their fishing gear, grab some bait, and head out to enjoy the great outdoors. So get your fishing rods ready — it’s time to make some memories on the water!

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HERE Resources

Additional Resources

• NKY Tribune: Fish Species in Kentucky
• WBKO: Kentucky Fishing and Hunting Licenses
• WDRB: Fishing and Hunting Licenses Available
• Game & Fish: Trout Fishing in Kentucky
• Cincinnati.com: Rainbow Trout Stocking in Covington
• Wikipedia: Fishing in the United States
• Google Search: Kentucky Fishing Licenses
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Fishery
• Google Scholar: Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources
• Google News: Kentucky Fishing

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