Seasons & Dates
| Season | Season in Regulation | 2025-26 Season Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional Fishing (pole & line) | Open Season | Year-round |
| Trout Catch & Release (Designated Streams)** | Streams open to fishing year-round; Oct. 1 - Mar. 31 No harvest of trout/artificial lures only | Oct. 1, 2025 - Mar. 31, 2026 |
| Free Fishing Days (No license required) | 1st Full weekend (consecutive Sat.-Sun.) in June | June 7 - 8, 2025 |
| Bow Fishing, Spear Fishing | Open Season | Year-round‡ |
| Sport Fishing Trotlines, Jugging, Setlines | Open Season | Year-round† |
| Gigging & Snagging for Rough Fish* | Feb. 1 - May 10 | Feb. 1 - May 10, 2025 |
| Tickling & Noodling for Rough Fish | June 1 - Aug. 31 (daylight hours) | June 1 - Aug. 31, 2025 |
| Bullfrog | Noon on 3rd Fri. in May to midnight Oct. 31 | Noon May 17 - Oct. 31 (midnight) |
| Turtles*** | Open Season | Year-round, day or night |
| * Areas below Kentucky Lake Dam are open year-round. Special Regulations may apply. Please check the Kentucky Fishing & Boating Guide for more information. ** Please check the Kentucky Fishing & Boating Guide for more information. *** Only common snapping turtles and soft shell turtles may be harvested. † Sport fishing trotlines must be permanently labeled on both ends of the line. Anglers must follow all traditional fishing methods size and daily limits. Please review the Kentucky Fishing & Boating Guide for more information. ‡ Some restrictions apply. Please review the Kentucky Fishing & Boating Guide for more information. | ||
