I'm with Mike. Kentucky Lake followed closely by Barkley. As far as fish crappie, largemouth, smallmouth, catfish, and what the heck, even a drum when things are slow!
Another place I love for the scenery is Dale Hollow. I have also done good for both smallmouth and crappie there in both KY and TN waters. Crappie aren't as plentiful as Kentucky/Barkley but also aren't fished as hard.
Lived in Western Ky for years now in Southern Indiana
Here's where I like
Ky and barkley= Crappie, bass, cats
Believe it or not... little known Sturgis Airport Lake- Big Slabs in the back by the pipe and nice largemouths.. 5 and 6 lbs not uncommon
Tradewater river= some of the biggest crappie I've ever seen come from here.. Find a feeder creek with stumps and 6 foot of water......awesome if fishing jig tipped with shiner
Fish mainly Kentucky Lake with an occasional trip over to Barkley. I tend to stay in the north end from Johnathan Creek to the dam. I'm a recovering bass adict and tournament angler. I gave that up to pursue a more pure form of fishing. Went back to when fishing was fun. Sold my bass boat bought a aluminum camo triton and here I am.
Crappie from feb to may
bluegill and redear may to june
catfish may to july
So when it gets really hot in the summer and the bite slows you can find me on the golf course!
Cave Run Lake is East of Lexington. It's about a 1.5hr drive ... out I-64 and turn right at 801 (exit 133) and follow that to Farmers Ky and go on thru and across 60 (staying on 801) and it will take you to the dam end of the lake. 801 runs right along the lake's NE shoreline. That's where the Marina is, and plenty of good ramps all along there. Baitshops along that road, too.
Or you "can" get off at exit 123 and follow 60 until you get to the 801 turnoff. If you want to go to the river end of the lake, you'll have to get someone else to give you directions ... too many little country roads to travel, for this ol boy
Steve in Lincoln county,Kentucky.
Ceder Creek for LM Bass,Smallmouth bass,crappie,shellcrackers,bluegills and catfish.
Herrington Lake for LM Bass,smallmouth bass,white bass,hybrids crappie,bluegills and catfish.
Others include Green river,cumberland,Taylorsville,Beaver,dix river,and any hole of water i can get permission to fish.