Best Fishing Spots in Knox County: Lakes, Rivers & Streams

Knox County and the surrounding area offer some of the best fishing in southeastern Kentucky. From the Cumberland River's smallmouth bass to the quiet coves of Martins Fork Lake, anglers in Barbourville have access to a wide variety of fishing experiences within a short drive.

Cumberland River

The Cumberland River is Knox County's premier fishing destination. The river winds through Barbourville and Loyall, offering excellent smallmouth bass fishing throughout its rocky riffles and deep pools. Smallmouth bass are the prized catch here — they fight hard, jump high, and are abundant in the river's rocky structure.

In addition to smallmouth, the Cumberland holds rock bass (locally called "redeye"), catfish, bluegill, and occasional musky. Spring and fall are peak seasons when fish are actively feeding, but the Cumberland offers year-round fishing opportunities.

Thompson Park in Barbourville is the primary public access point, with a boat ramp suitable for kayaks, canoes, and small boats. Downstream near Loyall, additional access points allow for longer float trips. The section from Thompson Park to Loyall makes a pleasant half-day paddle with good fishing along the way.

A Kentucky fishing license is required for anyone age 12 and older. Licenses can be purchased online through the Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources or at local sporting goods stores.

Martins Fork Lake

Martins Fork Lake, located in Harlan County about 30 minutes from Barbourville, is a hidden gem for anglers. This 330-acre lake is surrounded by steep, forested hills and offers excellent fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, crappie, bluegill, and catfish.

The lake has a boat ramp and fishing pier, making it accessible for both boat and bank fishing. Crappie fishing is particularly good in the spring when fish move into shallow water to spawn. The lake's quiet, uncrowded atmosphere makes it a peaceful alternative to busier lakes in the region.

Other Area Fishing Opportunities

Beyond the Cumberland River and Martins Fork Lake, the broader southeastern Kentucky region offers additional fishing destinations. Laurel River Lake, about 45 minutes north, is a large, deep lake known for its clear water and excellent trout fishing. Lake Cumberland, one of the largest lakes in the Southeast, is about an hour away and offers world-class striper, bass, and crappie fishing.

For fly fisherman, the tailwaters below Cumberland Falls on the Cumberland River offer rainbow and brown trout fishing in a stunning setting. The section below the falls is stocked regularly and provides excellent wade fishing opportunities.

Fishing License Requirements

A Kentucky fishing license is required for all anglers age 12 and older. Licenses can be purchased online at the Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources website or at local retailers. Kentucky offers resident and non-resident licenses, as well as short-term licenses for visitors.

Additional permits may be required for trout fishing. Always check current regulations, size limits, and creel limits before heading out, as these can change seasonally.

What to Bring

For a successful fishing trip in Knox County, make sure you have a valid Kentucky fishing license, appropriate rods, reels, and tackle for your target species, live bait or artificial lures (smallmouth bass hit both well), a cooler with ice and water, sunscreen and insect repellent, a first aid kit, and a map or GPS device especially for remote access points.

Whether you're wading the Cumberland River for smallmouth or trolling Martins Fork Lake for crappie, the fishing in and around Barbourville offers something for every angler. The scenery alone is worth the trip — the Appalachian foothills provide a stunning backdrop for a day on the water.