The Nolin River in Kentucky is a premier fishing destination in the west-central region of the state. The river is impounded by Nolin River Dam, creating the 5,795-acre Nolin River Lake which extends across Edmonson, Grayson, and Hart counties. Known for its unique blue/green water and extensive shoreline stretching 172 miles, this waterway provides diverse fishing environments from the river itself to the expansive lake. The lake varies in size seasonally, reducing to 2,890 acres during winter pool at elevation 490, then expanding to its full 5,795 acres during summer pool at elevation 515. With a depth reaching 75 feet near the dam and an average depth of about 30 feet in the lower lake section, Nolin River Lake offers excellent habitat for multiple fish species and has gained recognition particularly for its outstanding white bass fishery.
Learn what type of fish are at Nolin River and what's needed to catch them.
Micropterus salmoides
Micropterus dolomieu
Oncorhynchus mykiss
Sander vitreus
Pomoxis nigromaculatus
Ictiobus cyprinellus
Ictiobus niger
Ameiurus melas
Ictalurus furcatus
Cycleptus elongatus
Lepomis macrochirus
Ictalurus punctatus
Cyprinus carpio
Pylodictis olivaris
Aplodinotus grunniens
Esox americanus
Lepomis cyanellus
Lepomis megalotis
Lepisosteus osseus
Hypentelium nigricans
Carpiodes cyprinus
Lepomis auritus
Lepomis microlophus
Ambloplites rupestris
Lepisosteus platostomus
Hypophthalmichthys molitrix
Ictiobus bubalus
Micropterus punctulatus
Lepisosteus oculatus
Lepomis gulosus
Morone chrysops
Pomoxis annularis
Catostomus commersonii
Morone mississippiensis
Ameiurus natalis
Learn how to get on Nolin River. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.
See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.
What you need to float or boat Nolin River, and when to apply.
Mammoth Cave National Park
Reservation permit · Overnight trips · Required year-round
Paddlers camping on the floodplains or islands of the Green and Nolin rivers in Mammoth Cave National Park need a riverside camping permit.
Checked Nov 4, 2026 with Mammoth Cave National Park
When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.
All persons must fill out and carry the proper license and permit to fish any Kentucky waters except residents and nonresidents age 15 and younger.
This river has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this river is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.
Public usage is limited to larger waterways with more permanent commerce and transportation. The public right to navigation includes boating, fishing, swimming, temporary anchorage and incidental use of the riverbed, regardless of streambed ownership.
The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.
Download the map around Nolin River to use it offline when coverage drops.
Keep a private fishing journal for Nolin River to find where and when fish are biting for you.
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See the best times to fish Nolin River and check the forecast before you go.
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