Walleye and Sauger Fishing in Kentucky

Walleye and sauger are some of the top game fish for anglers in Kentucky. These fish are known for their sharp eyesight, picky feeding habits, and great flavor on the dinner table. If you want to hook more walleye or sauger in Kentucky’s lakes and rivers, here’s what you need to know about the best techniques, lures, times, and seasons.

Walleye Fishing In Kentucky

Best Techniques for Catching Walleye & Sauger

Vertical Jigging: Great for cold water and deep spots. Drop a 1/4 to 1/2-ounce jig tipped with a soft plastic or minnow to the bottom. Lift and lower it slowly to draw strikes, especially around drop-offs or sunken structure.
Trolling with Crankbaits: Cover a lot of water with deep-diving crankbaits like the Rapala Shad Rap or Berkley Flicker Shad. Troll along channel edges, points, and submerged humps at 1.5-2.5 mph.
Live Bait Rigging: A slip sinker rig with a live nightcrawler, minnow, or leech works well for spooky or finicky fish. Drag it slow across the bottom in clear water.
Casting Blade Baits and Spoons: Metal blade baits like the Heddon Sonar or Silver Buddy work for aggressive fish. Cast near rocky points, current seams, or deep pools, especially in rivers like the Ohio and Cumberland.

Best Lures for Walleye & Sauger

Rapala Shad Rap (Deep Diver): Good for trolling rocky drop-offs and deep points.
Berkley Flicker Shad: Reliable crankbait for deeper water and big walleye.
Northland Fire-Ball Jig: Great for jigging with live bait.
Heddon Sonar Blade Bait: Works well in moving water or when fish are feeding heavy.
Storm Hot ‘N Tot: A favorite crankbait for river fishing.

Stick with colors like chartreuse, white, fire tiger, silver, and natural shad patterns—these show up well in Kentucky water and match local baitfish.

Best Times to Catch Walleye & Sauger

Early Morning (Dawn–9 AM): Walleye and sauger feed best in low-light conditions.
Late Evening (4 PM–Dusk): Fish move shallow to hunt as the sun sets.
Night Fishing: Walleye feed after dark, especially on clear lakes.

Best Seasons for Walleye & Sauger Fishing in Kentucky

Spring (March–May): Pre-spawn and spawning. Fish move to shallow water (5-15 feet) in rivers and creeks. Use live minnows, jigs, and shallow crankbaits near rocky banks and tailwaters.
Summer (June–August): Walleye and sauger head deeper (20-40 feet). Trolling crankbaits and vertical jigging work well. Night fishing shines in clear lakes like Dale Hollow and Lake Cumberland.
Fall (September–November): Fish feed hard before winter and move to mid-depths (10-20 feet). Crankbaits, blade baits, and jigging spoons are best around rocky ledges and main lake points.
Winter (December–February): Fish are deep (30-50 feet) but still catchable. Slow vertical jigging with live bait works in deep pools and below dams.

Best Locations for Walleye & Sauger in Kentucky

Lake Cumberland: One of the best walleye lakes in Kentucky.
Dale Hollow Lake: Clear water and deep structure hold good numbers of walleye.
Green River Lake: A go-to spot for consistent walleye fishing.
Ohio River (Tailwaters and Tributaries): Famous for sauger, especially in winter months.
Cumberland River below Wolf Creek Dam: Known for trophy walleye and steady action in cold water.

Tips for More Walleye & Sauger in Kentucky

Fish deep and slow in the hottest and coldest months.
Focus on dawn, dusk, and night for the best action.
Use natural-colored baits that look like shad or minnows.
Don’t rush—walleye and sauger can be picky, so slow your presentation and stick with it.
Target tailwaters below dams in winter for sauger stacked up in current breaks.

Walleye and sauger fishing in Kentucky is a real treat for anglers who enjoy a challenge and a good meal. With the right lures, seasonal tactics, and some patience, you can find great fishing year-round in lakes and rivers across the state. Check the latest regulations at the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife before your trip, and get ready for some of the best fishing Kentucky has to offer.