Fishing in Mammoth Cave National Park

Fishing

Over 100 species of fish live in the park's rivers.

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Fishing Details

Over 100 species of fish inhabit the park's rivers, including largemouth, smallmouth, and rock bass, bluegill and longear sunfish, black and white crappie, walleye, channel and bullhead catfish, and muskellunge. Fishing is permitted in the Green and Nolin Rivers and at First Creek Lake. Fishing is not permitted within 100 feet of the ferry landings during operating hours. No fishing license or permit is required within the boundary of the park. However, Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations regarding size and possession limits still apply within the park. Worms are the only live bait allowed at First Creek Lake. Live minnows and worms can be used in all other waters; excess bait must be disposed of on land. Trotlines are permitted as long as one person uses no more than two trotlines at a time, with no more than 50 baited hooks set no more than 30 inches apart. Trotlines must be set at least three feet below the surface and must be labeled, checked daily, and removed once fishing ceases. Catching fish by hand is permitted at all times of the year. However, spear, bow and arrow, snagging, jugging, and set-line fishing are prohibited. Only fish may be taken; all other aquatic life is protected. Green River is home to more species of freshwater mussel than anywhere else in the country, but seven of these species are endangered. Do not touch, pick up, or collect mussels or their shells.

Difficulty

Open

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N/A

Estimated time

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Activities

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