TWRA certificates for trophy-length fish caught in Tennessee, with Master Angler levels I-V for anglers who log more species.
Tennessee's official record-fish list. The state's smallmouth record from Dale Hollow and walleye record from Old Hickory are both long-standing.
The Kentucky record hybrid striped bass, 20.50 lb, came from the Barren River system in 1991.
Dale Hollow produced the all-tackle world-record smallmouth bass, 11 lb 15 oz, caught by David L. Hayes on July 9, 1955.
Kentucky's state records for brown trout (21.00 lb) and rainbow trout (14.38 lb) both come from the Cumberland River.
Lake Cumberland holds Kentucky's records for striped bass (58.25 lb, 1985) and walleye (21.50 lb, 1958).
Tennessee's record walleye, 25 lb, was caught on Old Hickory Reservoir by Mabry Harper on August 3, 1960.
A KDFWR workshop that teaches fishing basics from knots and casting to filleting and cooking your catch.
KDFWR's lake-by-lake list of registered fishing tournaments. Check it before you launch so you know which ramps will be busy.
A keepsake certificate from Kentucky Fish & Wildlife for a young angler's first catch.
Kentucky's official list of the largest fish of each species. Several records came from Lake Cumberland, Dale Hollow and the Barren River.
TWRA's calendar of Tennessee kids' rodeos, Free Fishing Day events and fishing classes.
A two-day fishing derby for children with special needs at Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery.
A youth bass league whose 2025-26 season held its championship on Barren River Lake.
A local catfish tournament league on Barren River Lake. The 2026 July tournament launched from Narrows Marina.
Kentucky's B.A.S.S. Nation qualifier trail, which fished Barren River Lake in 2026.
Catch a trophy-length fish in Kentucky and earn a patch, sticker and certificate. Trophies of three different species earn the Master Angler award.
A bass tournament from Lone Valley Boat Ramp on Green River Lake. The 4th annual was April 18, 2026.
A free kids' fishing rodeo at Memorial Park in Hendersonville, the town on Old Hickory Lake.
A yearly day on the water for wounded veterans, based at Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery. Pre-registration and an application are required.
USA BASSIN team regionals held on Lake Cumberland, Old Hickory and Green River Lake each fall.
A morning fishing derby for seniors at Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery in Jamestown.
A high school bass tournament on Dale Hollow, run by Tennessee B.A.S.S. Nation.
A high school student angler state championship at Green River Lake's State Marina on April 3, 2027.
A free two-hour beginner fishing class for kids during spring break at Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery.
A one-day charity bass tournament at Conley Bottom that supports Shriners Children's Lexington.
The spring half of the Dale Hollow Bass Classic series, held out of Sunset Marina.
Renegade team bass divisions on Green River Lake, Lake Cumberland and Nolin River Lake.
A Kentucky bass trail whose 2026-27 season fishes Barren River, Lake Cumberland and Green River Lake.
A Tennessee B.A.S.S. Nation kayak series stop on Dale Hollow, scheduled for December 5, 2026.
A junior (youth) fishing tournament on Nolin River Lake, scheduled for March 13, 2027.
An amateur big-bass event on Dale Hollow with hourly prizes, fun for anglers and spectators.
A kids' fishing rodeo at the Plankyards on Dale Hollow, open to local youth only.
A members-only fall bass division on Old Hickory Lake, weighing in at Bull Creek (Flipper's).
A high school bass qualifier series with fall and spring stops on Barren River Lake, Dale Hollow and Green River Lake.
NTBA bass events on Barren River Lake, Lake Cumberland and Nolin, including a two-day Fall Classic in November 2026.
An open tournament at Moutardier Ramp on Nolin River Lake on November 21, 2026.
A free youth fishing rodeo for ages 1-17 at Dale Hollow National Fish Hatchery in Celina, Tenn.
Fish any Kentucky public water without a license or trout permit during the first full weekend in June each year.
One license-free fishing day in Tennessee each year, plus a free week for kids 15 and under. Good for Old Hickory and Dale Hollow.
A free summer kids' derby by the fishing pier at Green River Lake State Park, with poles, bait and prizes provided.
An open bass tournament on Lake Cumberland tied to Kentucky MLF pro Bradley Roy, with launch and weigh-in at Conley Bottom.
Kentucky's crappie tournament trail fishes Nolin River Lake out of Moutardier Ramp from fall through spring.
A Kentucky team bass trail with a fall division and a summer night division at Port Oliver on Barren River Lake.
A long-running holiday-weekend buddy bass tournament on Lake Cumberland. The 48th annual is November 28, 2026.
Kentucky's high school bass state championship returns to Lake Cumberland in May 2027.
One of the country's largest kids' fishing events. It's free, kids under 16 fish Hatchery Creek, and every child gets a prize.
A two-day fall bass tournament out of Star Point Resort on Dale Hollow, home of the world-record smallmouth.
A charity fishing tournament at Conley Bottom Resort on Lake Cumberland. The 17th annual is October 24, 2026.
Kentucky Bass Federation divisions fish Barren River Lake from Port Oliver, and the 2026 state tournament and a district event were held there.
A major invitational bass championship on Old Hickory Lake, with daily takeoff and weigh-in at Sanders Ferry Park in Hendersonville.
An all-day beginner fly-fishing class at Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery, next scheduled for October 17, 2026.
