This month marks the start of fall muskie fishing season, and Morehead is known as the muskie capital of the south. The large predatory fish are native to the Eastern Kentucky area.
The Licking River used to be one of the largest muskie streams in the region until Cave Run Lake was created.
Tom Timmermann is the Fisheries Biologist Program Coordinator for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. He said when Cave Run Lake was created, so was Minor Clark Fish Hatchery. The hatchery raises muskies to be distributed into Cave Run Lake to make up for the loss of muskie habitat in the Licking River.
“I think that's kind of what makes us the central hub is that all these streams are fed from fish that came from here. But then also, this was kind of the hub beforehand. This is the Licking River, huge river system, relatively speaking, when you talk about streams like Kinnickinnic and Little Sandy and those. A lot bigger river system here at the Licking River,” said Timmermann.
The Kentucky record for the largest muskie caught took place at Cave Run Lake in 2008. Weighing in at 47 pounds, the fish was caught by a 14-year-old girl.
Timmermann added it is important to follow all rules and regulations when fishing. Anglers are only allowed to pull in one muskie per day.
“Other than that, if it's a warm day, summer day, those sorts of things, and then when the water is really hot, the fish, musky are cooler water fish, and they don't necessarily respond to being taken from that cold water to warm water very well. And so be cautious on those sorts of days. Maybe skip a fishing trip in the summer. If the water is looking too hot,” said Timmermann.
Timmerman said it’s important to report muskie poaching. Cave Run Lake game wardens can be reached at 606-784-4127.