Learn How to Fly Fish at the Salato Wildlife Education Center

Join our staff and members of the Frankfort Fly Fishing Club to learn the basic techniques of fly tying and fly fishing at the Salato Wildlife Education Center in Frankfort from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 7.

Have you ever caught a fish on a woolly bugger or a popper? We will provide the necessary equipment for you to try your hand at tying flies. You can keep the flies that you make, too. We can also help anglers hone their skills with casting a fly rod. The cost of the class is $35 with registration required.

The Salato Center has a variety of native animals for the public to see, including a black bear, an eagle, bobcats, elk, deer, bison, snakes and fish. The center has numerous indoor exhibits and miles of hiking trails open to the public. Fishing is available at two lakes. While some programs may require a registration fee, general admission to the Salato Center is free.

For more information, call 1-800-858-1549, ext. 4445. Learn more about upcoming events at the Salato Center on the Internet at fw.ky.gov. The Salato Center, operated by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, is located at the department’s headquarters at #1 Sportsman’s Lane (formerly #1 Game Farm Road), off U.S. 60 in Frankfort, 1.5 miles west of U.S. 127. Hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays. The center is closed Sundays, Mondays and state holidays.

Flat Bottom Boats You Make the Rocket World Go Round!

Wow! So, Do-it-yourself projects now include fishing boats. See the details come together on Kentucky Afield television this weekend, July 31 and Aug. 1.

On the upcoming episode, we’ll learn that for sculling creeks and ponds, nothing tops a flat-bottomed boat. Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources craftsman John Akers shows host Tim Farmer how the vessels are built with little effort and money.

The construction of the KY AFIELD 09 was quite popular when first aired last fall. Now, the three-part series is combined into one full episode. DVR users take note – this is one for the archives.

“Kentucky Afield” is a production of the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. It is the longest continuously running outdoor television show in the nation. The program airs at 8:30 p.m. Eastern /7:30 p.m. Central Saturdays, and repeats at 4 p.m. Eastern/3 p.m. Central Sundays on KET 1. To see the latest news about “Kentucky Afield” television and view your favorite show segments from the past, sign up today for the electronic newsletter. Visit fw.ky.gov on the Internet and click the Kentucky Afield Newsletter icon.

Pond Fishing on Kentucky Afield

Kentucky is notorious for its great fishing.   With Kentucky Lake, Lake Barkley, Barren River Lake, and many others, its little wonder Kentucky fishing is popular with fishermen (and women!).

However, if you can’t make a trip to one of Kentucky’s larger lakes or streams, don’t hang up your fishing pole just yet –   great fishing is still waiting at a nearby farm pond!  You’ll see proof positive on “Kentucky Afield” this weekend, July 10 and 11.

From his cell phone, a private land owner shows host, Tim Farmer, a snapshot of an 8-pound largemouth bass caught the previous week. That was incentive enough to grab some gear and remember the value of farm pond fishing. Often dismissed because of small size or lack of scenic beauty, a well-balanced pond packs plenty of excitement. Tune in as Kentucky Afield goes to Fayette County for the proof.

Elsewhere, just like the temperature, noodling season is hot. Kentucky Conservation Officer Mickey Craig takes Farmer to the Ohio River in Campbell County to try the bare-hand technique on some whopper catfish.

Also on the show?  Geese!  Canada geese molt their flight feathers in mid-summer. Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources migratory bird biologists Rocky Pritchert and John Brunjes show us how researchers take advantage of this opportunity to gather the birds and attach leg bands.

Avid Bird Watchers like me won’t want to miss this story.
“Kentucky Afield” is a production of the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. It is the longest continuously running outdoor television show in the nation. The program airs at 8:30 p.m. Eastern /7:30 p.m. Central Saturdays, and repeats at 4 p.m. Eastern/3 p.m. Central Sundays on KET 1. To see the latest news about “Kentucky Afield” television and view your favorite show segments from the past, sign up today for the electronic newsletter. Visit fw.ky.gov on the Internet and click the Kentucky Afield Newsletter icon.

Kentucky Afield: Fishing Fireworks

Fireworks Of Fishing This Weekend On “Kentucky Afield” TV
In honor of the Fourth of July weekend, Kentucky Afield is having their own kind of fireworks. They’ll feature a retrospective of the most exciting fishing trips in recent years on “Kentucky Afield” television this weekend, July 3 and 4.

The fun begins in eastern Kentucky on the Little Sandy River. There, one fish whose bite says ka-boom is muskellunge. As showcased on the “Best of Kentucky Afield Fishing” DVD, host Tim Farmer tags along with local expert Bob Elliott.

On the opposite end of the state, viewers will visit Kentucky Lake for bluegill with Roy Kenady. The Christian County resident puts Farmer on an excellent catch, as the fish are ready to spawn.

At Lake Barkley, one species anglers circle in red is the redear sunfish. Some call them shellcrackers, but today, they are like firecrackers. Farmer takes notes from Jack Devor on his homemade jigs and baits that sweeten the catch.

“Kentucky Afield” is a production of the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. It is the longest continuously running outdoor television show in the nation. The program airs at 8:30 p.m. Eastern /7:30 p.m. Central Saturdays, and repeats at 4 p.m. Eastern/3 p.m. Central Sundays on KET 1. To see the latest news about “Kentucky Afield” television and view your favorite show segments from the past, sign up today for the electronic newsletter. Visit fw.ky.gov on the Internet and click the Kentucky Afield Newsletter icon.

Kentucky Lake Welcomes the Ladies

Kentucky Lake is famous for its beauty and celebrated for its fishing.  Lady bass anglers from all over the world will take their chances when Women’s Professional Bass Fishing comes to Kentucky on May 6th and 7th, 2010.

The Kentucky Lake event is open to all interested ladies with two divisions; a Professional and Co-Angler division. Local sponsors include Sportsmen’s Edge Triton Boat dealership, Necessity Jigs, Moors Resort and Marina and Ray Barga and Associates, Inc.

What a golden opportunity to take women’s professional fishing to the next level.

For additional information about the Women’s Invitational Trail Tournament on Kentucky Lake, contact Cheryl Bowden at cbowden1212@tx.rr.com.

Darryl Worley on Kentucky Lake, Fishing, and the Bassmaster Classic

Many people officially start thinking about Spring and Summer with the Bassmaster Classic.  For me, it’s official when Baseball’s preseason begins!  Maybe that’s because I do more eating fish than Darryl Worley will be playing Feb. 19 (today) at the Bassmaster Classic prior to the opening-day weigh-in in Birmingham.

ESPN put together a great article/interview with Darryl Worley in which he talks about  fishing on Kentucky Lake, the Grand Ole Opry, and giving back.  Darryl Worley is our kind of people and he’ll definitely make you want to visit his hometown of Savannah, Tennessee AND get out on Kentucky Lake for a little fishing.  Read the interview by clicking the following link: Darryl Worley and the Bassmaster Classic:  Kentucky Lake, Fishing, and Giving Back

Be sure to watch the Bassmaster Classic on ESPN.

Barren River Lake: Up Close and Personal

Barren River Lake Kentucky

Barren River Lake Info:

The name “Barren,” in Barren River Lake, can be traced back to the days of the early pioneers. They called the area that is now Barren River Lake State Park “The Barrens.” Why? Because the area often appeared barren thanks to Indians who periodically burned the vegetation to provide grasslands. These grasslands attracted grazing buffalo. Given the fact that this is a personal favorite animal, I’m going to pretend that the Native Americans were interested in the buffalo solely as pets.

Archaeologists prove that there were apparently several large Indian settlements near Barren River.

Fishermen (and women) absolutely love Barren River Lake. With an abundance of largemouth, smallmouth, white, and hybrid striped bass, bluegill, channel catfish, crappie, and rough fish, few go home empty handed.

Barren River Lake State Resort Park is located in a prime location for tourists: near Kentucky’s famous cave area, which includes Mammoth Cave National Park, the longest cave system in the world!

To read more about Barren River Lake State Resort Park, read our review HERE.  You’ll also find valuable information and up to date news on Kentucky State Parks Web Site  (this link will take you directly to Barren River Lake State Resort Park’s page).

Lake Barkley: Things You Should Know About This Kentucky Lake

Lake Barkley

Lake Barkley is, without a doubt, one of Kentucky’s crown jewels. If you want to see a Kentuckian sit a little taller, just mention Lake Barkley.  Like UK Basketball, Mammoth Cave, and Kentucky Lake – we’re understandably proud.

Below are some bits and pieces of Lake Barkley trivia that you might not have known.

  • Lake Barkley has 57,900 acres of water and 1,004 miles of shoreline.
  • Lake Barkley was named for the 35th Vice-President, Alben Barkley.Barkley, Roosevelt, and Truman campaign button Prior to the Vice Presidency, Barkley served in the U. S. Senate from Kentucky for over twenty years. Alben Barkley was born in a log cabin near Lowes, Graves County, Kentucky.  He worked his way through college as a janitor.  After passing the bar, he practiced law in Paducah, Kentucky.
  • Alben Barkley coined the term “Give ‘em hell, Harry” as President Truman was leaving Washington on his “whistle-stop” train across the country.  Barkley was popularly known as “the Veep” thanks to his young grandson, Stephen M. Truitt.  Stephen preferred the shortened name to “Mr. Vice President.”  When Alben Barkley told the press about his grandson’s phrasing, the newspapers printed it, and the title stuck. Alben Barkley’s successor as vice president, Richard Nixon, declined the nickname, saying that it had been bestowed on Barkley affectionately and, therefore, belonged to him. However, the term didn’t die, and it’s used to this day.
  • Construction of Barkley Dam began in 1959 on the Cumberland River.
  • Lake Barkley’s Maximum depth is 68 feet.
  • Lake Barkley’s Minimum depth is 12 feet.
  • Lake Barkley is known for its Stripers as well as its Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass.  Other fish in Lake Barkley include Crappie (Black and White), Redear Sunfish, Sauger, Blue Catfish, Channel Catfish, Striped Bass, and White Bass.

For more information about Lake Barkley:

Download Lake Barkley Vacation Guide (PDF)

The Village Between the Lakes (Grand Rivers)

Green Turtle Bay (Resort and Marina on Lake Barkley)

Green Turtle Bay Has a Birthday Special You’ll Want to Celebrate!

Condos at Green Turtle Bay Marina - Grand Rivers, Kentucky

Green Turtle Bay Resort & Marina Condos (Click for a larger view!)

Happy birthday, gorgeous!  Green Turtle Bay is 25 years old this month (April, 2009). To celebrate, they are offering a 10% discount on any reservation for Condos to customers whose birthday is also in April.

They will give you a 10% discount birthday present when you show them your valid driver’s license with proof of your April birthday.  Sadly, this affects me in no way whatsoever, since my birthday is four months away, but I certainly want to wish them a heartfelt happy birthday.

If you’ve never seen Green Turtle Bay Resort & Marina in Grand Rivers, Kentucky, you really should make an effort to do so. They celebrate the water way of life with every breath they take. The area is beautiful, the staff is incredibly friendly, and I’m sure I’ve told you about Docker’s Bayside Grill once or twice.  Two words: Onion Rings.

There are over seventy town house condominiums available with gorgeous views of Green Turtle Bay and Lake Barkley.  You can rent one for a day or a week or buy one for a lifetime of weekends filled with water, fishing, boating, tennis, golf, and onion rings.   Just let me dangle my feet in the cool lake water in between trips to Docke’rs Bayside Grill and I’ll be happy.

From Green Turtle Bay’s Web Site:

Green Turtle Bay Resort offers one, two, three, and four bedroom luxury condominium units. Each unit is individually owned and tastefully appointed in a variety of styles, with each bedroom featuring its own private bath. All units have a fully equipped kitchen, washer/dryer, and gas grill; most feature fireplaces and pull out sofas. Units are complete with linens, towels and complimentary coffee.

Click HERE for more information right away.  The most memorable summer of your life is waiting!

Green Turtle Bay Resort and Marina Logo

Spring in Kentucky is a Show Unlike Any Other!

Daffodils

It may not seem like it today (brrr!) but gorgeous weather is literally right around the corner, and as any Kentuckian can tell you, Kentucky wears nice weather as beautifully as any state ever could.  The birds, the wildlife, the lakes, the rivers, the greenest grass you’ve ever seen, the trees, and the breathtaking flowers…  What a glorious show we get to enjoy every year.  Are you thanking God for living here yet?  I know I am.

Below is a press release from the Kentucky Department of Tourism.  They’re feeling the love, too!

‘Unbridled Spring’- Make Travel Plans

For Kentucky’s Colorful Awakening

FRANKFORT, Ky. About this time of year Kentuckians are itching to trade coats and gloves for short sleeves and sneakers. Spring is when some of the most beautiful scenery in the nation sprouts in the commonwealth as a preview of hot weather to come. It’s a great time of year to get away and see an “Unbridled Spring” unfold across Kentucky as different flowers bloom from region to region. To help plan your path to the posies and where you can kick your shoes off for the night, the Kentucky Department of Travel has the perfect e-guide.

An “Unbridled Spring” web promotion begins April 7 and runs through Memorial Day at www.KyTourism.com. It’s sure to lure you on your way for a long weekend or day trip to see what’s blooming. This year, the program is longer and includes more places to spot buds and flowers, tips for events, locations and trips, photos of Kentucky wildflowers, regional videos, and other tools to plan springtime travel.

“Unbridled Spring” (previously Wildflower Watch) links to places throughout Kentucky to see spring blooms like trails, botanical gardens, state parks and nature preserves. Besides a variety of wild flowers that grow throughout the state, “Unbridled Spring” appeals to travelers to visit public areas including the approach to Kentucky’s state capitol which is paved with tulips, Owensboro’s Azalea-Dogwood Trail and jonquils that glow along major roadways in Louisville.  Information on golf, fishing, trails and children’s activities as well as other outdoor adventures, are available with the click of a mouse.

Our spring promotion has developed a well-deserved reputation for guiding travelers to a beautiful time in Kentucky,” said Kentucky Department of Travel Commissioner Mike Cooper. “This year “Unbridled Spring” has even more information and pictures to entice native Kentuckians and visitors alike, to get out, travel the state and watch spring return to our very distinct landscapes.

Information on specific park events at Kentucky State Parks is available at www.parks.ky.gov.   For Kentucky tourism information, go to www.kentuckytourism.com where you’ll find “Unbridled Spring” and other resources for travel in Kentucky.   Travelers are urged to grab their cameras and add to the web site by sharing their “Unbridled Spring” experiences with others by uploading digital photos and videos of their trips.

(Note: Visitors to wooded areas and trails should exercise caution when hiking due to damaged trees caused by this past winter’s ice storm.)

Make a point of seeing as much of our beautiful state this spring and summer as you can.  Hit up the locally owned stores and restaurants – you know that’s where the really good stuff is, right?!  Be safe and have a ball.