Cave Run Lake has been known for excellent muskie fishing since the lake opened 40 years ago. Cave Run Dam is 173.6 miles above the mouth of the Licking River, or about half way up the 320-mile long river, which is Kentucky fifth largest, and drains 3,670 square miles.

Before the 8,270-acre lake was built, the 48 miles of the Licking River that was inundated supported populations of muskies that were sustained by natural reproduction. Formation of the lake set the stage for the emergence of a muskie fishery unrivaled in Kentucky.

Since the mid-1970s, muskies captured from the river have been spawned off at the Minor E. Clark Fish Hatchery, which is just below Cave Run Dam. The fish produced are stocked in the lake, which has helped expand the muskie fishery to a level that has far surpassed the river’s potential before impoundment.

There are two marinas and 13 boat ramps, so there is plenty of access to both the upper and lower lake. And don’t forget the tailwaters, just below the dam. Early and late in the year, under normal discharges, muskies move up into this area and can be caught by anglers casting from the banks.

Cave Run has produced several state-record muskies including the current record, caught on Nov. 2, 2008 by Sarah Terry, who was a freshman in high school when she caught this fish of a lifetime. The 54-inch, 47-pound muskie was taken near Clay Lick boat ramp.

Cave Run Lake also supports populations of bluegill, catfish, crappie, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, Kentucky (spotted) bass and white bass.

But at Cave Run Lake the muskie is king.

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This article was written by Art Lander’s and appeared in www.nkytribune.com