HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – With spring right around the corner, there are a few places around Christian County that are perfect for aspiring and established anglers. Lake Morris, Lake Blythe, Jeffers Bend, and the Pennyrile Lake are all located in and around the county, each with unique features.
According to the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, this is the time to get a new fishing license for 2025. These can be acquired online at fw.ky.gov or through the Fish Boat KY App.
1. Lake Morris
Popular Hopkinsville fishing spot Lake Morris is a watershed lake that is maintained and operated by the Hopkinsville Surface and Stormwater Utility. It is open daily for licensed fishers with the Hopkinsville Police Department opening up the gates every day at 6 a.m., and closing them at 7 p.m. The lake can be found off of the Pennyrile Parkway and Morris Lake Road in Hopkinsville.
Fishing is free and open to the public all year at this spot, but no swimming, camping, or hunting is permitted and gas-powered boats are not allowed on the water. Alcoholic beverages are also prohibited from the lake. Picnic benches and a dock are set up in front of the lake making it a scenic location to enjoy the water.
2. Lake Blythe
Heading north in Christian County is Lake Blythe, located just off of Madisonville Road on Lake Blythe Road. This expansive 81-acre lake is open year-round with ramp access. Also maintained by Hopkinsville Surface and Stormwater, this watershed lake does not allow swimming or boats with gasoline motors. Alcoholic beverages are also prohibited from the lake.
There is a 12–15-inch protective slot limit for largemouth bass caught on the lake. All fish between 12 and 15 inches must be released, statewide creel limits apply, according to KDFWR.
3. Jeffers Bend
Located on Metcalfe Road in Hopkinsville, Jeffers Bend Environmental Center has an acre lake with two docks amid their beautiful walking trails. The park is open daily from dawn to dusk.
Surrounding the small lake are docks for fishing and three miles of walking trails in a wooded area. This sits along their Woodland amphitheater and birdwatching area. On May 24, they will host their annual Take Kids Fishing Day, where families can bring their own gear and spend the day on the lake alongside community members, with prizes, lunch and shirts available for kids.
4. Pennyrile Lake
Where Christian County meets Dawsons Springs, Kentucky is the beautiful Pennyrile Lake nestled at The Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park. About 30 minutes outside of Hopkinsville, this fishing and swimming spot spans over 47 acres with access to a sandy beach. People can explore the lake by canoe, kayak, pedal boat, and stand-up paddleboard and fish at the Dam.
According to the resort website, Pennyrile Lake is home to Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Crappie, and Largemouth Bass. A Kentucky fishing license is required before setting out on the water, and gear can be borrowed from the front desk or boat dock at the resort.
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