Make Owensboro your next destination for fishing

Here in Owensboro, there are a ton of great fishing spots, and you can find them all over the city and county. While you can fish in the Ohio River with a license (and some pretty steep regulations) there are a number of other fishing sites in Owensboro that are perfect for a relaxing, outdoor experience.

As part of the Fishing in the Neighborhoods (FINS) program, the lakes at both Panther Creek and Yellow Creek Parks are regularly stocked with catchable-size catfish up to four times a year.

The three-acre lake at Yellow Creek (5710 KY-144) and the six-acre lake at Panther Creek (5160 Wayne Bridge Road) are also stocked with rainbow trout in the spring and fall. Largemouth bass and sunfish are regularly sampled and stocked, if necessary, as well. In fact, the Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources added 750 rainbow trout to the lakes at both Panther Creek and Yellow Creek this year.

According to County Parks & Recreation Director Ross Leigh, a trout permit is required in order to keep the trout you catch.

“So if you are actually catfishing and were to catch a trout and release it, that’s fine. But if you are going to keep the trout, you need to be sure and have that trout permit,” he said.

There are daily catch limits put in place through the FINS program. You can catch up to five Rainbow Trout, four Catfish, one Largemouth Bass and 15 Bluegill or Sunfish per day.

Both Panther and Yellow Creek Parks are open during the spring and summer from 8 a.m.-11 p.m.

Waymond Morris Park has long been known for its fishing lake. Located at 5200 Todd Bridge Road, you can go fishing on this seven-acre lake year-round. You must have a license if you are above 16 years of age and under 65. You can fish there from 6 a.m.-10 p.m.

Also part of the FINS program, the lake at Yewell Heritage Park is stocked with fish and has become a popular place for walking too, as it offers parking and access to the Adkisson Greenbelt Trail that wraps around the city. Located at 3690 Haywood Court, a fishing license for those 16-65 years of age is required. Park hours are 5 a.m.-10 p.m.

And finally, Diamond Lake Resort offers Paylake to those staying at the resort, which is stocked regularly with a variety of fish.