Hey there, anglers and adventure-seekers! If you're itching for a day of fishing that'll have the whole crew hooked, you've just stumbled upon the catch of the day. Captain Chris here, and I'm ready to take you and your gang out on Rough River Lake for some serious rod-bending action. Whether you're looking to show the kids the ropes or planning a work outing that beats any stuffy conference room, my 2023 220 Bay Pro is primed and ready to get you on the fish.
Picture this: You're cruising on a lake that's as smooth as glass, surrounded by Kentucky's lush shorelines. Our trip kicks off bright and early when the fish are most active. I'll get you set up with all the gear you need - from rods and reels to the secret baits that the local lunkers can't resist. We've got room for up to four guests, so bring your A-team. And don't worry if you've never held a rod before; I'll walk you through everything from casting to reeling in the big one. Just remember to bring that waiver I sent you, and we're good to go!
On Rough River Lake, we mix it up to maximize your chances of a photo-worthy catch. We might start off trolling for stripers, using live bait to entice those big boys from the depths. Then, we'll switch gears and hit some prime structure for largemouth bass. I'm talking about working weedlines, flipping jigs under docks, or maybe even some topwater action if the conditions are right. For the crappie enthusiasts, we'll use light tackle and finesse our way around brush piles. Trust me, there's nothing quite like the thrill of feeling that signature crappie bite!
"Five Stars All Around – The Perfect Fishing Charter Experience! I can't say enough great things about our experience with Captain Chris Fishing Guide! From start to finish, everything was handled with professionalism, friendliness, and a genuine passion for fishing. Captain Chris is incredibly knowledgeable, not just about the best fishing spots but he made us feel welcome and comfortable the moment we stepped aboard. The boat itself was spotless, well-equipped, and clearly maintained with care — plenty of room to fish, relax, and enjoy the day." - Kerry
Largemouth Bass: These bruisers are the rock stars of Rough River Lake. They'll test your skills with explosive strikes and acrobatic jumps. Spring and fall are prime times, but we can coax them out year-round. There's nothing like the rush of a big largemouth smashing a topwater lure at dawn!
Crappie: Don't let their size fool you - these tasty panfish are a blast to catch and even better on the dinner table. They school up, so when we find them, it's often non-stop action. Spring is the ticket for big numbers, but fall can produce some real slabs. Light tackle makes even the smaller ones feel like giants.
Striped Bass: Hold onto your hats, folks - stripers are the powerhouses of the lake. These line-strippers will make your drag sing and your arms burn. They're most active in the cooler months, but summer can produce some epic topwater blitzes at first light. Landing a big striper is an accomplishment any angler can be proud of.
Alright, let's cut to the chase - if you're looking for a day on the water that'll have everyone talking for weeks, this is it. Whether you're aiming to make memories with the family or strengthen those work bonds, a day fishing on Rough River Lake checks all the boxes. You bring the excitement, and I'll bring the know-how to put you on fish. Plus, I'll even help you clean your catch so you can enjoy the fruits of your labor at home. Don't let this opportunity slip through your fingers like a big one that got away. Grab your spot now, and let's make some waves (and catch some fish) together!
June 4, 2025
Crappie are the bread and butter of Rough River Lake fishing. These silvery panfish usually run 8-12 inches, but slabs over a pound aren't uncommon. You'll find them schooling around brush piles, fallen trees, and man-made fish attractors. They prefer cooler, deeper water in summer, but move shallow in spring to spawn. That's when the fishing really heats up. Crappie are a blast on light tackle, and their paper-thin mouths make for a fun challenge. Plus, they're absolutely delicious - some of the best-eating fish you'll find. Locals love to fill a stringer for a fish fry. My go-to setup is a small jig under a slip bobber, fished right on the edge of cover. Experiment with different depths until you find the school, then hold on tight!
Largemouth bass are the heavyweight champs of Rough River Lake. These green-backed bruisers can top 5 pounds, with some real lunkers pushing 10. You'll find them lurking around submerged logs, weed beds, and rocky points. They're ambush predators, so look for cover near deeper water. Spring and fall are prime seasons when bass move shallow to feed. Anglers love 'em for their explosive strikes and acrobatic fights. Nothing beats seeing a big ol' bucket mouth leap clear out of the water with your lure. As for eating, smaller ones make decent table fare, but most folks here practice catch and release to keep the fishery strong. One local trick: On calm summer evenings, try working a topwater lure slowly across quiet coves. The surface eruptions will get your heart racing!
Striped bass are the powerhouses of Rough River Lake. These silver torpedoes with distinctive black stripes can grow over 20 pounds here. They're open-water roamers, so look for them chasing bait schools or hanging around drop-offs and points. Spring and fall are prime, when stripers push bait to the surface. The sight of a feeding frenzy is unforgettable. Anglers prize stripers for their hard-charging runs and never-say-die attitude. Once hooked, they'll test every knot in your tackle. As for eating, stripers are top-notch - firm, white meat with a mild flavor. One local trick: Watch for diving birds to locate feeding schools. Then, cast a big topwater lure into the commotion and hang on tight. The strikes are heart-stopping!
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Suzuki
Maximum Cruising Speed: 50
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 200
Five Stars All Around – The Perfect Fishing Charter Experience! I can’t say enough great things about our experience with Captain Chris Fishing Guide! From start to finish, everything was handled with professionalism, friendliness, and a genuine passion for fishing. Captain Chris is incredibly knowledgeable, not just about the best fishing spots but he made us feel welcome and comfortable the moment we stepped aboard. The boat itself was spotless, well-equipped, and clearly maintained with care — plenty of room to fish, relax, and enjoy the day. What really set this trip apart was the personal touch. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a first-timer, he tailored the experience to make sure everyone has a fantastic time. We caught a number of hybrid fish along with a couple bass we tossed back and had an absolute blast doing it. Captain Chris even helped us clean and prep our catch to take home — a big bonus! If you’re looking for an unforgettable day on the water with someone that knows their stuff and genuinely loves what they do, look no further. Boating Adventures w Captain Chris is the real deal. Can’t wait to book our next trip!