Hey there, anglers! Ready for a day of non-stop action on Rough River Lake? Captain Chris here, and I'm itching to get you on some of the hottest fishing spots this lake has to offer. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting your feet wet, our 6-hour charter is guaranteed to be a blast. We'll be chasing after largemouth bass, crappie, and those hard-fighting hybrid stripers that'll make your reel sing. So grab your hat and let's hit the water!
Picture this: You're out on Rough River Lake as the sun's coming up, surrounded by Kentucky's stunning scenery. We'll cruise to my secret honey holes where the big ones like to hang out. I'll show you the ropes, share some local tricks, and we'll work together to fill the livewell. This isn't just fishing – it's a full-on lake experience. You'll learn about the underwater structure, how weather affects fish behavior, and maybe even pick up a new technique or two. And let's be real, there's nothing quite like the thrill of feeling that first tug on your line!
On this trip, we'll be using a mix of techniques to target different species. For largemouth, we might do some flipping and pitching around structure or work a topwater lure across points early in the morning. When we're after crappie, we'll likely be using light tackle and jigging around brush piles or suspended over deeper water. And for those hybrid stripers? Get ready for some exciting trolling action! I'll provide all the gear you need – top-notch rods, reels, and a tacklebox full of local favorites. Just bring your game face and maybe a snack or two for when the action heats up.
"Cpt Chris was absolutely wonderful. We tried everything we could to get them fish to bite...he could not have tried any harder to make this day out a great day!" - John
"To anyone that would like to go fishing . I fully endorse capt Cris . I was out last year and had a great time. This year I was his first to go out with Cris . I had a great time. Caught a lots of fish. Limit on hybrid . That is what I was looking for. Conversation was great and the equipment is tops. In short this is the guy to fish with." - Donald
"This trip was amazing!!! Captain Chris is the best! If you want a memorable fishing trip, captain Chris is the best!" - Reggie
Largemouth Bass: These bucket-mouths are the crown jewels of Rough River Lake. They love to hang around structure like fallen trees, docks, and weed edges. In the spring and fall, you can often find them in shallower water, while they tend to go deeper during the hot summer months. There's nothing quite like watching a big ol' largemouth explode on a topwater lure at dawn. These fish can grow up to 10 pounds in our lake, and they fight like champs, making for an unforgettable catch.
Crappie: Don't let their size fool you – these "papermouths" are a blast to catch and even better to eat. Rough River Lake is known for its excellent crappie fishing, especially in the spring when they move shallow to spawn. We'll target them around brush piles, submerged timber, and along creek channels. The key to crappie success is finding their schools – once you do, it's fish-on! They might not pull as hard as a bass, but the light tackle we use makes every catch exciting.
Hybrid Striped Bass: Hold onto your hat when one of these bulldogs hits your line! Hybrid stripers are a cross between white bass and striped bass, combining the best fighting qualities of both. These fish school up and chase bait, so when we find them, the action can be non-stop. They're particularly active in the cooler months and early spring. Trolling or casting with artificial lures that mimic their favorite baitfish is the ticket to success. And let me tell you, when a big hybrid striper decides to take your bait, you'd better have a good grip on that rod!
Alright, folks, here's the deal – Rough River Lake is calling your name, and I'm ready to show you the best day on the water you've had in years. Whether you're looking to learn some new tricks, catch your personal best, or just enjoy a relaxing day surrounded by nature, this trip has got you covered. Remember, the fish are always biting, but my calendar fills up fast. So what are you waiting for? Grab your spot now, and let's make some fish tales of our own. Don't forget to bring that printed waiver, and I'll see you at the dock. Tight lines!
July 19, 2024
To anyone that would like to go fishing . I fully endorse capt Cris . I was out last year and had a great time. This year I was his first to go out with Cris . I had a great time. Caught a lots of fish. Limit on hybrid . That is what I was looking for. Conversation was great and the equipment is tops. In short this is the guy to fish with.
May 29, 2025
Capt. Chris was courteous and knowledgeable. The scenery was impressive and the weather cooperated just enough for a day in the water. While we didn’t catch many fish, we gave ourselves ample chances and learned a few new techniques.
March 26, 2024
We had a wonderful time. Captain Chris is very knowledgeable about fishing in this area. You will catch fish and learn something new.
June 12, 2024
My son and I flew in on a whim and stayed at the Rough River Lodge. Capt. Chris was nice enough to meet us right at the marina and give us both a memorable experience! He was super helpful with my son and I who are novice at best, we learned a lot and caught a few fish! I would recommend this experience to all! Good luck!
July 31, 2024
This trip was amazing!!! Captain Chris is the best! If you want a memorable fishing trip, captain Chris is the best!
August 10, 2024
Crappie fishing on Rough River is a blast, especially in spring. These tasty panfish average 7-12 inches but can get bigger. Look for them around brush piles, fallen trees, and boat docks in 5-15 feet of water. They travel in schools, so when you find one, there's usually more nearby. Light tackle and small jigs or minnows under a bobber work great. Dawn and dusk are prime feeding times. Crappie put up a nice little fight on ultralight gear, and their flaky white meat is hard to beat. Locals swear by spider-rigging - slow trolling with multiple rods to cover water. My secret weapon is a 1/16 oz chartreuse jig tipped with a crappie nibble. Work it slow around structure and hang on!
Largemouth bass are the kings of Rough River Lake. These beasts can grow up to 24 inches and put up one heck of a fight. You'll find them lurking around submerged logs, weed beds, and rocky points. They love to ambush prey, so casting near cover is key. Spring and fall are prime seasons when bass move shallow to feed. Topwater lures at dawn and dusk can produce explosive strikes. Anglers love targeting largies for their aggressive nature and acrobatic leaps when hooked. The meat is good eating too, though most folks practice catch and release to keep populations healthy. If you're after a trophy, try slow-rolling a big swimbait along deep structure – that's how we landed the lake record last year. Just be ready to hold on tight when one of these bruisers hits!
Hybrid stripers are the powerhouses of Rough River. These crosses between striped and white bass grow fast, fight hard, and taste great. Expect fish in the 3-8 pound range, with some topping 15 pounds. Look for them chasing shad in open water or near drop-offs. They're most active in cooler months when the water temperature drops. Trolling with deep-diving crankbaits or jigging spoons in 15-30 feet of water can be deadly. Hybrids hit like freight trains and make blistering runs. Anglers love targeting them for their brute strength and schooling behavior. When you find a pack, it's non-stop action. Pro tip: watch for gulls diving on bait - that often means hybrids are feeding underneath. Fresh-cut shad on a Carolina rig is my go-to for big ones.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 2
Manufacturer Name: Mercury
Maximum Cruising Speed: 72
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 250
Cpt Chris was absolutely wonderful. We tried everything we could to get them fish to bite...he could not have tried any harder to make this day out a great day!