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Top-Rated Rough River Lake Fishing Charters

  • Published Date: July 16, 2025
  • Fishing
  • Rough River Lake | Nolin Lake
  • $35 - $450 price range

Summary

Ready for a solid day of fishing on Rough River Lake? Join Captain Chris for a 6-hour charter trip that'll have you reeling in largemouth bass, crappie, and hybrid stripers. This outing is perfect whether you're looking to learn more about the lake, escape the daily grind, or just enjoy some time on the water. Your experienced guide knows all the prime spots and will share tips to help you land the big ones. With room for two guests, it's an ideal trip for buddies or a couple looking to fish together. You'll get a real feel for what Rough River has to offer, from its hidden coves to its most productive fishing holes. Don't forget to bring a printed copy of the waiver, and get ready for a day of casting, catching, and creating some great fishing memories. Book your spot now and let's get out on the lake!
Top-Rated Rough River Lake Fishing Charters

Rough River Catches

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A bluegill fish caught while jigging, trolling, bait casting, heavy tackle, and light tackle fishing in Harned, Kentucky.

Hooked a tasty bluegill while exploring the best fishing spots in Harned, KY!

Two Largemouth Bass and Wiper (Hybrid striped bass) caught while jigging, trolling, bait casting, using heavy and light tackle in Partly cloudy weather with rain clearing later at 8637 KY-259 #7

Landed a pair of feisty bass and hybrid stripers on a mixed bag day by the river!

A trophy largemouth bass caught in Axtel, Breckinridge County while jigging, trolling, bait casting, heavy tackle, light tackle

A trophy largemouth bass landed after a battle in the partly cloudy skies!

Jigging, Trolling, Bait Casting, Heavy Tackle, Light Tackle on a partly cloudy day with rain clearing later at 8637 KY-259 #7

Reeling in the best fishing adventure at 8637 KY-259 #7 with a variety of techniques.

Wiper (Hybrid striped bass) caught while jigging, trolling, bait casting, heavy tackle, and light tackle fishing in Harned KY

Reeled in the perfect catch in Harned KY today!

Wiper (Hybrid striped bass) caught while jigging, trolling, bait casting, heavy tackle, and light tackle fishing at 8637 KY-259 #7

Hooked a tasty wiper on a variety of techniques at this prime fishing spot!

Striped Bass caught while Jigging, Trolling, Bait Casting, Heavy Tackle, Light Tackle at 8637 KY-259 #7

Reeled in a big Striped Bass during a perfect day on the water!

Striped bass caught while jigging, trolling, bait casting, using heavy and light tackle, in Clear conditions at 8637 KY-259 #7

Epic striped bass caught while utilizing a variety of techniques on a beautiful day!

A bluegill fish caught while jigging, trolling, bait casting, heavy tackle, and light tackle fishing in Harned, Kentucky.

Hooked a tasty bluegill while exploring the best fishing spots in Harned, KY!

Two Largemouth Bass and Wiper (Hybrid striped bass) caught while jigging, trolling, bait casting, using heavy and light tackle in Partly cloudy weather with rain clearing later at 8637 KY-259 #7

Landed a pair of feisty bass and hybrid stripers on a mixed bag day by the river!

A trophy largemouth bass caught in Axtel, Breckinridge County while jigging, trolling, bait casting, heavy tackle, light tackle

A trophy largemouth bass landed after a battle in the partly cloudy skies!

Jigging, Trolling, Bait Casting, Heavy Tackle, Light Tackle on a partly cloudy day with rain clearing later at 8637 KY-259 #7

Reeling in the best fishing adventure at 8637 KY-259 #7 with a variety of techniques.

Wiper (Hybrid striped bass) caught while jigging, trolling, bait casting, heavy tackle, and light tackle fishing in Harned KY

Reeled in the perfect catch in Harned KY today!

Wiper (Hybrid striped bass) caught while jigging, trolling, bait casting, heavy tackle, and light tackle fishing at 8637 KY-259 #7

Hooked a tasty wiper on a variety of techniques at this prime fishing spot!

Striped Bass caught while Jigging, Trolling, Bait Casting, Heavy Tackle, Light Tackle at 8637 KY-259 #7

Reeled in a big Striped Bass during a perfect day on the water!

Striped bass caught while jigging, trolling, bait casting, using heavy and light tackle, in Clear conditions at 8637 KY-259 #7

Epic striped bass caught while utilizing a variety of techniques on a beautiful day!

A bluegill fish caught while jigging, trolling, bait casting, heavy tackle, and light tackle fishing in Harned, Kentucky.

Hooked a tasty bluegill while exploring the best fishing spots in Harned, KY!

Two Largemouth Bass and Wiper (Hybrid striped bass) caught while jigging, trolling, bait casting, using heavy and light tackle in Partly cloudy weather with rain clearing later at 8637 KY-259 #7

Landed a pair of feisty bass and hybrid stripers on a mixed bag day by the river!

A trophy largemouth bass caught in Axtel, Breckinridge County while jigging, trolling, bait casting, heavy tackle, light tackle

A trophy largemouth bass landed after a battle in the partly cloudy skies!

Jigging, Trolling, Bait Casting, Heavy Tackle, Light Tackle on a partly cloudy day with rain clearing later at 8637 KY-259 #7

Reeling in the best fishing adventure at 8637 KY-259 #7 with a variety of techniques.

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Rough River Lake: Fish-Filled Adventure Awaits

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!

What's In Store for You

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!

Rods, Reels, and Ripples

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.

Fish Tales from Happy Anglers

"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

The Big Three: Our Target Species

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!

Don't Miss the Boat!

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!

Customer Reviews

Captains Dedication

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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!

JE
John Emary

July 19, 2024

Fishing Pro Cris

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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.

Read More
DB
Donald Borchelt

May 29, 2025

Scenic Skill Sailor

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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.

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DV
Daniel Valdez

March 26, 2024

Whimsical Fish Whiz

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We had a wonderful time. Captain Chris is very knowledgeable about fishing in this area. You will catch fish and learn something new.

CW
Chad West

June 12, 2024

Captain of Memories

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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!

Read More
WB
WILLIAM BOHLKE

July 31, 2024

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This trip was amazing!!! Captain Chris is the best! If you want a memorable fishing trip, captain Chris is the best!

RH
Reggie Huff

August 10, 2024

Learn more about the species

Crappie

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!

Crappie

Largemouth Bass

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!

Largemouth Bass

Striped Bass

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.

Striped Bass

About the Moses

Company vehicle

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 2

Manufacturer Name: Mercury

Maximum Cruising Speed: 72

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 250

Ready for an awesome day out on Rough River Lake? Join an experienced local guide for 6 hours of prime fishing action. We'll hit the best spots to reel in largemouth bass, crappie, and hybrid stripers. Whether you're looking to pick up some new fishing tips, escape the daily grind, or just soak in the natural beauty, this trip has you covered. Your guide knows all the lake's secrets and will share insider knowledge to help you land the big ones. It's a perfect mix of fun, relaxation, and hands-on learning. Don't miss this chance to explore Rough River's fishing hotspots and improve your angling skills. Grab your spot now for a day full of lakeside adventure! Just remember to bring a printed waiver when you come. Let's make some great fishing memories together on Rough River Lake!
Boating Adventures with Captain Chris

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Boating Adventures With Cpt Chris

Book the ultimate Bass fishing charter at Rough River Lake and team up with an expert guide, who welcomes anglers of all ages and skill levels. 

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