Sympson Lake Fishing in Nelson County, Kentucky

• Overview

  Within Nelson County, Kentucky, you have Sympson Lake. It lies 535 feet above sea level. With some 143 acres of water, there is room for a boat but no need of one. At about 4.3 miles of edge, most people work one arm at a time. Nearest town is Bardstown, 2.5 miles off. It is 34 miles to Louisville, the nearest city. No county line comes close, which keeps the paperwork simple.

• Where to Fish on Sympson Lake

  No published figure covers depth, so learn it as you fish. Look for where the old bank line still shows under the surface. Held water runs deepest at the wall and shallows back to the inflow. Fish documented in Nelson County include longear sunfish, bluegill and spotted bass. It is the county picture; the agency list is water-specific. Read Sympson Lake before you fish it and the day goes better.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Seasonal averages run from 33°F in January up to 77°F in July. Some winters cap it and some do not. Some winters give nothing at all, so plan for open water. November and March are the quiet, comfortable months to be out. Sympson Lake runs to its own calendar within the local pattern.

• Tackle & Baits

  Public data does not answer the access question here. Overnight stays are possible about half a mile out, where camping is mapped. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. Read any posted signs at the access point rather than assuming. Where the way in crosses private ground, ask first. Failing this one, try Johnson Lake, 10 miles away. For Sympson Lake in particular, ask before you travel.