“It’s been fun,” said Kathy Combs, who was fishing with Chase Moore and Kevin, Sydonia and Daegan Kinderman, all of Louisville. “We’ve gotten a lot of bites.”
The group had never fished at Bernheim before, but enjoyed the day along the east bank of the lake, catching a few fish and watching others dodge the bait.
“There’s a redear right there and I’m going to try and get him,” Moore said, casting his line a little closer to the bank as he observed several fish in the area. “My dad caught this one,” Daegan said, holding up a bluegill before releasing it back into the water.
Several other families set up along the banks, while more experienced fishermen hit the wood line in search of a larger catch, seeing a little more success midday.
Bernheim has hosted Family Fishing Days for several years in conjunction with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife’s free fishing days. The days allow residents and non-residents to fish in Kentucky waters without requiring a fishing license. The days are held the first full weekend in June in Kentucky, and are something other states offer as well.
The free fishing days started in 1992, and kick off National Fishing and Boating Week.
At Bernheim, licensed fishers can fish at designated areas year round at Lake Nevin, Bernheim’s largest lake, which was also opened this weekend. But Mac’s Lake is usually closed to fishing, though forest guests can access the lake from a walking path.
In addition to the Family Fishing Days, a guided nature hike also attracted several participants, and discovery stations were set up for kids to learn more about the ecosystem.