Wildlife Refuges are open March 16, 2025 – October 31, 2025.
From November 1, 2025 through March 15, 2026, seasonal wildlife refuge closures include:
- Portions of Duncan Bay, Smith Bay, and Rushing Bay on Kentucky Lake
- Fulton Bay and Honker Bay on Lake Barkley Western one-third of Energy Lake; all of Energy Lake and Bards Lake are closed to hunting; eastern two-thirds of Energy Lake and all of Bards Lake remain open to fishing.
- Duncan Lake
- Long Creek Refuge at the back of Elbow Bay
- Hematite Lake and Honker Lake closed to fishing and boating; trails open
- Refuge closures provide undisturbed resting and feeding areas for waterfowl, shorebirds, and eagles. Staff at Land Between the Lakes asks for public cooperation with refuge regulations designed to provide needed sanctuary.
