Heart of Kentucky Fishing Escape Trip…

Come visit Lebanon and enjoy a double decker fishing delight at Fagan Branch Reservoir and Marion County Sportsman's Lake, located less than one mile apart or 300 yards across the field.

For $83 (includes tax) per night, you and a buddy can stay at Hampton Inn of Lebanon, just outside of downtown, or Lebanon Suites, right on Main Street, where there's always great dining and entertainment. You'll be met with gifts, enjoy breakfast in the morning, included with your package, then get going. This fishing mecca is less than eight miles from either hotel!

Fagan Branch Reservoir is 140 acres of pristine fishing paradise (max. depth - 80 ft.) with largemouth and smallmouth bass, channel cats, bluegill and redear sunfish and is surrounded by beautiful forest and the 3.2-mile Cecil L. Gorley Naturalist Walking Trail. It has a concrete boat ramp (no gas engines).

Sportsman's Lake is loaded with largemouth and smallmouth bass, catfish, crappie and hybrid bluegill. It has a concrete boat ramp (no gas engines).

This is the place for a great outdoor adventure for all anglers. Enjoy the serenity, watch the geese play and you might even catch a glimpse of a mature bald eagle. The lodging is comfortable, you'll love the food and Lebanon's just a fun place to visit, even after the sun goes down.

With its non-stop activity and close proximity to larger cities, Lebanon is a great place to visit. But this community has also preserved its small-town way of life and peaceful rural qualities, just the right mix for a great getaway.

The hospitality is unmatched by any other place, the food is to die for and family fun is a trademark. Lebanon lies amidst rolling bluegrass hills and rangy knoblands so take a day to enjoy the countryside and green pastures where champion country hams and world-famous bourbon are produced. You'll feel the warmth of the people and the tranquility of the countryside when you visit.

Lebanon has terrific outdoors opportunities, sporting events, arts and culture and good times after hours. Come feel the beat!

EFagan Branch Reservoir…

This magnificent body of water was completed in 1992 at a cost of nearly $8 million. The rock/earthen dam is 1,700 ft. long and impounds 140 acres at full pool with a maximum depth of 80 ft.

Fagan Branch was created as a reserve water supply for Lebanon, which normally draws from the Rolling Fork River. If the Rolling Fork dries up or has a decreased flow, water can be taken from Fagan Branch to the pump station via a gravity fed line. Likewise, when the Rolling Fork is high, water can be pumped from the river to Fagan Branch, which holds an 8- to 9-month supply.

Of equally importance are the outdoors opportunities Fagan Branch has created. Fishing is not only allowed but is encouraged and a concrete boat ramp is available. The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife stocks Fagan Branch and regulates the fishing there, although the property is owned by the Lebanon Water Company. There are largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass, catfish, bluegill and crappie.

Hunting is prohibited and the grounds have become an unofficial refuge for wildlife, particularly waterfowl. But this creates an incredible environment for hiking and sightseeing. A mature bald eagle has been seen at the Reservoir each of the past three winters and the Cecil L. Gorley Naturalist Trail meanders through the surrounding forest.

Enjoy the stunning scenery of the Reservoir and traverse the Gorley Trail or bring your rod and reel for some dandy fishing. Fagan Branch is located just 10 minutes from downtown Lebanon and less than a mile from Marion County Sportsman’s Lake or 300 yards across the field.

For more information, call 270.692.2491.

EMarion County Sportsman’s Lake…

This outdoors heaven is loaded with fish, wildlife and scenic beauty. This is a new “old” lake that was built in 1952. Around 1990, the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife drained it and reconstructed the lakebed with channels, humps, ridgelines and points, all of which are conducive to improved fish habitat. Largemouth and smallmouth bass, catfish, crappie and hybrid bluegill will be the species most likely encountered.

The Sportsman’s Lake grounds can be hunted. There are squirrel, deer and waterfowl.

Sportsman’s Lake is also home of the Marion County Sportsman Club. There is a clubhouse, playground and facilities for fishing, picnicking and archery. The KDFW owns the land but the Sportsman Club retains a perpetual lease for the seven acres that includes the clubhouse and trap range. The KDFW stocks the Lake and regulates the fishing.

For more information, call 800. 858.1549 (toll free).

ECecil L. Gorley Naturalist Walking Trail…

The beauty of this pathway through the forest surrounding the Fagan Branch Reservoir is equaled by its intriguing twists. The trail is not for the weak. It has ups and downs, bridges to cross, frequent turns and it covers 3.2 miles. There’s even a portion that carries through a beautiful open field before starting back into forest.

The Trail is rustic and takes 2-4 hours to traverse. There are benches along the way for resting and areas for viewing the Reservoir from different angles.

If you still haven’t got your fill, you’re within 30 minutes of three other great fishing locations.

To make reservations, call 270.692.0021 or e-mail visitlebanonky@alltel.net.

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