This months lake pick is Nolin Lake in Bee Springs. Its only an hours drive from Bowling Green, nestled in the limestone formations cut through the cave country. The 5,795-acre Corps of Engineers lake is popular with boaters and fishermen and boasts some of the best scenery in Southcentral Kentucky. It is a dream for anyone from fishermen to amateur geologists. The waters are fertile with several species of fish, and rock formations bring awe as they tell of a restless Earth and of the ancient history of life in the Green River Valley. Perhaps you are interested in catching a string of bass. Maybe you just want to exercise your imagination with the possibility of ancient man subsisting beneath cliffs, overhangs or one of many Karst chambers that dot the intriguingly ragged terrain of the cave country. On the water, boaters and fishermen enjoy the deep cool water that shines jewel-like from emerald to sapphire, along its timbered bluffs and shores. From early spring to late fall, black bass are eager to strike artificial lure and live baits. Truly trophy bluegill fascinate fly rodders through the summer and early fall. The deep structured waters also provide refuge for several species of medium to extra-large catfish. An added attraction on Nolin is a sizable walleye population. These deep dwelling predators offer a real challenge and are excellent table fare for the fortunate or skilled angler. Nolin State Park is one of Kentuckys newest state parks with its 333 park acres resting along the northern edge of Mammoth Cave National Park. Hiking, picnicking or just relaxing in the pristine woodlands recreates a peace of mind known only in the great outdoors. For those wishing to stay longer, there is a brand new campground opened in May, with 32 campsites offering water and electricity, a restroom/shower building, laundry facilities and dump station. There are also 20 primitive sites that may share the common facilities but without utilities on the individual sites. To provide additional opportunity there are three sites that have been adapted for the disabled. The campgrounds are open April-October at a rate of $16 for the equipped sites. Primitive sites start at $10 per site depending on the number of adults. Recreation options of course include water sorts and fishing on the lake. For the younger outdoor enthusiasts there is a new playground handily located near the camping sites. There is an unproved sand beach curving along the shore of the lake offering a pebbled-bottomed swimming area and relaxation for those just wanting to catch some rays. There are numerous picnic areas with sturdy tables and grills set in quiet naturally shady pockets of the hardwood trees. Other alluring attractions around Nolin Lake are easily accessible. Mammoth Cave Park, with its guided cave tours and miles of hiking trails, is only minutes away. For the horse lovers, nearby Double J Stables offers guided rides through 70 miles of Mammoth Cave Park. There is novel and conventional shopping in the area and many food and supply stores. In nearby Brownsville, a canoe livery offers trips or equipment to visitors. Check out the Web site www.kycaveregion.org to find out more about attractions near Nolin Lake. Nolin Lake State Park facilities close on December 22 and reopen on Dec. 29. Go enjoy this fascinatingly beautiful segment of Kentuckys great outdoors. Fishing reportBarren RiverBlack bass are hitting plastic worms off deep points and on the flats and humps where there is deep water access. White bass and hybrids are hitting spoon and medium runners early and late, with some scattered jumps. Bluegill are good on crickets, worms and artificial bugs. For lots of bluegill, fish the rocky banks and trees tops in three to six feet of water. Crappie are scattered but some catches are coming on minnows under the lights on main channel ledges and near bridges. Kentucky Lake and BarkleyBlack bass are good on Carolina rigged worms on flats in the main lake channels. Top water baits and buzz baits are good off main lake deep points early and late. Catfish are good on trot lines on flats on cut bait and nightcrawlers at six to eight feet deep. Nolin Lake Black bass are fair to good on plastic works Texas or Carolina rigged fished off deep points with lots of structure. Catfish are good on cut baits on set lines and still fishing.