Kentucky Fish and Wildlife’s Trophy Bass Propagation Program will not be accepting fish until October. Summer’s higher water temperatures place additional stress on bass, decreasing their chances of survival while being held and then transported to a hatchery.

“Waiting until the water cools will ensure that the fish have the best possible chance of making it to the hatchery in good health,” said Jeff Ross, assistant director of fisheries for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources.

The program started in the spring and seeks trophy-sized largemouth bass from anglers to use as broodfish. Anglers receive a replica mount of their fish in return