Bluegrass Woods and Water

Rick Straus

Step into the wild with Bluegrass Woods and Water, where fishing lines meet rifle sights and Kentucky’s outdoors takes center stage. From chasing stripers and trout to hunting whitetails and gobblers, we bring you the stories, tips, and traditions that make outdoor life unforgettable. Join us around the campfire with outfitters, hunters, and anglers from Kentucky and beyond.

  1. 6d ago

    Episode 14 - Chasing Gobblers and Trophy Stripers — Spring Adventures Across Kentucky

    Spring in Kentucky means one thing — it's time to spend as much time as possible outdoors. In this episode of Bluegrass Woods & Water, I recap our annual Spring Classic Striper Trip on Lake Cumberland, where our crew put together one of our best trips ever, boating 37 stripers over four days. From early-morning bait runs and limit catches to great food, good bourbon, and time spent with friends, we'll break down everything that made this year's Spring Classic one to remember. I also share stories from Kentucky turkey season and Turkey Camp, including Youth Weekend, hunting with my sons, the challenges of henned-up gobblers, and Aiden's unforgettable last-day turkey hunt that ended with a wounded bird, an empty shotgun, and a tackle that he'll never forget. Later in the episode, I’m joined by my friend Billy Martin as we discuss a day on the Cumberland River chasing trophy stripers and trout, proving once again that sometimes the best fishing trips happen when you're willing to adjust and fish what the river gives you. We'll also spotlight the latest happenings with Xtreme Bait Tanks, cover the latest news in Kentucky Wildcats athletics, Cincinnati Reds baseball, and Bengals football during the Sports Minute, and wrap things up with another episode full of hunting, fishing, family, and Kentucky outdoor traditions. 🎣 Topics Covered: • Spring Classic 2026 Striper Trip Recap • 37 Stripers in Four Days on Lake Cumberland • Turkey Camp and Kentucky Turkey Season Stories • Aiden's Last-Day Gobbler • Cumberland River Trout and Striper Fishing with Billy Martin • Xtreme Bait Tanks Tournament Hub Spotlight • Kentucky Wildcats Sports Update • Cincinnati Reds and Bengals News 📺 Watch videos, read articles, and find past episodes: www.bluegrasswoodsandwater.com Cast. Hunt. Kentucky. 🎣🦌🇺🇸 #BluegrassWoodsAndWater #CastHuntKentucky #LakeCumberland #StriperFishing #TurkeyHunting #KentuckyOutdoors #KentuckyWildcats #CincinnatiReds #CumberlandRiver #OutdoorPodcast

    43 min
  2. Apr 1

    Episode 13: Spring Gobblers in Kentucky — History, Hunting, and Opening Weekend at Turkey Camp with Zak Danks, Ruffed Grouse & Wild Turkey Program Coordinator, KDFWR

    🦃🎙️ Episode 13 of the Bluegrass Woods & Water Podcast is all about getting ready for spring turkey season here in Kentucky. In this episode, Rick breaks down the history of wild turkeys in Kentucky — from near extinction to one of the greatest conservation success stories in the country — and takes a look at the current state of the turkey population heading into this season. Rick is joined by Zak Danks, Ruffed Grouse & Wild Turkey Program Coordinator with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, for an in-depth conversation about turkey research, population trends, poult recruitment, and what hunters can expect this spring. This episode also includes a look at Kentucky turkey season dates and regulations, along with a personal segment on opening weekend at Turkey Camp at Team 154 Hunt Club and Hunter’s first real turkey season. Rick wraps things up with Kentucky-specific turkey hunting tips — including strategies that have worked for him over the years — and a full Sports Minute covering Kentucky basketball, Kentucky baseball, and the Cincinnati Reds. We also recap our Annual Spring Classic Striper Trip on Lake Cumberland 🎣 — 37 fish in the boat and one of our best trips yet. Be sure to check out upcoming content, including striper fishing videos 🎥 and a full Turkey Camp report with photos and videos on the website. Listen now and get ready for turkey season in the Commonwealth 🦃🌲 Website: https://bluegrasswoodsandwater.com

    1h 37m
  3. Feb 11

    Episode 11 - Inside Kentucky’s Southeast Fisheries System with Marcy Anderson: Stripers, Dams, and the New Oxygen Injection System

    In this episode of the Bluegrass Woods & Water Podcast, Rick sits down with Marcy Anderson, Program Coordinator for the Southeast Fisheries District with the Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources, for an in-depth conversation every Lake Cumberland and Cumberland River angler needs to hear. Rick and Marcy dive deep into how Kentucky’s Southeast Fisheries System works and how management decisions impact the waters we fish every day. From striped bass in Lake Cumberland to striped bass and trout below the dam on the Cumberland River, this episode pulls back the curtain on the science, strategy, and real-world results behind fisheries management. A major focus of the conversation is the new oxygen injection system — what it is, why it matters, and how it affects fish health, habitat, and fishing opportunities above and below the dam. If you fish either side of the dam, this episode will help you better understand what’s happening in the water and why it matters to your success on the water. 🎣 Topics include: • Kentucky’s Southeast Fisheries System • Striped bass management in Lake Cumberland • Tailwater fishing below the dam • The new oxygen injection system and its impact • Why anglers should pay attention to fisheries science 🎧 Whether you’re chasing stripers, trout, or just want to better understand the water you fish, this is a must-listen episode. 👉 Cast. Hunt. Kentucky.

    1h 13m
  4. 12/06/2025

    Deer Camp Chaos, Tennessee Stripers, and Lake Cumberland Legends with Jeremy Morgan

    This week on Bluegrass Woods & Water, Rick recaps one of the strangest Kentucky deer seasons in recent memory — from nocturnal bucks and odd post-rut movement to time at deer camp, hanging venison in the walk-in cooler, and finishing an 8-day brined venison pastrami. We break down three Post-Rut Field Fact or Fiction items every hunter should know heading into the late season. Then the show heads south as Rick shares a wild East Tennessee fishing trip with his sons — catching giant skipjack, chasing stripers with Top Knox Fishing, dealing with a blown lower unit, great meals, and even better memories. Finally, Rick sits down with longtime friend and Lake Cumberland legend Jeremy Morgan of Morgan Guide Service for an awesome conversation about stripers, guiding, and life on the water. Plus: a full Sports Minute covering:🏀 UK Men’s & Women’s Basketball🏐 UK Volleyball’s NCAA run🏈 The Bengals staying alive in the playoff race with Joe Burrow back Sponsors:The Original ClearBoard • CatfishPro Rods • Xtreme Bait Tanks • Timber Pointe Resort • Weida’s Marine • Motus Freight Outro:Keep your lines tight and your sights straight – Cast Hunt Kentucky. This week’s Bluegrass Woods & Water episode is packed! 🦌 Deer Camp ChaosRick breaks down one of the strangest Kentucky deer seasons we’ve seen in years — nocturnal bucks, weird post-rut movement, deer harvests, aging venison in the walk-in cooler, and finishing an 8-day brined venison pastrami. 🦌 Field Fact or FictionThree big post-rut truths every hunter should know heading into the late season. 🎣 East Tennessee Striper TripRick, Aiden, and Dax headed south after Lake Erie blew out with 20-foot waves.Giant skipjack… chasing stripers… blown lower unit… incredible meals… and even better time together. 🎙️ Special Guest: Jeremy MorganWe’re joined by longtime friend and Lake Cumberland hammer Jeremy Morgan of Morgan Guide Service for a great conversation on stripers, techniques, guiding, and outdoor life. 🏈 Sports MinuteUK Basketball updates, UK Volleyball’s NCAA push, and the Bengals staying alive in the playoff race with Joe Burrow back. 🎧 Listen now on Spotify or anywhere you get your podcasts! Keep your lines tight and your sights straight – Cast Hunt Kentucky. 📢 FACEBOOK EPISODE RELEASE POST TITLE:🎙️ NEW EPISODE: Deer Camp Chaos, Tennessee Stripers, and Lake Cumberland Legends with Jeremy Morgan

    1h 8m

About

Step into the wild with Bluegrass Woods and Water, where fishing lines meet rifle sights and Kentucky’s outdoors takes center stage. From chasing stripers and trout to hunting whitetails and gobblers, we bring you the stories, tips, and traditions that make outdoor life unforgettable. Join us around the campfire with outfitters, hunters, and anglers from Kentucky and beyond.