Top 5 Lakes in Eastern Kentucky for Outdoor Enthusiasts

Apr 2

Eastern Kentucky’s lakes near the Virginia and West Virginia borders deliver natural beauty and plenty of outdoor action. This list covers standout lakes in counties that either touch those states or neighbor ones that do. Fishing, boating, and scenery make them worth a look. Here they are.

1. Fishtrap Lake (Pike County)

Pike County, bordering Virginia, holds Fishtrap Lake, a 1,130-acre reservoir. Built to manage floods on the Big Sandy River, it now draws anglers with largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish. Cliffs and wooded edges appeal to kayakers, and Fishtrap Lake State Park adds trails, a marina, and campsites. Its nearness to West Virginia boosts its rugged charm.

2. Yatesville Lake (Lawrence County)

Lawrence County, next to Boyd County along West Virginia’s edge, features Yatesville Lake, spanning 2,300 acres. Hills frame this spot, known for bluegill, bass, and crappie hauls. Yatesville Lake State Park offers a marina, beach, trails, and a golf course. Its location near the border keeps it wild and inviting.

3. Dewey Lake (Floyd County)

Floyd County, beside Pike County near Virginia, hosts Dewey Lake, a 1,100-acre expanse. Forested slopes surround it, offering muskie, bass, and crappie for anglers. Jenny Wiley State Resort Park provides boat access, a marina, and trails with wide views. Elk roaming nearby add a thrill.

4. Grayson Lake (Carter & Elliott Counties)

Across Carter and Elliott counties—Carter next to Boyd near West Virginia—Grayson Lake stretches 1,500 acres in the Daniel Boone National Forest. Sandstone cliffs and coves lure kayakers, while largemouth bass and catfish keep fishing lively. The state park’s trails lead to striking overlooks, rooted in Eastern Kentucky’s rough landscape.

5. Paintsville Lake (Johnson, Morgan & Magoffin Counties)

Paintsville Lake, covering 1,140 acres in Johnson, Morgan, and part of Magoffin counties. Cliffs and dense woods enclose it, with stripers, walleye, bass, and catfish for anglers. The state park includes a marina, campsites, and trails with long vistas.

BONUS:

Martins Fork Lake (Harlan County)

Harlan County, directly bordering Virginia, is home to Martins Fork Lake, a 340-acre lake managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Tucked into steep, forested hills, it’s stocked with trout, bass, and bluegill for fishing. The lake offers boating, a campground, and trails, including access to the rugged Hensley Settlement historic site. Its border location makes it a true Eastern Kentucky standout.

Buckhorn Lake (Perry & Leslie Counties)

Perry County, adjacent to Harlan County (which borders Virginia), shares Buckhorn Lake with Leslie County, a 1,230-acre reservoir. Nestled in steep, wooded hills, it’s stocked with bass, crappie, and catfish, ideal for fishing and boating. Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park provides a marina, beach, and trails in this scenic area of Appalachia.