Lexington and the Bluegrass region are ringed by good fishing lakes – including Kentucky’s deepest lake, a trophy bass destination, and several quiet small lakes, all within about an hour. This guide rounds up the best lakes near Lexington for fishing, boating and a day on the water, with how far each one is. It’s part of our Kentucky Lakes Database.
Closest to the city
- Lake Reba and Wilgreen Lake – about 30 minutes south at Richmond, easy in-town fishing for bass, crappie and bluegill.
- Beaver Lake – about 40 minutes west near Lawrenceburg, an improving bass-and-bluegill lake.
- Herrington Lake – about 45 minutes south near Danville, the deepest lake in Kentucky and a striped-bass and crappie favorite.
Within about an hour
- Cedar Creek Lake – south near Stanford, Kentucky’s premier trophy-largemouth-bass lake.
- Elmer Davis Lake – north in Owen County, known for trophy bass and big bluegill.
- Lake Carnico – northeast near Carlisle, a deep little community lake with a public beach.
- Taylorsville Lake and Guist Creek Lake – west toward Louisville, bigger bass-and-crappie waters.
What to do
The lakes near Lexington are mostly bass, crappie and bluegill fisheries – perfect for a half-day trip – with Herrington adding deep water and striped bass, and Cedar Creek offering genuine trophy-bass potential. A Kentucky fishing license is required. For bigger water – houseboating, beaches and resort parks – Lake Cumberland and Cave Run Lake (a muskie mecca) are each about 1.5 hours away.
Frequently asked questions
What is the closest lake to Lexington, KY?
Lake Reba and Wilgreen Lake at Richmond (about 30 minutes south) are the closest; Herrington Lake near Danville (about 45 minutes) is the closest large, deep lake.
What is the best fishing lake near Lexington?
Herrington Lake for deep-water crappie and striped bass, and Cedar Creek Lake near Stanford for trophy largemouth bass.
What is the deepest lake near Lexington?
Herrington Lake, about 45 minutes south near Danville – at roughly 249 feet it’s the deepest lake in Kentucky.
Browse all the largest lakes and best lakes in Kentucky, or head back to the Kentucky Lakes Database.
