Fishtrap Lake is the deepest lake in eastern Kentucky and one of the most dramatic – a 1,131-acre reservoir on the Levisa Fork near Pikeville, held behind the tallest dam in the state. Set in steep, forested Appalachian gorges in Pike County, it offers quality fishing for bass, crappie and catfish, a state park, and some of the wildest lake scenery in Kentucky. This guide is part of our growing Kentucky Lakes Database.
Fishtrap Lake at a glance
- Surface area: ~1,131 acres; about 16.5 miles long with 40 miles of shoreline
- Depth: maximum ~84 ft – the deepest lake in eastern Kentucky
- Elevation: in the Appalachian Plateau of far eastern Kentucky
- Location: Pike County, about 7 miles south of Pikeville
- Built: Fishtrap Dam, dedicated 1968 (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers) – 195 ft, the highest dam in Kentucky, on the Levisa Fork
- Top fish: largemouth & spotted bass, crappie, channel catfish, bluegill, walleye
How deep is Fishtrap Lake?
Fishtrap is 84 feet deep at its maximum – the deepest lake in eastern Kentucky – and it’s held back by the highest dam in the state, a 195-foot Corps of Engineers structure on the Levisa Fork. Built for flood control along the flood-prone Levisa Fork, the lake can hold as much as 54 billion gallons of water. Its narrow, steep-walled arms wind deep into the Appalachian hills, giving it a fjord-like, gorge character unusual for Kentucky.
Fishing Fishtrap Lake
Fishtrap offers surprising quality fishing in a rugged setting: largemouth and spotted bass on the steep, rocky banks, good crappie, channel catfish, bluegill and some walleye. A Kentucky fishing license is required. The deep, clear, steep-sided water rewards anglers who fish vertical structure, points and the timbered creek arms. Boat access opens up much of the lake that’s hard to reach from shore.
The state park, boating and camping
Fishtrap Lake State Park provides a campground, boat ramps and picnic areas, and the surrounding Fishtrap Lake Wildlife Management Area offers hunting and wildlife watching in the steep forest. Boating, fishing, paddling and camping are the main draws; the dramatic gorge scenery makes even a slow cruise memorable. There’s no developed swimming beach, so swimming is at your own risk where permitted.
Water level
As a Corps flood-control reservoir, Fishtrap’s level is managed and can change with runoff and flood operations on the Levisa Fork – it can rise quickly after heavy rain. Check the current lake level and ramp status before launching.
Getting there and what’s nearby
Fishtrap Lake is about 7 miles south of Pikeville in Pike County, far eastern Kentucky, off US-460/KY-1789. The Appalachian coalfields, the Breaks Interstate Park (“Grand Canyon of the South”) and the Hatfield-McCoy country are nearby.
Know before you go
- Fishing license: a Kentucky license is required.
- Deep & steep: the deepest lake in eastern Kentucky, with a 195-ft dam – boat access helps.
- Best seasons: spring and fall for bass and crappie; summer for boating and camping.
Frequently asked questions
How deep is Fishtrap Lake?
About 84 feet at its deepest – the deepest lake in eastern Kentucky – held by the 195-foot Fishtrap Dam, the highest dam in the state.
What fish are in Fishtrap Lake?
Largemouth and spotted bass, crappie, channel catfish, bluegill and some walleye.
Where is Fishtrap Lake?
In Pike County, far eastern Kentucky, about 7 miles south of Pikeville on the Levisa Fork.
Related: explore more of the largest lakes in Kentucky, or head back to the Kentucky Lakes Database.
Explore more Kentucky lakes: the largest lakes in Kentucky and the deepest lakes in Kentucky.
