Herrington Lake is Kentucky’s oldest and deepest reservoir – a narrow, winding, 2,335-acre lake in the Bluegrass region, created in 1925 when Kentucky Utilities dammed the Dix River for hydropower. Tucked between dramatic limestone palisades and lined with cottages and private marinas, Herrington has a character all its own: deep, clear-ish water, excellent crappie and hybrid striped bass fishing, and a long history as a beloved Central Kentucky getaway.
This guide covers Herrington Lake: the fishing, the boating and marinas, the history and the palisades. It’s part of our growing Kentucky Lakes Database.
- Herrington Lake at a glance
- Kentucky’s first big lake
- Fishing Herrington Lake
- Boating, marinas and access
- Getting there and what’s nearby
- Know before you go
- Frequently asked questions
- How deep is Herrington Lake?
- What fish are in Herrington Lake?
- Is there a state park on Herrington Lake?
- Where is Herrington Lake?
Herrington Lake at a glance
- Surface area: ~2,335 acres; ~325 miles of winding shoreline
- Maximum depth: around 249 feet – Kentucky’s deepest lake
- Location: Mercer, Garrard & Boyle counties, central Kentucky (near Danville & Harrodsburg)
- Built: Dix Dam on the Dix River, completed 1925 by Kentucky Utilities – Kentucky’s oldest major reservoir
- Top fish: crappie, largemouth & smallmouth bass, hybrid striped bass, white bass, catfish, bluegill
Kentucky’s first big lake
Herrington was a pioneer. When Kentucky Utilities completed Dix Dam across the Dix River in 1925 – then one of the largest rock-fill dams in the world – it created the first major reservoir in the state and a model for the Corps and TVA lakes that followed decades later. The lake fills a deep, narrow river gorge between the Kentucky River Palisades, giving it steep, scenic shorelines and the great depth that makes it unique among Kentucky lakes. The dam still generates hydropower today.
Fishing Herrington Lake
Herrington’s depth and fertility support a strong, varied fishery, with the utility and the state stocking it actively:
- Crappie – a Herrington staple, fished on brush and around the docks.
- Hybrid striped bass and white bass – stocked and chasing baitfish in open water; the hybrids grow large.
- Largemouth and smallmouth bass on the rocky banks and points.
- Catfish and bluegill round out the catch.
A Kentucky fishing license is required. The deep water and steep banks fish differently from the shallow reservoirs – vertical structure and the thermocline matter in summer.
Boating, marinas and access
Herrington is a lake of cottages and private marinas rather than a single state park – generations of families keep camps along its shores. Several marinas provide ramps, rentals, fuel, slips and lakeside dining, and there are public access points for launching. The narrow, winding lake is great for pontooning, skiing and fishing; the steep palisade scenery makes even a slow cruise worthwhile. Chimney Rock and the high bluffs are local landmarks.
Getting there and what’s nearby
Herrington Lake is between Danville and Harrodsburg, about 40 minutes south of Lexington. Historic Harrodsburg (Kentucky’s oldest town) and Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill are right nearby, and the Bluegrass horse country and Bourbon Trail are an easy drive.
Know before you go
- Fishing license: a Kentucky license is required.
- Deep water: Herrington is Kentucky’s deepest lake – fish the structure and the thermocline in summer; wear a life jacket.
- Access: the lake is ringed by private camps and marinas – use the public ramps and marina services.
- Best seasons: spring for crappie and white bass, summer for hybrids and boating, fall for bass.
Frequently asked questions
How deep is Herrington Lake?
About 249 feet at its deepest, making it the deepest lake in Kentucky. It’s also the state’s oldest major reservoir, built in 1925.
What fish are in Herrington Lake?
Crappie, hybrid striped bass, white bass, largemouth and smallmouth bass, catfish and bluegill.
Is there a state park on Herrington Lake?
No – Herrington is lined with private cottages and marinas rather than a state park, with public access points and marina services for launching.
Where is Herrington Lake?
In central Kentucky between Danville and Harrodsburg, about 40 minutes south of Lexington.
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.
