Taylorsville Lake is metro Louisville’s closest big lake – a 3,050-acre reservoir on the Salt River, less than an hour from the city, known for excellent catfish and bass fishing and an extensive horse-and-hiking trail system. Built by the Corps of Engineers and ringed by a state park, it’s a convenient, productive escape for central Kentuckians.
This guide covers Taylorsville Lake: the fishing, the state park and trails, and the boating. It’s part of our growing Kentucky Lakes Database.
Taylorsville Lake at a glance
- Surface area: ~3,050 acres; ~130 miles of shoreline
- Location: Spencer, Anderson & Nelson counties, central Kentucky (near Taylorsville)
- Built: Taylorsville Dam on the Salt River, completed 1983 (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers)
- Top fish: catfish, largemouth bass, crappie, white bass, bluegill, sauger
Fishing Taylorsville Lake
Fertile and a little stained, Taylorsville grows fish fast. It’s a noted catfish lake (big blues and channels), with strong largemouth bass, good crappie, a spring white bass run and sauger and bluegill filling out the catch. A Kentucky fishing license is required. The timber, points and creek channels all hold fish.
Taylorsville Lake State Park and trails
Taylorsville Lake State Park offers a marina, boat ramps, a campground and one of the best equestrian and hiking trail systems in the state-park system, with miles of multi-use trails and a horse campground. The Corps adds more ramps and day-use areas. The lake suits powerboats, anglers and paddlers, and its proximity to Louisville makes it a popular day trip and weekend escape.
Getting there and what’s nearby
Taylorsville Lake is about 40 minutes southeast of Louisville near Taylorsville, off the Bluegrass Parkway. Bardstown – the “Bourbon Capital of the World” – is a short drive south.
Know before you go
- Fishing license: a Kentucky license is required.
- Trails: the equestrian/hiking trail network is a highlight – bring the horse or the hiking boots.
- Best seasons: spring for white bass and crappie, summer for catfish and boating, fall for bass.
Frequently asked questions
What fish are in Taylorsville Lake?
Catfish (a specialty), largemouth bass, crappie, white bass, sauger and bluegill.
Are there trails at Taylorsville Lake?
Yes – Taylorsville Lake State Park has an extensive equestrian and hiking trail system with a horse campground.
Where is Taylorsville Lake?
In central Kentucky near Taylorsville, about 40 minutes southeast of Louisville.
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.
