Wood Creek Lake is a deep, clear, fish-rich reservoir in the mountains of southeastern Kentucky – a 625-acre lake near London in Laurel County that once produced a Kentucky state-record largemouth bass and still holds one of the most diverse fisheries in the state. With 127-foot depths, special trophy-bass regulations, and even trout and walleye, it’s a quiet gem in the Daniel Boone country. This guide is part of our growing Kentucky Lakes Database.
Wood Creek Lake at a glance
- Surface area: ~625 acres
- Depth: average ~35 ft, maximum ~127 ft – one of the deeper lakes in Kentucky
- Elevation: in the Cumberland Plateau of southeastern Kentucky
- Location: Laurel County, near London and East Bernstadt
- Built: 1969, by a rock-fill dam across Wood Creek (built to supply water for Interstate 75 construction)
- Top fish: largemouth, smallmouth & spotted bass, walleye, crappie, rainbow trout, catfish, sunfish
How deep is Wood Creek Lake?
Wood Creek is one of Kentucky’s deeper lakes, averaging about 35 feet and plunging to roughly 127 feet at its deepest across 625 acres. That cold, clear depth is why the lake can support rainbow trout and walleye alongside its bass – an unusually broad species list – and it gives the fishery refuge and stability through the seasons.
Fishing Wood Creek Lake
Wood Creek is famous for bass – it was the site of a former Kentucky state-record largemouth (a 13-pound, 10-ounce giant caught in 1984) – and is managed with special protective slot limits to grow trophy fish. The diverse fishery also includes smallmouth and spotted bass, walleye, black and white crappie, rainbow trout, redear sunfish and catfish. A Kentucky fishing license is required; read the special bass regulations before keeping fish. The deep, clear water rewards anglers who fish structure and vary their depths.
Boating, recreation and the setting
Boat ramps provide access for fishing and paddling on the quiet, scenic lake, set in the wooded hills near the Daniel Boone National Forest. It’s a low-key, fishing-focused lake; there’s no major developed swim beach, so swimming is limited. The surrounding London area offers full services, and the lake pairs well with nearby Laurel River Lake.
Water level
Wood Creek is a fairly stable water-supply reservoir, though levels can drop in drought. Check conditions before launching.
Getting there and what’s nearby
Wood Creek Lake is near London and East Bernstadt in Laurel County, southeastern Kentucky, off I-75. Laurel River Lake, the Daniel Boone National Forest and the London area are nearby.
Know before you go
- Fishing license & special regs: a Kentucky license is required; trophy-bass slot limits apply.
- Deep & diverse: bass, walleye and even trout in 127-foot water.
- Best seasons: spring and fall for bass and crappie; cooler months for trout.
Frequently asked questions
How deep is Wood Creek Lake?
It averages about 35 feet and reaches roughly 127 feet at its deepest – one of the deeper lakes in Kentucky.
What fish are in Wood Creek Lake?
Largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass, walleye, white and black crappie, rainbow trout, redear sunfish and catfish – and it once produced a state-record largemouth.
Where is Wood Creek Lake?
In Laurel County, southeastern Kentucky, near London and East Bernstadt off I-75.
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.
