Beaver Lake is a popular small fishing lake in Anderson County, central Kentucky – a 158-acre state-owned reservoir near Lawrenceburg known for a much-improved largemouth bass fishery and excellent bluegill. Deep, cover-rich and close to both Lexington and Frankfort, it’s a favorite of bass and panfish anglers looking for quality fishing without a long drive. This guide is part of our growing Kentucky Lakes Database.
Beaver Lake at a glance
- Surface area: ~158 acres
- Depth: average ~17 ft, maximum ~47 ft
- Elevation: in the Bluegrass region of central Kentucky
- Location: Anderson County, near Lawrenceburg
- Built: created 1963; owned by the Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources
- Top fish: largemouth bass, bluegill, black crappie, channel catfish
How deep is Beaver Lake?
Beaver Lake averages about 17 feet deep and reaches roughly 47 feet at its deepest across 158 acres – fairly deep for a small lake, which helps it support quality bass and panfish.
Fishing Beaver Lake
Beaver’s largemouth bass fishery is rated good and has improved markedly in recent years – most fish run 8 to 13 inches, with increasing numbers over 15 inches and some over 20. The bluegill fishery is also good, with plenty of 6-to-8-inch fish and larger ones present, and the lake holds black crappie and channel catfish. A Kentucky fishing license is required, and note the special regulation: live shad as bait is prohibited. Work cover and points for bass, and the brush for bluegill.
Boating, access and recreation
A boat ramp serves the lake, which is managed primarily for fishing and is well suited to boats, kayaks and bank anglers. There’s no developed swim beach, so swimming is limited; the draw here is the quality, close-to-home fishery in pretty Anderson County countryside. Lawrenceburg’s bourbon distilleries are nearby.
Water level
Beaver Lake is a stable state-managed lake, though levels can vary with rainfall. Check conditions before launching.
Getting there and what’s nearby
Beaver Lake is near Lawrenceburg in Anderson County, central Kentucky, between Lexington and Frankfort off US-127/I-64. The bourbon trail (Wild Turkey, Four Roses) and the Kentucky River are nearby.
Know before you go
- Fishing license: a Kentucky license is required; live shad as bait is prohibited.
- Quality bass & bluegill: an improving bass fishery and good bluegill close to Lexington.
- Best seasons: spring and fall for bass; late spring and summer for bluegill.
Frequently asked questions
How deep is Beaver Lake?
It averages about 17 feet and reaches roughly 47 feet at its deepest, across about 158 acres.
What fish are in Beaver Lake?
Largemouth bass (a good, improving fishery), bluegill, black crappie and channel catfish.
Where is Beaver Lake?
In Anderson County, central Kentucky, near Lawrenceburg between Lexington and Frankfort.
Related: explore the small lakes of Kentucky, or head back to the Kentucky Lakes Database.
Explore more Kentucky lakes: the largest lakes in Kentucky and the deepest lakes in Kentucky.