Cannon Creek Lake is a deep, clear little gem in the mountains of southeastern Kentucky – a 220-acre water-supply reservoir near Pineville in Bell County, plunging to nearly 100 feet deep. Cold and clean enough to hold rainbow trout alongside bass and panfish, surrounded by forested ridges, it’s a quiet, scenic spot for anglers who like clear water and steep banks. This guide is part of our growing Kentucky Lakes Database.
Cannon Creek Lake at a glance
- Surface area: ~219 acres, with about 7.5 miles of shoreline
- Depth: average ~47 ft, maximum ~95 ft – one of the deeper small lakes in Kentucky
- Elevation: in the Cumberland Mountains of southeastern Kentucky
- Location: Bell County, near Pineville
- Built: completed 1972; the water supply for the Pineville area
- Top fish: largemouth & smallmouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish, crappie, rainbow trout
How deep is Cannon Creek Lake?
Cannon Creek is remarkably deep for its size – averaging about 47 feet and reaching roughly 95 feet at its deepest across just 219 acres. That depth keeps the water cold and clear, which is why it serves as the Pineville area’s drinking-water source and why it can support stocked rainbow trout in addition to warmwater fish.
Fishing Cannon Creek Lake
The clear, deep lake offers a varied catch: largemouth and smallmouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish, crappie, spotted bass and warmouth, plus stocked rainbow trout. A Kentucky fishing license is required. The steep, clear water rewards anglers who fish vertical structure and lighter presentations, and the trout add a cool-water option rare in this part of the state. A paved boat ramp serves light, trailerable boats; there’s no marina.
Boating, recreation and the setting
Cannon Creek is a quiet, low-key lake – a paved boat ramp provides access for small recreational boats, and the clear water and forested ridges make it pleasant for fishing and paddling. Because it’s a public water supply, expect restrictions: there’s no developed swimming beach, and body-contact recreation may be limited, so check posted rules. The surrounding mountains offer hiking and wildlife watching.
Water level
As a water-supply reservoir, Cannon Creek Lake stays relatively stable compared with flood-control lakes, though levels can drop in drought. Check conditions before a trip.
Getting there and what’s nearby
Cannon Creek Lake is near Pineville in Bell County, southeastern Kentucky, off US-25E. Pine Mountain State Resort Park, the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park and Middlesboro are nearby.
Know before you go
- Fishing license: a Kentucky license is required.
- Water supply: check posted rules – swimming and body-contact use may be restricted.
- Best seasons: spring and fall for bass and crappie; cooler months for stocked trout.
Frequently asked questions
How deep is Cannon Creek Lake?
It averages about 47 feet and reaches roughly 95 feet at its deepest – very deep for a 219-acre lake.
What fish are in Cannon Creek Lake?
Largemouth and smallmouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish, crappie and stocked rainbow trout.
Where is Cannon Creek Lake?
In Bell County, southeastern Kentucky, near Pineville off US-25E.
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.