Cranks Creek Lake is a remote mountain lake deep in the Appalachian coalfields of Harlan County, far southeastern Kentucky – a 219-acre reservoir held behind a 120-foot dam, with a diverse fishery that even includes stocked rainbow trout. Tucked into the steep ridges near the Virginia line and surrounded by a wildlife management area, it’s a quiet, scenic spot for anglers willing to venture into the high country. This guide is part of our growing Kentucky Lakes Database.
Cranks Creek Lake at a glance
- Surface area: ~219 acres on Cranks Creek (a tributary of the Martins Fork)
- Depth: a deep mountain lake – the dam stands 120 feet high
- Elevation: high in the Cumberland Mountains of far southeastern Kentucky
- Location: Harlan County, near Cranks (southeast of Harlan)
- Built: completed 1963; an upstream flood-control structure for the Martins Fork project
- Top fish: largemouth, smallmouth & spotted bass, bluegill, channel catfish, rainbow trout
A deep lake in the mountains
Cranks Creek sits high in the steep, forested ridges of the Cumberland Mountains, held behind a substantial 120-foot dam on Cranks Creek. The cold, clear mountain water is deep enough to support stocked rainbow trout alongside bass and panfish – an unusual combination – and the remote, scenic setting near the Virginia border gives it a wild, quiet character. It also serves as flood control upstream of the Martins Fork Lake project.
Fishing Cranks Creek Lake
The lake offers a diverse catch: largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass, bluegill, channel catfish, and stocked rainbow trout. A Kentucky fishing license is required; check stocking schedules and any special regulations. The deep, clear water rewards anglers who fish structure and adjust to the conditions; the trout add a cool-water option in this part of the state. A boat ramp provides access.
The WMA, access and recreation
The surrounding Cranks Creek Wildlife Management Area offers hunting, hiking and wildlife watching in the rugged mountains, and a boat ramp serves the lake for fishing and paddling. It’s a remote, low-key destination – there’s no developed swim beach, and facilities are minimal, so come prepared. The scenery and solitude are the draw, along with nearby Martins Fork Lake.
Water level
As a flood-control structure, Cranks Creek’s level can change with runoff and management – it can rise after heavy mountain rain. Check current conditions before launching.
Getting there and what’s nearby
Cranks Creek Lake is near Cranks in Harlan County, far southeastern Kentucky, southeast of Harlan near the Virginia line. Martins Fork Lake, the Cumberland Mountains and the Kentucky-Virginia border country surround it.
Know before you go
- Fishing license: a Kentucky license is required.
- Mountain trout: deep enough for stocked rainbow trout alongside bass.
- Remote: a wild WMA lake – bring supplies and check conditions.
Frequently asked questions
What fish are in Cranks Creek Lake?
Largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass, bluegill, channel catfish, and stocked rainbow trout.
Is Cranks Creek Lake deep?
Yes – it’s a deep mountain lake held behind a 120-foot dam, cold and clear enough to support stocked trout.
Where is Cranks Creek Lake?
In Harlan County, far southeastern Kentucky, near Cranks southeast of Harlan, close to the Virginia line.
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.