Elmer Davis Lake is one of northern Kentucky’s premier small fishing lakes – a 149-acre reservoir in Owen County with a reputation for trophy largemouth bass and exceptional sunfish. Deep, clear and well-managed by the state, with a handicapped-accessible fishing pier and easy access, it’s a favorite of bass and bluegill anglers in the rolling country between Frankfort and the Ohio River. This guide is part of our growing Kentucky Lakes Database.
Elmer Davis Lake at a glance
- Surface area: ~149 acres, with about 5.6 miles of shoreline
- Depth: average ~21 ft, maximum ~59 ft
- Elevation: in the Outer Bluegrass of northern Kentucky
- Location: Owen County (near Owenton)
- Built: created 1958 by the Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources
- Top fish: trophy largemouth bass, redear sunfish, bluegill, black & white crappie, channel catfish
How deep is Elmer Davis Lake?
Elmer Davis averages about 21 feet deep and reaches roughly 59 feet at its deepest across 149 acres – fairly deep for a small lake. That depth and clarity help it grow quality fish and give the fishery stability through the seasons.
Fishing Elmer Davis Lake
The lake is best known for two things: trophy largemouth bass – big fish are caught every year – and quality sunfish, especially redear (shellcracker) and bluegill, for which it has a statewide reputation. It also holds black and white crappie, channel catfish, longear and green sunfish and warmouth. A Kentucky fishing license is required; check any special bass regulations. Two boat ramps and a handicapped-accessible fishing pier make access easy.
Boating, access and recreation
With two boat ramps, ample parking and an accessible fishing pier, Elmer Davis is welcoming to anglers of all kinds. It’s a quiet, fishing-managed lake – great for boats, kayaks and bank fishing – with no developed swim beach, so swimming is limited. The rolling Owen County countryside makes for a pleasant, low-key outing.
Water level
Elmer Davis is a stable state-managed lake, though levels can vary with rainfall. Check conditions before launching.
Getting there and what’s nearby
Elmer Davis Lake is in Owen County, northern Kentucky, near Owenton, roughly between Frankfort and the Ohio River. The Owen County countryside and the Kentucky River are nearby.
Know before you go
- Fishing license: a Kentucky license is required.
- Trophy bass & big sunfish: a top small-lake bass-and-bluegill destination.
- Accessible pier: two ramps and a handicapped-accessible fishing pier.
Frequently asked questions
How deep is Elmer Davis Lake?
It averages about 21 feet and reaches roughly 59 feet at its deepest, across about 149 acres.
What fish are in Elmer Davis Lake?
Trophy largemouth bass, quality redear sunfish and bluegill, black and white crappie, and channel catfish.
Where is Elmer Davis Lake?
In Owen County, northern Kentucky, near Owenton.
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.