Kincaid Lake is a quiet, no-wake state-park lake in the rolling hills of northern Kentucky – a 183-acre lake near Falmouth that’s the centerpiece of Kincaid Lake State Park. Known for quality largemouth bass and abundant panfish, with a 10-horsepower limit that keeps it calm, plus a campground, marina, pool and golf, it’s a relaxed family-and-fishing destination in Pendleton County. This guide is part of our growing Kentucky Lakes Database.
- Kincaid Lake at a glance
- How deep is Kincaid Lake?
- Fishing Kincaid Lake
- Swimming and the state park
- Boating, camping and things to do
- Water level
- Getting there and what’s nearby
- Know before you go
- Frequently asked questions
- How deep is Kincaid Lake?
- What fish are in Kincaid Lake?
- Can you swim at Kincaid Lake?
- Where is Kincaid Lake?
Kincaid Lake at a glance
- Surface area: ~183 acres, with about 13 miles of shoreline
- Depth: average ~13 ft, maximum ~37 ft
- Elevation: in the Outer Bluegrass of northern Kentucky
- Location: Pendleton County, about 3 miles northeast of Falmouth
- Opened: to public fishing in 1963; centerpiece of the 850-acre Kincaid Lake State Park
- Top fish: largemouth bass (including trophy fish), crappie, bluegill, channel catfish
How deep is Kincaid Lake?
Kincaid Lake averages about 13 feet deep and reaches roughly 37 feet at its deepest across its 183 acres, with a long, fingered, 13-mile shoreline. The protected coves and timber make it excellent bass-and-panfish habitat.
Fishing Kincaid Lake
Kincaid supports a quality largemouth bass fishery, with keeper-size and trophy fish, plus an abundance of channel catfish, bluegill, sunfish and crappie. A Kentucky fishing license is required. The 10-horsepower motor limit keeps the water calm and quiet – ideal for fishing from boats, canoes and pedal boats – and the many coves reward anglers who work cover and points.
Swimming and the state park
Kincaid Lake State Park (850 acres) surrounds the lake with a campground, a marina, a swimming pool, a 9-hole golf course, miniature golf, picnic grounds, hiking trails and sports courts. Swimming is at the park pool (not a lake beach), and the no-wake lake is perfect for paddling and family fishing. It’s a comfortable, full-service park within easy reach of the Cincinnati area.
Boating, camping and things to do
With a marina, boat rentals and the 10-hp limit, Kincaid is built for relaxed boating – canoeing, kayaking, pedal-boating and fishing. The state park’s campground, golf, trails and courts give families plenty to do beyond the water, making it a popular weekend getaway in northern Kentucky.
Water level
Kincaid is a stable state-park lake, though levels can vary with rainfall and management. Check conditions before launching.
Getting there and what’s nearby
Kincaid Lake is about 3 miles northeast of Falmouth in Pendleton County, northern Kentucky, off US-27/KY-159, roughly an hour south of Cincinnati. Falmouth and the Licking River valley are nearby.
Know before you go
- Fishing license: a Kentucky license is required.
- No-wake lake: a 10-hp limit – great for paddling and quiet fishing.
- State park: campground, marina, pool, golf and trails at Kincaid Lake State Park.
Frequently asked questions
How deep is Kincaid Lake?
It averages about 13 feet and reaches roughly 37 feet at its deepest, across about 183 acres.
What fish are in Kincaid Lake?
Largemouth bass (including trophy fish), crappie, bluegill, sunfish and channel catfish.
Can you swim at Kincaid Lake?
Swimming is at the Kincaid Lake State Park pool; the lake itself is a quiet, no-wake (10-hp) fishing and paddling lake.
Where is Kincaid Lake?
In Pendleton County, northern Kentucky, about 3 miles northeast of Falmouth, roughly an hour south of Cincinnati.
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.