Lake Reba is the recreational heart of Richmond – a small city lake at the center of the sprawling Lake Reba Recreational Complex in central Kentucky, ringed by a walking trail, ball fields and a popular park. It’s not a fishing destination on the scale of Kentucky’s big reservoirs, but for an easy paddle, a bank-fishing afternoon or a family outing near Eastern Kentucky University, it’s exactly right.
This guide covers Lake Reba: the fishing, the park and trail, and access. It’s part of our growing Kentucky Lakes Database.
Lake Reba at a glance
- Surface area: a small city lake (about 75 acres) in Richmond
- Location: Madison County, central Kentucky (Richmond)
- Setting: the Lake Reba Recreational Complex – trails, ball fields, playground and dog park
- Top fish: largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, channel catfish
Fishing and paddling
Lake Reba is stocked and managed as an urban fishery, with largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill and channel catfish – good, accessible fishing from the bank or a small boat or kayak. A Kentucky fishing license is required. Gas motors are restricted, keeping it calm and friendly for paddlers and families.
The recreational complex
The lake anchors one of central Kentucky’s largest municipal parks: a paved walking and biking loop, ball fields, a playground, a disc golf course, a dog park and an aquatic center are all part of the Lake Reba complex. It’s the go-to outdoor spot for Richmond and the EKU community – a place to combine a walk, a paddle and a picnic in one stop.
Getting there and what’s nearby
Lake Reba is in Richmond, just off I-75 about 25 minutes south of Lexington. Eastern Kentucky University, Fort Boonesborough State Park and the Bluegrass region are all close.
Frequently asked questions
Can you fish and kayak at Lake Reba?
Yes – it’s stocked with bass, crappie, bluegill and catfish, and gas-motor restrictions keep it calm for kayaks and small boats (Kentucky license required).
What is the Lake Reba Recreational Complex?
A large Richmond city park around the lake, with walking trails, ball fields, a playground, disc golf, a dog park and an aquatic center.
Where is Lake Reba?
In Richmond, Madison County, just off I-75 about 25 minutes south of Lexington.
Related: explore more of 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.