Wilgreen Lake (also called Lake Wilgreen or Taylor Fork Lake) is the close-to-town fishing lake for Richmond, Kentucky – a 142-acre reservoir in Madison County just off I-75, popular for largemouth bass, white crappie and bluegill. With a marina, fishing pier and an idle-only rule that keeps it calm, it’s an easy, productive lake for anglers in the Eastern Kentucky University area. This guide is part of our growing Kentucky Lakes Database.
Wilgreen Lake at a glance
- Surface area: ~142 acres, with about 8.3 miles of shoreline
- Depth: average ~21 ft, maximum ~43 ft
- Elevation: in the Bluegrass region of central Kentucky
- Location: Madison County, near Richmond (just off I-75, Exit 87)
- Built: impounded from Taylor Fork; opened to public fishing in 1966
- Top fish: largemouth bass, white crappie, bluegill, channel catfish
How deep is Wilgreen Lake?
Wilgreen Lake averages about 21 feet deep and reaches roughly 43 feet at its deepest across 142 acres, with a winding 8-mile shoreline. The cover-rich coves and the old Taylor Fork channel make good bass-and-crappie habitat.
Fishing Wilgreen Lake
The lake is most popular for white crappie, largemouth bass and bluegill, with channel catfish as well. A Kentucky fishing license is required; largemouth bass carry a 12-inch minimum size limit (statewide creel limits apply). The lake is idle-speed only, keeping it quiet for fishing from boats, kayaks and the bank. Work the coves and brush for crappie and bass.
Boating, access and recreation
Wilgreen has a paved parking area, a rebuilt concrete boat ramp, a fishing pier, boat slips and a courtesy dock – easy, well-maintained access right by Richmond. The idle-only rule makes it a peaceful paddling and fishing lake; there’s no developed swim beach, so swimming is limited. Its closeness to I-75 and EKU makes it a convenient outing.
Water level
Wilgreen is a fairly stable small reservoir, though levels can vary with rainfall. Check conditions before launching.
Getting there and what’s nearby
Wilgreen Lake is just west of Richmond in Madison County, central Kentucky, a few minutes from I-75 Exit 87. Eastern Kentucky University, Richmond and the Bluegrass region are nearby.
Know before you go
- Fishing license: a Kentucky license is required; 12-inch minimum on bass.
- Idle-only: no high-speed boating – quiet water for fishing and paddling.
- Best seasons: spring for crappie and bass; summer for bluegill and catfish.
Frequently asked questions
How deep is Wilgreen Lake?
It averages about 21 feet and reaches roughly 43 feet at its deepest, across about 142 acres.
What fish are in Wilgreen Lake?
Largemouth bass, white crappie, bluegill and channel catfish.
Where is Wilgreen Lake?
In Madison County, central Kentucky, just west of Richmond near I-75 Exit 87.
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.