Willisburg Lake is a quiet bass-and-crappie lake in the rolling farmland of Washington County, central Kentucky – a 126-acre reservoir near Willisburg, between Bardstown and Springfield. Deep for its size and lined with coves, it’s a low-key, productive fishery with a marina and ramp, popular with local anglers chasing largemouth, crappie and catfish. This guide is part of our growing Kentucky Lakes Database.
Willisburg Lake at a glance
- Surface area: ~126 acres
- Depth: average ~19 ft, maximum ~44 ft
- Elevation: in the Outer Bluegrass of central Kentucky
- Location: Washington County, near Willisburg (off KY-555)
- Top fish: largemouth bass, white crappie, channel catfish, bluegill
How deep is Willisburg Lake?
Willisburg Lake averages about 19 feet deep and reaches roughly 44 feet at its deepest across 126 acres – fairly deep for a small lake, which helps the fishery through the seasons.
Fishing Willisburg Lake
The lake is most popular for largemouth bass, channel catfish and white crappie, with bluegill and yellow bullhead also present. A Kentucky fishing license is required. Anglers work the timber, points and coves for bass and crappie, and the deeper water for catfish. It fishes well from boats and the bank.
Boating, access and recreation
Willisburg has a marina and a decent boat launch ramp off KY-555, making access easy. It’s a quiet, fishing-focused lake in pretty Washington County farm country – good for boats, kayaks and bank fishing. There’s no developed swim beach, so swimming is limited; the appeal here is the relaxed fishing and the rural setting.
Water level
Willisburg is a fairly stable small reservoir, though levels can vary with rainfall. Check conditions before launching.
Getting there and what’s nearby
Willisburg Lake is near Willisburg in Washington County, central Kentucky, off KY-555, between Bardstown and Springfield. The Bardstown bourbon country and the Bluegrass region are nearby.
Know before you go
- Fishing license: a Kentucky license is required.
- Quiet lake: a low-key bass-and-crappie lake with a marina and ramp.
- Best seasons: spring and fall for bass and crappie; summer for catfish.
Frequently asked questions
How deep is Willisburg Lake?
It averages about 19 feet and reaches roughly 44 feet at its deepest, across about 126 acres.
What fish are in Willisburg Lake?
Largemouth bass, white crappie, channel catfish, bluegill and yellow bullhead.
Where is Willisburg Lake?
In Washington County, central Kentucky, near Willisburg off KY-555, between Bardstown and Springfield.
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.