Kentucky Lake, Kentucky & Tennessee, USA

Kentucky Lake is the largest man-made lake east of the Mississippi when measured by surface acres at “full pond,” the normal water level: 184 miles long, 2 miles wide, 160,309 surface acres, and 2,380 miles of shoreline! The lake stretches south across the western tip of Kentucky into Tennessee. Kentucky Lake was created in 1944 by the Tennessee Valley Authority for navigation, flood control, hydroelectric power, and…
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    • All About Kentucky Lake, KY/TN

    Lake Locations: USA - US South Region - Kentucky - Western Waterlands Region, KY - Tennessee - West Tennessee -

    Kentucky Lake is the largest man-made lake east of the Mississippi when measured by surface acres at “full pond,” the normal water level: 184 miles long, 2 miles wide, 160,309 surface acres, and 2,380 miles of shoreline! The lake stretches south across the western tip of Kentucky into Tennessee.

    Kentucky Lake was created in 1944 by the Tennessee Valley Authority for navigation, flood control, hydroelectric power, and recreation. The Kentucky Dam impounds the Tennessee River at Gilbertville, Kentucky. The average summer pool is 359 feet above sea level; winter pool averages 354 feet.

    Fishing at Kentucky Lake is a dream come true for many anglers. Currently holding the state record for Buffalo carp (55 lbs.), white bass (5 lbs.), and yellow perch (1 lb., 4 oz.), the reservoir also houses bluegill, catfish, crappie, largemouth bass, red-ear sunfish, and sauger. Due to warm area temperatures, fishing season is year-round. The large fish population coupled with the lake’s large size promises to keep every angler’s bait box empty and belly full.

    Boaters may choose to bring their own boat or rent one from the area marinas, but either way, a whole lot of fun is in store. The lake’s massive acreage is made more exciting by its finger coves, adding up to an incredible 2,380 miles of shoreline to explore. Taking a speedy ride through the larger channels, boaters love the adrenaline rush and the beautiful scenery that stretches out before them. And when you’re looking for a little more excitement, jump out behind the boat, get your water skis on and enjoy a fast-paced ride through the cool, clean waters. When it’s time to slow down, head into the quiet coves and inlets to discover the beautiful forest, shy white-tailed deer, painted turtles, and swooping bald eagles.

    Make sure you obtain a good navigational and topographical map of Kentucky Lake before venturing out. The deepest parts of the lake, around 60 feet, run along the old Tennessee River Channel at the northern end of the lake. Watch the buoys to avoid shallow areas and navigational hazards.

    Kentucky Lake, along with neighboring Barkley Lake to the east, surround the famed 170,000 acre Land Between the Lakes (LBL) National Recreation Area. Explore the local flora and fauna from more than 200 miles of trails created from old logging trails, abandoned roads, and fresh-cut paths. LBL recreation area also offers live wildlife exhibits, a planetarium, a 19th century working farm, camping, horseback riding, cycling and mountain biking trails. The Barkley-Kentucky Canal at the northern end of the recreation area connects the two lakes.

    The nearby Kentucky town of Paducah is full of art galleries, fine restaurants, antique stores, handmade quilts, golf course, and exciting nightlife. The Venture River Family Water Park tempts families with its high speed slides, classic water rides, and a chance to cool off from the hot summer sun.

    It’s nearly impossible to partake in all of Kentucky Lake’s recreational offerings. In addition to the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, the expansive shoreline includes the Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge, 4 state parks, 2 county parks, 5 municipal parks, and 2 state wildlife management areas. The choice of enjoyment is yours.

    Things to Do at Kentucky Lake

    These are some activities in the Kentucky Lake, KY/TN area visitors can enjoy:

    • Vacation Rentals
    • Fishing
    • Boating
    • Water Skiing
    • Golf
    • Camping
    • Hiking
    • Biking
    • Horseback Riding
    • Wildlife Viewing
    • Birding
    • National Wildlife Refuge
    • State Park
    • Antiquing

    What Kind of Fish Are in Kentucky Lake?

    Kentucky Lake has been known to have the following fish species:

    • Bass
    • Black Bass
    • Bluegill
    • Carp
    • Catfish
    • Crappie
    • Largemouth Bass
    • Perch
    • Sauger
    • Sunfish
    • White Bass
    • Yellow Perch
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    Find Places to Stay at Kentucky Lake

    If you’re considering a Kentucky Lake lake house rental or hotel, we’ve made it super easy to find the best rates and compare vacation accommodations at a glance. Save time using this interactive map below.

    Note: These are affiliate links and we may earn a small commission if you click and make a purchase. Read our full disclosure policy here.

    More Sites to Book a Kentucky Lake Vacation

    Our interactive Kentucky Lake lodging map above is an easy tool for comparing VRBO rental homes and nearby hotels with Booking.com, but there could be times when you need to expand your search for different types of accommodations. Here are some other lake lodging partners we recommend:

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    Kentucky Lake Statistics & Helpful Links

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    Lake Type: Not Known

    Water Level Control: Tennessee Valley Authority

    Surface Area: 160,309 acres

    Shoreline Length: 2,380 miles

    Normal Elevation (Full Pond): 359 feet

    Minimum Elevation (Min Pond): 348 feet

    Maximum Elevation (Max Pond): 370 feet

    Average Depth: 20 feet

    Maximum Depth: 60 feet

    Water Volume: 4,008,000 acre-feet

    Completion Year: 1944

    Drainage Area: 40,200 sq. miles

    Trophic State: Eutrophic

    Kentucky Lake Map
    Lake Water Level
    Local Weather Forecast

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