Reservoir · Kentucky
Cave Run Lake
Cave Run Lake
Reservoir · Kentucky
Information Only
StrikeTracks does not currently provide a live condition rating for this destination. Destination and fishery information is still available.
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Fishery Profile
Documented species you may encounter at Cave Run Lake.
Species images are AI-generated illustrations for visual reference and may simplify natural variation. Fishery records are based on the cited agency sources. About fish illustrations
Fishery overview
Cave Run Lake is an 8,270-acre USACE Licking River reservoir. KDFWR is known for its muskellunge fishery (40-inch minimum), a 12–15 inch largemouth slot, 18-inch smallmouth, and 2026 forecast tactics for muskie, bass, crappie, and white bass. Hydrilla is present; boats must be cleaned.
Target species
Muskellunge
Esox masquinongy
- Expectation
- Primary
- Population
- Stocked
- Native status
- unknown
- Confidence
- High confidence
2026 forecast describes trophy muskie in April coves/Beaver Creek and fall gravel banks/channel drops.
Black Crappie
Pomoxis nigromaculatus
- Expectation
- Common
- Population
- Established
- Native status
- unknown
- Confidence
- High confidence
2026 forecast describes May brush-pile fishing on the lower end and slower fall/winter riverine fishing.
Bluegill
Lepomis macrochirus
- Expectation
- Common
- Population
- Established
- Native status
- unknown
- Confidence
- High confidence
2026 forecast describes cove and brush-pile sunfish fishing.
Largemouth Bass
Micropterus nigricans
- Expectation
- Common
- Population
- Established
- Native status
- unknown
- Confidence
- High confidence
2026 forecast describes slot-limit largemouth with larger fish more likely in upper reaches.
Smallmouth Bass
Micropterus dolomieu
- Expectation
- Present
- Population
- Established
- Native status
- unknown
- Confidence
- High confidence
2026 forecast describes fewer but excellent-size smallmouth off rocky points in the lower lake.
Fishery characteristics
- Composition
- Mixed wild and stocked
Forested USACE reservoir with coves, riverine upper reaches, and documented hydrilla. Gigging/snagging is prohibited in the lake and listed tributaries.
Best seasons
- Spring
- Summer
- Fall
Common techniques
- Boat fishing
- Spinning
Access and Public Fishing Rights
KDFWR WaterbodyDetail lists named public ramps. USACE Louisville District manages recreation. Confirm current ramp status and hydrilla decontamination.
Stocking information
Muskellunge population is a managed trophy fishery under a 40-inch minimum. Confirm current KDFWR outlooks.
- Stocked
Muskellunge
Stocked · Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources
Official sources
KDFWR special regulations include muskellunge 40-inch / 1-fish, largemouth 12–15 inch slot, smallmouth 18-inch, and gigging/snagging prohibition. Hydrilla decontamination is required. Verify current KAR/KRS text.
Public catalog object under TN-KY-LAKE-RECOVERY-1. conditionPublicationPolicy=static-value-structural-unavailable. Unavailable means insufficient thermal information, not Poor.
Location and Access
Cataloged lake location
Kentucky
The map marker represents the cataloged waterbody or monitoring location and may not indicate legal parking or public access. Confirm access through the official information before visiting.
Lake Details
Management Category
Public reservoir fishery
Regulation Scope
Cave Run Lake
Regulation Summary
KDFWR Cave Run Lake special regulations, including muskie minimum and black-bass slot.
Surface Area
8270 acres
Target Species
Muskellunge, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill
Public Access
Public
Boat Launch
Available
Shore Fishing
Available
Description
USACE Cave Run Lake. Catalog-visible Unavailable: no qualifying same-lake live USGS 00010. Not a Licking River tailwater remap. Coordinates: USGS GNIS Cave Run Lake reservoir feature, Rowan County. Unavailable means insufficient thermal information, not Poor.
