Cave Run Lake
Cave Run Lake
- Boat Ramps
- 15
- Access Points
- 21
- Species
- 14
Cave Run Lake is an 8,300-acre impoundment located in northeastern Kentucky, nestled within the Daniel Boone National Forest between Morehead and Frenchburg. With over 200 miles of shoreline, this scenic mountain lake is known as the Muskie Capital of the South, offering exceptional fishing opportunities for multiple species. The lake's diverse habitat includes standing timber, submerged structure, coves, creek arms, points, flats, rocky shorelines, and vegetation, providing anglers with various fishing environments throughout the year. Whether you're targeting trophy muskie or enjoying the solid bass, crappie, or catfish populations, Cave Run Lake has established itself as one of Kentucky's premier fishing destinations.
Species & education
Learn what type of fish are at Cave Run Lake and what's needed to catch them.
Find which waters have the species you want to catch
Largemouth Bass
Micropterus salmoides
Smallmouth Bass
Micropterus dolomieu
Rainbow Trout
Oncorhynchus mykiss
Muskellunge
Esox masquinongy
Black Crappie
Pomoxis nigromaculatus
Common Carp
Cyprinus carpio
Flathead Catfish
Pylodictis olivaris
Golden Redhorse
Moxostoma erythrurum
Longear Sunfish
Lepomis megalotis
Northern Hogsucker
Hypentelium nigricans
Spotted Bass
Micropterus punctulatus
Spotted Sucker
Minytrema melanops
White Bass
Morone chrysops
White Crappie
Pomoxis annularis
Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities
Learn how to get on Cave Run Lake. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.
Know where you can legally fish on Cave Run Lake
See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.
Kentucky licenses and regulations
Kentucky Boating Regulations
When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.
Kentucky Fishing License
All persons must fill out and carry the proper license and permit to fish any Kentucky waters except residents and nonresidents age 15 and younger.
Kentucky Fishing Regulations
This river has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this river is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.
Kentucky Stream Access Laws
Public usage is limited to larger waterways with more permanent commerce and transportation. The public right to navigation includes boating, fishing, swimming, temporary anchorage and incidental use of the riverbed, regardless of streambed ownership.
Take Cave Run Lake with you
The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.
Use the map without signal
Download the map around Cave Run Lake to use it offline when coverage drops.
Log your catches here
Keep a private fishing journal for Cave Run Lake to find where and when fish are biting for you.
HD depth charts from Garmin
Find drop offs, ledges, channels, points and shallow flats with Garmin depth charts in the app.
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Water and weather conditions (10 day forecast)
See the best times to fish Cave Run Lake and check the forecast before you go.
CAVE RUN LAKE NEAR FARMERS, KY
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