Laurel River Lake

On the water

Kentucky Fish & Wildlife lists Laurel River Lake at 5,768 acres. Most of the lake is managed by the U.S. Forest Service as part of the Daniel Boone National Forest, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers operates the dam.

Two marinas serve the lake: Grove Marina on the Whitley County side and Holly Bay Marina on the Laurel County side. Check with each marina for current hours, rentals and slip availability.

Fishing

Kentucky Fish & Wildlife lists regulations here for largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass, black and white crappie, walleye, rainbow and brown trout, and white bass. Size and creel limits apply to several of them, so read the lake's official page before you fish.

Anglers need a Kentucky fishing license. BookingKY doesn't sell licenses; buy them directly from the state.

Camping and day use

The Forest Service runs campgrounds around the lake, including Holly Bay and Grove. Water levels and seasons affect what's open, and some sites have been affected by low water. Check the Forest Service pages before you plan around a specific area.

Lake day checklist

• Kentucky fishing license for every angler who needs one.
• Life jackets for everyone on board.
• Check current lake levels and marina hours before launching.
• Pack out trash and fishing line.

Official sources

• Laurel River Lake fishing regulations (KY Fish & Wildlife)
• Get your Kentucky fishing license
• Laurel River Lake (Daniel Boone National Forest)
• Holly Bay Campground
• Grove Marina