Fishtrap Lake was created by the US. Army Corps Of Engineers dam for flood control purposes in the Levisa Fork Valley and to provide municipal water to Pikeville, Kentucky. It's the highest dam in eastern Kentucky and surrounded by steep mountainous terrain, and densely forested areas, the recreational sites around the dam are known for their scenic natural beauty.
Fishtrap Lake is located in Pike County, Kentucky along the Levisa Fork of the Big Sandy River. There are several small unincorporated municipalities nearby, but the largest populated center to access services and amenities is Pikeville to the north.
During the summer months, when most visitors access the lake for recreational activities and camping, the lake is about 16.5 miles in length, with 1131 acres of water surface and a depth of 84 feet at the intake structure. The dam structure, completed in 1968, is 195 feet high and 1000 feet long.
The local park and recreational areas were opened in 2003. The recreation areas are closed between 10 PM and 7:30 AM except for vision engaged in boating, fishing, and overnight camping. Amenities and facilities at Fishtrap lake include a project office, visitor center, campground, picnic shelters, boat ramps, horseshoe pit, playground, boat docks, restrooms, outflow fishing area, and picnic sites, and all recreational amenities are ADA accessible.
Along with the Fishtrap Lake campground, there are also other great places to stay nearby, such as Carr Creek State Park and Jenny Wiley State Park. It all makes this part of Kentucky well worth exploring for yourself.
The Corps of Engineers Project office can be accessed from State Route 1789/Fishtrap Road. From US Route 23 take Route 460/Shelbiana Road, then turn east on route 1441 to route 1789, continue on route 1789 for three miles to reach the project office.
The COE Fishtrap Recreation area is located right beside the dam. Picnic shelters can be accessed by taking the first right after entering the dam site and are located about one mile below the dam. There are also picnic shelters and amenities located at the Grapevine Recreation Area where the campground is located. There are large paved parking areas at the recreational sites.
To reach the Grapevine Campground on the northside of the lake, on Grapevine Creek, use Grapevine Road/Route 194. The campground turnoff is just southwest of Phyllis, Kentucky, or 7 miles south of Kimper, Kentucky on Old Road. Campsites are back-in only and there are trees around sites, so use caution, and ensure you have enough clearance and sightlines for your trailer or RV unit.
The access routes are all paved, and adequate for RV units. Because of the high elevation, during the winter, icy conditions can make paved roads slippery for travel, especially for vehicles towing trailers or RV units. Use caution in the area when freezing temperatures and inclement weather is occurring.
The campground at Grapevine Recreational Area is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day weekends. There are 28 campsites available, and they are gravel surfaced with a paved access road. There are ten sites equipped with water and electric hookups for RVs. Each site has a picnic table, fire ring, and lantern pole. Sites are available on a first-come-first-served basis. However, a campground host is available on site and can be contacted by phone to provide current availability.
Amenities at the campground include a boat ramp, playground, dump station, grocery store, laundry facility, and showers. Pets are permitted but should be kept on a leash. The campground is located on Grapevine Creek on the north side of the lake with access to the water for boating and fishing activities. There are also picnic shelters, a day-use area, and a large paved parking lot at the waterfront. A wildlife viewing area here is an excellent spot to enjoy the natural beauty of the area and spot some local critters.
With the forested lakeshore and mountains in the background, boating on this 1100 acre lake is both scenic and fun. There are boat launches located at Fishtrap Marina by the dam, Grapevine Campground, and the Lick Creek Recreation Area. There is a small fee for using the boat launches at Fishtrap and Grapevine. Lick Creek has free launching. Docking facilities and a concession area, as well as fuel and fishing supplies, are available at the Fishtrap Lake Marina. Head out on the lake and enjoy some fishing, sightseeing or water sports at Fishtrap Lake.
The Fishtrap Marina has fishing supplies, and you can also fish from the bank from the recreation area located here. Or you can head out on the lake from one of the boat launches at the marina or at Lick Creek or Grapevine Recreation areas. You will require a Kentucky State fishing license and must observe local rules and regulations to fish at Fishtrap Lake. Anglers will find bluegill, smallmouth and largemouth bass, white and black crappie and channel catfish in the lake.
Reservable picnic shelters are located at the lake below the dam and at the Grapevine Campground and Recreation Area. Large groups enjoying company picnics, family reunions, or celebrations can arrange an inexpensive outdoor feast with amenities at the picnic shelters, which include electricity, water, and grills. There are also playgrounds, restrooms, and sports fields near the picnic shelters. Organize a game while enjoying a group cookout and have an especially memorable day with great food, friends, and fun.
The natural areas around Fishtrap lake are full of wildlife. Nature enthusiasts enjoy wildlife spotting from the lake surface or from area trails and lookouts, especially in the off-season when there are less recreational activities occurring. Deer and raccoons are plentiful, and there are also plenty of birds for bird fanciers to spot. Take along a camera and a journal to capture and log your discoveries. Although rarer, bears can be found in the area. Use caution and keep your distance from all wildlife which can become aggressive if they feel threatened.
There are numerous trails and backroads in the Fishtrap lake region that are popular with cyclists, equestrians, and hikers. A developed trail system can be accessed at the Lick Creek Recreation area. Some terrain in the area is steep with abrupt elevation changes, and natural trail surfaces can be slippery and rough. Hikers should wear adequate footwear and be dressed for conditions, especially in the offseason when temperatures can be cool due to the elevation. Autumn is an excellent time for a hike in this forested Kentucky region. The changing tree leaves make a colorful backdrop, and fresh air makes biting insects less prevalent.
With valid state hunting licenses and tags, hunters can head out onto the public lands around Fishtrap Lake during the appropriate season. Game in the area includes deer, fall turkey, squirrels, rabbits, quail, and grouse. There is also some quota elk and bear hunting in the region. Be sure you understand all local rules and regulations, and observe gun safety practices to ensure a safe hunt for yourself and others in the area. Be aware of no hunting zones around the recreational area along the lake.
