There’s nothing like a day (or two, or ten) on Cave Run Lake!
Location is everything, and Cave Run Lake is conveniently located near I-64. It’s easy to pop on over to your favorite fishing spot. Are you in the mood for a day full of water activities, or some much-needed relaxation? Cave Run Lake has it all. You’ll have over 8,000 acres of open water and 200 miles of shoreline to explore at Cave Run Lake. We can’t wait to see you at the lake, the largest in northeastern Kentucky!
This is a fisherman’s paradise! We’ve got a great catch waiting for you at Cave Run Lake. Morehead, Kentucky, is the Musky Capital of the South. Anglers come from across the nation to fill their nets with these beasts, one of the freshwater’s largest fish. Musky season traditionally starts in March, when the fish begin to spawn, and continues through the fall. The state record musky was caught in Cave Run Lake in 2008, weighing in at 47 lbs and measuring 54 inches. Cave Run Lake is perfect for anglers looking for variety in their fishing experience. Musky isn’t the only type of fish swimming in this lake. More than 150 species of fish live in the lake, including, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Spotted Bass, White Bass, Black Crappie and White Crappie. Chances are you’ll reel in something you’ll want to take home.
Cave Run Lake | 2375 KY 801 South | Morehead Visitor Center 606-780-4342 or U.S. Forest Service Office 606-784-6428
There is plenty of open water to enjoy jet-skiing, lazy days relaxing on a pontoon or houseboat, tubing and more. Cave Run Lake, combined with the adjoining Licking River, provides year-round opportunities for recreation, as well as beautiful camping areas.
Cave Run Lake Kayaking Adventures | 606-776-4518 | Follow them on Facebook @ Cave Run Lake Kayaking Adventures
Open March – October
Cave Run Lake Sailing Association | website
The Cave Run Sailing Association is a non-profit organization of individuals and families who love sailing and want to share their passion. CRSA’s world of sailing offers a range of activities that you can become involved in: sailing instruction and certification, our Youth Sailing Academy, regattas and club racing on Cave Run Lake, cruises around the world, and year-round on-and-off-lake social events.
Cave Run Lake Guided Fishing Excursion
We’ll personalize a fishing excursion just for you. We have several guide services available with extensive knowledge of the lake, able to help every type of fisherman.
- Cave Run Lake Guide Service | 606-776-6567 | website
- Crash’s Landing Guide Service | 606-780-4260 | website
- Gregg Thomas Guide Service | 606-776-6729 | website
Eagle Lake | website
Overlooking the Morehead State University Campus is the picturesque Eagle Lake. Known for beautiful views and calming sounds, the lake features trails, kayaking adventures, respite and some great fishing off the bank.
Licking River | website
The Licking River, known for salt springs and licks that attracted prehistoric animals and later elks, deer and bison, begins in Salyersville, Kentucky and travels north to the Ohio River. Long stretches of the river meander the outskirts of Rowan County. Kayaking, fishing, boating are just a few of the recreation opportunities on the river.
Minor E. Clark Fish Hatchery | 120 Fish Hatchery Road | 606-783-8650 | website
The Minor E. Clark Fish Hatchery is one of the largest freshwater fish hatcheries in the nation, making it a must-see for anglers visiting the Cave Run Lake area. There are more than 100 ponds located at the fish hatchery, and a variety of warm water game fish are raised there. Come visit during the summer months, and enjoy viewing the different species of fish in a large outdoor tank. Group and school tours can be scheduled in advance, and there is always something new to learn and see. The hatchery grounds are open year-round during daylight hours. Indoor tours are available from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. during the summer months.
Scott’s Creek Marina | 4325 Kentucky 801 | 606-784-9666 | website
Located just off KY 801, Scott’s Creek Marina is a great place to start your time at the lake. Find everything you’ll need for your day on the water, areas to dock your boat, rentals and popular spots to fill your tank — for boat and belly.
Triplett Creek | website
Triplett Creek can be seen from most hiking vantage points as it flows through the many twists and turns of Morehead. Most notably known to flow along City Park, the creek can be accessed for fishing or paddling activities.
U.S. Forest Service Ramps and Rentals
We have 12 boat ramps around the lake. Some ramps require a paid pass, which you can purchase from the Cumberland Ranger District Office or local vendors. Those local vendors include:
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- Cave Run Lakemart – 2350 KY 801 N | 606.784.4708 – Open Mon-Fri 5 a.m.-11 p.m. / Sat-Sun 6 a.m.-11 p.m.
- Cave Run Marina – 4325 KY 801 S | 606.784.9666 — Open daily 8 a.m.-10 p.m.
- Cave Run Pro Shop – 4300 KY 801 S | 606.780.0075 — Open Mon-Wed 6:30 a.m.-5 p.m./ Thu-Sun 6 a.m.-9 p.m.
- Crash’s Landing — 1110 KY 801 S | 606.780.7260 — Open daily 6 a.m.-8 p.m.
- Crouch’s Market — 5304 S. KY 211 | 606.768.6128 — Open Mon-Sat 7 a.m.-7 p.m./ Sun 11:30 a.m.-7 p.m.
- Cumberland Ranger Station – 2375 KY 801 S | 606.784.6428 — Open Mon-Sun 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Mar-Nov 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
- Double J Kwik Stop – 4414 KY 519 | 606.743.7226 — Open Mon-Fri 4 a.m.-9 p.m., Sat 5 a.m.-9 p.m., Sun 6 a.m.-8 p.m.
- Fin, Fur & Feather of Cave Run – 6460 US 60 W | 606.784.8866 — Open Mon-Sat 6 a.m.-9 p.m., Sun 7 a.m.-8 p.m.
- Morehead Visitor Center –150 E. 1st Street (yearly passes only) | 606.780.4342 — Open Mon-Fri. 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
- In and Out Snack Foods – 1205 KY 519 | 606.780.9496 — Open Mon-Sat 7 a.m. – 8 p.m.
- Texaco Eagle Travel Plaza – 3333 KY 801 N | 606.783.1828 — Open daily 24 hours
- Twin Knobs Campground – 5195 KY 801 S | 606.784.8816 — Open mid March to early November