Cedar Creek Lake Made for Fisherman

By Chris Erwin

You have seen the pictures, and I’m sure I’ll be showing you more of the hot spot that is Kentucky’s newest lake. Cedar Creek Lake was first conceived in 1989 and was completed in 2002. It is located in Lincoln County. The lake project was a joint venture of the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, and the leaders of Lincoln County, most importantly  former Judge-Executive John Sims, who envisioned the project. The watershed consists of 14,000 acres, and 784 acres were impounded to form the lake, making it the second largest state-controlled impoundment. Lake Malone is the largest.

The lake was not built for general recreation, but instead it was built for fishing. It was first eradicated of all fish, so unwanted fish species would not compete for available food sources. It was then stocked with 2,500 10-inch and 15,000 five-inch Largemouth Bass, 20,000 three-inch Black Crappie, 180,000 one-inch Bluegill, 120,000 one-inch Red Ear Sunfish, and 8,000 nine-inch and 30,000 one-inch Channel Catfish.

All the standing timber was left untouched and bald places in the lake were filled with fish attractors, leaving it with rip-rap, standing timber, road beds, and deep water structure.  The average water depth is 22 feet with the deepest areas reaching 60 feet.

This lake has been developed to be a trophy lake. The size limit on bass is 20 inches. The creel limit is one fish daily, and the Channel Catfish size limit is 12 inches. The other stocked fish have done exceptionally well. The Red Ear Sunfish, known to most of us as Shellcrackers, have also developed very good numbers along with Black Crappie. Recently, Trout have been added as a food source to give this lake a chance to produce record size Bass.

They are a few boat ramps. John Sims Boat Ramp is the main boat ramp of Cedar Creek Lake, located where the old Boone Road becomes submerged. Old U.S. 150 Boat Ramp is located at the end of the old U.S. 150 on the west side of the lake. Cowan Road Boat Ramp is located where Cowan Road becomes submerged off Ky. 1770.

Since the stocking of the lake, the bass have done extremely well both in numbers and size. It’s not uncommon to catch a six to seven-pound bass in this lake, and it could come any time of the year.

Just a few weeks ago, Scott Doan caught over 18 lbs! Not too bad any time of year, but in the middle of December it’s outstanding.

I have been trying to find out if you can camp near the lake. I understand there is some camping near the bait shop, but no public camping near the water. The closest campground is Cedar Creek Resort and RV Park, located about 1 mile from the lake.

While no lodging is listed in state information, there is Howard’s RV Park, which accommodates four RVs. It provides electric, water and sewage disposal for $25 per night. Howard said a few local people will come to stay on the lake, but more people from out-of-town tend to stay.

Howard also rents two lakeview rooms at his bed and breakfast for $89 and $69 per night.

Another RV park and resort are in the works on Ky. 1369, right off U.S. 150. Owners Nancy and Dewayne Holland plan to have phase one of the project completed by June 10. It will include 25 RV spots, 15 tent-camping spaces, and a heated bath house and dump station.

I plan to make a trip to this lake in the spring and will update you on the construction of the beach and campground.