Fishtrap Lake is contained by the highest dam in Eastern Kentucky. The primary purpose of the project is flood risk management. The dam was completed in February 1969 and serves a drainage area of 392 square miles. The lake is impounded by a rolled rock impervious core dam, 195 ft. tall and 1,100 ft. long. The spillway is controlled by four gates in the left abutment of the dam. Outlet works include an intake structure with three conduits controlled by slide gates and discharges into a horseshoe tunnel. Outlet works are provided with three low flow intakes, all of which discharge into a common well which discharges into a low flow conduit. Low flow discharge is controlled by a hydraulically operated slide gate.
Reservations, Fees & Passes
No camping reservations are accepted but to check availability of sites call 1-606-835-4564 to speak with the campground host. Campsites are currently on a first come first serve basis.
Campground Fee:
$12.00 per night – primitive sites (no water or electric)
$20.00 per night -electric/water
$50.00 per day for picnic shelters
Day Use Fee:
There is no day-use visitation charge, but there is a daily launch fee of $5.00 at Grapevine and the Damsite ramps. Fishtrap Lake offers 4 shelters total that can be rented for $50.00 per day. Two of the shelters are located at the Dam Site Recreation Area, and two more shelters are located at the Grapevine Recreation Area. To reserve a shelter, you can visit Fishtrap Lake Shelters, Fishtrap Lake - Recreation.gov.
Handicapped Access
Handicap Accessible Facilities are provided at Project Office, picnic shelters, restrooms, outflow fishing area, camping facilities, and at selective picnic sites.
Historical Information
Archaeological investigations in the Fishtrap lake area resulted in the recording of 33 prehistoric native American sites including 1 rock shelter, 8 late prehistoric village sites, and 24 open camp sites. Excavations at what is called the Sloane site at Woodside recovered 65,000 artifacts, now stored at the University of Kentucky. Lifestyles of the pioneers, primarily of English and Scot Ancestry, consisted mainly of subsistence farming, hunting, trapping and timbering. The mountains provided a degree of security and privacy and fostered an isolation of early cultural traits. Pike County was formed from a part of Floyd County in December of 1821, and was named in honor of the popular military hero, General Zebulon M. Pike. Later historical studies focus primarily on the Hatfield-McCoy feud in which Pike County, and what is now Mingo County, West Virginia, played major geographic role.
Recreation Opportunities
The project office serves as a welcome center and is located just downstream of the dam. For information, pass sales, and inquiries about interpretive programs please visit our office.
Boating
Launch ramps for the boating enthusiasts and fishermen are located at the Fishtrap damsite, Grapevine and Lick Creek Recreation Areas. Launching is $5.00 per day at Grapevine and the damsite ramp. Lick Creek offers free launching. Seasonal Passes for launching are available for $40.00 at the Fishtrap Lake Project Office between the hours of 7:30am and 4:00pm.
Camping
Fishtrap Lake has one campground located at the Grapevine Recreation Area. Grapevine Campground has 36 sites total. 8 primitive sites are located on the lower end on the jetty near the shoreline. The main campground offers 28 sites, with 26 of them offering electric and water hookups. There is a sewage receptacle at the end of the main campground. Each site, (excluding the jetty), is equipped with either concrete or impacted gravel pads, picnic table, fire ring, and a lantern pole. The campground opens on the Friday before Memorial Day and closes the day after Labor Day. No camping reservations are accepted but to check availability of sites please call the Fishtrap Lake project office at (606)-437-7496. Campsites are currently on a first come first serve basis. Camping on the shoreline or in the Wildlife Management Area is strictly prohibited.
Day-use
Two shelters are located at the Dam Site Recreation Area, and a third shelter is located at the Grapevine Recreation Area.
Fishing and Hunting
Fish and wildlife management is a shared responsibility between the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife and the US Army Corps of Engineers. Both agencies attempt to enhance and manage the fish and wildlife populations by habitat improvement, nesting site development, and food-plot programs for the benefit of many species.
Marinas
Fishtrap Lake Marina, located at the Dam Site Recreation Area provides visitors with docking facilities and a Concession Area. The Concession Area provides visitors with fuel, live bait, snacks, ice, picnic supplies, etc. . Facilities at this area includes, restrooms, a launch ramp, bank fishing access, basketball court, and picnic sites.
Swimming
No developed swimming facilities currently exist. You may swim at your own risk unless the area has signage stating that it is a no-swimming area. Swimming is prohibited from boat ramps, courtesy docks, and surrounding the intake structure.
Trails
A developed hiking and horseback riding can be accessed at the Lick Creek Recreation area where the trail begins. All USACE property strictly prohibits the use of ATV’s and UTV’s.
Handicapped Access
Universally Accessible Facilities are provided at Project Office, Visitor Center, picnic shelters, restrooms, outflow fishing area, camping facilities, and at selective picnic sites.
Rules & Regulations
General Policies
A full list of Federal regulations that apply to all US Army Corps of Engineers properties can be found in Title 36 of the United States Code (USC). Title 36, The Rules and Regulations that Govern Corps of Engineers Water Resource Projects
Firearms
Possession of firearms in a federal facility, including locks, dams, power plants, ranger stations, buildings, switchyards, recreation facilities, warehouses, and offices is strictly prohibited. This prohibition includes the storage or transporting of a personally owned firearm in controlled access parking areas or Government vehicles, heavy equipment, boats and vessels under the operational control of the district regardless of its location. Exceptions for Federal employees are only allowed for Federal law enforcement officers or where possession of a firearm is specifically authorized by law.
Fireworks
Fireworks, along with explosives, firearms and other weapons are prohibited on Government Property. Detailed information can be found in Title 36, The Rules and Regulations that Govern Corps of Engineers Water Resource Projects, Section 327.13.
Contact
Phone: 606-437-7496
Location Address:
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Fishtrap Lake
2204 Fishtrap Road
Shelbiana, KY 41562