Looking to do some boating? During the warm summer months, Green River Lake offers more than 8,000 acres of shimmering water for boating pleasure. Read on below to learn more about what to know before going on the water.
Boat Launches
There are 10 boat ramps at Green River Lake. Four of the ramps are managed and maintained by the Corps. These include the ramps located at the Holmes Bend, Smith Ridge, Pikes Ridge and Dam Area recreation sites. A launching permit (which can be purchased either annually or daily) is needed to launch a boat at these Corps operated ramps.
Another boat ramp is located at the Green River Lake State Park and is managed by the Kentucky Department of Parks. There is also a ramp at the Green River Marina. The other ramps include Snake Creek, Butler Creek, Arnold's Landing and also one at Emerald Isle Marina. One of these ramps (Snake Creek) is maintained by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources while Arnold's Landing and Butler Creek are managed by the local Adair County, Kentucky government.
Keep this in mind too - with the exception of the ramp at Pikes Ridge Campground, each of the ramps mentioned above are open year round, subject to water level. To check for high water ramp closures, call the Corps automated information line at (270) 465-8824 and press 2.
Boating Regulations
Boating regulations at Green River Lake are administered by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife. Check out the following link to the Boating section of the KDFWR website for more related information, including a downloadable version of the most recent Kentucky Fishing and Boating Guide.
WHAT ABOUT MARINAS?
There are three marinas at Green River. For more information on what each has to offer, use the contact information listed below:
Emerald Isle Marina (270) 465-3412
Green River Marina (270) 465-2512
Holmes Bend Marina (270) 384-4425
Fishing
Fun Facts ----> Green River Lake offers one of the premiere muskie fisheries in Kentucky. The KDFWR annually stocks muskellunge in the lake, and fish up to 40 inches long aren't uncommon. Muskies are most active in March/April, and then September through November.
Other Fish Found in Green River Lake
Smallmouth, largemouth, crappie and other species are present in the lake for anglers to pursue. The Corps of Engineers and the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources work together on various projects to improve fish habitats as well. The results from valuable partnerships such as this result in increased angler success, thus providing enjoyable fishing experiences for folks of all ages.
Where to Find Fishing Rules and Regulations:
When fishing Green River Lake, remember that all Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources fishing regulations are enforced at the lake. For additional information about fishing regulations, including size limits, visit the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources website.
Don't Miss Out on this too...
The Corps, the Friends of Green River Lake and KDFWR team up annually to host a fishing day especially for kids. The event, which always includes free take home treats for the kids who participate, is held generally in August and is open free of charge to anyone who would like to participate. For more information on this event, call the Corps office at (270) 465-4463.
Don't forget too that all Green River Lake related special events, including the kid's fishing day, are posted on the " Upcoming Events" page.
Fishing Tournaments
In 2017, federal regulations were put in place that required all Special Uses (fishing tournaments, weddings, sporting events, races, etc.) of Federal Government facilities to be regulated and permitted. Whether your fishing club or group is having a one-time event within the year, or plans to have several throughout the year, a permit is still required from the Corps of Engineers. Fees for the permit depend on the details of the event and can also be waived in return for services provided to the project. The permitting process first begins with filling out the Special Use Permit Application (please reach out to the project office for application). Applications must be submitted 30 days prior to the activity/event. A permit application can be mailed, emailed or faxed. The application has several questions for the activity/event holder to answer about their activity/event. We will review the completed application, decide what fees or other paperwork, if any, are needed, and decide if the requested use is an Activity or an Event.
If use is deemed as a Special Activity, a Special Activity Permit will be issued and fees can be collected.
a. A one-time Special Activity Permit may be issued for small club fishing tournaments that reoccur throughout the year and the one-time fee would cover that year.
b. Fees for special activities can be waived or charged at the discretion of the park manager based on in-kind services provided by the permit holder (trash pickup, cleanup of area, etc.)
c. If the Special Activity would require assistance from the USACE, a cost reimbursement could be determined.
If use is deemed a Special Event, a Special Event Permit will be issued and a minimum $75.00 fee will be charged for the event.
a. For Special Events with more than 50 participants and special equipment (motor boats, bounce houses, Adventure races, corporate events, etc.,) insurance will have to be provided.
b. If the event requires USACE assistance, fill out cost reimbursement.
c. For-profit events will be assessed a 2% fee of gross revenue. In-kind services may be accepted in lieu of these fees at the discretion of the park manager (trash pickup, cleanup of area, etc.).
d. Fees for special events can be waived or charged at the discretion of the park manager based on in-kind service performed by the permit holder (trash pickup, cleanup of area, etc.)
This process helps us keep track of what tournaments are taking out of what boat ramps and when. This information helps to regulate overcrowding at the boat ramps around the lake.
KDFWR Fish Attractor Map
Hunting
A number of game and nongame species inhabit the lands of the Green River Wildlife Management Area. Various habitats support deer, turkey, rabbit, quail, squirrel, dove and waterfowl.
Green River WMA quota hunt
Deer hunting with firearms is available through the KDFWR quota hunt system and requires advanced application. For more information on applying, feel free to visit the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources website.
Other Hunting Programs Available
The KDFWR prepares some acreage for fall dove hunting on the WMA. The Corps of Engineers also offers a limited number of permitted blinds to hunt waterfowl via cooperation with KDFWR. Selection is made through a drawing, held annually on the last Saturday in September at the Corps' Green River Lake Visitor Center building. More information about the waterfowl blind drawing can be found on the "Upcoming Events" page.
Other Important Information to Remember:
- Hunting pressure is moderate-to-heavy on the WMA due to its proximity to several major urban areas. Some WMA portions are also closed to hunting.
- Respect private property. Area boundaries are marked with red paint and red posts.
- Remember that it is the hunter's responsibility to hunt only in areas open to hunting and to follow all federal, state and local laws.
**For complete hunting/fishing/boating information for Green River Lake and the surrounding WMA areas, call the KDFWR at 1 (800) 858-1549, weekdays 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. EST.