MARTINS FORK LAKE
Martins Fork Lake provides a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities
for thousands of visitors each year. Because of the temperate climate
and long recreation season, visitors have numerous activities from which
to choose, including: fishing, hunting, picnicking, camping,
sunbathing, hiking, boating, and others.
BOATING
Boats are restricted to motors with 10 hp or less. The USACE offers
waivers for boats with greater than 10 hp motors. Boaters who are
interested in obtaining a waiver must have a boat safety inspection by
one of the lake staff before obtaining their waiver. Proper boat
registration, drivers license, operating navigation lights, PFD�s, and
fire extinguisher are required for a waiver.
Fishing
Fishing opportunities are numerous at the lake. Bass, crappie, walleye,
bluegill, and catfish are commonly caught in the lake. Below the dam
is also an excellent area to fish for rainbow trout (stocked March to
November), walleye, and bluegill. Limits at Martins Fork fall under the
statewide size and creel limits posted by the Kentucky Department of
Fish and Wildlife Resources. Martins Fork Lake offers barrier free
fishing areas at the Smith Recreation Area and below the dam on the
tailwaters. During the winter, volunteers place artificial fish habitat
structures in the lake. Please contact the Resource Managers Office for
more information.
Swimming
Swimming is prohibited at the launching ramp and the fishing pier. It is
allowed elsewhere, but for safety�s sake please swim only at the
Smith Recreation Area Beach. This area is much safer as it is off-limits
to boaters of all kinds. It is surrounded by �restricted area�
buoys and a floating orange pipeline. The Smith Recreation Area is free
to the public. The beach is maintained and operated by the Harlan County
Recreation Department and is covered with white sand. Alcohol, pets and
glass containers are prohibited at the Smith Recreation Area beach.
Hunting
MARTINS FORK WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA (open under state regulations)
HIKING
cumberland shadow trail
VISITE FOR MORE INFO
MARTINSFORKLAKEKY.COM
