Fishtrap Lake State Park in Kentucky

Fishtrap Lake State Park is the newest addition to the Kentucky State Parks. It covers about 1,130 acres of land and is located just southeast of Pikeville, KY in Pike County. Fishtrap Lake State Park first opened in 2003.

The main attraction at this state park is Fishtrap Lake, a man-made lake that was created to control flooding along both the Ohio and Big Sandy Rivers. Lake construction started in 1962 and completed in 1968. Fishtrap Lake is available for boating, fishing, there are also numerous hiking trails around the lake. Visitors to the park are likely to run into deer, raccoons, and maybe even a grouse or two.

Those fishing at this park will most likely catch Bass, Crappie, Catfish, and Kentucky Stripe Bass and fishing is open to the public.

While Fishtrap Lake State Park is probably best known for the lake and fishing opportunities that it offers, the park also boasts several beautiful picnic sites - both individual and group sites can be reserved up to a year in advance. The dense forests and mountains that surround the park make it an ideal spot for planning a romantic picnic or a family reunion. The park also offers a basketball court, which is located in the marina area of the park.

For the history buff, Fishtrap Lake State Park offers a wide variety of Kentucky history. Archeologists have discovered 33 different American Indian sites in the Fishtrap Lake area. Additionally, 65,000 artifacts have been found in the area. Pike County is also home of the Hatfield-McCoy feud, a struggle between two local families that made newspaper headlines.

The climate in the region is moderate and the park is open year-round. In the summer, temperatures frequently climb to 90 degrees but winters remain moderate with the average daily temperature being 45 degrees. Spring and fall may be the best times to visit Fishtrap Lake State Park, as the temperatures typically stay in the mid-70′s during this time of year.

In addition to Fishtrap Lake State Park, Pike County Kentucky is home to numerous Civil War battle sites. Civil War artifacts and more can be seen at the Big Sandy Heritage Museum, also located in Pike County. Also close by is Breaks Interstate Park, one of only two interstate state parks in the entire United States, this park features a 250 million year old canyon and takes up over 4,500 acres of land. Breaks Interstate Park also has more than 14 miles of hiking trails and is the perfect place to visit when spending time at Fishtrap Lake State Park.

Fishtrap Lake State Park is located 2204 Fishtrap Road Pikeville, KY 41501. The park’s phone number is 606.437.7496, and the email address is [email protected].