Fishtrap Lake, in the above park
Fishtrap Lake is a reservoir in eastern Kentucky near Pikeville that stretches for more than sixteen miles across a narrow valley. The water is surrounded by dense forests and rocky shores, reaching depths of up to 84 feet in some areas, making it suitable for fishing and boating.
Construction on Fishtrap Dam began in 1962 and was completed in 1968, when President Lyndon Johnson officially opened it. The project was built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to control flooding along the Big Sandy River and prevent damage to surrounding communities.
The lake's name comes from ancient fish traps that Native Americans built in this area. The region still carries stories of mountain families and their connection to these lands, making it a place where local history feels close during a visit.
The lake is accessible by taking US 460 south from Pikeville, with different roads leading to the dam and upper sections. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes for walking on uneven terrain, and the steep, forested landscape means you should be prepared for hilly paths and rocky ground.
The dam at nearly 195 feet tall is Kentucky's highest, built by moving millions of cubic yards of earth and rock during construction. Archaeologists have found more than thirty ancient Native American sites near the lake, revealing a long history of occupation in this region before the modern era.
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