What Cedar Lake offers and who should fish it

Cedar Lake sits about 20 miles south of Lexington in Madison County and holds largemouth bass, bluegill, and channel catfish in a 620-acre impoundment. The lake runs narrow and deep in places, with shallow coves and standing timber that hold fish year-round. If you're coming from Lexington and want a half-day trip without driving to eastern Kentucky's mountain lakes, Cedar Lake works well — it's close enough for an evening after work and deep enough to fish productively even in summer heat.

The lake draws local anglers more than out-of-state visitors, which means less pressure on weekdays and better success if you know what to target. The water stays relatively clear except after heavy rain, and the bottom is mostly mud and clay rather than the rocky structure you find in natural mountain lakes. That matters for how you fish it: you're working cover and depth changes rather than rocky points.

Key Takeaways

  • Cedar Lake is a 620-acre reservoir 20 miles south of Lexington holding largemouth bass, bluegill, and catfish in water that stays 30 to 50 feet deep in the main channel.
  • Spring and fall produce the most consistent bass fishing; summer requires fishing early morning and deep water, while winter slows the bite but concentrates fish in the deepest holes.
  • The lake has no boat ramp on the north end near Lexington, so you must launch from the south dam area or fish from the bank at public access points.
  • Standing timber and shallow coves hold fish, but the main channel drop-offs and deeper holes are where bass move when the sun is high or water temperature swings.

How to reach Cedar Lake and where to launch

From Lexington, take US 27 south toward Nicholasville, then follow signs for Cedar Lake Road. The main public access is at the south dam area near the spillway, where a gravel lot holds a boat ramp and a few parking spaces. This ramp is maintained by the city of Lexington but can get crowded on weekends. The water is usually calm here because you're behind the dam, making it a good launch point for smaller boats or kayaks.

Bank fishing is possible at several spots along Cedar Lake Road on the north side, though access is limited and you'll be fishing from the road shoulder or a small pull-off. The south dam area also has a walking path where you can fish from the bank if you don't have a boat. Cell service is spotty around the lake, so download directions before you leave town.

Bass fishing through the seasons

Spring (March through May) is the most reliable time. Water temperatures climb from the 50s into the 60s and 70s, and bass move shallow to spawn. Fish the coves on the north and east sides where creeks feed in; these areas warm first and hold spawning fish. Use crankbaits, soft plastics, and topwater lures in the early morning. The bite slows by mid-morning as the sun climbs, so plan to fish from dawn until 10 a.m.

Summer (June through August) flattens the bite during the day. Bass retreat to the main channel where water stays cooler and deeper — 40 to 50 feet down. Fish before sunrise with deep-diving crankbaits or live shiners, or switch to catfish and bluegill in the evening when the water cools slightly. The shallow coves become dead zones by noon, so don't waste time there.

Fall (September through November) brings another strong bite as water cools and bass move back to shallower structure. The same coves and timber that worked in spring produce again. Fish are feeding hard before winter, so the action can be fast from mid-September through October. By November, the bite slows as water drops into the 50s.

Winter (December through February) concentrates bass in the deepest holes near the dam. The bite is slow and requires patience, but you can catch fish by dropping live shiners or jigging vertically in 45 to 55 feet of water. Most local anglers don't fish winter here; if you do, you'll have the lake to yourself.

Bluegill and catfish when bass aren't biting

Cedar Lake's bluegill population is strong and reliable. Fish the shallow coves and around standing timber with small jigs, crickets, or waxworms. Early morning and late evening are best, but bluegill bite throughout the day if you're patient. Kids and beginners do well here because the fish are plentiful and don't require technical presentations.

Channel catfish run 2 to 8 pounds and bite best at night or early morning. Use chicken liver, cut shad, or stink bait in the deeper holes near the dam or along the main channel. Set out a rod and wait; catfish fishing is low-stress and works year-round. Summer nights are most productive because the water is warm and catfish feed actively.

Tackle and techniques that work

For bass, bring a medium-power spinning rod with 8 to 10-pound monofilament or braided line. Crankbaits in the 2 to 4-inch range work well in spring and fall when fish are shallow. In summer, switch to deep-diving crankbaits or soft plastics rigged on 1/4 to 3/8-ounce jig heads. Topwater lures produce strikes in low light but are less effective once the sun is high.

The standing timber and submerged brush require careful casting to avoid snagging. If you hook a tree, keep tension on the line and work the lure free rather than jerking hard — the wood is soft and usually gives. Bring extra lures because you will lose some.

For catfish, a medium-heavy rod with 15 to 20-pound line and a simple three-way rig or slip sinker works fine. Use a 2/0 to 4/0 circle hook and let the catfish take the bait without setting the hook hard — circle hooks usually hook themselves.

What to know about water conditions and safety

Cedar Lake's water level fluctuates with city demand and rainfall. In dry years, the lake can drop 5 to 10 feet, exposing stumps and changing where fish hold. Check the water level before you go if you're launching a boat — low water can make the ramp difficult to use. The city of Lexington maintains the dam and spillway, so water releases can happen without warning; if you're fishing below the dam, watch for rising water.

The lake has no lifeguard and limited cell service in some areas. Wear a life jacket if you're in a boat, and tell someone where you're going and when you'll be back. The water stays cold even in summer at depth, so hypothermia is a real risk if you fall in. Weekday mornings are quieter and safer for solo fishing because you're more likely to encounter other anglers if something goes wrong.

Regulations and what you need to bring

You need a Kentucky fishing license to fish Cedar Lake. Buy one online through the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources website or at any Walmart or sporting goods store in Lexington. A one-day license costs less than a full-year license if you're just visiting.

Bass have a 12-inch minimum length limit and a five-fish daily limit. Bluegill and catfish have no size or bag limits. Check the current regulations before you fish because rules change — the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources website has the full list.

Bring sunscreen, water, and a hat. The lake has no shade on the water, and the sun reflects off the surface. A small cooler with ice keeps your catch fresh and gives you cold water to drink. If you're fishing from the bank, bring a headlamp for early morning or evening.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Cedar Lake year-round?

Yes. The lake doesn't freeze solid in most winters, and fishing is open all year. Winter is slow, but catfish and deep bass bite if you're willing to fish in cold weather. Spring and fall are the most productive seasons.

Do I need a boat to fish Cedar Lake?

No. Bank fishing is possible at the south dam area and along Cedar Lake Road on the north side. You won't reach the deepest structure or the far coves, but you can catch bluegill and catfish from shore, and bass bite the shallower areas in spring and fall.

What's the closest place to eat or get gas near Cedar Lake?

Nicholasville is about 10 miles north. Gas stations and restaurants are on Main Street. Bring snacks and water from Lexington if you want to stay on the water longer without leaving.

Is Cedar Lake good for kayak fishing?

Yes, if you stay in the shallower coves and near the dam. The main channel can get choppy if wind picks up, and the water is deep enough that falling in is serious. Wear a life jacket and fish early morning when the water is calm.

What size fish should I expect to catch?

Bass run 1 to 4 pounds on average, with occasional fish to 6 pounds. Bluegill are typically 6 to 9 inches. Catfish range from 2 to 8 pounds, with some larger fish in the deep holes. Don't expect trophy fish, but you'll catch enough to make a trip worthwhile.