Yatesville Lake is located entirely in Lawrence County, Kentucky, on Blaine Creek; a tributary of the Big Sandy River. It was built under the Flood Control Act of 1965. The dam is rockfill, with a central impervious core and founded on rock. The length of the lake and boatable arms is 20.6 miles upstream from the dam and 18.1 miles upstream from where it flows into the Big Sandy River. The maximum depth of the lake is 60 feet with an average mean depth of 17.7 feet. The shoreline measures 93.9 miles at summer pool level. The lake's watershed is 208 miles. Winter Pool Elevation - 624.0 m.s.l. (1,745 acres) Summer Pool Elevation - 630.0 m.s.l. (2,242 acres) Flood Pool Elevation - 645.0 m.s.l. (3,805 acres).

Historical Info

A Wicket Dam Exhibit is located in the Project's Information Center. From 1875 until the turn of the century, the Corps of Engineers constructed a series of 53 wicket dams to canalize the Ohio River to meet the demands of year-round navigation beginning at Davis Island near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and traveling the length of the river to Cairo, Illinois. The exhibit depicts this process. An Oil Well Exhibit is located adjacent to the Project Office/Information Center parking lot. The oil well equipment was pulled from the oil field at Little Blaine Creek before the water from the lake covered the site. The exhibit depicts the common method of oil production at the turn of the century.

Wildlife

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers along with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife manage the fish and wildlife programs through habitat improvement, nesting site development, and food-plot programs for the benefit of many fish and wildlife species. Game laws are enforced by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife. Hunting is permitted in marked areas. There is no hunting permitted in the areas around the dam or information center.

Access

Universally Accessible Facilities are provided at the Project Office/Information Center, Marina and Barkers Launch Ramp Area. A Universal Access Fishing Jetty is located prior to entering the Barkers Launch Ramp Area. This jetty provides easy access and has proven to be an excellent fishing spot. A Universal Accessible Nature Trail is located behind Oil Well Exhibit adjacent to Project Office/Information Center parking l

Bicycling

Bicycles are permitted on main roads and in the campground.

Boating

Launch ramps for the boating enthusiasts and fishermen are located at Barkers, Pleasant Ridge, Rich Creek and Twin Branch. Twin Branch is the only seasonable ramp. All other ramps can be utilized year round.

Camping

A sixty site campground is located at Pleasant Ridge (State Route 3215). Of the sixty sites, fifteen are boat accessible only. With the exception of the boat accessible sites, all other sites have water and electric. A dump station is available for use. The campground is managed by the Kentucky Department of Parks. For questions regarding the campground, contact the Yatesville Lake State Park Campground at (606) 673-1490.

Fishing

Fishing is allowed from boats and the shoreline in and along Yatesville Lake. Kentucky fishing/hunting licenses and appropriate stamps are required.

Hiking

A Nature Trail is located behind Oil Well Exhibit adjacent to Project Office/Information Center parking lot. The trail is universally accessible, approximately 1.5 miles long, and offers a great view of the lake and dam areas.

Horseback Riding

Horseback riding is permitted in certain areas at Yatesville Lake. There is a developed riding trail operated and managed by the Lawrence County Saddle Club. The trail is located in the Pleasant Ridge area off state route 3215 near the Eagle Ridge Golf Course.

Marina

Yatesville Lake State Park Marina is located at Barkers Launch Ramp area. The Marina is managed by KY Department of Parks and provides customers with docking facilities, boat rentals, boating/fishing and picnic supplies, etc. For information regarding the Marina call (606) 686-2361.

Picnicking

A picnic shelter is located at the Barkers Launch Ramp Area. The shelter can be reserved by calling the Yatesville Lake State Park Marina at (606) 686-2361