Lake with glowing sunset

Herrington Lake Vacation Rentals

Herrington Lake

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Herrington Lake
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Why Rent On Herrington Lake

Herrington Lake is a 2,335-acre artificial lake located in Mercer, Garrard and Boyle counties in Kentucky, United States. The lake was created by Kentucky Utilities’ damming of the Dix River, a tributary of the Kentucky River, in 1925 to generate hydroelectric power. With a maximum depth of 249 feet, Herrington Lake is the deepest lake in Kentucky. A short distance below the dam, the Dix River enters the Kentucky River at High Bridge, Kentucky.
Dix Dam, the dam that made the lake, was the largest earth-filled dam in the world at the time, and considered to be a major engineering feat.

Best time to go
As autumn cloaks Herrington Lake in vibrant hues from September to late October, the shimmering waters beckon discerning travelers. Perfect for leisurely fishing and tranquil boat rides, enjoy the serenity and stunning views while avoiding summer crowds.
Water Quality
Herrington Lake's waters are predominantly deep blue, with areas exhibiting milky turquoise hues due to algal blooms. The lake's clarity ranges from crystal-clear to murky, influenced by seasonal algal growth and recent harmful algal blooms.
Surface area (mi)
5.59
Max depth (ft)
249.34
Elevation (ft)
751.31
Shoreline length (mi)
325.35

Popular activities

  • Boating
  • Swimming
  • Fishing
  • Cross-country Skiing
  • Kayaking
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Marinas on Herrington Lake

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to dive into what Herrington Lake has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!

  • Yes, Herrington Lake is safe for swimming. The water quality meets safe drinking water standards and is safe for recreational use, according to an environmental study by an independent consulting firm.

  • Herrington Lake is a popular destination because it offers excellent fishing. The lake is abundantly stocked with various fish species, including bluegill, catfish, and bass. It also provides several outdoor activities like hiking, horseback riding, and boat rentals, making it a versatile playground for recreational sports.

  • For bass in Herrington Lake, Kentucky, the minimum size limit for largemouth bass is 12 inches, with no specific daily creel limit mentioned beyond statewide regulations. Herrington Lake follows the statewide regulations for black bass, allowing a daily creel limit of 6 bass, with no more than 6 of these being largemouth or smallmouth bass combined.

  • There is no public beach at Herrington Lake. Swimming is only accessible through private property or by boat, as there are no publicly available access points. You can rent watercraft from the marinas on the lake to access the water.

  • Towns near Herrington Lake include Burgin, Harrodsburg, Perryville, Salvisa, and Willisburg, all located in Mercer County, Kentucky. Herrington Lake is also partially in Boyle County. These towns offer various local amenities and services to residents and visitors of the lake area.