How deep is Lake Cumberland (Burnside area)?

Lake Cumberland (Burnside area) reaches a maximum depth of 27.4 metres (90 feet). It is a freshwater site rated as intermediate difficulty. Depths vary across the site, so plan your profile to your training and verify conditions locally.

Is Lake Cumberland (Burnside area) a shore dive or a boat dive?

Lake Cumberland (Burnside area) can be dived from shore or by boat. The entry is recorded as an easy walk-in. The entry area is recorded as sheltered from surge. Basic facilities are recorded at or near the site, and cell service is recorded as good. Entry details and parking notes, where known, are listed in the access section of this page.

Can beginners dive Lake Cumberland (Burnside area)?

Lake Cumberland (Burnside area) is rated as intermediate difficulty, which may not suit new divers. Listed maximum depth is 27.4 metres (90 feet). Access is from shore or by boat, with the entry recorded as an easy walk-in. Consider your experience level, conditions, and local guidance before planning.

What will I see at Lake Cumberland (Burnside area)?

Divers at Lake Cumberland (Burnside area) in United States commonly report sightings of Largemouth bass, Smallmouth bass, Striped bass, Walleye, and Channel catfish. Largemouth bass, Smallmouth bass, Striped bass, and Channel catfish are recorded as common sightings, while Walleye is reported only occasionally. Marine life varies by season and conditions—check the site page for recent diver observations and photos.

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IntermediateBoth

Lake Cumberland (Burnside area)

Kentucky, United StatesDirections

Open Water suggested27 m depthBoth entry

Lake Cumberland (Burnside area) at a glance

Lake Cumberland (Burnside area) is an intermediate both dive site in Kentucky, United States with depths of up to 27.4 m (90 ft). Typically most favorable Jul · from 3 years of archive data. Divers commonly see Largemouth bass, Smallmouth bass, and Striped bass. Check the latest conditions and entry details before you go.

Wind model · graded 14h ago

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Tap a factor for its source and model point

Site hazards: Heavy recreational boat traffic in summer; thermocline at ~35 ft; large depth - average about 90 ft; fluctuating reservoir levels

Read the full hazards ↓

Dive windows this week

Best: Mon

Fri8:00–20:00

Sat8:00–20:00

Sun8:00–20:00

Mon8:00–20:00

Tue8:00–20:00

Wed8:00–20:00

Thu8:00–20:00

Favorable windowModerate window— no window

First light 6:51 · Sunrise 7:17 · Sunset 19:52

Source: Open-Meteo wind · graded 14h ago

Forecast only — always assess conditions on site.

Recent diver reports

Dated firsthand observations from divers — not current conditions.

No diver reports for this site yet. — one dated observation helps every diver after you.

Dived here today — did the forecast match?

What Divers Say

Known for: Largemouth bass, Smallmouth bass, Striped bass

Best time: Summer; surface temps reach the mid-80s F

Based on community reviews and site data. Conditions vary — always verify before diving.

Best months, historically

What conditions have historically been typical at this site, month by month — not a forecast.

Jan82% 9 kn
Feb79% 10 kn
Mar86% 10 kn
Apr84% 10 kn
May87% 9 kn
Jun90% 7 kn
Jul100% 7 kn
Aug98% 7 kn
Sep98% 7 kn
Oct97% 8 kn
Nov97% 9 kn
Dec84% 10 kn

July hastypically had the largest share of favorable days here. Conditions vary year to year — this is historical context, not a forecast.

Based on 3 years of archive data. Bar height shows the share of days each month whose conditions have historically scored favorably.

Marine life seen at this site

Species noted at this site — not a promise of what you’ll encounter.

Species seen here

Fills & rentals nearby

No dive shops mapped within 25 km. Know one? Add it to the map.

Data updated June 2026

Site details

A 101-mile-long Corps of Engineers reservoir formed by Wolf Creek Dam in 1950, regarded by the Bluegrass Dive Club as one of Kentucky's best diving areas. Visibility runs 10-30 ft over rock bluffs, sunken boats and abundant game fish, with a pronounced thermocline around 35 ft. Most diving is staged from Burnside near Somerset, where the Diver's Den shop supports lake divers.

boatshorewall

Heavy recreational boat traffic in summer; thermocline at ~35 ft; large depth - average about 90 ft; fluctuating reservoir levels

Reviews

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