How deep is Laurel River Lake - Dam Area?

Laurel River Lake - Dam Area ranges from 9.1 to 24.4 metres deep (30–80 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 Laurel River Lake - Dam Area a shore dive or a boat dive?

Laurel River Lake - Dam Area can be dived from shore or by boat. The entry is recorded as a rocky scramble. The entry area is recorded as sheltered from surge. No facilities are recorded at 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 Laurel River Lake - Dam Area?

Laurel River Lake - Dam Area is rated as intermediate difficulty, which may not suit new divers. Listed depths run from 9.1 to 24.4 metres (30–80 feet). Access is from shore or by boat, with the entry recorded as a rocky scramble. Consider your experience level, conditions, and local guidance before planning.

When is the best time to dive Laurel River Lake - Dam Area?

The best time to dive Laurel River Lake - Dam Area is typically Late spring through early fall. Conditions vary, so check the latest reports and forecasts on the dive site page before your trip.

What will I see at Laurel River Lake - Dam Area?

Divers at Laurel River Lake - Dam Area in United States commonly report sightings of Smallmouth bass, Channel catfish, Walleye, Rainbow trout, and Bluegill. Smallmouth bass, Channel catfish, and Bluegill are recorded as common sightings, while Rainbow trout is seasonal, 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

Laurel River Lake - Dam Area

Kentucky, United StatesDirections

Open Water suggested9–24 m depthBoth entry

Laurel River Lake - Dam Area at a glance

Laurel River Lake - Dam Area is an intermediate both dive site in Kentucky, United States with depths of 9.1–24.4 m (30–80 ft). Typically most favorable Jul · from 3 years of archive data. Divers commonly see Smallmouth bass, Channel catfish, and Walleye. Check the latest conditions and entry details before you go.

Wind model · graded 2h ago

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Tap a factor for its source and model point

Site hazards: Riprap and steep rock at entries; boat traffic; thermocline and cold deep water; remote shoreline

Read the full hazards ↓

Dive windows this week

Best: Thu

Fri14:00–20:00

Sat8:00–14:00

Sun8:00–20:00

Mon9:00–19:00

Tue8:00–20:00

Wed8:00–20:00

Thu8:00–20:00

Favorable windowModerate window— no window

First light 6:50 · Sunrise 7:16 · Sunset 19:50

Source: Open-Meteo wind · graded 2h 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: Smallmouth bass, Channel catfish, Bluegill

Best time: Late spring through early fall

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

Laurel River Lake near Corbin, in the Daniel Boone National Forest, is considered one of the deepest and cleanest lakes in Kentucky. The dam area is the signature dive, with clear water over submerged rock formations and depths typically worked between 30 and 80 ft. The lake is a regular destination for Lexington and Louisville dive clubs.

boatshorewall

Riprap and steep rock at entries; boat traffic; thermocline and cold deep water; remote shoreline

Reviews

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