Overview
Barren River Lake is a 10,000-acre reservoir on the Barren River in Allen, Barren, and Monroe counties in south-central Kentucky. It was authorized for flood control and became operational in 1964 under the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Louisville District. The project reduces flood damages on the Barren and Green river systems while supporting recreation and related uses.
At summer pool the lake has roughly 141 miles of shoreline across rolling Pennyroyal hills and limestone country. Broad creek arms, points, and stained to clearer water near the dam create a mix of fishing and boating habitat typical of Louisville District flood-control lakes.
Barren River Lake State Resort Park, Corps recreation areas, and public ramps support boating, camping, and fishing for crappie, bass, hybrid striped bass, and catfish. Fisheries are managed by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources.
Water levels are managed by the Corps under a seasonal rule curve referenced to NGVD29, with a summer full pool of 552 feet, a winter pool near 525 feet, and flood storage extending to a spillway crest of 590 feet. Monitoring current lake levels is important for boating, fishing, and ramp access as the project stores and releases floodwater.
Current Conditions
Barren River Lake is currently 0.68 feet above full pool and has risen slightly over the past week.
- 7-day trendRisingLatest movement can differ from the seven-day trend.
- 7-day changeDown 0.01 ft
- 30-day changeUp 0.22 ft
- Drought conditionsNo Drought
About This Lake
Learn how this lake is managed, what affects its water level, and where Lake Insights gets its data.
Barren River Lake is a 10,000-acre reservoir on the Barren River managed by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.