This listing of lakes, rivers, and other bodies of water within Kentucky provides key information for seaplane pilots. This is a work in progress, so it updated frequently. If you have any information to provide or have any questions, please contact us.
With the exception of Rising Sun, IN on the Ohio River, there are presently no water-based location with 100LL, so plan accordingly.
Barren River Lake, Lucas, Kentucky
Cave Run Lake, Morehead, Kentucky (prohibited)
All aircraft, including seaplanes, are prohibited on Cave Run Lake by the U.S. Forest Service without prior permission. If you would like to request permission contact the local ranger office.
Cumberland Ranger District – Daniel Boone National Forest
2375 KY 801 South
Morehead, KY 40351
606-784-6428
Cedar Creek Lake, Crab Orchard, Kentucky (avoid)
Seaplane landing on Cedar Creek Lake is not recommended. Although the main body of the lake is feasible for landing, there are many areas of the lake with tree stumps extending above or right near the surface of the lake.
Craigs Creek, Warsaw, Kentucky (seaplane friendly)
Craigs Creek is a protected cove off of the Ohio River near Warsaw, Kentucky.
Fuel: Auto fuel only, NO 100LL. However, you can contact Macs Seaplane Service in Rising Sun, IN at https://www.macsseaplane.com for fuel, it is about 20 miles away on the Ohio River.
Docking: There is a seaplane friendly dock located in the marina, see diagram.
Concerns: There are several wires strung across the water, see diagram. At time, there can also be significant boat traffic.
Dining: Yes, there is a restaurant located within walking distance of the seaplane dock.
Dale Hollow Lake, Albany, Kentucky (seaplane friendly)
Dale Hollow Lake crosses the Tennessee boarder. The lake is beautiful and most of the marinas are seaplane friendly, but call ahead to make sure they have space for you.
Green River Lake, Campbellsville, Kentucky
Herrington Lake, Harrodsburg, Kentucky
Herrington Lake is a narrow lake that can accommodate seaplanes, but there is not a lot of room, especially with boat traffic. The marina is congested with boat traffic to is it difficult to get
Lake Barkely, Kuttawa Kentucky (seaplane friendly)
Lake Barkely is one of the to lakes encompassing the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation area.
There is plenty of room to operate on the lake.
Fuel: No 100LL on the water. There are several airports nearby for amphibious aircraft.
Lake Cumberland, Somerset, Kentucky (seaplane friendly)
Lake Cumberland is an Army Corps of Engineers managed water project.
Laurel River Lake, Corbin, Kentucky (prohibited)
All aircraft, including seaplanes, are prohibited on Laurel River Lake by the U.S. Forest Service without prior permission. If you would like to request permission contact the local ranger office.
London Ranger District
761 South Laurel Road
London, KY 40744
606-864-4163
Kentucky Lake, Grand Rivers, Kentucky (seaplane friendly)
Kentucky Lake is one of the two lakes encompassing the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation area.
There is plenty of room to operate on the lake.
Fuel: No 100LL on the water. There are several airports nearby for amphibious aircraft.
Nolin Lake, Leitchfield, Kentucky
Ohio River, Maysville, Kentucky (seaplane friendly)
Although there are no services, there is a seaplane friendly floating dock near the main bridge crossing the Ohio River.
Ohio River Water Levels
Ohio River, New Richmond, Ohio (seaplane friendly)
New Richmond has a seaplane friendly marina and restaurant.
Ohio River Water Levels
Ohio River, Rising Sun, IN (seaplane friendly)
Rising Sun, Indiana is the location of seabase 67IN ran by Macs Seaplane Service. Call ahead for services, but 100LL is available.
Amphibians should use the boat ramp 1/4 mile south of the seabase as the ramp at the seabase has several pot holes.
Ohio River Water Levels
Rough River Lake, Falls of Rough, Kentucky
Rough River Lake can accommodate seaplane landings. There is an airport right next to the water for amphibians.
Taylorsville Lake, Taylorsville, Kentucky
Taylorsville Lake is a small lake managed by the Army Corps of Engineers. Seaplane landing is feasible, but extended activity should be avoided as there can be significant boat traffic given the lake’s size.
Fuel: No 100LL, auto fuel only.
Docking: No seaplane friendly docks.
Ramping: There is a seaplane friendly ramp, see diagram. However, during heavy use, this may not be available due to local boat traffic, trailer storage, etc.
