Water level to rise at Lake Cumberland

The water level at  Lake Cumberland is expected to rise over the summer.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced today that it plans to raise the level of Lake Cumberland this summer by 20 feet, which is a year ahead of schedule as it nears completion of repairs on Wolf Creek Dam.

Governor Steve Beshear stated this is great news for tourists, boaters, fishermen and the marinas and other businesses in the Cumberland Lake area, the early completion of the work at Wolf Creek Dam will help bring back much-needed jobs in this area.

Before raising the level, a safety team will a conduct a review of a new barrier wall that is near completion to ensure it meets safety standards.

In 2007, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers lowered the level of Lake Cumberland by 40 feet to ease pressure on the structure.

Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources Assistant Fisheries Director, Gerry Buynak, stated the higher water level will result in a ‘new lake’ fish population boom, with very good spawns of fish such as bass and crappie expected.

Officials with Kentucky Fish and Wildlife plan to stock 150,000 more walleyes and 150,000 more striped bass than normal this year and will altogether add 1 million walleye and striped bass to the lake this year to give fishing a boost.
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