An Official Website of the Commonwealth of Kentucky
This page details the requirements and procedures for obtaining permits for existing structures or for constructing new structures on and around certain Department-owned lakes. There are currently 11 lakes listed under this regulation that are owned by the Agency in deed or have a fishing access easement on the shoreline. It illustrates structures and their dimensions that adjacent landowners may legally build on Department-owned lakes and the buffer land around those lakes. These regulations are intended to allow additional lake access to adjacent landowners while limiting construction to ensure that erosion will not be a problem and that the natural beauty of the lakes and lands is not unduly affected. Please review the guide below if you are considering building or rebuilding a fishing access structure on any state-owned lake.
kdfwr PUBLIC MEETING Notice
KENTUCKY FISH AND WILDLIFE TO HOST PUBLIC MEETINGS FOR INPUT ON BOAT DOCK, SHORELINE USE REGULATIONS ON DEPARTMENT-OWNED LAKES
FRANKFORT, KY. (Feb. 16, 2026) — The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources regulates boat docks and shoreline uses for 11 department-owned lakes it manages through a permit system.
Department officials are planning to recommend amending these permit regulations for its lakes and will hold a series of public meetings to explain the current system and seek public input on potential changes. Permits are necessary to construct a boat dock or encroach upon the department-owned buffer zones around these state-owned lakes.
Those unable to attend public meetings may still provide comments to the Boat Dock/Shoreline Use Working Group. Commenters should include their first and last name, the county and state of residence, and the organization represented, with the position held in the organization, if applicable.
A public meeting was held on Feb. 3 in Dry Ridge for public input on Boltz, Bullock Pen, Corinth and Kincaid lakes in northern Kentucky. Future meetings are planned for Carpenter, New Kingfisher and Old Kingfisher lakes in Daviess County, and Lake Malone in Muhlenberg, Logan and Todd counties. Dates and locations will be announced.
ATTN: Boat Dock/Shoreline Use Public CommentKentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources1 Sportsman's LaneFrankfort, KY 40601
fwboatdocks@ky.govPlease use the subject line: "Dock/Shoreline Use Public Comment"