Gas boats OK, motor up You can launch a boat with a gas outboard. Leave it up and use your electric motor.No gas motors on board Remove the outboard or bring a boat without one.Gas boats: check first The rules don't say. Call before you tow a gas boat there.
Lake Reba
Near Richmond, Madison County
Electric motors onlyGas boats: check first
Electric motors only; internal combustion motors prohibited.
Size
81 acres
Launch
Paved single-lane boat ramp with courtesy dock
Fees & permits
No ramp fee
Other rules
Ramp open year-round with limited hours.
Fish
Redear sunfish, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass
Managed by
Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (fishery); City of Richmond (Lake Reba Sports Complex)
What the official rules say
Only electric motors may be operated on the lake.
McNeely Lake
Near Louisville, Jefferson County
Electric motors onlyGas boats: check first
Electric trolling motors only; internal combustion motors may not be operated.
Size
55 acres
Launch
Paved single-lane boat ramp with courtesy dock; separate carry-down paddlecraft launch and fishing pier
Fees & permits
No ramp fee
Other rules
Largemouth bass 12–15 inch protected slot. Ramp open year-round with limited hours.
Fish
Largemouth bass
Managed by
Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (fishery); Louisville Parks (McNeely Lake Park)
What the official rules say
A person shall not operate an internal combustion boat motor and shall only be allowed to use an electric trolling motor on: ... McNeely Lake, Jefferson County
Smoky Valley Lake / Carter Caves Lake (Carter Caves State Resort Park)
Near Grayson, Carter County
Electric motors onlyGas boats: check first
Electric motors only; daylight fishing only.
Size
26 acres
Launch
Paved single-lane boat ramp
Fees & permits
No ramp fee
Other rules
Daylight fishing only. Trout stocked in season.
Managed by
Kentucky State Parks (fishery: Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources)
What the official rules say
electric motors only; daylight fishing only.
No lakes match. Try another state or clear the search.
Before you go
Rules change, and some lakes close for the season or have their own permits. We link each lake to the agency page that states its motor rule, and show the month we checked it (most recently October 2026). Confirm the current rules with the lake's manager before you head out. Your state's boat registration and safety-equipment rules still apply on electric-only lakes.
Know a lake we're missing, or a rule that's changed? Tell us.
