A man-made lake surrounded by natural beauty, Fishtrap Lake was created to help control flooding along the Ohio and Big Sandy Rivers. The Army Corp of Engineers broke ground on the project in 1962, and President Lyndon Johnson dedicated the project upon its completion in 1968. Nestled among mountains and dense forests, the Fishtrap Lake area will appeal to anyone who loves boating, fishing or hiking. But don't be surprised if the other visitors you meet as you wander around the park area aren't of the human variety; this site is well-known as a haven for deer, raccoons and even the occasional grouse.
Long before the lake was ever envisioned however, the natural protection afforded by the surrounding mountains drew early settlers of all types. Kentucky pioneers, many from England and Scotland, found the soil rich and the wildlife plentiful—just what farmers, hunters and trappers were seeking. More than 65-thousand relics from early settlers have been recovered throughout years of periodic excavation. Some of the area's earliest settlers, however, made a pact not to establish permanent settlements here. Native Americans found it so easy to hunt and fish here, they feared if any one group were allowed to stay for an extended time, the surrounding wildlife would be hunted to the point of extinction. To prevent this possibility, they made it a point to stay for only a short time so all groups could share the natural bounty.