Welcome to Rough River Lake

Episode 27:  Welcome to Lake Life with Molley and Chad! In today’s episode, we’re joined by a group of friends to talk about Rough River Lake in Kentucky.  Our friends are Chuck, Dawn, Spence and Lisa.  This is a continuation of our tour of lakes across Kentucky and Tennessee.  Let’s jump in, so to speak.

Rough River Lake Offers Diverse Activities

Rough River Lake is a 65-foot deep reservoir located in Breckenridge, Hardin and Grayson counties, in Kentucky.  It offers a wised range of activities for visitors to enjoy.  It’s a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

The lake has 220 miles of shoreline, providing ample space for visitors to explore and enjoy the beautiful scenery.  Interestingly, it’s actually linked to Green River.  Whether it’s swimming, boating or simply relaxing on the shore, there are plenty of opportunities to soak up the sun and enjoy the water.

Fishing is a popular activity at Rough River Lake.  The lake is known for its diverse fish population, including crappie, bass, hybrid bass and bluegill.  Bass tournaments are held regularly, attracting fishermen from all over.  Whether you’re an experienced angler or just starting out, Rough River Lake offers a great fishing experience.

For those who prefer a more relaxed experience, Rough River Lake offers opportunities for leisurely boat rides or picnics along the shoreline.  The calm waters in the no wake area provide a peaceful and serene environment, perfect for enjoying a day on the lake.

They discuss the historical significance of Rough River Lake.  Chuck and Spence share a funny story about their family’s connection to the lake, dating back to the 1960s when their grandfather and great uncle built a cabin there.  The original cabin still stands today, serving as a gathering place for family and friends. 

The lake has several boat ramps, making it easy for visitors to launch their boats and explore the lake.  The state dock is a popular spot, providing convenient access to the water.  There are also neighborhood boat ramps available for those who live in the area.

Family Bonding at the Lake

One aspect of Rough River Lake that stands out is its ability to foster family bonding.  The podcast.  The guys talk about their childhood experiences at the lake, where they would spend their days water skiing and fishing.  They recall the excitement of progressing from wearing life jackets to being able to wear ski belts, which was a big privilege.  These activities not only provided fun and entertainment bus also taught everyone important life skills such as swimming and water safety.

There’s a mention the importance of family time at the lake.  They describe how the original cabin served as a gathering place for extended family, including grandparents, aunts, uncles and siblings. 

Chad talks about the lack of phone reception in certain areas, which allows for uninterrupted conversations and connections with their children.  They describe how being in a secluded cover creates a space for meaningful conversations that may not have happened otherwise.  This aspect of the lake is seen as both a blessing and a curse, as it can lead to surprising and sometimes humorous interactions.

Another highlight of family bonding at the lake is the annual family reunion.  Dawn mentions how they turned their regular golf weekends into a larger family gathering at the lake.  This event brings together cousins and extended family members for a weekend of fun activities.  They usually include cookouts, dance parties and euchre tournaments.  Lisa agrees how much they really enjoy these gatherings and the sense of unity they bring.

Lisa shares personal stories about their families and their experiences at the lake.  They talk about watching their children grow up at the lake and the memories they have created together.  They talk about an old cabin nicknamed the “OC” and how they wanted their children to experience the rustic charm of the place, despite its imperfections.  These shared experiences have grounded their children and crated a deep love for the lake and all it represents.

For the most part, the group stays at Rough River, but from time to time they’ll visit friends on Lake Cumberland. 

The Lake Brings Relaxation

Dawn talks about how your worries and stress will melt away as soon as you reach the lake.  Everyone just relaxes and unwinds.  The lake forces you to slow down and enjoy the present moment.

Chad mentions the slower pace of life in the communities surrounding the lake.  They emphasize that the lake provides an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, allowing them to embrace a more laid-back lifestyle.  This slower pace allows for more meaningful interactions with family and friends.  It gives them the chance to truly connect and enjoy each other’s company.  Without the distractions of technology and work.

Spence talks about their boat (an Axis wakeboard boat), paddleboards and kayaks.  These give everyone the chance to explore the lake and engage in fun water activities.  They reminisce about their children’s younger years, when wakeboarding and surfing were a regular part of their weekends.  Although their children have grown older and their interests have shifted, the lake still offers opportunities for them to bond and spend quality time together.

They also mention the sense of community that exists around the lake.  They talk about meting up with neighbors and friends, sharing stories and enjoying each other’s company.  The lake becomes a gathering place, where people can come together and for connections.  This was a terrific escape during the COVID pandemic.

Being Content with their Current Boats

One recurring theme throughout the episode is the contentment they each have with their current boat choices.  They express their love for their boats and who well-suited they are for Rough River Lake.  Dawn talks about their white, Cobalt Boat.  It’s a runabout with an inboard and outboard motor.  It’s the perfect size for the lake and they wouldn’t buy another boat.  They have a 26-foot model that’s perfect for Rough River Lake.  It’s got plenty of room for friends and activities.  They’re fully satisfied with their current boats and have no desire to upgrade or buy a new one.  They appreciate the size, comfort and suitability of their boats for the lake.  They are grateful for having a boat that allows them to fully enjoy their time on the water.

Interestingly, they talk about who they use their boat year-round.  The lake is extremely peaceful during the winter, especially when virtually nobody else is around.  It gives them time to unplug feeling nothing without feeling guilty about it or engage in some type of project.

Spence and Lisa wouldn’t mind a getting a new boat.  It might be pontoon time for this family. 

The group also talk about the need to prioritize using their boats during the summertime.  Sometimes this means turning down invitations to parties or events.  They’ve invested in their boat and lake home, so why not use it as long as possible?

Relaxing Weekends on the Water

Molley and Chad talk about their first boat and the test ride they took in freezing weather.  Of course, learning to trailer the pontoon was much different than the v-hulls they were used to using.

One of the guys recalls their grandparents’ pontoon boat with a 47.5 horsepower Johnson outboard engine.  Only an engineer could have come up with that level of specificity!

An Ideal Weekend on the Water

Spence describes their routine of leaving on a Thursday afternoon and arriving at Rough River Lake within an hour.  It’s great to be able to spend time with family and friends who visit.  There’s again that sense of being able to totally unwind and forget about life back in Louisville.  When the weather’s good, there’s always plenty of time for getting out on the water, floating or some other water activity. 

When the lake is quiet, it’s a special time.  The serenity of the water during weekdays (especially Mondays and Tuesdays) can be a complete vacation.  It’s great to be able to explore all the different places without the weekend crowds.  The water can also seem so pure; it’s pristine nature and definitely worth the experience.

Chad describes how they try to do a full moon cruise at least once a summer.

Fireworks on the Water

One of the highlights of their boating experience is getting to watch fireworks on the water.  It’s something special and completely different from watching it from land. 

They’ve watched fireworks during the Fourth of July weekend.  They’re terrific near the lodge and the dam in Grayson County.  There are typically boats everywhere and it creates a beautiful setting, with all of the lights.  It’s really nice to be able to anchor the boat so close to the action.  Another aspect is how the water reflects the fireworks and how the sound echoes off the rocks and hills.  It’s very similar to going to see Thunder Over Louisville, but without having to fight the crowds.

One Fourth of July weekend, Chad and Molley got together with friends and rented a few houseboats.  It was a great way to watch the fireworks.  Although, Chad admits trying to get some sleep during the show that year.  Over all, it’s a special way to view the fireworks and it’s a way to create some terrific memories.

Where to Put in on Rough River Lake?

The consensus is that people who are new to Rough River Lake will enjoy using the state ramp, on the main channel.  From there you’ll have easy access to the south fork and the north fork of the lake.  You’re also close to the lodge and the state park marina.  The lodge has a nice restaurant.  By the way, make sure you check out Nick’s Boat Dock to get some ice cream or eat a pork chop sandwich at their Sometimes Grill. 

Lake Levels Lowering for Dam Repair

The group spends time discussing an important topic, the dam repair which is causing lake levels to be lowered.  It’s definitely going to impact the lake and surrounding areas.  The repair project could last 6-8 years, based on a previous project at Lake Cumberland.  That project took 7 years. 

Rough River Lake summer pool is going to be lowered by 5 feet.  That’s going to have a huge impact on the size of the lake.  It’s a tremendous volume of water.  The lower levels could make it impossible to access certain beach areas.

Obviously, it’s a necessary project, but the necessary improvements will also result in a multi-year challenge for people who live on or near the lake, as well as those who travel to Rough River Lake on the weekends.  The shorelines are going to change.  This will most likely cause the closure of some beaches, which also affect boaters and campers.  There’s a good chance that docks might be able to be moved and other spots will obviously become more popular on the lake.

As boaters, the group discusses how the lower water levels will expose numerous submerged obstacles, such as trees and old bank structures.  This can pose a significant threat to boaters, especially if they are unfamiliar with the lake. 

Something else to consider is that boaters will tend to see more crowded conditions.  This would also make it tougher to find good parking near certain ramps.  For those who have docks, they need to consult with the Army Corps of Engineers about extending docks.  The Corps will do it’s best to balance the work and the need for the surrounding community to be able to thrive.  It’s going to be a difficult balance. 

For instance, some lakeside or area restaurants may not open, due to the potential drop in boaters and tourists.  This will further limit the options for dinning out.

At the end of the day, the community will need to navigate the uncertainties and challenges ahead to ensure the sustainability and enjoyment of the lake for years to come.

Molley takes a couple of minutes to talk about Trooper Island on Dale Hollow.  They did a full episode on it.  She gives a shout out to Mike’s Landing Restaurant on Sulfur Creek, at Dale Hollow.

On Rough River, you might want to check out Little Dave’s Restaurant and Pizza.  They used to cook pizza on a boat while anchoring up in various coves. 

Lessons Learned on the Water

Molley asks each of the guests to talk about something they wish they would have known when they started.

#1:  The Positive and Negative Side of Sunscreen

Many new boaters listen to this podcast.  As the group discussed experiences with boating and lake life, the topic of sunscreen came up.  Obviously, if you’re going to be on the water, you need to apply sunscreen.  However, you also need to be aware of what can happen to your boat’s upholstery.  Make sure you and your guests sit on a towel if they’ve applied sunscreen.  Speaking of your upholstery, check out some great tips about what types of food to bring and what specifically to avoid in Episode 2.

#2:  Don’t Fight the Slower Pace at the Lake

The lake is going to slow you down.  It’s natural.  Enjoy the down time.  You’ll get so much more out of it.

#3:  Safe Boating Advice

When you first started driving, it took a while to get familiar with the rules of the road, how the car handled and other safety issues.  It’s the same for boating.  Sure, you may have a lot of room out on the water, but there are still dangerous areas, and hazards you may not see. 

If you’re new to boating, you should definitely take a boating safety course and learn the rules/regulations of boating.  When new boaters fail to follow the rules, it puts everyone in danger and can ruin what should have been a great time on the lake.  In Episode 1, Molley and Chad spoke candidly about their first few times out on the water and some of the mistakes they made.

#4:  Be Patient with the Big Investment

If you’re considering buying a boat or buying a lake home, you need to do your research.  There’s a lot to consider.  It’s going to take patience and understanding, if you want to do it right.  There’s a lot more work and maintenance that goes into owning a boat or lake home.  Some people may not be ready for it.  As a word of advice, the group talks about the importance of helping out, if you are invited for a boat trip or a weekend at the lake.  There’s a lot that needs to be done and your hosts will definitely appreciate it.

The final segment is a general discussion about driving and trailering their boats.  There was a special mention of Current Watersports in Shepherdsville, KY, so we thought we’d include a link. They also have locations near Cincinnati and Knoxville. Check them out!

That’s a wrap for this episode.  We’d like to thank our friends Chuck, Dawn, Spence and Lisa

for guest hosting with us.  We hope you found it helpful, insightful and maybe a little entertaining. 

Thanks for Listening!

If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider sharing it with your social media friends.  We hope to see you out there soon.  Until next time, here’s to warm weather and calm waters!

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