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Fly Fishing in Kentucky

24 featured rivers, lakes and streams in Kentucky, each with target species, a hatch chart and a map of nearby access.

Bad Branch (Brook Trout)
A high-elevation, cold stream in Letcher County that is one of the few places in KY capable of supporting wild trout characteristics.
Barkley Tailwater (Striped Bass, White Bass, Hybrid Striped Bass)
Heavy water below Lake Barkley dam that provides intense action for large predatory fish on heavy fly gear.
Barren River Tailwater (Hybrid Striped Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Rainbow Trout)
A diverse fishery below Barren River Lake dam featuring a mix of warm-water species and seasonal trout stockings.
Big Bone Creek (Largemouth Bass, Panfish)
Small, technical creek fishing for bass and sunfish in Northern Kentucky, featuring fossil-rich banks.
Casey Creek (Smallmouth Bass, Rock Bass)
A smaller tributary of the Green River that offers surprisingly good sight fishing for smallmouth in clear conditions.
Cumberland River Tailwater (Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Striped Bass)
One of the premier trout fisheries in the Southeast, offering world-class brown and rainbow trout below Wolf Creek Dam.
Dix River (Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout)
A unique cold-water tailwater fishery below Herrington Lake dam, accessible primarily by boat from the Kentucky River.
Elkhorn Creek (Smallmouth Bass, Rock Bass)
Widely considered the best smallmouth bass stream in the state, featuring classic limestone ledges and heavy pocket water.
Fishtrap Lake Tailwater (Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout)
A productive eastern Kentucky tailwater that is regularly stocked with trout and offers consistent water temperatures.
Floyds Fork (Rainbow Trout, Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass)
Part of The Parklands of Floyds Fork, this urban stream is meticulously managed and offers great winter trout and summer bass.
Grayson Lake Spillway (Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout)
The Little Sandy River below Grayson Lake dam provides reliable trout fishing in a picturesque gorge setting.
Greasy Creek (Smallmouth Bass, Rainbow Trout)
A remote mountain stream in the Pine Mountain region offering a rugged hike-in experience for wild-spirited anglers.
Green River (Tailwater) (Muskellunge, Smallmouth Bass, Walleye)
The reach below Green River Lake dam provides excellent float fishing for muskellunge and smallmouth bass in a lush environment.
Hatchery Creek (Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Brook Trout)
A man-made stream designed specifically for trout habitat, featuring intricate riffles and deep pools accessible to all skill levels.
Licking River (Lower) (Muskellunge, Smallmouth Bass)
A sleeper destination for native muskellunge, requiring large flies and heavy sinking lines.
Little Kentucky River (Smallmouth Bass, Panfish)
An underrated stream for fly anglers looking for high numbers of panfish and occasional nice-sized smallmouth.
Nolin River Tailwater (Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout)
A short but productive trout stretch below Nolin Lake Dam, perfect for a quick day trip from Central Kentucky.
Otter Creek (Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Smallmouth Bass)
Located within Otter Creek Recreational Area, this stream offers excellent wade fishing for trout near the Louisville metro area.
Red River (Smallmouth Bass, Longear Sunfish)
Specifically the Wild and Scenic section, offering excellent floating opportunities for smallmouth bass among sandstone arches.
Rock Creek (Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout)
A scenic Blue Ribbon trout stream flowing through the Daniel Boone National Forest near the Tennessee border.
Russell Fork (Smallmouth Bass, Rainbow Trout)
A dramatic river known for its steep gradients and boulder-filled runs, offering shots at trophy smallmouth and seasonal trout.
Sinking Creek (Smallmouth Bass, Sunfish)
A karst-terrain creek that partially disappears underground, offering technical fishing for smallmouth in Breckinridge County.
Swift Camp Creek (Rainbow Trout, Smallmouth Bass)
A wild and rugged stream in the Red River Gorge area offering solitude and beautiful scenery for adventurous anglers.
Trammel Creek (Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout)
A spring-fed stream in Allen County that stays cool enough for stocked trout throughout much of the year.

Fly Fishing in Kentucky

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