10 places to wade fish or launch a small boat within an hour of Lexington
fishing
Central Kentucky is absolutely full of great places to fish. Several nearby rivers and streams provide exceptional scenery and fishing opportunities, and many of the lakes in our region are regarded as some of the best in the country. However, access to many of our local waterways is heavily restricted because they wind through private land, and most of our larger lakes do not provide ideal conditions for small watercraft. Therefore, those of us who like to wade the creeks or fish from a canoe or small boat sometimes need some help finding nearby places to get out and enjoy our fantastic water resources.
The list below is meant to provide 10 places within about an hour of Lexington where folks can wade in a creek or launch a small boat and enjoy some time in the waterways of central Kentucky.
Cedar Creek Lake
Location: Stanford
Access: Boat access only, three boat ramps are located around the lake
Primary Species: Trophy largemouth bass
Note: Can get busy on the weekends
Dix River (above Herrington Lake)
Location: Outside Danville
Access: Wade access at bridges that cross the creek, please be courteous of nearby landowners’ property
Primary Species: Smallmouth bass, white bass and panfish
Note: Famous white bass run in the spring
Dix River (below Dix Dam)
Location: Outside Wilmore
Access: Boat access only, launch into the Kentucky River at KDFWR-owned ramp located on Lock 7 Road, and head upstream. The Dix River will be on the right about 200 yards upstream of High Bridge, a railroad bridge that spans the Kentucky River.
Primary Species: Rainbow trout, brown trout and smallmouth bass
Note: Property near the dam is private and getting out of the boat is considered trespassing.
Elkhorn Creek
Location: Travels through several towns in Fayette, Scott, Woodford and Franklin counties
Access: There is one boat ramp at Great Crossings Park in Georgetown. There are several places to launch a canoe, Canoe Kentucky can arrange shuttles. Wade access can be found at T.N. Sullivan Wildlife Management Area, Pfeiffer Fish Hatchery and Equus Run Winery (please check in at the office to get a free permit)
Primary Species: Smallmouth bass and panfish
Note: A motion passed earlier this year by a Franklin Circuit Court Judge ruled that as long as you enter Elkhorn Creek legally, you can wade, paddle, or anchor in the creek without those actions being considered trespassing
Hickman Creek
Location: Lexington
Access: Veterans’ Park
Primary Species: Smallmouth bass and panfish
Note: There is a great trail system that runs along the creek, making it an easy place to take children
Mill Creek Lake
Location: Located within Natural Bridge State Resort Park
Access: Boat access only, one boat ramp located at the end of the parking lot
Primary Species: Rainbow trout and largemouth bass
Note: Quiet lake in a scenic area
Kentucky River
Location: Fayette, Clark, Madison, Franklin, Jessamine and Woodford counties
Access: Boat access only, numerous public boat ramps
Primary Species: Many species are prevalent in the Kentucky River
Note: The river can be full of debris after a heavy rain making boating difficult and dangerous
Salt River
Location: Anderson County
Access: Excellent wading access at Taylorsville Lake Wildlife Management Area
Primary Species: Smallmouth bass, white bass and panfish
Note: Great place for white bass in the spring
Stoner Creek
Location: Paris
Access: Two boat ramps in Paris; limited wading
Primary Species: Smallmouth bass and panfish
Note: One of the most underutilized places to launch a small boat or canoe
Wilgreen Lake
Location: Madison County
Access: Boat access only, one launching ramp at Wilgreen Lake Marina
Primary Species: Largemouth bass and panfish
Note: Excellent lake for panfish
While it is hoped that anyone who goes out for a day of fishing has fun, fishermen of any level are always asked to practice safety and pay attention to regulations. The rules associated with each of the above listed waters are different at each location, and it is worth the time to find out what rules apply to your situation.
Here are a few other rules of thumb to keep in mind while on the water:
• Please practice catch and release
• Respect landowners and their property
• Don’t trespass or leave trash, this ruins it for everyone
This information was compiled by The Lexington Angler, an outdoors store specializing in classic clothing for men and women, high quality luggage, exceptional gifts, items to spoil your dog, and all things fly fishing. Please stop by their store for more information or help gearing up for your next adventure.
Gene Slusher is the owner of The Lexington Angler, a boutique store catering to the sporting lifestyle located on Clay Avenue. Gene is a graduate of Centre College and received his J.D. and his Master of Studies in Environmental Law from Vermont Law School. When he is not fishing, Gene enjoys gardening, sipping bourbon and piddling around with bird dogs.