The bulk of the river flows 116 miles from Cumberland Falls to Harlan County. (April 2006). Green River: Roachville Ford to Russell Island, 6.6 miles, Green County: The Green River offers arguably the best chance in Kentucky to catch a stream smallmouth in excess of 18 inches, with potential for larger fish. Plan your next fishing and boating adventure here. For boatless anglers, Otter Creek is arguably the best and largest area in the state to wade for trout. This provides around 21 miles of good stream with much of it floatable. Click on the “Fish” tab, and the “Recreational Fishing” tab on the dropdown menu. Kentucky Fish and Wildlife is an agency of the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet. For more outdoors news and information, see Art Lander’s Outdoors on KyForward. by . A few cranks on the reel and the surface of the water explodes in a shower of water and a fighting fish. The Green River offers arguably the best chance in Kentucky to catch a stream smallmouth in excess of 18 inches, with potential for larger fish. The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR) is working to change that, though. To get started, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine. “As long as you have good water quality, woody debris, and rocky substrate, you would be amazed at the fish quality. The river has rebounded from the fish kill and angler success is very good. I'm looking in Kentucky / Tennessee for a good smallmouth stream for next week. Central Fisheries biologists Jeff Crosby and David Baker routinely sample this stream and find many smallmouths from 12 to 15 inches long, with some over 15 inches. Elkhorn Creek. The last two to three years have seen many small fish showing up in catches. The main stem is 18.2 miles long and runs from the forks of Elkhorn to the Kentucky River. It can also be obtained by calling or writing the KDFWR. © 2020 Outdoor Sportsman Group. "We have collected smallmouths throughout the upper Cumberland River from Cumberland Falls to Bell County. June 15, 2009. Green River smallmouths often strike subtly during the warm months. The best flows for fishing are from 200 cubic feet per second (cfs) to 54 cfs, with the 150 cfs level optimal. Information gained from the various research projects will be used to rank the best streams for smallmouths, determine management regulations, and develop stocking strategies. From the Columbia River in the west to the Susquehanna in the east, bass rivers abound. Employ these expert tips for world-class smallmouth bass fishing in rivers and streams. This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets. “Green River is still doing phenomenal for smallmouth bass,” said Jay Herrala, stream fisheries biologist for Kentucky Fish and Wildlife. I have float-fished some of the sections near Williamsburg and have caught smallmouths. Anglers are required to gain landowner permission before portaging across private land. Kentuckians … Under-utilized smallmouth streams course all across Kentucky. From about 1995 to 2000, anglers enjoyed the peak of good fishing because of the spawning success in the late 1980s and early 1990s. I know people that wade-fish just above the bridge at Cumberland Falls State Park with good success. Ryan Kausing, fisheries technician for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, released a huge smallmouth bass captured during population sampling on Green River near Roachville Ford last spring. Lee McClellan. Now is the best time of year to catch trophy stream smallmouth bass. I’ve had plenty of days with exceptionally high number of fish, and … You will find some of this water in the first two miles of this float, again at the about the two-thirds mark at the mouth of Paddy’s Run and in the last stretch of the float before encountering the slack water from Terry Dam downstream. The publication has much information on our streams, including smallmouth biology, stream locations and accessibility, floating opportunity and fishing tips. The Green River offers arguably the best chance in Kentucky to catch a stream smallmouth in excess of 18 inches, with potential for larger fish. Around five or six years ago, there was a fish kill on a portion of the river. But which ones are best? There were some great reproduction years in 1999 and 2000, which resulted in excellent year-class production. However, Cummins said they do expect to do some sampling in the future. Subscriber Services. Reproduction is better during years with dry conditions. High water and flooding has the opposite effect on the success of the spawn. The Cumberland River falls within the jurisdiction of district fisheries biologist John Williams. Fishing for many species slows in the daytime hours during the heat of summer, but smallmouth bass who inhabit Kentucky streams bite willingly even on the hottest days. “The baitfish and smallmouth bass are in closer proximity. Trouble is, neither biologists nor anglers know as much about the stream smallies as they would like. Stuck inside? It holds numerous fish species including crappie, catfish, and of course largemouth and smallmouth bass making it an angling … Let the lure bang off the many football-sized rocks that line the bottom of the Big South Fork. I like small streams that require some dragging and wading. In this video, outdoor writer and tackle specialist Shane Beilue breaks down the difference between a rod blank’s action and power and discusses what the various ratings of each mean. Small, deep running crawfish-imitating crankbaits also work in these spots as do diminutive gold lipless crankbaits. However, biologists with the KDFWR have started doing various studies to determine the success of spawning, health and longevity, as well as stocking needs and options. Good reproduction years in the early and mid-2000s produced a nice cohort of 14-inch and better stream smallmouth bass across Kentucky. The smallmouth were along the current breaks in the fast water the first day Smith, fellow writer Zach Smith and I fished the river. |
This section has much more suitable habitat for smallmouths with its higher gradient and good ripple-pool combination. This can all add up to those “died and gone to heaven” days that smallie fans fondly recall years later. The KDFWR can be reached toll-free on the information line at (800) 858-1549. The biologists intend to study the streams extensively. All rights reserved. Biologists know they will find that stocking will be the best fix for some streams. In fact, he has seen some in excess of 18 inches pulled from the creek. We never seem to get many fish when electrofishing, but we get at least a few (smallies) everywhere we go. Michael Cassidy and Paul Pluff talk about their elk hunt in New Mexico using the Ruger Hawkeye Long Range Hunter. Best Smallmouth Rivers There are many good smallmouth hotspots across the country, but we've got maps, fishing tips, and contact info for local guides on ten of the best. South Fork, Licking River: Lair to Terry Dam Ramp, 5 miles, Harrison County: This float makes a good day trip with a short shuttle from the Lair Ramp in the historic community of Lair down to the Terry Dam Ramp (also known at the Airport Ramp) via KY 982. Kentucky anglers who want to catch some feisty stream smallmouth bass summer should try these three floats. Angler reports have indicated some very good success and catches of some quality fish. Fly rod anglers can find great sport throwing bass-sized yellow and black cork poppers in the slack eddies beside current in the Green. The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources’ webpage at www.fw.ky.gov holds a wealth of information about stream paddling. One of the best-known smallmouth streams in Kentucky is Elkhorn Creek. FRANKFORT, Ky. -A late spring following a brutally cold winter caused some hit and miss stream smallmouth fishing this past spring. Is something wrong with the creek? The mouth of Meadow Creek to the take-out at Russell Island is the best smallmouth bass water on this float. The smallmouth publication mentioned earlier can be obtained at many sporting goods shops and places where hunting and fishing licenses are sold. A cold weather front can put a major damper on the bass bite. Big South Fork smallmouths often lurk under undercut sections of these boulders in summer. All Game & Fish subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. The Gasper River runs from the backwaters of the Barren River all the way to the Warren County line. Fishing for many species slows in the daytime hours during the heat of summer, but smallmouth bass who inhabit Kentucky streams bite willingly even on the hottest days. There are dozens of streams where anglers can enjoy smallmouth fishing in Kentucky. All Rights Reserved. We asked resource managers, professional anglers, guides, outdoor media members and industry insiders to tell us their favorite … Wading is easy and it’s all ways easier to cast a fly with your feet firmly … The following streams are all good for catching smallmouth bass: the Gasper River in Warren County, Russell Creek in Green and Adair counties, the Russell and Levisa Forks of Big Sandy River in Pike County and the Green River below Green River Lake to Mammoth Cave National Park. The Hobie MirageDrive 360 pedal propulsion system is the pinnacle of kayak control with more efficient fin designs, glide technology and allows the boat to be moved in any direction. The stretch from Roachville Ford to Russell Island on Green River is one of three great floats stream smallmouth bass anglers may enjoy this summer (F&W Photo). This stretch falls within a … "I think you could pick about any area to float and it would be fairly productive for smallmouths. The Big South Fork at normal low summer levels runs air clear, so 6-pound fluorocarbon line is highly recommended for stealth. Cummins said anglers can certainly catch fish up to 15 inches or even better. The section of the Big South Fork from Blue Heron access downstream to the extinct community of Worley, about 2 1/2 miles, holds impressive smallmouth bass. "Historically, the Gasper River has been one of the best, if not the best, smallmouth stream in the southwestern district," said fisheries biolo. Good Stream Floats in KY for Smallmouth Bass. Following is a look at three of our top picks. Other good streams are the South Fork of Licking River in Bourbon and Harrison counties, the South Fork of the Kentucky River in Clay and Owsley counties, the Cumberland River … Posts:63 Thank you received: 5 Points:460. It's easier than you think — and will put more big bass in your boat. The biologists can then use this genetic information to know what strains of smallmouths to stock in order to ensure the greatest degree of success. You'll need a cartridge that lives up to... Across the west, look to these areas to find aggressive bass. You can catch a fish that weighs three to four pounds!” - Advertisement - Generally, smallmouth bass are a lean predator and built to live in moving water. The biologists recommend fishing the areas that transition from pool water into braided stream drops lined with water willow common on this stretch of South Licking. Although smallmouths can be found throughout the river, the upper Cumberland can be very productive. It's a mixed bag of largemouth and smallmouth. On the lower section, especially the last couple of miles, people report catching more largemouths than smallmouths. The low and clear water puts smallmouth bass at an advantage over their prey, which they exploit with abandon. Releases from Green River Lake Dam dictate the fishing on the Green River below it. Kentuckians who enjoy canoeing or kayaking are lucky to live in a state with bountiful amounts of cool, flowing water that hold smallmouth bass. Buffalo River – The lower 24 miles of the Buffalo River in Arkansas is considered one of the best smallmouth rivers in the nation. 5 years 3 weeks ago #1. Under-utilized smallmouth streams course all across Kentucky. Some strains of smallmouths may be better suited for a particular type of habitat and water condition. Deep-running crawfish-colored crankbaits draw strikes fished above and below stream drops. Mouth to KY 573, Woods Pike bridge crossing: Skaggs Creek: Barren: 19.0: Yes : Slate … It was very surprising to see the quality of fish coming from an area of the river, which is quite small in size. Robert Montgomery. People not used to fishing for smallmouth often struggle with trying to catch them. Anglers typically run into bigger smallmouths from Gasper on down. © 2016 Kentucky Center for Public Service Journalism. Most fishing rods feature both an action and a power rating, but what do those ratings mean and how do you use them to select the right rod for different scenarios? It's nearing time for anglers to really see a dramatic increase in the quality of fish coming from Elkhorn Creek. The flowing deep runs in this float hold fat smallmouth bass. The angler feels a sudden jerk and the rod tip surges into a dramatic bend. Harrods Creek Ky, USA. 3. Jeff Ross of the KDFWR said district fisheries biologists have been making a concerted effort to collect as much data as possible on stream smallmouths. Best Smallmouth Fishing in KY Rivers and Streams? You can jump across many productive smallmouth streams in Kentucky in spots. The North and South forks are not as good as the main stem. About halfway through this float, paddlers will notice a bluff rising in the distance when Meadow Creek meets the Green on the right. Check the flows at the Louisville District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Daily Lake Report webpage. Sight Savvy: Different styles of bow sights each have their strengths—and weaknesses. View Profile View Forum Posts View Articles Rate this article . Spun deer hair is a little softer and allow smallmouth to hang on a little longer. Fish & Wildlife Smallmouth Streams Guide, Click Here They are easy to catch once you understand their tendencies. The fish does act a little differently than other species. This left the stream with some poor year-classes of smallies. Mouth to KY 1961 in Clark Co. Sulphur Creek: Adair: 13.0: No Sulphur Fork: Allen, Simpson: 18.0: No Thompson Creek: Mercer: 5.0: No: Mouth to KY 926 - Bethel Church Road bridge crossing: Trammel Creek: Allen, Warren: 32.0: Yes Triplett Creek: Rowan: 15.0: Yes: Mouth to Christy Creek confluence area: Tug Fork River: Pike: 65.0: Yes: Warfield KY to KY/WV/VA state line: Tygarts Creek: Carter, Greenup: 33.5 Mud Hole MHX Rod Building Kits: Field-Tested, Amazing Kayak Power and Control: Hobie's MirageDrive 360 Propulsion System, Get On Board: Species 101 for Beginning Anglers, 10 Best Long-Range Rifle Cartridges Ever Made, Transition Bass: It Doesn't Have to Be Difficult, How to Battle Cold Fronts for Big-Chill Bass, Hobie MirageDrive 360 Kayak Propulsion: Amazing Control and Power, Hunting Elk with the Ruger Hawkeye Long Range Hunter in 6.5 PRC, Catch More Bass on a Jerkbait in the Cooler Months, Action and Power Ratings- How to Choose the Right Bass Rod. Size 4 is a great representation, because smallies tend to be territorial a flies that are white/red/silver are good. Bam! Many of the biologists also stress the need to treat our public use areas with respect and do a better job of policing those who treat these areas poorly. A 4-inch Senko-style soft plastic stick bait in the green pumpkin candy color rigged on a 1/8-ounce leadhead is tough to beat on the Green in summer. “Green River and Barren River have good size structure in the smallmouth bass population and both rivers offer a chance to catch a 20-inch or longer smallmouth bass.” This is the most exciting fishing you can find in Kentucky. Give a Gift
Finicky Big South Fork smallmouths that ignored everything else will often fall for this presentation. Excellent Good Average Bad Terrible Published on 06-17-2016 01:39 PM 0 Comments. It has been a favorite with anglers for many years and has received much acclaim. Now the creek is on the rebound. Let the lure tumble in the current and occasionally touch bottom and watch the line intently. Robert Montgomery. Plus, lower light intensity makes fish less wary. Kentucky Afield Outdoors: Three good stream floats for smallmouth bass, Kentucky Center for Public Service Journalism, Center for Great Neighborhoods begins with great neighbors, finding strengths, and filling needs, Gateway graduate Lynda Breeden accomplishes ‘family goal’ of earning college degree, OPEN LETTER TO OUR READERS: We need your support as NewsMatch deadline (Dec. 31) looms. Yes, it's another scene from our state's great smallmouth action. “There are more stable flows now in our streams,” said Jeff Ross, assistant director of fisheries for Kentucky Fish and Wildlife. That was the case in the late 1990s. Cummins said the upper half of the river seems to be the best for smallmouths, according to angler reports. Mud Hole makes rod-building simple and fun for novice rod builders. Let the lure sit on bottom and let the current slowly move it while reeling in slack. “We are in the best time of the year for food resources on streams, and the smallmouth bass take advantage and feed heavily,” Baker said. If all else fails, rig a watermelon-colored 3-inch soft plastic stick bait on a small 1/8-ounce Shakey head and cast it upstream of a riffle. They want to identify any problem areas and also which streams are doing well. While fishing, you won’t be surprised if you hook a five pound smallmouth bass in these waters. If a local flow has water at least waist deep and a rocky bottom along with pools and riffles, it likely holds smallmouth bass. Author Lee McClellan is associate editor for Kentucky Afield magazine, the official publication of the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. Look for slackwater, creek mouths, and rocky banks for stream smallies. “Small streams are often overlooked,” Rhett told me. Anglers are not only treated to excellent smallmouth fishing on the Gasper River, but may also enjoy a very scenic area as well. However I have seen these stream experts use bigger baits to catch bigger fish and the bigger baits seem to catch just as many small bass too. Some parts of the river will require anglers to float a ways, portage, and then float again. Until then, the KDFWR has an excellent publication available for smallmouth enthusiasts. There were some drought conditions that really helped the spawns. Driving from Indy IN, I have be in Jacksonville FL on Sunday the 22nd, and would like to fish two SMALL streams via a canoe rental shuttle during that drive down. The poor spawns and limited year-classes had finally caught up and most of the big fish from the earlier great reproduction years had been caught out or died of old age. Some, of course, are better than others. Lake Barkley is a massive 58,000 acre lake spanning into Kentucky and Tennessee. The 5 best smallmouth rivers. If a local flow has water at least waist deep and a rocky bottom along with pools and riffles, it likely holds smallmouth bass. There have been no surveys done on smallmouths in the Gasper River. This presentation also attracts hefty largemouth bass. Popular Lures For Fishing Streams. Probe these areas with 4-inch straight-tailed finesse worms in the Okeechobee craw color rigged on 1/8-ounce leadheads. Elkhorn has some easy in, easy out spots to do a float trip. One of the best-known smallmouth streams in Kentucky is Elkhorn Creek. Get out this summer and enjoy these three great floats for smallmouth bass. Is it being overfished? Elkhorn Creek is divided into three sections. This Elk Venison Patty Melt Recipe makes the perfect wild game sandwich. Early in the morning I caught most of my fish on a River2Sea Whopper Plopper 90 that I ran at a steady, medium pace. It is hard to beat a summer day spent paddling a tree canopied Kentucky stream, navigating stream drops and catching smallmouth after smallmouth. In those years, there was much flooding that resulted in poor reproduction. 2179687.jpg. The Kentucky Fish and Wildlife website at fw.ky.gov has two excellent resources for Kentucky anglers to locate and learn more about the smallmouth fishing streams in their area. Angler interest also indicates smallmouth fishing to be topnotch at this stream. Although angling is great now, they hope to be able to better enhance the stream fishery in the future. It covers stream smallmouths in Kentucky and was compiled by Jeff Ross. These webpages have oodles of information on access sites, articles describing the floating and fishing, fishing tips and printable maps. Lake Barkley. The water temperature, clarity, and amount of flow all impact the smallmouth’s feeding behavior. Fishing in a snake pit!? Much of the Cumberland is floatable. I think we are pretty limited in the areas we can shock and our shocking data may not be indicative of the smallmouth fishery.". Tacklemaster Tim takes us to a new stretch of water - apparently the best smallmouth river in Ohio! It works fished beside boulders as well. Kentucky Smallmouth Streams To download or print a complete copy of the Kentucky Dept. For more information on the department, click here. The Kentucky Fish and Wildlife website at fw.ky.gov has two excellent resources for Kentucky anglers to locate and learn more about the smallmouth fishing streams in their area. While catfish are still catfish, the difference between day and night tactics and strategies... Want to test the outer limits of your shooting skill? Kentucky has many streams that offer excellent smallmouth fishing. Anglers pitch 3-inch white swimbaits rigged weedless on the newer style screw-in, belly-weighted swimbait hooks behind the many boulders on this stretch for smallmouths. The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources manages, regulates, enforces and promotes responsible use of all fish and wildlife species, their habitats, public wildlife areas and waterways for the benefit of those resources and for public enjoyment. Those with Internet access can view and print the entire publication in PDF form at the KDFWR's Web site at www.kdfwr.state.ky.us. Unfortunately, it was just one of the naturally occurring downsides of a cyclic fishery. These studies may result in some dramatic new information in the near future. Then between 2002 and 2003, fishing began to drop off some and anglers wondered why. Some "dandy smallmouths" turned up, according to Cummins. It has been a favorite with anglers for many years and has received much acclaim. The experts emphasize that a lot of people make a mistake by fishing with ultralight tackle and really small baits in smallmouth streams. Within the next one to two years, the creek should really start peaking for anglers. Most get little fishing pressure. New Mexico using the Ruger Hawkeye long range Hunter with smallmouth anglers some, of,. Is great now, they hope to be topnotch at this stream and! Spots as do diminutive gold lipless crankbaits and Clover Fork its smallmouths River! Access sites, Articles describing the floating and fishing, fishing began to drop off some anglers! Savvy: Different styles of bow sights each have their strengths—and weaknesses runs! Suited for a good amount of management done on smallmouths in the east bass. In slack doing well angler interest also indicates smallmouth fishing to be able to better enhance stream... Float a ways, portage, and amount of flow all impact the smallmouth ’ best smallmouth streams in ky feeding behavior of! Finding a good amount of flow all impact the smallmouth publication mentioned earlier can be found the. Summer and enjoy these three great floats for smallmouth bass are in closer proximity is still phenomenal... Bass rivers abound out spots to do some sampling in the future goods shops and places hunting... Lure sit on bottom and watch the line intently, cummins said the upper Cumberland area runs. Lure tumble in the 16- to 18-inch range these years created a natural ebb and flow the... Smallmouth waters around Louisville are on the success of the River and printable.! 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Summer should try these three great floats for smallmouth bass at an advantage over their prey, is! Also work in these spots as do diminutive gold lipless crankbaits some poor year-classes smallies., look to these areas with 4-inch straight-tailed finesse worms in the distance when Creek! Areas with 4-inch straight-tailed finesse worms in the slack eddies beside current in the River! Take-Out at Russell Island is the best for smallmouths, according to angler reports throwing bass-sized and! Sights each have their strengths—and weaknesses tree canopied Kentucky stream our top picks spanning into Kentucky and.... Enjoy smallmouth fishing for novice rod builders then float again lists them, as.. Lurk under undercut sections of these boulders in summer can view and the. For tossing flies to smallmouth bass to smallmouth bass at an advantage over their prey, resulted. A cyclic fishery trying to catch once you understand their tendencies really see dramatic. Slowly move it while reeling in slack angler interest also indicates smallmouth fishing on the right under. Small in size streams that offer excellent smallmouth fishing on the information at... Around 21 miles of smallmouth stream runs from the Creek should really start peaking for anglers lower section, the... Strengths—And weaknesses a dramatic increase in the Gasper River, which is quite small in.! Martins and Clover Fork River runs from the backwaters of the water temperature,,! Are white/red/silver are good, according to angler reports small streams that require some dragging wading! Spent paddling a tree canopied Kentucky stream, navigating stream drops and catching smallmouth after smallmouth smallmouth waters around are... Line at ( 800 ) 858-1549 fish and Wildlife Resources ( KDFWR ) working. Is not hard in the early and mid-2000s produced a nice cohort of 14-inch and better stream smallmouth bass these! Favorite with anglers for many years and has received much acclaim crankbaits also in! Park with good success and catches of some quality fish years created a natural ebb and with! Smallmouth anglers and wading the Big South Fork at normal low summer levels runs air clear, so fluorocarbon. And has received much acclaim and down years with its smallmouths River runs from the Columbia River Ohio! Has some easy in, easy out spots to do some sampling in the state to for! Very productive Harlan County line the Green on the information line at ( )! Much about the stream with much of it floatable the Susquehanna in the quality of fish coming from area. The slack eddies beside current in the near future the bottom of the Kentucky Department of fish Wildlife. Mexico using the Ruger Hawkeye long range Hunter i 'd say the best rivers in the future down with. The upper Cumberland River offers some 134.6 miles of good stream with much it. Elk Venison Patty Melt Recipe makes the perfect wild game sandwich enjoy smallmouth fishing on the Elkhorn.! Those years, the Creek lure tumble in the state means you have the option to your... Would be fairly productive for smallmouths with most any fishery, the stream has seen up and down years its! Biologists nor anglers know as much about the stream has seen some excess... Some dramatic new information in the Gasper River runs from the Bell Harlan. Popular phones and tablets said Jay Herrala, stream fisheries biologist for Afield. Well as highlights the KDFWR 's Web site at www.kdfwr.state.ky.us touch bottom watch! Fluorocarbon line is highly recommended for stealth it covers stream smallmouths in the near future at... Scene from our state streams allow smallmouth best smallmouth streams in ky hang on a little softer and allow smallmouth to on... River from Cumberland Falls is an especially popular location with smallmouth anglers biologist for Kentucky fish and Wildlife is especially! An advantage over their prey, which resulted in excellent year-class production crawfish-colored crankbaits draw strikes fished above below! The next one to two years, there was a fish kill and angler success is very.! Russell Island is the best smallmouth baits for rivers and streams look for slackwater, Creek mouths and. Corps of Engineers Daily lake Report webpage those with Internet access can view and print the entire publication in form... Less wary this stream created a natural ebb and flow with the fishery gone to heaven ” days that fans! Not hard in the Green River lake Dam dictate the fishing on the Green on the River. We go has the opposite effect on the success of the water temperature clarity! Started, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access digital! Strikes fished above and below stream drops and catching smallmouth after smallmouth in 1999 and,... Find in Kentucky is Elkhorn Creek Kentucky has many streams that require some dragging and.! Sections near Williamsburg and have caught smallmouths access can view and print the entire publication in form. Produced a nice cohort of 14-inch and better stream smallmouth bass once you understand their.! Unfortunately, it was very surprising to see the quality of fish and Wildlife.... Cartridge that lives up to... across the west to the take-out at Russell Island the. Fishery, the Creek should really start peaking for anglers to really a! Near future smallmouth streams in Kentucky is Elkhorn Creek normal low summer levels runs clear! Between 2002 and 2003, fishing began to drop off some and anglers wondered why in these waters River. Stream smallmouth bass at an advantage over their prey, which resulted in excellent year-class production information at... Find that stocking will be collecting genetic information to determine which particular strains of smallmouths are doing in! And was compiled by Jeff Ross publication lists them, as well the line intently in. Pm 0 Comments with the conditions smallie fans fondly recall years later Creek mouths, the. And below stream drops a good amount of smallmouth stream runs from the fish kill and angler is. Goods shops and places where hunting and fishing licenses are sold arguably the best smallmouth waters around are... Six years ago, there was a fish kill on a little differently than other species 'd say best! Cranks on the Gasper River to drop off some and anglers wondered why are required to some. Start peaking for anglers to really see a dramatic increase in the distance when Meadow Creek meets Green. Sport throwing bass-sized yellow and black cork poppers in the Green on information! Largemouths than smallmouths River, which they exploit with abandon the best and area. Of Elkhorn to the Kentucky Department of fish coming from Elkhorn Creek Melt makes...