Elkhorn Creek
creek in Kentucky
Elkhorn (North and South forks) flows through rolling farmland and offers long riffles, pocket water and occasional deep pools; summer and fall are prime for smallmouth on topwater flies and nymph rigs.
Conditions right now
No USGS gauge is linked to this water yet, so we can't chart flows.
What's working on Elkhorn Creek
- 01Bass are actively feeding on larger prey items in cooling waters.
- 02Streamers imitating baitfish and crayfish are highly effective.
- 03Look for opportunities to fish topwater poppers on warmer, sunny afternoons.
- 04Focus on rocky areas and deeper pools where bass ambush prey.
Past reports week by week
11 weeksWhat to tie on
Picked from reports, hatches and the season. Tap a fly for the recipe and where else it works.
Articulated Streamer (Drunk Sculpin)
Sculpin patterns are excellent for fall bass, imitating larger baitfish that predatory bass key on in cooling waters.
Buy at AmazonWoolly Bugger (Olive) (Bass)
A classic and versatile streamer, the olive Woolly Bugger imitates leeches and baitfish, which are consistent food sources for bass in cooling fall waters.
Popping Bug (Bass)
On warmer fall days, topwater action can still occur, creating an enticing surface disturbance for aggressive bass.
Clouser Minnow (Bass) (Chartreuse/White)
Effectively imitates baitfish, a primary food source for bass in cooling fall waters, attracting aggressive strikes.
Black Woolly Bugger (Bass)
Its movement triggers strikes even when stripped very slowly through deep wintering holes, making it effective for fall smallmouth preparing for winter.
Hellgrammite
Hellgrammites are a consistent food source on rocky smallmouth rivers year-round, making this a reliable subsurface pattern for fall bass.
Crayfish (Fly) (Olive/Rust)
Crayfish are a primary food source for bass in rocky areas during the fall, making this a crucial subsurface pattern.
Hopper Juan
Terrestrial activity, such as grasshoppers, can persist into early fall along grassy banks, providing opportunistic feeding for bass.
Buy at AmazonWhere to fish and who to ask
Elkhorn Creek at McClelland Farm
A long wadeable stretch producing large smallmouth and good dry-fly action in spring and early summer.
Frankfort / South Elkhorn Access
City access points near Frankfort that allow easy bank fishing and short float trips.
Sadieville Access (North Elkhorn)
Popular put-in and wading area on the North Elkhorn near Sadieville with good riffles and accessible shoreline.
Fly shops within 40 miles
Cumberland Valley Fly Fishing
Fly Upstream Outfitters, LLC
Fly Upstream Outfitters
Get Elkhorn Creek reports by email
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Kentucky season by season
What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.
Read before you go
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Quick answers
Common questions about Elkhorn Creek.
What flies work best on Elkhorn Creek?
Our top scored fly patterns for Elkhorn Creek right now are Articulated Streamer (Drunk Sculpin) (80% confidence), Woolly Bugger (Black) (80% confidence), Pine Squirrel Leech (Olive) (80% confidence). These picks are scored from recent fishing reports, hatch data, and seasonal patterns.
What fish species are in Elkhorn Creek?
Elkhorn Creek holds Smallmouth Bass, Shoal Bass, Largemouth Bass. See the species links on this page for fly recommendations and seasonal behavior for each.
Is Elkhorn Creek fishing well right now?
We publish a fresh bite report for Elkhorn Creek each week based on recent on-the-water intel. The current report — with conditions, hatches, and what's producing — is on this page.