Fishing Holes in Eastern Kentucky
Explore the top fishing destinations across Appalachia
Fishing Pike County
Fish the Levisa Fork of the Big Sandy River or explore fish-filled creeks around Fishtrap Lake. With miles of shoreline and a peaceful Appalachian setting, Pike County is a hidden gem for anglers targeting crappie, bluegill, and catfish.
Known for its mountainous beauty, Pike County offers excellent fishing opportunities in lakes and rivers throughout the area.
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Fishtrap Lake – Fishtrap Lake Rd, Pike County, KY
Species: Hybrid Striped Bass, White Crappie, Bluegill, Flathead, Blue, and Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, and Spotted Bass, White Bass, Redear Sunfish, Blue Catfish.
Access Type: Any Boat ramps at Dam/Grapevine/Lick Creek
Bank Access: Tailwater bank access below dam
Handicap Accessible: Varies by site
Notes: Corps/State-managed reservoir.
More Info: KDFWR Waterbody | Fishtrap WMA | USACE Recreation -
Levisa Fork – Multiple access points in Pike, Floyd, and Johnson Counties, KY
Species: Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Spotted Bass, Flathead Catfish, Channel Catfish, Blue Catfish, White Crappie, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Redear Sunfish, Sauger, Walleye, Freshwater Drum, and Common Carp.
Access Type: Public boat ramps at Pikeville Cut-Through, Fishtrap Spillway (downstream access), Millard, Betsy Layne, Harold, and Paintsville Lake tailwater (below dam).
Bank Access: Several bank fishing options available along Riverfill Drive (Pikeville), near the Cut-Through overlook, and downstream from the Paintsville Lake tailwaters.
Handicap Accessible: Limited at most locations; some access improvements at Pikeville City Park and Paintsville Lake tailwater overlook.
Notes: Free-flowing river managed by Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. Flows into Big Sandy River. Subject to seasonal fluctuations and varying water clarity. Productive for catfish and bass during spring and summer.
More Info: Levisa Fork Info | KY Stream Fishing Guide -
Russell Fork River – Elkhorn City Park Access – Riverside Dr, Elkhorn City, Pike County, KY
Species: Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Rock Bass, Bluegill, Redbreast Sunfish, Channel Catfish, Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout (seasonal), and Common Carp.
Access Type: Walk-in and canoe/kayak launch from Elkhorn City Park; roadside pulloffs upstream and downstream.
Bank Access: Excellent walk-in access via Elkhorn City Park trails and picnic areas; additional access at adjacent pedestrian bridge and riverwalk areas.
Handicap Accessible: Elkhorn City Park has ADA-accessible parking and paved walkways near the water's edge.
Notes: Cold, clear mountain stream known for scenic gorge fishing. Periodic trout stockings occur upstream near Bartlick (VA) and in KY sections. Water clarity and flows affected by seasonal releases from Flannagan Dam (VA). Popular with fly anglers and kayak anglers alike.
More Info: KY Stream Fishing Guide -
Pikeville City Lake – Bob Amos Park, Pikeville, KY
Species: Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Redear Sunfish, Rainbow Trout (seasonally stocked), and Grass Carp.
Access Type: Small boat/kayak launch (no gas motors); carry-down access near parking area.
Bank Access: Excellent around the lake perimeter, including fishing piers and trail access
Handicap Accessible: Yes — accessible parking, paved trail, and designated fishing piers
Notes: Family-friendly fishing lake inside Bob Amos Park; managed by KDFWR. Ideal for bank fishing and kayak angling. Trout stocked during colder months. Gas-powered motors prohibited. Part of Fishing in Neighborhoods (FINs) program.
More Info: KDFWR Waterbody
Fishing Floyd County
Cast your line at Dewey Lake, one of the region’s premier fishing destinations. Known for its bass and catfish, the lake offers scenic shoreline fishing and boat access. Try Jenny Wiley State Resort Park for great views and well-kept facilities.
Floyd County is home to scenic reservoirs and creeks that are popular with local anglers.
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Dewey Lake – Jenny Wiley SRP Marina Ramp – KY-302, Floyd County, KY
Species: Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Spotted Bass, Hybrid Striped Bass, White Crappie, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Flathead Catfish, Redear Sunfish, and Common Carp.
Access Type: Public boat ramp at Jenny Wiley State Resort Park Marina; additional ramps available at Johns Creek and German Bridge
Bank Access: Limited near the marina; more extensive access from picnic and camping areas within the park and near the dam
Handicap Accessible: Marina ramp and facilities at Jenny Wiley SRP are ADA-accessible
Notes: State-managed reservoir with excellent bass and hybrid striper fishing. Marina provides boat rentals, fuel, and supplies. Popular for tournaments and recreational boating. Seasonal drawdowns may affect shallow areas in fall/winter.
More Info: KDFWR Waterbody | Jenny Wiley SRP | KY Reservoir Fishing Info -
Left Fork of Beaver Creek – Roadside Pull-offs – Left Fork Rd (KY-194), Floyd County, KY
Species: Rainbow Trout (seasonally stocked), Brown Trout (occasional), Rock Bass, Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, and Creek Chub.
Access Type: Walk-in and roadside fishing at multiple pull-offs along Left Fork Rd (KY-194), between Garrett and Weeksbury
Bank Access: Excellent roadside access at bridges, gravel pull-offs, and shallow riffle areas; most access is informal
Handicap Accessible: No formal handicap-accessible areas; terrain varies and may be rugged
Notes: Small mountain stream known for clear water and seasonal trout stocking by KDFWR. Best fished during cooler months or after stocking. Wading recommended in summer. Subject to fluctuating water levels and limited parking. Ideal for light tackle or fly fishing.
More Info: N/A -
Jenny Wiley State Resort Park Shoreline – KY-302, Dewey Lake, Floyd County, KY
Species: Largemouth Bass, Spotted Bass, Hybrid Striped Bass, White Crappie, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Flathead Catfish, Redear Sunfish, and Common Carp.
Access Type: Walk-in bank access throughout park shoreline; available near picnic areas, lodge, and nature trail pull-offs
Bank Access: Moderate to good bank access at lodge area, marina shoreline, and designated fishing points along trails and open coves
Handicap Accessible: Limited; paved paths near the lodge and marina provide some accessible shoreline access
Notes: Scenic shoreline access within the state park boundary along Dewey Lake. Best fishing in early morning or late evening near submerged timber, rocky points, and coves. Park trails and picnic areas offer informal spots to cast. Seasonal variation in water levels may affect shoreline access.
More Info: KDFWR Waterbody | Jenny Wiley SRP | KY Bank Fishing Info
Fishing Johnson County
Paintsville Lake is the highlight here, offering stocked waters with trout, bass, and walleye. Whether you’re casting from a boat or the bank, the lake’s calm environment is perfect for a day of fishing and family fun.
Anglers in Johnson County enjoy lake fishing and streams teeming with game fish.
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Paintsville Lake – State Park – KY-2275, Johnson County, KY
Species: Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Spotted Bass, Channel Catfish, Flathead Catfish, Bluegill, Redear Sunfish, White Crappie, Black Crappie, Rainbow Trout (tailwaters), and Walleye (below dam).
Access Type: Public boat ramp at Paintsville Lake State Park; kayak and small craft launch available; additional access below dam
Bank Access: Good bank access from picnic areas, dam overlook, fishing jetty, and tailwater area
Handicap Accessible: Yes – ADA-accessible fishing jetty, paved trails, and park facilities
Notes: Deep, clear reservoir with excellent bass fishing and seasonal trout in tailwaters. Park-managed facilities include a campground, marina, and hiking trails. Popular for both boating and shoreline fishing. Tailwater area below dam provides year-round opportunities.
More Info: KDFWR Waterbody | Paintsville Lake SRP | KY Reservoir Fishing Info -
Right Fork of Paint Creek – Johnson County, KY (KY-172 corridor)
Species: Rainbow Trout (seasonally stocked), Rock Bass, Bluegill, Redbreast Sunfish, Creek Chub, and Smallmouth Bass (limited).
Access Type: Roadside walk-in access at bridges and pull-offs along KY-172 and surrounding county roads
Bank Access: Good informal access near bridges, gravel pull-offs, and low-water crossings; streamside vegetation can limit casting in some spots
Handicap Accessible: No developed ADA-access points; natural terrain only
Notes: Cold, clear mountain stream stocked with trout in early spring and fall. Best fished during cooler weather or shortly after stocking. Light tackle and wading are recommended. Watch for private property boundaries, as not all access is public.
More Info: Trout Streams Program -
Millers Creek (Van Lear) – Van Lear, Johnson County, KY
Species: Rainbow Trout (seasonally stocked), Rock Bass, Bluegill, Redbreast Sunfish, Creek Chub.
Access Type: Walk-in access at roadside pull-offs, bridge crossings, and community park areas
Bank Access: Informal bank access near Millers Creek Rd and side streets; limited maintained public access
Handicap Accessible: No formal ADA access; terrain varies from gravel to brushy banks
Notes: Small stream flowing through historic coal camp of Van Lear. Seasonally stocked with trout by KDFWR. Stream is best fished in early spring or fall. Light tackle, small spinners, and fly presentations work well. Portions of the creek run through private property — fish only where public access is clearly available.
More Info: FishAngler
Fishing Letcher County
Check out Carr Creek Lake and the surrounding streams teeming with native trout. The cool mountain waters and quiet hollers of Letcher County offer a true backwoods fishing experience unlike any other.
From creeks to large lakes, Letcher County provides peaceful fishing getaways.
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Fishpond Lake – Little Laurel Park – Jenkins, Letcher County, KY
Species: Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Spotted Bass, Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Flathead Catfish, Black Crappie, Rainbow Trout (stocked), Common Carp.
Access Type: Public boat ramp at Fishpond Lake Park; carry-down kayak and small craft launch; electric motors or oars only.
Bank Access: Good bank access from campgrounds, picnic shelters, and park trails.
Handicap Accessible: No formal ADA jetty, but paved areas and maintained paths near facilities.
Notes: 45-acre deep lake with trout and bass fishing. Regular trout stocking. Camping, picnic shelters, and hiking trails available. No boat rentals Nov 1–Feb 28. Freshwater jellyfish may appear late summer.
More Info: KDFWR Waterbody | Little Laurel Park -
North Fork Kentucky River – Letcher County, KY
Species: Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Rock Bass, Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Flathead Catfish, Musky, Chain Pickerel, Common Carp, Longnose Gar.
Access Type: Roadside and walk-in access at bridge crossings, public ramps near Whitesburg, and county road pull-offs.
Bank Access: Informal to good access near bridges and low-water crossings; some streamside vegetation.
Handicap Accessible: No developed ADA access points.
Notes: Scenic mountain river with productive smallmouth bass and catfish fishing. Calm sections good for kayaking and floating. Musky sometimes caught. Check water conditions after rain. Some access on private property.
More Info: KY River Info -
Poor Fork – Eastern Letcher County (Jefferson National Forest area)
Species: Rainbow Trout (stocked seasonally), Brook Trout (wild, catch-and-release), Rock Bass, Bluegill.
Access Type: Walk-in access at low-water crossings, USFS trailheads, and county roads; remote sections require hiking.
Bank Access: Informal; wading recommended; rocky and vegetated terrain.
Handicap Accessible: No formal ADA access; rugged terrain.
Notes: Class I Kentucky Trout Stream. Catch-and-release and artificial baits required above Hwy 932 bridge for brook trout. Rainbow trout stocked in selected sections. Best fishing in cool months and after stocking. Watch property boundaries and regulations.
More Info: Trout Streams Program
