Elkhorn Creek

Miles of Adventure

The two forks of central Kentucky’s Elkhorn Creek join just east of Frankfort to form one of the state’s best-known streams for floating and fishing for smallmouth bass, channel catfish and rock bass. Visitors love the Elkhorn for its beauty and its fishing. Paddlers find it perfect for canoeing and kayaking. From the Forks of Elkhorn to its end at the Kentucky River, Elkhorn Creek provides 13 miles of adventure.

Elkhorn Creek Access: Site to Site Mileages

Put In Access Site	Take Out Access Site	Total River Miles
AMA on the Creek	Elkhorn Creek VPA #3	4.8
Elkhorn Creek VPA #3	American Whitewater Access	2.6
American Whitewater Access	T.N. Sullivan WMA	1.3
T.N. Sullivan WMA	Peter W. Pfeiffer Hatchery	5.8
Peter W. Pfeiffer Hatchery	Still Water Campground	3.5

Recommended River Levels for Boating/Fishing for Elkhorn Creek near Frankfort

These ratings are only recommendations. Skill and experience will dictate levels appropriate for each angler.

Rating	Gauge Height (feet)
Low	<2.5 ft
Good	2.5-4.0 ft
High	>4.0 ft

Rating	Flow (cubic feet per second)
Low	<100 cfs
Good	100-600 cfs
High	>600 cfs

Resources for River Levels:

U.S. Geological Survey (Provides real time stream flows on rivers and stream around the state)
Current Stream Levels On Elkhorn Creek

Elkhorn Creek Public Access Site Descriptions

AMA on the Creek carrydown (Additional Information/Directions)

A gravel/dirt access can be found for canoe and kayak access just below where the north and south fork of Elkhorn Creek join on US 460. AMA on the Creek owns this property and charges a fee to park. The launch is located just downstream of the US 460 bridge crossing. This is a popular access point with paved parking for multiple vehicles. This is a canoe/kayak access site only and fishing, swimming or wading are not allowed. This is private property. Please respect the landowner’s wishes.

Elkhorn Creek VPA #3 (Additional Information/Directions)

This site is part of the KDFWR’s Voluntary Public Access Program which means that this area is privately owned but is open to the public; misuse of this area could result in area closure. Please follow all posted special regulations and boundary markers. This site provides excellent opportunities for bank/wade fishing and canoe/kayak access. Parking is unpaved along the road and is fairly limited.

American Whitewater Elkhorn Acres Access: (Additional Information/Directions)

This property is owned by American Whitewater which allows the public to use this site as a boating access. Bank and wade fishing are not permitted. Be mindful of property boundaries when using this area. This property is located downstream of Knight’s Bridge (KY 1900) and is access by a gravel driveway just south of the bridge crossing. Boaters will find ample unpaved parking and changing stations at this area.

T.N. Sullivan WMA: (Additional Information/Directions)

T.N. Sullivan Wildlife Management Area (WMA) is owned by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. Angler parking is available off KY 1262 at the property entrance. From the parking area, it is about 0.2 of a mile down to the creek along an old road bed. This site is a great area for wading and bank fishing. Anglers wishing to carry boats up the hill should be in top physical shape.

Elkhorn Creek VPA #2: (Additional Information/Directions)

This site is part of the KDFWR’s Voluntary Public Access Program which means that this area is privately owned but is open to the public; misuse of this area could result in area closure. Please follow all posted special regulations and boundary markers. This site strictly provides access for bank and wade fishing only. Boats are not permitted to be carried in or taken out at this location. Anglers will find a gravel parking area with signs that lead them to the creek.

Elkhorn Creek VPA #1: (Additional Information/Directions)

This site is part of the KDFWR’s Voluntary Public Access Program which means that this area is privately owned but is open to the public; misuse of this area could result in area closure. Please follow all posted special regulations and boundary markers. This site strictly provides access for bank and wade fishing only. Boats are not permitted to be carried in or taken out at this location. Anglers will find a gravel parking area with signs that lead them to the creek.

Peter W. Pfeiffer Hatchery: (Additional Information/Directions)

Kentucky Fish and Wildlife’s Pfeiffer Fish Hatchery, located on Indian Gap Road (KY 2919), off U.S. 127 provides an excellent area to use for put-in or take-out float trips and is an excellent area to wade fish. Angler need to take note that the hatchery is open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays only, so plan accordingly if you want to use the hatchery. Picnic tables and park benches are present at this site.

Still Waters Campground Ramp: (Additional Information/Directions)

Still Waters is located off US 127 at the confluence of Elkhorn Creek and the Kentucky River. There is a fee associated with use of the boat ramp. Camping and canoe rentals are also available at this location.