Goose Creek

 

 
 

Goose Creek begins in southeast Clay County, flows north into the town of Manchester, KY, and continues northeast into the town of Oneida. Upon reaching Oneida, Goose Creek comes to its confluence with Red Bird River and Bullskin Creek to form the South Fork Kentucky River. Goose Creek is a tributary to the South Fork Kentucky River and is located entirely in Clay County. Overall, Goose Creek is a relatively shallow stream, which comprises both shallow and deeper pools, riffles, and an abundance of rock bars. Goose Creek provides anglers with an excellent opportunity to fish for a variety of species that include smallmouth bass, rock bass, walleye, and muskellunge.

View of Goose Creek  
View of Goose Creek  
 

Stream Levels and River Mileage

Goose Creek access site to site mileages
Put In Access SiteTake Out Access SiteTotal River Miles
Goose Creek RampRawlings and Stinson Park Ramp1.2
Rawlings and Stinson Park RampJacks/Bowling Branch Bridge Access9.1
Jacks/Bowling Branch Bridge AccessTobacco Road Bridge Ramp2.2
Tobacco Road Bridge RampDump Hollow Ford0.8
Dump Hollow FordLaurel Branch Road Access4.8

View of Goose Creek  
View of Goose Creek  
 

Recommended River Levels for Boating and Fishing

Gauge height ratings for Goose Creek at Manchester, KY
RatingGauge Height in Feet (ft)
Low<7.4 ft
Good7.4-8.5 ft
High>8.5 ft
Flow ratings for Goose Creek at Manchester, KY
RatingFlow in Cubic Feet per Second (cfs)
Low<175 cfs
Good175-514 cfs
High>514 cfs

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


River Level Resources

U.S. Geological Survey
Provides real-time stream flows on rivers and streams around the state.

View current stream levels for Goose Creek at Manchester, KY (USGS)

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Goose Creek Public Access Site Descriptions

Goose Creek Ramp

View additional information and directions for Goose Creek Ramp

Photo of Goose Creek Ramp access site  
Second photo of Goose Creek Ramp access site  
 

This single lane concrete ramp is located in Manchester, KY, directly south of the 2nd Street bridge just off Railroad Avenue next to the District 11 Kentucky Transportation Cabinet building. Parking near the ramp is limited, and please be mindful not to park on the paved trail. Amenities at this site include a covered shelter along with several picnic tables. Please be mindful of the property and properly dispose of any trash in a receptacle or take it with you when you leave. This site is best suited for small boats, canoes, and kayaks.


Rawlings and Stinson Park Ramp

View additional information and directions for Rawlings and Stinson Park Ramp

Photo of Rawlings and Stinson Park Ramp access site  
Second photo of Rawlings and Stinson Park Ramp access site  
 

This single lane concrete ramp is located on the north side of Manchester, KY, just east of Richmond Road on the north side of Memorial Drive directly across from Rawlings Stinson Park. Paved parking is available right above the ramp. However, spaces are limited, and if you choose to park off the gravel drive, please be mindful of the grass and keep all vehicles and trailers clear of the road. Amenities at this site include a walking track, playground, gazebo, covered stage, and several large shelter houses with grills. This site is suitable for boats, canoes, and kayaks. Caution should be taken when floating downstream, as a low head dam is located 1.3 miles downstream of the ramp. Some bank fishing is available along the ramp as well as within the park boundaries.


Jacks/Bowling Branch Bridge Access

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Photo of Jacks/Bowling Branch Bridge Access site  
Second photo of Jacks/Bowling Branch Bridge Access site  
 

This gravel/dirt access is situated next to the Phil Young Road bridge crossing. It is located 4.2 miles off US-421 N/Richmond Road and is 6.6 miles northeast of Manchester and 9.2 miles southwest of Oneida. Parking is limited to the side of the road at this site. This site is suitable for canoes and kayaks. There are no other amenities at this location.


Tobacco Road Bridge Ramp

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Photo of Tobacco Road Bridge Ramp access site  
Second photo of Tobacco Road Bridge Ramp access site  
 

This gravel/dirt road access is located on the downstream side of the Frazier/Tobacco Road bridge. It is located less than a half mile off KY-11 N near Tanksley and is 10.1 miles northeast of Manchester and 7.1 miles southwest of Oneida. Parking is limited to the area downstream of the bridge and the side of the road. This site is suitable for small boats, canoes, and kayaks. There are no other amenities at this location.


Dump Hollow Ford

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Photo of Dump Hollow Ford access site  
Second photo of Dump Hollow Ford access site  
 

At this access site, a gravel road fords the creek during low flow periods. Parking is very limited, but during periods of low flow, additional parking is available on the gravel bar. During periods of high flow, caution should be taken, as it can be difficult or dangerous to ford the river or turn a vehicle around on this narrow road. This site provides anglers with the opportunity to bank and wade fish directly around the ford crossing. This site is suitable for small boats, canoes, and kayaks. There are no other amenities at this location.


Laurel Branch Road Access

View additional information and directions for Laurel Branch Road Access

Photo of Laurel Branch Road access site  
Second photo of Laurel Branch Road access site  
 

This gravel/dirt road access is located 14.0 miles north of Manchester and 5.8 miles south of Oneida. Parking is limited at this access point. Bank fishing is available here; however, it is limited to the access site, as adjacent property is privately owned. This site is suitable for canoes and kayaks. There are no amenities available at this location.

View the Stream Fishing Tips and Tactics page

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Fisheries Overview

The following length frequencies are representative of the top 4 species sampled in Goose Creek in 2018.

2018 Rock Bass length frequency graph for Goose Creek 2018 Smallmouth Bass length frequency graph for Goose Creek 2018 Walleye length frequency graph for Goose Creek 2018 Spotted Bass length frequency graph for Goose Creek

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