Levisa Fork

The Levisa Fork begins in Virginia before entering Eastern Kentucky and flows west until it reaches Fishtrap Lake. Upon leaving the lake, Levisa Fork receives water from the Russell Fork along with releases from Fishtrap Dam, creating great flows year-round. The Levisa Fork runs through the communities of Pikeville, Prestonsburg, Paintsville, and Louisa, where it meets the Tug Fork and forms the Big Sandy River. The Levisa Fork is relatively broad throughout most of its reach and holds various riffles and shoals as it flows through Eastern Kentucky. There is also an abundance of woody debris throughout the river, creating excellent fishing opportunities for smallmouth bass, spotted bass, rock bass, and channel catfish.

River Information

Links to detailed ramp information

View of the Levisa Fork river.  
Another view of the Levisa Fork river and surrounding shoreline.  
 

Levisa Fork Access Site to Site Mileages

River miles between public access sites on Levisa Fork.
Put In Access SiteTake Out Access SiteTotal River Miles
Jubilee Christian Church RampCedar Creek Ramp5.5
Cedar Creek RampThompson Road Ramp3.0
Thompson Road RampPrestonsburg Ramp27.5
Prestonsburg RampAirport Ramp8.2
Airport RampLevisa Fork Boat Ramp8.1

Scenic view of the Levisa Fork river.  

Recommended River Levels for Boating and Fishing

Recommended river levels for Levisa Fork at Pikeville, Kentucky.
RatingGauge Height in Feet (ft)Flow in Cubic Feet per Second (cfs)
Low<7.4 ft<800 cfs
Good7.4-8.5 ft800-1400 cfs
High>8.5 ft>1400 cfs
Recommended river levels for Levisa Fork at Prestonsburg, Kentucky.
RatingGauge Height in Feet (ft)Flow in Cubic Feet per Second (cfs)
Low<3.5 ft<800 cfs
Good3.5-5.0 ft800-1500 cfs
High>5.0 ft>1500 cfs

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


Resources for River Levels

U.S. Geological Survey

(Provides real-time stream flows on rivers and streams around the state.)

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Levisa Fork Public Access Site Descriptions

Jubilee Christian Church Ramp

Additional Information and Directions

Photo of Jubilee Christian Church Ramp access site.  
Second photo of Jubilee Christian Church Ramp access site.  
 

A gravel and dirt access ramp is located five and a half miles south of Pikeville, just off US-23 South behind Jubilee Christian Assembly. Parking near the ramp is limited. There is parking available at Jubilee Christian Assembly; please ask permission from the church before parking in the paved lot. There are no other amenities available at this ramp. Please be mindful of the property and properly dispose of any trash in a proper trash receptacle, or take it out with you when you leave. This site is best suited for john boats, canoes, and kayaks.


Cedar Creek Ramp

Additional Information and Directions

Photo of Cedar Creek Ramp access site.  
Second photo of Cedar Creek Ramp access site.  
 

This gravel access ramp is located on the west side of Pikeville, Kentucky, under the Cedar Creek Road bridge. The turnoff to access this ramp is between Exit 24 and US-23 South. A large gravel parking lot is located at the top of the ramp; however, there are no other amenities available at this site. This site is suitable for john boats, canoes, and kayaks. Bank and wading fishing is limited at this site because the land surrounding the ramp is either privately owned or extremely steep and rocky.


Thompson Road Ramp

Additional Information and Directions

Photo of Thompson Road Ramp access site.  
Second photo of Thompson Road Ramp access site.  
 

This single-lane concrete ramp is located on the north side of Pikeville, Kentucky, directly behind Texas Roadhouse. A large paved parking area is available at the ramp site, along with picnic tables and a portable bathroom. This site is suitable for john boats, canoes, and kayaks. Bank and wading fishing is limited at this site because the land surrounding the ramp is either privately owned or covered in thick vegetation.


Prestonsburg Ramp

Additional Information and Directions

This single-lane concrete ramp is located in Prestonsburg, Kentucky, directly behind Billy Ray's Restaurant just off North Front Street. A large paved parking area for more than 20 vehicles is available at the top of the ramp; however, there are no other amenities available at this site. This site is suitable for john boats, canoes, and kayaks. Bank and wading fishing is limited to the area surrounding the ramp.


Airport Ramp

Additional Information and Directions

This new single-lane paved ramp is located at the south end of the Paintsville-Prestonsburg-Combs Air Field directly off KY-321. Trash cans and a large paved parking area for around 10 vehicles are located at the top of the ramp. However, no other amenities are available at this site. This site is best suited for john boats, canoes, and kayaks.


Levisa Fork Boat Ramp

Additional Information and Directions

This single-lane concrete boat ramp is located in Paintsville, Kentucky, just off River Road next to Paintsville Water Plant. A large paved parking area with easy walk-down access to the riverside is located at the top of the ramp. However, no other amenities are available at this site. This site is best suited for john boats, canoes, and kayaks.

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Fishing Tips

Stream Fishing Tips and Tactics

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Fisheries Overview

The following length frequencies are representative of the top species sampled in Levisa Fork in 2017.

Length-frequency graph for smallmouth bass sampled in Levisa Fork in 2017.  
Length-frequency graph for channel catfish sampled in Levisa Fork in 2017.  
Length-frequency graph for spotted bass sampled in Levisa Fork in 2017.  
Length-frequency graph for white bass sampled in Levisa Fork in 2017.  
Length-frequency graph for rock bass sampled in Levisa Fork in 2017.  

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