Levisa Fork

The Levisa Fork begins in Virginia before entering into Eastern Kentucky and flows west until it reaches Fishtrap Lake. Upon leaving the lake, Levisa Fork receives its 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.

 
 
                           


Levisa Fork Access Site to Site Mileages
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

 



 
Recommended River Levels for Boating/Fishing*
Levisa Fork at Pikeville, KY
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
Levisa Fork at Prestonsburg, KY
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 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)


Current Stream Levels On Levisa Fork @ Pikeville, KY


Current Stream Levels On Levisa Fork @ Prestonsburg, KY 


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Levisa Fork Public Access Site Descriptions
 

Jubilee Christian Church Ramp: (Additional Information/Directions)
                         

A gravel/dirt access ramp is located five and a half miles south of Pikeville, just off of US-23 S behind Jubilee Christian Assembly. Parking near ramp is limited there is parking available at Jubilee Christian Assembly please ask for 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 that you may have 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/Directions)
                       

This is a gravel access ramp is located on the west side of Pikeville, KY under the Cedar Creek Road bridge. The turn off to access this ramp is between exit 24 and US-23 S. 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 as land surrounding the ramp is either privately owned or extremely steep and rocky.

Thompson Road Ramp: (Additional Information/Directions) 
                          

This single lane, concrete ramp is located on the north side of Pikeville, KY 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 as land surrounding the ramp is either privately owned or covered in thick vegetation.

Prestonsburg Ramp: (Additional Information/Directions)

This single lane, concrete ramp is located in Prestonsburg, KY 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/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 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.

Levisa Fork Boat​ Ramp: (Additional Information/Directions)
 

This single lane, concrete boat ramp is located in Paintsville, KY 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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Fisheries Overview
 

The following length frequencies are representative of the top 4 species sampled in Levisa Fork from 2017.

Smallmouth Bass length frequency graph 

 

Channel Catfish length frequency graph 

 

Kentucky Spotted Bass Length frequency graph 

 

White Bass Length frequency graph 

Rock Bass Length frequency graph ​

  
 

 

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