North Fork Elkhorn Creek

North Fork Elkhorn Creek begins in northeastern Fayette County and flows northeast through Georgetown, KY where it is impounded by several low head dams. From Georgetown, KY it flows towards the community of Forks of Elkhorn, KY passing under the historic Switzer Covered Bridge. At the Forks of Elkhorn, KY the North Fork Elkhorn Creek joins the South Fork Elkhorn Creek. Overall, North Fork Elkhorn Creek is a shallow stream that has an abundance of rock bars and water willow beds with good populations of smallmouth bass and rock bass. The fish populations in the impounded sections of North Fork Elkhorn Creek around Georgetown, KY are mainly comprised of largemouth bass and bluegill.
 
 
 

                                                              
  


North Fork Elkhorn Creek Access Sites and Pool Length
Access SitePool Length (miles)
Oser Landing3.7
Cardome Ramp2.7
Great Crossings Ramp2.6
Robinson Dam Access1.7
Switzer Covered Bridge (upstream)2.3

                                                          

 

Recommended River Levels for Boating/Fishing*
North Fork Elkhorn Creek
RatingFlow in cubic feet per second (cfs)
Low<75 cfs
Good75-250 cfs
High>250 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 North Fork Elkhorn Creek at Georgetown, KY


North Fork Elkhorn Creek Public Access Site Descriptions
 

Oser Landing: (Additional Information/Directions)

                                                                

This site is located near downtown Georgetown, KY and provides anglers and boaters with a single lane concrete ramp, plenty of bank fishing, ample paved parking, picnic shelter and security lights. Boaters should be aware that a low head dam is located 0.6 miles downstream of the ramp. There is a bait shop, restaurants, fuel, lodging, etc. located near this site. Please follow all posted park rules and regulations.



Cardome Ramp: (Additional Information/Directions)

                                                                 

A single lane concrete ramp suitable for small boats is located at the Cardome Park about 1.0 mile north of downtown Georgetown, KY. Boat should be aware that a low head dam is located 0.1 miles downstream of the ramp. Plenty of bank fishing is available above and below the dam. Anglers should use caution when fishing below low head dams due to strong currents and “boils”. Paved parking is located throughout the park, with picnic tables, park benches, restroom facilities and security lights. There is a bait shop, restaurants, fuel, lodging, etc. located near this site. Please follow all posted park rules and regulations.



Great Crossings Ramp: (Additional Information/Directions)

                                                               

Great Crossing Park provides a variety of opportunities. Bank fishing sites are accessible both above and below the low head dam. Bank anglers can also find more bank fishing sites along the walking trail that parallels the creek. Boaters can utilize a single lane concrete ramp suitable for small trailered boat. Boater beaware that the ramp is located only 65 yards above the dam. Anglers and boaters should use caution when fishing or boating near these dams due to strong currents and “boils”. Paved parking is available for single vehicles while vehicles with trailer will have to park in the grass. Restrooms, picnic tables, park benches and a pavilion are available at this location. Please follow all posted park rules and regulations.


 
Robinson Lane Access: (Additional Information/Directions)

                                                                

Robinson Lane will end at a gravel parking area ,suitable for ˂10 vehicles, at the Robinson Dam. This is a carry-down site that is best suited for canoes and kayaks. Canoes and kayaks can be launch either above or below the dam. Anglers and boaters should use caution when fishing or boating near these dams due to strong currents and “boils”. Please be mindful that the public access is only at the dam, please be respectful of the private landowners/property that surround this access site. This area does not provide good bank fishing opportunities due to the small amount of public property. There are no amenities at this location. Please follow all posted park rules and regulations.


Switzer Covered Bridge: (Additional Information/Directions)

                                                             

A small road side park is home to the historic Switzer Covered Bridge which also provides anglers/boaters access to the creek. Bank fishing is available within the park's boundaries, which is located between the two bridges on the south bank. Bank fishing is limited due to the steep banks. The south bank is also a usable carry-down site for canoes and kayaks.  Please be aware that the properties adjacent to park are all private. No other amenities exist at this site.​






Fisheries Overview
 

The following length frequencies are representative of the top 4 species sampled in North Fork Elkhorn Creek from 2020.

Bluegill length frequency graph 

 

Smallmouth Bass length frequency graph 

 

Largemouth Bass Length frequency graph 

 

Rock Bass Length frequency graph 

 

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