South Fork Kentucky River

South Fork Kentucky River begins at the confluence of Red Bird River, Goose Creek, and Bullskin Creek in Clay County and flows North through Owsley County to its confluence with the North and Middle Forks of the Kentucky River in Lee County. From its origin, the South Fork Kentucky River flows downstream through the communities of Oneida, Booneville, and Beattyville, KY. Overall, South Fork Kentucky River is relatively broad in width with shallow to medium depths and is characterized by mud banks, rock bars, and occasional riffles. The South Fork Kentucky River provides anglers with the opportunity to fish for a wide variety of species that include: smallmouth bass, spotted bass, rock bass, channel catfish and muskellunge.

 

 

River Information

• Stream Levels/River Mileages
• Fishing Tips
• Fisheries Overview

Links to detailed ramp information
Oneida Ramp
Rocky Branch Road Access
Cedar Valley Road Access
Bishop Bend School Road Access
Hacker Branch Road Access
Upper Wolf Creek Ramp
Kay Wood Road Access
Fish Creek Boat Ramp

 

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Recommended River Levels for Boating/Fishing*
South Fork Kentucky River @ Booneville, KY
Rating	Gauge Height in Feet (ft)
Low	<4.8 ft
Good	4.8-6.0 ft
High	>6.0 ft
South Fork Kentucky River @ Booneville, KY
Rating	Flow in cubic feet per second (cfs)
Low	<350 cfs
Good	350-900 cfs
High	>900 cfs

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

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Resources for River Levels:
U.S. Geological Survey
(Provides real time stream flows on rivers and stream around the state)
Current Stream Levels On South Fork Kentucky River @ Booneville, KY

 

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South Fork Kentucky River Public Access Site Descriptions
 

Oneida Ramp: (Additional Information/Directions)

A single lane, concrete boat ramp is located directly north of the Oneida Elementary School off of Newfound-Oneida Road. A large, paved parking area is available at the top of the ramp with no other amenities available. The section of river at this site is best suited for canoes, kayaks, and small john boats.

 

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Rocky Branch Road Access: (Additional Information/Directions)

This gravel/dirt access is situated next to the Rocky Branch road bridge crossing. It is located 1.5 miles off of KY-11 and is 5.0 miles north of Oneida and 16.0 miles south of Booneville. Parking is limited at this site. This site is suitable for canoes and kayaks. There are no other amenities at this location.

 

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Cedar Valley Road Access: (Additional Information/Directions)

This gravel/dirt road access is located 9.5 miles north of Oneida and 19.0 miles south of Booneville. Parking is limited at this access point. This site is suitable for canoes and kayaks. Bank fishing is also available here, however, it is limited to the access site as adjacent property is privately owned. There are no amenities available at this location.

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Bishop Bend School Road Access: (Additional Information/Directions) 

This gravel/dirt road access is located on KY-11 7.0 miles north of Oneida and 12.0 miles south of Booneville. Parking is limited to a small dirt parking area located midway down the access road. This site is suitable for canoes and kayaks. Bank fishing is also available here, however, it is limited to the access site as adjacent property is privately owned. There are no amenities available at this location.

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Hacker Branch Road Access: (Additional Information/Directions)

This gravel/dirt access is located just off of KY-11 next to the bridge on Hacker Branch road. It is 10.0 miles north of Oneida and 9.5 miles south of Booneville. Parking is limited to the side of the road at this site. The section of river at this site is best suited for canoes and kayaks. There are no amenities available at this location.

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Upper Wolf Creek Ramp: (Additional Information/Directions)

This single lane, concrete boat ramp is located 0.2 miles off of KY-11 and is 12.5 miles north of Oneida and 7.2 miles south of Booneville. A gravel parking lot able to accommodate around 10 vehicles is located at the top of the ramp. The section of river at this site is best suited for canoes, kayaks, and small john boats. No other amenities are available here.

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Kay Wood Road Access: (Additional Information/Directions)

This gravel/dirt access is located off of KY-11 S next to the bridge on Kay Wood road. It is 17.7 miles north of Oneida and 2.3 miles south of Booneville. Parking is limited to the side of the road at this site. The section of river at this site is best suited for canoes and kayaks. There are no amenities available at this location.

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Fish Creek Boat Ramp: (Additional Information/Directions)

This single lane, concrete boat ramp is located on the north side of Booneville just off of Fish Creek road. A gravel parking lot able to accommodate up to 5 vehicles with trailers is located at the top of the ramp. The section of river at this site is best suited for canoes, kayaks, and small john boats. No other amenities are available here.

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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 South Fork Kentucky River from 2020.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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