Slate Creek

Slate Creek begins at its headwaters in Montgomery County and flows downstream through Bath County where it meets up with the Licking River six miles northeast of Owingsville, KY. Overall, Slate Creek is a shallow stream that has an abundance of rock bars and water willow beds. Slate Creek has several public access points that provide anglers with the opportunity to fish for rock bass, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass and several other sport fish species.

   

River Information

• Stream Levels/River Mileages
• Fishing Tips
• Fisheries Overview
• Photo Gallery
• Blue Water Trails Page

Links to detailed ramp information
Howards Mill Dam
Lions Club Park
Old Slate Furnace Park
Forge Mill Dam
Wyoming Ford

 

                                                 
  

---

                                                                                       

 

---

Resources for River Levels:
U.S. Geological Survey
(Provides real time stream flows on rivers and stream around the state)
Current Stream Levels On Slate Creek at Mt. Sterling, KY

 
Return to top of page
 

                                                    


 

Slate Creek Public Access Site Descriptions
 
Howards Mill Dam: (Additional Information/Directions)

                                                   

A gravel drive allows anglers to access Slate Creek above and below Howards Mill Dam. The gravel drive runs beside the Mt. Sterling Water Treatment Plant to a small parking area (<10 vehicles). Anglers can then walk a short distance to the creek. The banks above the dam are very steep with somewhat better access below the dam. This site is designated for bank fishing. Anglers should beware of strong currents and “boils” associated with low head dams.          
​

---

 
Lions Club Park: (Additional Information/Directions)

                                                     

The Owingsville Lion’s Club Park is located above the low head dam that can be seen from the bridge on Kendall Springs Rd. Bank fishing is permitted within the park boundaries. Anglers will find ample parking and access to the water. This site has limited hours and may have restricted access during special events. A picnic pavilion is located beside the creek with plenty of shade. Anglers can also use the drive located on the opposite side of the bridge from the park to gain access to Slate Creek below the dam. Parking alongside the road is limited (<10 vehicles). Anglers should use caution when fishing below low head dams due to strong currents and “boils”.

---

Old Slate Furnace Park: (Additional Information/Directions) 

                                                     

This road-side park provides anglers with the opportunities to bank and wade fish within the park boundaries. A carry-down site located off the parking area is suitable for launching canoes and kayaks. Slate Furnace Park provides anglers with plenty of parking (<25 vehicles), picnic tables and a historic furnace.

---

Forge Mill Dam: (Additional Information/Directions)

                                                     

Access is located at the low water ford on Waterdell Rd. below Forge Mill Dam. This site provides an access point for launching small boats (canoe/kayak). This section of the creek has shallow bedrock and will require some flow for boating. Deeper pools can be found as anglers paddle downstream of the access point. Bank and wading fishing is limited because the land surrounding the ford is privately owned.

---

Wyoming Ford: (Additional Information/Directions)

Pictures Coming Soon


This site is located at the confluence of Slate Creek with the Licking River. Anglers can use this site to launch canoes and kayaks. The banks at this site are a combination of sand and mud which can make this site difficult to use at times. Bank fishing is also available but be mindful that private property surrounds this site.

Return to top of page

Stream Fishing Tips and Tactics Page

Return to top of page

---

Fisheries Overview
 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Return to top of page