Kentucky
Elkhorn Creek near Frankfort
Current River Rating
Excellent · 88
Conditions look favorable based on the available readings.
Scores are model-specific and are not directly comparable across water types.
Medium confidence
Should I Go?
Go
Recommended Window
Sunday, 10:00 AM–1:00 PM
Why
- Cloud cover is generally suitable for fishing.
- Water temperature is within a broad fishable range.
Favorable Factors
- Light to moderate wind should make casting and boat control easier.
- Air temperature is comfortable for fishing.
Timing Evidence
Window confidence: Medium
Current Readings
- Flow
- 98.6 CFS
- Gage Height
- 2.34 ft
- Water Temperature
- 83.5 °F
- Latest current reading
- Sep 6, 2026, 8:15 AM
Updated recently · USGS station 03289500 · Direct monitoring location
Readings from past 7 Days
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Historical readings are provided for context. Readings outside the current freshness window are not used to rate current conditions.
Better Nearby Options
Checking nearby StrikeTracks waters…
Preliminary guidance only. Always assess current weather, access, water depth, current speed, and your own ability before entering the river.
Changing Conditions Advisory
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Weather Near Gauge
Current Weather
Clear
Temperature
72°F
Feels like
78°F
Wind
3 mph N
Wind gust
12 mph
Current precipitation
0.00 in
Updated
Sep 6, 2026, 5:00 AM
Recent Rainfall
Estimated precipitation near this gauge
Last 6 hours
0.00 in
Last 24 hours
0.97 in
Last 48 hours
0.97 in
Moderate rainfall may cause rising or changing flows.
Next 24 Hours
Sun 6 AM
Clear
Temp 72°F
Chance 7%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 3 mph
Sun 10 AM
Partly cloudy
Temp 75°F
Chance 4%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 8 mph
Sun 2 PM
Clear
Temp 84°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 9 mph
Sun 6 PM
Clear
Temp 83°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 10 mph
Sun 10 PM
Clear
Temp 71°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 7 mph
Mon 2 AM
Clear
Temp 67°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 3 mph
Four-Day Forecast
Sun, Sep 6
Overcast
High 85°F / Low 70°F
Chance 8%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 24 mph
Mon, Sep 7
Clear
High 87°F / Low 62°F
Chance 1%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 21 mph
Tue, Sep 8
Overcast
High 89°F / Low 70°F
Chance 1%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 21 mph
Wed, Sep 9
Overcast
High 97°F / Low 71°F
Chance 6%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 32 mph
Weather and rainfall are estimated for this river's coordinates. Local conditions can vary, especially in mountainous terrain and during isolated storms.
Recent rainfall can influence river flow, but the timing and magnitude depend on watershed size, soil conditions, upstream reservoirs, and dam releases.
Weather data: Open-Meteo
Historical Flow
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Fishing Overview
Elkhorn Creek near Frankfort, Kentucky. Monitoring-Backed from USGS (live 00010, 00060, 00065).
Fishery Profile
Documented species you may encounter at Elkhorn Creek.
Species images are AI-generated illustrations for visual reference and may simplify natural variation. Fishery records are based on the cited agency sources. About fish illustrations
Fishery overview
Elkhorn Creek near Frankfort is the KDFWR flagship smallmouth creek below the North and South Fork confluence into the Kentucky River. StrikeTracks publishes Monitoring-Backed conditions from USGS 03289500 (live discharge, stage, and water temperature). Distinct from South Elkhorn at Fort Spring 03289000 and from the Kentucky River lock-and-dam mainstem. Flow Context remains default-deny. Insect Hatch Match is not applicable.
Target species
Smallmouth Bass
Micropterus dolomieu
- Expectation
- Primary
- Population
- Wild
- Native status
- native
- Confidence
- High confidence
KDFWR Elkhorn Creek smallmouth bass. USGS 03289500 near Frankfort. Not South Elkhorn 03289000.
Largemouth Bass
Micropterus nigricans
- Expectation
- Common
- Population
- Wild
- Native status
- native
- Confidence
- High confidence
KDFWR Elkhorn Creek largemouth bass under the same black-bass slot.
Channel Catfish
Ictalurus punctatus
- Expectation
- Present
- Population
- Wild
- Native status
- native
- Confidence
- High confidence
KDFWR Elkhorn Creek channel catfish.
Fishery characteristics
- Composition
- Mixed wild and stocked
- Great Lakes tributary
- No
- Flow regime
- Natural flow
Elkhorn Creek mainstem in Franklin County below the forks, a limestone smallmouth creek distinct from the Kentucky River navigation pools.
Best seasons
- Spring
- Summer
- Fall
Common techniques
- Boat fishing
- Shore fishing
- Spinning
Access and Public Fishing Rights
Public fishing is documented by KDFWR Elkhorn Creek access, including carry-down and Voluntary Public Access bank sites. Some VPA parcels are private with behavior-conditioned access. Catalog coordinates are USGS 03289500.
Stocking information
KDFWR manages Elkhorn as a wild black-bass creek with a 12-15 inch protective slot from the forks to the Kentucky River. Confirm current official notices.
Official sources
KDFWR Elkhorn black-bass slot rules change. Distinct from South Elkhorn 03289000 and from Kentucky River Lock 4. Confirm current KDFWR fishing regulations.
Hatch Match
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Location and Access
USGS monitoring location
Franklin, Kentucky
The map marker represents the cataloged waterbody or monitoring location and may not indicate legal parking or public access. Confirm access through the official information before visiting.
River Details
County
Franklin
Management Category
Inland smallmouth creek
Regulation Scope
Elkhorn Creek near Frankfort
Regulation Summary
Elkhorn Creek near Frankfort: KDFWR inland warmwater-creek rules, including the Elkhorn black-bass slot. Confirm current official regulations.
Target Species
smallmouth-bass, largemouth-bass, channel-catfish
Access, Parking, and Regulations
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