Kentucky
Elkhorn Creek near Frankfort
Location Snapshot
Elkhorn Creek near Frankfort is a central Kentucky stream fishery built around a warmwater black-bass community rather than a tailwater identity. Smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, and channel catfish are the principal supported targets.
Current River Rating
Good · 84
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
Wednesday, 5:00 PM–8:00 PM
Why
- Water temperature is within a broad fishable range.
- Air temperature is comfortable for fishing.
Favorable Factors
- Light to moderate wind should make casting and boat control easier.
- Recent precipitation has been light.
Timing Evidence
Window confidence: Medium
Current Readings
- Flow
- 93.7 CFS
- Gage Height
- 2.32 ft
- Water Temperature
- 56.7 °F
- Latest current reading
- Oct 21, 2026, 9:15 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
42°F
Feels like
38°F
Wind
2 mph E
Wind gust
2 mph
Current precipitation
0.00 in
Updated
Oct 21, 2026, 6:15 AM
Recent Rainfall
Estimated precipitation near this gauge
Last 6 hours
0.00 in
Last 24 hours
0.00 in
Last 48 hours
0.00 in
Little recent rainfall near this river.
Next 24 Hours
Wed 7 AM
Clear
Temp 41°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 2 mph
Wed 11 AM
Clear
Temp 60°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 2 mph
Wed 3 PM
Clear
Temp 72°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 1 mph
Wed 7 PM
Clear
Temp 65°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 4 mph
Wed 11 PM
Clear
Temp 53°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 3 mph
Thu 3 AM
Clear
Temp 48°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 2 mph
Four-Day Forecast
Wed, Oct 21
Clear
High 73°F / Low 41°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 6 mph
Thu, Oct 22
Clear
High 73°F / Low 43°F
Chance 1%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 11 mph
Fri, Oct 23
Partly cloudy
High 73°F / Low 45°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 12 mph
Sat, Oct 24
Overcast
High 74°F / Low 47°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 13 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 runs from the meeting of the North and South forks downstream to the Kentucky River.
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
Target species
Smallmouth Bass
Micropterus dolomieu
- Expectation
- Primary
- Population
- Wild
- Native status
- native
- Confidence
- High confidence
Largemouth Bass
Micropterus nigricans
- Expectation
- Common
- Population
- Wild
- Native status
- native
- Confidence
- High confidence
Channel Catfish
Ictalurus punctatus
- Expectation
- Present
- Population
- Wild
- Native status
- native
- Confidence
- High confidence
Fishery characteristics
- Composition
- Mixed wild and stocked
- Great Lakes tributary
- No
- Flow regime
- Natural flow
Best seasons
- Spring
- Summer
- Fall
Common techniques
- Boat fishing
- Shore fishing
- Spinning
Official sources
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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