Northeastern Kentucky Streams

Grayson Lake Tailwaters, Grayson, KY If you happen to be in the Grayson (Carter County) area in the future, I’d suggest spending a few hours in the Little Sandy River, which is the tailwaters of Grayson Lake. The state stocks this stream in late Spring and mid-Fall, with about 5,000 rainbows. The Kentucky Lake Guide shows estimates of nearly 100,000 trout being stocked into this tailwater, since the early 90’s. Fishing is best between the months of October and April, when there is a steady release of water from the dam. It’s common to catch 10+ fish in a matter of a few hours. During the Summer months, the releases are minimal, and the water is low and very clear, which makes fishing a little difficult. Although I have caught 8 -10 fish in the early morning hours of June and July on a few occasions. You can get to the tailwaters by taking Interstate 64 to Grayson. Turn toward the city of Grayson as you leave the exit ramp. This highway is Rt. 7 and will take you through town and south to Grayson Lake (about 7 miles). When you see the lake to the left, you are actually driving on the dam. Take the first right you see, and this access road will take you about a quarter-mile down to parking at the picnic area. At the picnic area, you will see the limestone rock bank that extends for about 300 yards. This area will produce fish, but I usually bypass it. This area is sometimes a little crowded with fisherman who are fishing for all species: bluegill, crappie, bass, etc. If you walk toward the tower, behind the restrooms, there is a stairway that leads to a path that extends a mile or so downstream. This path is usually just used for hikers and walkers, and you won’t see many folks fishing past the rock bank. The first good hole to fish comes up about 100 yards past the stairway. There is a small limestone bank that leads to the water, and this is where the stream makes its first bend to the right. Once you enter the water, you’ll see a large stump on the opposite bank. Start fishing above the stump and drift into the pool. The second hole is another 100 yards downstream. You will see a large tree (it may be in the water, or it may be a stump, now – it fell during the winter) on the near bank. Just across from it, you will see large boulders. There is a very slippery little path to the water here. Wade a little ways into the stream and start your drift at the boulders. There is also a large boulder in the middle of the stream, 15 yards or so down, which creates a nice riffle on the near side – this spot always holds a few fish. From there, you can move on down another 50 yards or so, and you will see another small limestone bank. There is a huge boulder on the opposite bank. I usually fish this area 20 yards up and downstream from the boulder. Move on downstream to the next right-bend. You can enter the water just to the right of the large tree. You will see a long rock wall on the opposite bank that extends for several hundred yards. This area produces good fishing from the tree for about 50 yards downstream.  From here, I usually just look for riffles. Access to the water is pretty difficult, as the bank is very steep. There is a lot of fallen timber, which creates several riffles. The end of each riffle usually produces a fish.  Since the water is lower here, riffles usually only hold one fish, so after one, I move on to the next. At the end of the trail (turns right uphill), there is a small dirt path that continues another 100 yards downstream. There are a couple visible holes at the end of this trail. From here, if you have a kyak or pontoon, fish the rock wall that extends another couple hundred yards. The current runs along the wall. When fishing this stream, I use a 7 ft, 4 wt rod. No. 12 prince nymphs work best in the Fall & Winter suspended about 3 ft from an indicator. During the Summer, I use a chartreuse inchworm with a gold beadhead, No. 12. Before you go, check with the Corp of Engineers for water releases. Their number is (606) 474-5815.