Rock Creek

River Map

About Rock Creek

Kentucky's most celebrated stocked trout stream — a Blue Ribbon Trout Fishery and Wild River within Daniel Boone National Forest. Over 18.6 miles of public water, all on national forest land. KDFWR stocks 17,000+ rainbow trout annually; fall brown trout stocking adds trophy potential. The 8.7-mile delayed-harvest section (TN border to Bell Farm Bridge) is artificial-only, catch-and-release October 1–March 31. The upper section near the Tennessee border offers some of the most 'western-feeling' small-stream fly fishing in the eastern US.

Regulations

KY Fishing License + Trout Permit required. 8.7-mile delayed harvest section (TN border to Bell Farm Bridge): artificial flies/lures only, catch-and-release, October 1–March 31. Standard trout regulations elsewhere: 8 trout/day, no size limit.

Learn More

Guides to help you fish Rock Creek with more confidence.

• Kentucky Trout Fishing Regulations Guide

  Kentucky fishing license + the separate Trout Permit ($10.57), the standard 8 trout/day creel on the main Cumberland tailwater, the Hatchery Creek…

• Trout Species of Kentucky

  Kentucky has no native trout — but the Cumberland tailwater below Wolf Creek Dam holds state records for all four classic trout species (rainbow,…

• How Barometric Pressure Affects Fishing (And How to Use It)

  That gorgeous bluebird day after a cold front? Worst fishing of the year. Here's the data behind why pressure changes matter more than the weather…