Fishing the North Fork of the Kentucky River: Hazard to Beattyville
If you’re itching to cast a line in eastern Kentucky, the North Fork of the Kentucky River from Hazard to Beattyville is your spot. This 40-mile stretch of clear, rocky water is a smallmouth bass haven, with spotted bass and catfish thrown in for good measure.
It’s got everything—scenic riffles, easy access, and enough fish to keep your rod bending. Here’s the lowdown on fishing this gem, based on what’s working now.
Why the North Fork Rocks
The North Fork starts in the Appalachian hills, cuts through Hazard in Perry County, and flows to Beattyville in Lee County, where it meets two other forks to form the Kentucky River. It’s a narrow river—50-100 feet wide—with riffles, deep pools, and plenty of rocks where smallmouth love to hide. You can wade, kayak, or fish from the bank, and the vibe is pure eastern Kentucky: quiet, green, and wild.
What You’ll Catch
Smallmouth Bass: The main event. These fighters hit hard in riffles and around rocks. Spring and fall are best.
Spotted Bass: Feisty and common in deeper pools. They’ll smash your lures year-round.
Channel Catfish: Lurking in slow, deep spots. Great for night fishing with stink bait.
Rock Bass: Fun for kids or newbies, found in shallows.
Where to Fish
Here are three killer spots, all easy to reach:
Perry County Park (Hazard): Right in town, this park has a kayak ramp and bank access. Fish the pool below the ramp for smallmouth or catfish. Parking’s free, and there’s a restroom.
Heidelberg Park (Lee County): Halfway to Beattyville, this spot’s got rocky shoals perfect for wading. Target smallmouth with jigs. Small lot, so get there early.
Beattyville Boat Ramp: At the river’s end, this ramp’s great for kayaks or bank fishing. The deep water near the confluence holds smallmouth and even a rare muskie.
Find these spots on the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife map at fw.ky.gov. Pro tip: Watch for “No Trespassing” signs near bridges to avoid private land.
Gear and Tactics
Keep it simple:
Rod: 6-foot spinning rod, 6-8 lb test line.
Lures: 1/8 oz inline spinners or 2-inch crawfish jigs for bass. Small crankbaits work too.
Bait: Nightcrawlers or cut shad for catfish.
Extras: Wading boots (it’s slippery!) and a life jacket for kayaking.
In spring, hit riffles with jigs for spawning smallmouth. Summer evenings are prime for catfish in deep pools. Fall’s your shot at topwater action—think small poppers for bass. Check the USGS Hazard gauge (waterdata.usgs.gov) before you go—flows under 500 cfs are safest for wading.
Rules to Know
You need a Kentucky fishing license, if you’re 16 or older. Get one at a local store or online at fw.ky.gov. Limits per Kentucky Fish and Wildlife:
Smallmouth/Spotted Bass: 6 total, 12-inch minimum.
Catfish: No limit.
Rock Bass: 15, no minimum.
Toss back big fish to keep the river healthy. Double-check rules at fw.ky.gov, as they can change.
Don’t Get Skunked
Weather: The North Fork gets muddy after heavy rain, so skip it if flows spike above 1,000 cfs. Check your weather app for forecasts.
Local Tips: Swing by local gas stations for fresh bait and gossip on what’s biting.
Safety: Flash floods are real. If the water’s high, stay on the bank. Pack out your trash to keep access open.
Make It Happen
The North Fork from Hazard to Beattyville is a smallmouth paradise with enough access to keep things easy. Grab a spinning rod, some spinners, and hit Perry County Park or Beattyville for a day of action. It’s not just fishing—it’s a slice of Kentucky’s wild side. Check fw.ky.gov for the latest regs, and let us know your best catch in the comments!
