T.N. Sullivan WMA

Bank fishing access to a storied smallmouth stream

By Lee McClellan

          Elkhorn Creek in central Kentucky is perhaps the state’s best-known smallmouth bass stream. Anglers who visit the creek recognize both its beauty and its quality fishing.

          One of the problems visitors encounter when they come to Elkhorn Creek, however, is the lack of public access for bank fishing. Most anglers instead canoe or kayak the creek to reach the best fishing.

          The 146-acre T.N. Sullivan Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Franklin County is one place where the public can bank fish without trespassing on private land. The area lies between the confluence of the creek’s forks and the Elkhorn’s end at the Kentucky River.

          “There are some nice smallmouth bass to be caught in that section of Elkhorn,” said Jeff Crosby, central fisheries district biologist for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. “You are in a pretty good section of the stream at T.N. Sullivan.”

          Spring is a good time to fish the Elkhorn. The section of creek along Sullivan WMA is mostly deep pools with undercut banks and shoreline root wads that hold both smallmouth bass and chunky channel catfish from March through June.

          Pumpkinseed with green flake 4-inch lizards drifted just in front of the undercut or root wad draws strikes from smallmouth bass. Channel catfish will inhale stinky dip baits cast near undercut banks and allowed to sit still. The channel cats in Elkhorn usually run from 18 to 22 inches or so, perfect for eating. Anglers may also catch rock bass, spotted bass and largemouth bass from this section of the creek.

          Returning from the creek’s valley to the parking area atop Sullivan Lane requires some effort. “The grade is not terrible,” Crosby said, “but it requires some physical exertion. If you have two people, you could drag a canoe down there. I wouldn’t recommend it for a take-out.”

          The area is open to all hunting seasons except firearms deer hunting. The portion of Sullivan WMA on the hill above Elkhorn Creek holds rabbits and squirrels, while the bottomlands along the creek have some deer. Raccoons live in the bottomlands near the creek as well.

          Sullivan WMA also offers opportunities to see great blue herons, green herons, kingfishers and wood ducks. In addition, birders may see orioles and hawks there.

To get there:

          From Frankfort, take U.S. 127 north. Turn right onto KY 1262 (Sullivan Lane). Turn left onto old U.S. 127 at the T-intersection, then turn right again onto KY 1262. Go 2.5 miles to the parking area on right.