Elkhorn Creek in Franklin County represents one of Kentucky's premier smallmouth bass fisheries, drawing anglers from across the region to its productive waters. Beginning at the confluence of the North and South Forks near Frankfort and flowing downstream to meet the Kentucky River, this creek winds through pastoral farmland framed by dramatic limestone cliffs known as the Palisades. These limestone formations create deep pools and drop-offs that hold excellent populations of smallmouth bass and other warmwater species. The creek features numerous riffles, eddies, and rocky substrate that provide ideal habitat for bass and panfish alike. Both wading and floating opportunities abound throughout the system, with the creek offering everything from challenging whitewater sections to calmer pools perfect for working flies or lures through promising structure.