Fly Fish Otter Creek Outdoor Recreation Area

First of all, it should be said that Otter Creek ORA is a great property offering far more than just fishing. There are campgrounds, hiking/horse trails, picnic areas, disc golf and more.  Although this adventure focuses on the fishing opportunities at Otter Creek, it's worth checking out no matter what your interests are.

Otter Creek ORA is bordered on the north by the Ohio River, and on the East by Fort Knox. Otter Creek itself is a tributary of the Ohio River and the last 5 miles of the Creek flow through the ORA. The Creek is stocked with trout a few times during the year and is catch-and-release October through March. You can also catch native Kentucky species such as smallmouth bass and red ear sunfish. There are 2 primary access points for fishing - (1) the Garnettsville Picnic Area and (2) the Blue Hole. To get to the Garnettsville Picnic Area, take your first right after you pass the gate house at the entrance ($3/person). Follow the windy road downhill until you come to a parking area that borders the Creek. There are port-a-potties and picnic tables nearby. You can start fishing right here, or make your way downstream to some good riffles and pools. To get to the Blue Hole parking area, go straight down the main road after passing the gate house ($3/person). In about 1.25 miles you will see a sign for the Blue Hole and you will turn off to your right. The road turns into gravel, but keep going until you come to a small parking area and a gated path (gated just to prevent cars, not people). After you park, walk down the gated path until you hit Otter Creek. There are good spots both upstream and downstream from this point.  

Otter Creek ORA is only open Wednesday - Sunday. The gate house opens at dawn, and closes at dusk. However, if you are leaving after dark and gate is closed, pull forward slowly and it should open automatically.  

More info on Otter Creek can be found here for the KT Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources.