Elkhorn Creek at McClelland Farmon Elkhorn Creek
What's working on Elkhorn Creek
- 01Bass are actively feeding on larger prey items in cooling waters.
- 02Streamers imitating baitfish and crayfish are highly effective.
- 03Look for opportunities to fish topwater poppers on warmer, sunny afternoons.
- 04Focus on rocky areas and deeper pools where bass ambush prey.
What to tie on at Elkhorn Creek at McClelland Farm
Picked from recent reports for this stretch.
Articulated Streamer (Drunk Sculpin)
Sculpin patterns are excellent for fall bass, imitating larger baitfish that predatory bass key on in cooling waters.
Buy at AmazonWoolly Bugger (Black)
A versatile streamer pattern that imitates leeches and baitfish, effective year-round and particularly deadly for bass in rivers during spring.
Pine Squirrel Leech (Olive)
Small leech patterns effectively mimic sluggish baitfish and annelids in colder water, enticing strikes from larger, lethargic bass in early spring.
Clouser Crayfish
Crayfish are a primary food source for bass in rocky rivers; stripping this pattern along the bottom with pauses mimics a fleeing crayfish.
Buy at AmazonHellgrammite Fly
Hellgrammites are a substantial, year-round food source for smallmouth bass in rocky rivers, making this a great subsurface option in spring.
Gurgler (Bass)
As spring progresses and water temperatures warm, topwater action for bass can begin, especially in the late afternoons, making this a good attractor.
Scud (Pink/Orange)
Freshwater shrimp (scuds) are a consistent food source for bass, and a pink or orange Scud can be very effective in early spring, especially in areas with aquatic vegetation.
Buy at AmazonSan Juan Worm
A high-visibility attractor that works well after rainfall or runoff, as aquatic worms are easily washed into the system, attracting opportunistic bass.
Buy at AmazonMaddin's Scorpion
A top-producing terrestrial in summer, mimicking larger insects falling onto the water, appealing to opportunistic bass.
Kentucky season by season
What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.
Fly shops nearby
Local flies, current advice and guided trips.