Smallmouth Fishing: Magoffin County Creeks and Paintsville Lake Tributaries

Magoffin County, Kentucky, isn’t widely known for standout smallmouth bass waterways compared to other parts of the state, like the Green River or Elkhorn Creek. However, it does have some potential options worth exploring, particularly within its streams and rivers that feed into larger systems. Smallmouth bass thrive in clear, flowing waters with rocky or gravelly bottoms, and while Magoffin County’s waterways may not be as famous, they can still hold fish.

One waterway to consider is Licking River, which runs through Magoffin County. The Licking River system, particularly its upper reaches and tributaries, is known to support smallmouth bass populations in various stretches across Kentucky. In Magoffin, sections with decent flow and rocky substrate could harbor smallmouth, especially where the river avoids heavy siltation. Access points near Salyersville, the county seat, might be a good starting point, though you’d need to scout for suitable habitat—think riffles, pools, and current breaks.

Another possibility is Burning Fork, a tributary of the Licking River that flows through the county. Smaller streams like this can sometimes hold decent smallmouth populations, particularly in areas with clean water and structure like rocks or fallen logs. It’s less documented than larger rivers, so local knowledge or a bit of exploration would be key to finding productive spots.

Keep in mind that Magoffin County’s streams can be affected by seasonal water levels and runoff, which might impact fishing quality. Spring and early summer, when water temperatures hit 60-65°F, are prime times for smallmouth spawning and activity. For baits, try small crankbaits, jigs, or live bait like crayfish, focusing on areas with current and cover.

If you’re looking for more renowned smallmouth waters, you’d have to travel outside Magoffin County. For example, the Big Sandy River (near Prestonsburg in neighboring Floyd County) or Cave Run Lake (about an hour away in Rowan County) are better-known smallmouth hotspots. But within Magoffin itself, the Licking River and its tributaries like Burning Fork are your best bets for local options. Check with locals or the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife for current conditions and access points—they’d have the latest on what’s fishing well.

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Paintsville Lake itself is primarily in Johnson County, Kentucky, with its dam and main body just outside Magoffin County’s borders. However, Magoffin County is part of the lake’s broader watershed, as several creeks and streams from the county flow into the Licking River system, which indirectly connects to the lake via downstream drainage. While Paintsville Lake is known for its fish populations—largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, and some stocked species like walleye—the question of whether creeks in Magoffin County that flow toward it hold fish, including smallmouth bass, depends on specific waterways and their conditions.

Paintsville Lake is fed primarily by Paint Creek, which originates in Magoffin County and flows through Johnson County before entering the lake. Paint Creek and its tributaries—like State Road Fork and Little Paint Creek—are the key connectors from Magoffin County to the lake. These streams can indeed hold fish, including smallmouth bass, though their populations and fishing quality vary based on habitat and water conditions. Smallmouth bass prefer clear, flowing water with rocky or gravelly bottoms, and Paint Creek has sections that fit this profile. Still, local anglers report catching smallmouth in Paint Creek, especially in riffles and deeper pools closer to the lake, along with species like sunfish and the occasional catfish.

Water quality and seasonal flow are big factors here. Paint Creek and its tributaries can suffer from siltation or low water levels, especially in late summer, which might limit fish populations upstream in Magoffin County compared to the lake itself. Closer to Paintsville Lake, where the creek widens and benefits from the lake’s influence, fish are more consistently present. The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife doesn’t specifically stock these creeks with smallmouth, but natural populations exist, supplemented by fish moving upstream from the lake.

For the best shot at finding fish in Magoffin County creeks tied to Paintsville Lake, focus on Paint Creek near where it crosses into Johnson County (e.g., near KY-40 or KY-172). Look for rocky stretches with current—smallmouth love those. Spring and fall are prime, as water levels stabilize and temperatures suit bass activity (around 55-65°F).

Locals might have more precise intel—checking with anglers in Salyersville or at the Paintsville Lake State Park could uncover current hot spots or creek conditions. The lake itself is a stronger bet for fishing, but its feeder creeks in Magoffin County do hold fish if you hit the right spots.

Let us know if you fish in Magoffin County! Drop us a comment below!