The Best Places to Fish on The Big Sandy River in Eastern Kentucky
The Big Sandy River, specifically the Levisa Fork from Pikeville to Louisa, Kentucky, offers a variety of fishing opportunities due to its diverse aquatic environment and historical significance. This stretch covers approximately 86.5 miles of river, flowing through Pike County and into Lawrence County, where it meets the Tug Fork to form the main stem of the Big Sandy.
While the river’s ecosystem supports a range of fish species, specific fishing spots are less documented compared to more famous fisheries, so the recommendations below are based on general river characteristics, known access points, and regional fishing insights.
Key Fish Species
The Levisa Fork is home to several species that attract anglers:
Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass: Common in slower-moving sections and near structure like fallen trees or rocks.
Catfish (Channel and Flathead): Thrive in deeper pools and near the river bottom, especially in areas with slower currents.
Musky: Present in the river, particularly in deeper, faster waters; they’re a prized catch for their size and fight.
Crappie and Sunfish: Found near submerged vegetation or timber, especially in backwaters or near tributaries.
Sauger and Walleye: Occasionally caught, particularly in cooler months near deeper channels.
Best Fishing Spots from Pikeville to Louisa
Here are some notable locations along this stretch, based on river geography, public access, and anecdotal fishing potential:
Pikeville Area (Near the City Cut-Through)
Description: The Levisa Fork once looped around downtown Pikeville, but a massive 1987 engineering project straightened the river, creating a bypass channel. The area near the cut-through and the original riverbed (now partially accessible) offers slower waters and potential fish-holding spots.
Why It’s Good: The altered flow has created pools and eddies where bass and catfish congregate. Bank access is available near Pikeville City Park or along Route 23.
Tips: Target bass with spinnerbaits or soft plastics near submerged logs. Catfish bite well on cut bait or chicken liver at night.
2. Fishtrap Lake (Upstream of Pikeville to Shelbiana)
Description: Technically a reservoir on the Levisa Fork, Fishtrap Lake lies just south of Pikeville and is impounded by a dam completed in 1968. It’s a short detour upstream but influences the river’s fish population downstream.
Why It’s Good: The lake is stocked with bass, crappie, and catfish, and fish often move into the river below the dam. The tailwaters near the dam outflow (accessible via KY-1789) are a hotspot.
Tips: Use jigs or live minnows for crappie and bass. Musky anglers should try large crankbaits or jerkbaits in the deeper channels below the dam.
3. Prestonsburg Area (Near the Confluence with Middle Creek)
Description: About 25 miles downstream from Pikeville, Prestonsburg sits along the Levisa Fork where Middle Creek joins the river. This confluence creates a mix of currents and depths.
Why It’s Good: Confluences often concentrate baitfish, attracting predators like bass and musky. Public access is available near Dewey Lake’s tailwaters (a nearby impoundment on Johns Creek, a tributary) or along KY-114.
Tips: Cast topwater lures or crankbaits near the creek mouth for bass. For catfish, fish the deeper holes downstream with stink bait.
4. Paintsville Area (Paintsville Lake Tailwaters)
Description: Roughly 40 miles from Pikeville, Paintsville sits near where Paint Creek feeds into the Levisa Fork. Paintsville Lake, a 1,139-acre impoundment just upstream, spills into the river, enhancing fish populations.
Why It’s Good: The tailwaters below Paintsville Lake Dam (accessible via KY-40 or KY-2275) offer cooler water and good oxygen levels, attracting bass, musky, and sauger. The river widens here, creating fishable pools.
Tips: Use live shad or swimbaits for musky. Smallmouth bass hit well on tube jigs near rocky banks.
5. Louisa Area (Near the Forks Confluence)
Description: At Louisa, the Levisa Fork meets the Tug Fork to form the Big Sandy River proper. This area includes slower waters and remnants of old lock and dam structures (e.g., Lock No. 3 near Fort Gay, WV, just across the border).
Why It’s Good: The confluence creates a diverse habitat with deep pools and structure, ideal for catfish, bass, and musky. Public access is available near the Louisa boat ramp off KY-3 or along the riverfront.
Tips: Fish the deeper channels with heavy jigs or bottom rigs for catfish. Bass and musky lurk near old pilings or drop-offs—try deep-diving crankbaits.
General Tips for the Levisa Fork
Access: Much of the river runs parallel to US-23, offering numerous pull-offs and small boat launches. Look for public fishing areas maintained by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR), such as near bridges or parks.
Season: Spring and fall are prime due to moderate water levels and active fish. Summer fishing can be good early or late in the day; winter targets sauger and catfish in deeper waters.
Gear: Light to medium spinning or baitcasting setups work for bass and panfish. For musky, use heavy rods and large lures. Catfish anglers should bring stout tackle and strong-smelling baits.
Conditions: The river’s flow varies with rainfall—check USGS gauges (e.g., Pikeville or Paintsville) for safe wading or boating levels. Locks and dams are no longer operational, so expect free-flowing water with occasional shoals.
Why This Stretch?
The Levisa Fork from Pikeville to Louisa is less commercialized than the lower Big Sandy, offering a rugged, scenic experience. Its history of steamboat navigation and logging left behind submerged timber and natural structure that fish love. While not as renowned as Kentucky’s lake fisheries, it’s a ‘diamond in the rough’ for those willing to explore.
If you’re planning a trip, let me know your target species or preferred fishing style, and I can refine these suggestions further!
