SmallwaterFishing

Stoner Creek

On a hot July afternoon, I stepped onto the bank of Stoner Creek in Clark County, and threw a chartreuse roostertail into the still, greenish water. Two seconds later, a healthy 8-inch bluegill was on the line. Within twenty minutes, three sunfish and two small largemouth bass had been landed and released, as well. Stoner was a quick break in the shade from a farm pond I had been fishing with friends, but the brief visit showed the potential of a healthy Central Kentucky creek.

Winding through Bourbon and Clark Counties, Stoner has a reputation for smallmouth fishing. Largely bordered by private property, access is an issue, though some access points do exist. Fryman’s Boat Dock on Spear’s Mill Rd. is one such point. Additional access can be gained in the town of Paris, KY.

Having visited for only a few minutes, I can’t say much about Stoner, but I have heard varying reports of success. Hopefully I will have a chance to visit again and report back soon.

Drennon Creek, Henry County

Drennon Creek, Henry County, Kentucky

July 3, 2009

by John Kirkland

Drennon is a small tributary of the Kentucky River, winding through Henry County, emptying into the Kentucky a few miles above Lockport. Drennon is like many other smaller tributaries that can be found in Central Kentucky: mostly rural, meandering, and holding small pools of water where panfish, bass, and catfish live.

The day I fished Drennon, I was camping on a friend’s family farm near New Castle, Kentucky. At a wooded bend in the creek, there is a pool of water about 100 yards long, holding lots of sunfish, bluegill, suckers, and a few bass (and at least one angry copperhead). I threw my standard chartreuse roostertail, and more or less landed a fish on every cast. They weren’t big, but they hit the lure like they had never seen food before. No bass on this trip, but a good dozen or so bluegill and sunfish. My friends had similar results, with one 8 inch smallmouth taken.

This wasn’t a particularly serious fishing trip, by any means. It was, however, a good illustration of decent fishing that can be had in addition to other activities. Often on camping trips, lake parties, and vacations, it is possible to break out a pole and fish a few minutes, sometimes with nice results.

I am not sure about public access to Drennon Creek—perhaps someone will leave a comment that can help others find a spot. It can be good to talk to locals in any area to find out more about where to fish. Sporting goods stores, bait & tackle shops, and even local gas stations and restaurants can be a good place to run into some folks who will point you in the right direction. If you aren’t sure about wandering into a local spot to dig up information about places to go, a safe bet is talking to the person working at the sporting goods counter at any Walmart. They are approachable, and most definitely have heard plenty of stories from customers. A good place to start, in an unfamiliar area.