The problem comes in the form of flooding. Too much rainfall and flooding can back up the nearby Kentucky River into the tailwaters section. This decreases temperature significantly. The heavy flooding along with releases of water through the dam can also wash trout too far downstream into warmer water. Many of these trout will make it back to the colder water near the dam and will perish.

Obviously, the amount of rainfall in 2004 was a concern, but biologists believe the river will bounce back nicely with a couple years in a row of less rainfall. They say the river has excellent potential; it just needs two to three years of good water conditions to help carry fish over and allow them more time to grow. Obviously, this is true because as recently as 2002, a 24-inch brown trout was pulled out of the Dix River. Lots of 16- to 19-inch fish were taken as well, which are still very respectable sizes.

This section of the Dix River is very scenic and lies in a narrow gorge. There are rocky bluffs and palisades that greatly enhance the area’s scenic beauty. There isn’t any development along this stretch of the river, so anglers can basically have the fishing to themselves without intrusions.

Private property along the Dix River makes access to the tailwaters limited and reachable only by boat. Boats may be launched at High Bridge, which is located on the Kentucky River. From there, anglers can travel a short distance up to the Dix River and then toward the dam until reaching a shoal approximately one-half mile from the dam.

The coldest water in the river is between the shoal and the dam. There is an ample supply of cold water coming in from the dam and spillway. Additionally, some leakage occurs at the dam that brings even more cold water into the tailwaters. This one-half mile section is a prime target for trout anglers.

The tailwaters receive a good number of trout each year during stocking efforts. Some 4,500 to 4,600 rainbow trout are released there from April through November at a rate of around 500 per month. A one-time stocking of approximately 1,000 brown trout also occurs usually in June.

The section of the tailwaters that has trophy regulations in place includes the first two miles below the dam. This stretch has been designated as a trophy brown trout water. Anglers may not keep brown trout unless they are at least 15 inches long. Anglers may keep up to three fish per day. As mentioned, rainbow trout are very plentiful in the tailwaters and may be fished for under statewide regulations. However, only artificial lures and bait may be used in this section of the river. No live or organic bait may be used or possessed in the trophy area.

MORE INFORMATION

This look at our trophy trout waters is but a small piece of our phenomenal trout program here in the Bluegrass State. There are dozens of other locations for excellent trout action. Learn more about trout-fishing opportunities on the KDFWR’s Web site, www.kdfwr.state.ky.us. The trout-stocking schedule for waters across the state is also available on the Web site. Fishing regulations and other information can be found in the 2005 Kentucky Sport Fishing and Boating Guide or by calling toll-free at (800) 858-1549.